Main information about Accutane

Accutane is “magic” pills used for the acne treatment. This drug has unique characteristics, and nowadays it does not have analogues. It contains Isotretinoin, a structural analogue of vitamin A. As it has analogical structure to vitamin A, the therapeutic characteristics are similar.

A pharmacological action of Accutane is based on three main mechanisms:

• A reduction of thickness of the upper layer of epidermis
• A reduction of the activity of the oil glands
• A dissolution of substance of fatty plugs in the sebaceous channels

One of the main factors of the acne formation is an excessive activity of the oil glands. Accutane lowers the production of the fatty secretion and prevents the pore clogging.

The use of Accutane makes a sebaceous secretion softer due to which it is not accumulated in the sebaceous channels and is easily removed. It helps to clean the skin of the closed comedones (blackheads) and prevent the development of new acne.

The activity of bacteria and inflammatory processes are reduced in the upper layers of epidermis during cleaned pores and reduced production of sebum. Pores are closed, and sebum is not kept there, so that skin becomes healthier.

Accutane is effective during the severest forms of acne when neither antibiotics, nor cosmetic products help to clean the skin. In case of the light form of acne, this medicine is not used because a risk of the development of the side effect is high during the use of Accutane.

The indications for the use of Accutane are the following skin diseases: nodulocystic acne, acne conglobata, closed and open comedones, etc.

Use and dose of Accutane

The pills of Accutane are taken once per day at the same time. A decision about the treatment should be made by a doctor who will consider a medical image of the disease and will prescribe a correct dose.

It is considered that the optimal dose of Accutane may be prescribed according to the formula 0,5 mg per 1 kg of the body weight. If a patient weighs 70 kg, the daily dose will be 35 mg of Accutane. But in some cases (during severe forms of acne with the affection of a great part of the face and body skin), a higher dose of Accutane 1 mg per 1 kg of the body weight will be used.

The first results of the treatment usually appear in 2-3 weeks, and a complete remission of acne happens in 12-20 weeks of the treatment. Accutane may be used for not more than 5 months at a run. Before beginning a new cycle of the treatment, it is necessary to make a break for 2-3 months.

Recommendations for the use

• Do not take Accutane if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant soon. This ingredient may be toxic for the fetus
• Accutane is contraindicated during the hepatic failure
• During the treatment it is necessary to regularly take blood tests, control level of vitamin A in the body, concentration of lipids, liver functions, and glucose level. If pathological changes appear in the tests or a patient feels sick, it is necessary to visit a doctor
• In case of the prolonged use, the symptoms of chronic hypervitaminosis A is possible
• The treatment should be started in autumn-winter when a concentration of ultraviolet is lowered. If you are taking Accutane, avoid a prolonged staying under the sun and direct rays of ultraviolet

Side effect

The use of Accutane is often accompanied by the unpleasant side effects: dry skin, dry mucous membranes, sweating, headache, nausea, lack of energy, pain in muscles and joints.

The side effects may be reduced by means of the reductions of the daily dose. The symptoms of acne may become stronger in the first 1-2 weeks, and more rash may occur; this is completely normal.