Accutane new Acne drug

Accutane new Acne drug




Accutane new Acne drug

Accutane is a long-lasting medication prescribed to treat acne that has not responded well to other treatments. This prescription medication works by decreasing the production of an oily substance under the skin. Accutane comes in capsule form and is typically taken twice a day with food. Possible side effects include hearing problems, depression, and dry skin.

What Is Accutane?

Accutane^® (isotretinoin) is a prescription medication approved to treat severe nodular acne that has not responded to other treatments. It can be quite effective, with long-lasting effects after a single 15- or 20-week course. However, this acne medication is extremely dangerous for pregnant women, and there are strict rules and regulations for prescribing and dispensing it.

 

(Click Accutane Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)

 

Who Makes It?

Accutane was manufactured by Roche Laboratories, Inc. However, the manufacturer decided to stop making this medication. Generic versions (sold under the names Amnesteem™, Claravis™, and Sotret^®) are still available.

 

How Does It Work?

Accutane is a retinoid, which means that it is similar to vitamin A. It works by affecting the sebaceous glands. These glands produce sebum (an oily substance), and Accutane works by reducing the size of the sebaceous glands and decreasing sebum production. The medication also corrects abnormal keratinization (which causes a buildup of cells within hair follicles), a problem that contributes to acne. It is not entirely clear as to why Accutane causes such long-lasting, anti-acne effects.

 

When and How to Take Accutane

Some general considerations for those taking this medication include the following:

 

• Accutane comes in capsule form. It is usually taken by mouth twice a day with food.
   
• It is important to take the medication with food, as taking it on an empty stomach significantly decreases its absorption.
   
• For many people, a single 15- to 20-week course of the medication will be sufficient. However, if acne is still a problem eight weeks after stopping Accutane, a second course may be recommended.
   
• There are strict rules for taking this drug. Women of childbearing potential must use two effective forms of birth control and must have frequent pregnancy tests in order to prevent the use of this medication during pregnancy.
   
• For Accutane to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed.
   

Dosing Information

The dose of Accutane your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:

 

• The severity of your acne
• Your weight
• How you respond to the drug.
   

As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.

 

(Click Accutane Dosage for more information.)

 

Side Effects of Accutane

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Accutane. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. However, serious side effects are also possible.

 

Some of the possible side effects include but are not limited to:

 

• High triglycerides
• Hearing problems
• Psychiatric problems, such as depression or suicidal thoughts
• Dry eyes, lips, nose, and skin.
   

(Click Accutane Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)

 

Drug Interactions

Accutane can potentially interact with a number of other medications (see Accutane Interactions).

 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Accutane?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:

 

• Depression or any other mental illness
• High triglycerides
• Liver disease, such as liver failure, hepatitis, or cirrhosis
• Weak bones due to osteoporosis or other conditions
• Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
   

Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:

 

• Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant (see Accutane and Pregnancy)
• Breastfeeding (see Accutane and Breastfeeding).
   

Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

 

(Click Accutane Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)

 

What If I Take an Overdose?

People who take too much Accutane may experience effects such as (but not limited to):

 

• Facial flushing
• Inflammation or cracking of the corners of the mouth
• Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Coordination problems.
   

  What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

  If you do not take your Accutane as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
   

  Available Strengths

  Accutane capsules used to come in the following strengths:
   
  • Accutane 10 mg
  • Accutane 20 mg
  • Accutane 40 mg.
  
  
  However, the manufacturer decided to stop making this medication. Generic versions (sold under the names Amnesteem™, Claravis™, and Sotret^®) are still available