Accutane Acne
Considered the biggest breakthrough in acne drug treatment over the last 20 years, Accutane is the only drug that has the potential to clear severe acne permanently after one course of treatment. (See “Why Acne Forms, and How Accutane Knocks It Out.”) One course, whichis typically five months, results in prolonged remission of acne in up to 85 percent of patients. A member of a class of drugs known as retinoids, Accutane is highly effective. But it doesn’t work for everyone, and some patients need more than one course of treatment.
Most people taking Accutane will experience dry skin, often resulting in nosebleeds, cracked lips, and irritated eyelids. For this reason, people taking Accutane usually have difficulty wearing contact lenses. Depression, fatigue, and musculoskeletal complaints are not uncommon. Accutane can also cause impaired night vision and increased sensitivity of the skin to the sun. One other major side effect is called pseudotumor cerebri — the person behaves as if he or she had a brain tumor. Pseudotumor cerebri usually begins with a combination of headache and visual disturbance (blurred vision, double vision, or brief vision loss).
Starting Therapy With Accutane
Several dosing regimens are used, but the most common regimen involves starting with a low dose, then increasing the dose after several weeks. The length of the treatment course varies but generally lasts from 16 to 20 weeks. Some people notice that their acne gets worse after starting Accutane therapy.
However, Accutane is not merely an anti-acne drug that “may cause depression, psychosis and, rarely, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and suicide.” It has effects that can go well beyond the skin and psyche.
In addition, we have included a group of comprehensive articles on Accutane. Accutane is perhaps the most effective treatment available for stubborn and severe forms of acne. However, since it does have side effects that can be adverse, we have included important information to inform and educate acne sufferers on whether it is a treatment that is worth pursuing.
Accutane side effects - Accutane danger
Accutane has serious short term and long term side effects as discussed below. Low dose Accutane pill is preferable if it works. You may consider a low dose Accutane treatment initially to avoid the more long term serious side effects with high dose Accutane pill. Dietary changes may reduce the need for high dose use of the drug.
