Accutane

Accutane (Isotretinoin) for treatment of Acne

Intoduction:
Isotretinoin is a medication used to combat many forms of cancer and some severe skin disorders. Originally it was intended for use against brain cancer, pancreatic and other forms of cancer. The ability of the drug to kill the fast dividing cells is the reason for deploying against several forms of cancer. It is also used against some lethal skin diseases. It is derived from Vitamin A and is classified as retinoid for that reason.

Mechanism of action and Usage:
Hoffman-La Roche developed this drug as a derivative of vitamin A, as it was found that Vitamin A can inhibit sebum production. Dr Gray Peck is said to have discovered Isotretinoin as a treatment for acne and other disorder involving keratinization of skin cells. In 1983 he received an award for this invention for the treatment of acne from US Department of Commerce.

Exact mechanism of its action is not known. It has an effect of reducing sebum production from sebaceous glands. Isotretinoin is known to act on the several contributing causes of the acne all at once unlike the other remedies like antibiotics and has shown greater positive results in severe cases also. Though the effect of the drug on reduction of sebum production is temporary and it soon starts build once the course is concluded but the remission the disease is complete,

Restrictions for prescriptions:
It is possible to get the drug in UK only by the prescription of dermatologist. Similar restrictions are laid in other countries also. There is severe restriction of getting Accutane in USA. In a site mandated by FDA, the practicing dermatologists need to register their patients. The pharmacists can give the drug only after checking the website. There are many more restrictions on the way the drug can be obtained in USA.

Dosages:
The dosage is decided based on the severity of the disease and weight of the patient. 0.5 mg per kg weight of the patient per day is considered as high dosage, required for acute conditions. The drug can be administered for four to six months. Secondary course of another eight months is given if the symptoms recur. It appears that efficacy of the drug has accumulative effect. Each course can be up to accumulated course of 120 mg per kg weight.

Side effects:
One of the severe side effect called severe “teratogen” causes permanent birth defects as the molecule of Isotretinoin resembles retinoic acid which is a vita min a derivative responsible for normal development of embryo. This has made it the government make regulatory restrictions making it difficult get it in USA. Other adverse effects are severe acne flare-up, dryness of soft parts of face like lips, skin peeling, flushing and nose bleeding. Even impaired night vision, decreased libido and rise in glucose levels have been observed.

Price:
Prices vary in different countries but there are online drug stores that sell 30 tablets of 20 mg at USD 26. Because of the severe side effects the drug is known to cause, it has to be administered under proper medical supervision.

Accutane may be also used to treat serious cases of patient’s strong acne, even if it is difficult to cure using some other medicine. Here Accutane features as a very effective medicine. Moreover, the generic variants of the medication are also very effective and rather cheaper than the branded one so more patients can afford to buy generic Accutane. And what is important, it shows rather effective results. Of course, the generic product you take must be of high quality for you to see the positive results it gives. The names of generic Accutane are the following: Amnesteem, Claravis, Sortret. Keep it in mind when choosing the medication. Accutane is prescribed to be taken two times during a day during taking a meal, but if it is necessary, your personal doctor can change the schedule. When taking a capsule of Accutane swallow it at once without chewing or sucking it. Keep strictly to the medical instructions during the period of taking the medication. You should always do your best to take the next dose in time or at least when you remember it. If you missed a dose, skip it when the time for the next dose comes and then return to the normal schedule. Never take the double dose as it can cause very serious complications! When you take Accutane for just the necessary period of time enough to show the results of your recovery, you consult your doctor and only he can change or corrects the dosage. Recovery is a very individual process and it must always be under the doctor’s control. When you stop taking Accutane, you should keep to a “rest period” – a two-month gap free of taking the prescribed medication. In two month, if the disease is still in progress, your doctor may prescribe you the second course of Accutane. Store Accutane at 25 degrees C (or 77 degrees F). Not in a bathroom! Remember: generic Accutane is always 30% cheaper if ordered online.