For many people suffering with acne, Accutane is the go-to drug in hopes that will get them clear. For some, it works. For some, it doesn’t. We’ve had clients come in who have tried it three or four different times and their skin still wasn’t cleared.
In this post, we will discuss what Accutane is as well as the risk factors that are involved with taking it. From there, you can decide if it is the right choice for you.
How Does Accutane Work?
Accutane, also known as Isoretinoin, is a vitamin A derivative drug. The concentrations of it are very heavy and is in fact so potent that it is said to have a toxic effect on the body. It’s a well known fact that Accutane has many reported side effects. The idea behind Accutane is simple. The drug shrinks sebaceous glands which slows the oil production. With less oil on the skin, pores and follicles becomes less clogged, and acne causing bacteria have fewer places to reproduce.
Accutane is also an oral medicine . Unlike topical retinol medications, which can spot treat areas directly, Accutane is cycled throughout the entire body. All of your vital organs will feel the effects of this drug, meaning more side effects.
How Dangerous is Accutane?
Initially, when Accutane was first released, it was thought of as a miracle drug that could finally clear acne. It does have a high success rate, with about just 1/3 of patients having a relapse and needing to take an additional dose.
As Accutane is circulated throughout the whole body, the side effects increase and nearly all patients will experience some of these effects.
A basic list of these side effects can include:
- Dry skin, lips, mouth
- Increased sunburn susceptibility
- Hair loss
- Joint pain
- Severe allergy
- Headaches
- Abnormal blood tests
- Inflammatory bowel disease/Crohn’s disease
- Liver damage
- Inflamed pancreas
- Abnormal menses (women)
Women who are pregnant while taking Accutane may experience miscarriages or birth defects. This problem is so severe that Accutane is now only prescribed to members of the iPledge program, which requires women to undergo regular pregnancy tests and to take several specific forms of birth control.
Ultimately, the choice is up to you whether or not you should use Accutane. You have to decide if the risks are worth it to get clear skin. If you feel like drugs are not for you and you would like a safer alternative, Proderma Acne Clinic provides a safe and drug-free treatment system that works effectively in clearing your skin.
