Accutane

What is it?

Composition

Accutane contains the active substance isotretinoin, which is a derivative of vitamin A and belongs to the class of retinoids. This component is responsible for the powerful effect on the sebaceous glands and reducing their activity, which helps control the production of sebum and prevents acne. Isotretinoin also helps reduce inflammation in the skin.

In addition to isotretinoin, Accutane contains excipients that help stabilize the drug and promote its absorption by the body:

• Soybean oil
• Beeswax
• Glycerol
• Hydrogenated soybean oil
• Ethylvanillin

How to use?

Accutane is taken orally, usually with food to ensure better absorption. The dosage is individualized based on the patients body weight and the severity of acne. At the beginning of treatment, an initial dose of about 0.5 mg/kg of body weight per day is prescribed. This amount can be divided into one or two doses, depending on the convenience of the patient.

Most often, the course of treatment lasts from 12 to 16 weeks, during which maximum suppression of acne symptoms is achieved. If the therapy is not effective enough after the first course, a second course can be carried out, but not earlier than 8 weeks after the completion of the previous one. The long-term effect of treatment can persist for several months after stopping the drug.

1. Start with a dosage of 0.5 mg/kg of body weight per day, taking the drug with food.
2. Adjust the dose depending on the individual response of the body, increasing it if necessary.
3. The full course of therapy is 12-16 weeks. If you need to repeat the course, wait 8 weeks after completing the first one.

How does it work?

The main action of Accutane is due to its active ingredient, isotretinoin, which is a derivative of vitamin A. Isotretinoin acts on skin cells and reduces the activity of the sebaceous glands, which leads to a reduction in the amount of sebum produced by these glands. This plays a key role in preventing clogged pores and the formation of acne. In addition, isotretinoin has an anti-inflammatory effect, which helps reduce the inflammation associated with severe acne.

Another important aspect of Accutane is its ability to reduce the proliferation of sebaceous gland cells. This not only reduces the formation of new pimples, but also helps reduce the number of bacteria that cause inflammatory processes on the skin.

Indications

Accutane is indicated for the treatment of severe acne that does not respond to standard treatment methods. Its use is indicated in the following cases:

• Nodular acne (deep, painful nodules under the skin).
• Acne conglobata (a condition characterized by large inflamed lesions and nodules that often merge together).
• Acne that poses a risk of scarring and does not respond to antibiotics and topical treatments.

The drug is recommended in cases where other treatments are ineffective and a strong effect on the sebaceous glands is required to reduce inflammation and prevent the formation of new acne. Accutane should be used under strict medical supervision, especially in patients with an increased risk of complications.

Contraindications

Accutane has strict contraindications and should not be taken in the following cases:

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding - isotretinoin has a teratogenic effect and can cause serious birth defects in the fetus.
• Allergy or hypersensitivity to isotretinoin or other components of the drug.
• Concomitant therapy with tetracyclines - this may increase the risk of benign intracranial hypertension.
• Liver failure and high blood lipid levels, as the drug can aggravate these conditions.
• Hypervitaminosis A - since isotretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A, its use can aggravate the symptoms of this condition.

Before starting treatment, it is important to undergo a complete medical examination and exclude all possible contraindications. Also, women of childbearing age must take measures to prevent pregnancy, since the risk of a teratogenic effect remains even after completion of the course of treatment.

Side effects

The use of Accutane can cause a number of side effects that vary in severity. The most commonly observed reactions include:

• Dry skin and mucous membranes (lips, nose, eyes).
• Sensitivity to sunlight and the risk of sunburn.
• Cracked lips and dry eyes, which may require the use of moisturizers and artificial tears.
• Headaches and possible changes in vision, especially at night.
• Muscle and joint pain that may occur with physical activity.

In addition, in rare cases, Accutane can cause more serious side effects, such as mental disorders (depression and suicidal thoughts), liver dysfunction, and elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. If any alarming symptoms appear, it is recommended to immediately consult a doctor and discuss the possibility of continuing therapy.