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

Clindamycin

Clindamycin

Clindamycin is a type of antibiotic found in many prescription medications. This active ingredient works by interfering with bacteria's to grow and multiply. This drug is available in several forms and is used to treat different infections. Although many people tolerate this medication well, it is not suitable for everyone. Potential side effects include dry skin, diarrhea, and skin irritation.

What Is Clindamycin?

Clindamycin is an antibiotic. It is an active ingredient in many different prescription medications. The medication comes in many different forms, such as capsules, lotions or gels, vaginal suppositories, or as an injection. It is used to treat a variety of different infections.

 

(Click What is Clindamycin Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)

 

How Does It Work?

Clindamycin belongs to a group of antibiotics known as lincosamides and works by inhibiting bacterial ribosomes (ribosomes are parts of cells that make proteins). By inhibiting ribosomes, the drug interferes with the ability of bacteria to make proteins, which is necessary for bacteria to grow and multiply. Clindamycin specifically inhibits the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome. Because human cells do not have a 50S subunit, they are spared from the effects of the antibiotic.

 

When and How to Take This Medication

Some general considerations for those taking clindamycin include the following:

 

• This medication comes in many different forms. The particular directions for each product can vary substantially, so make sure to refer to the information for your specific clindamycin product.
   
• When taking clindamycin by mouth, it generally does not matter if you take it with or without food.
   
• For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Do not miss a dose or stop taking clindamycin earlier than your healthcare provider recommends, as bacterial resistance may develop.
   

  Dosing Information

  The dose of clindamycin your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
   
  • The particular clindamycin product
  • The type and severity of your infection
  • How you respond to the medication
  • Other medications you are taking
  • Your weight (for children)
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
     
  As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
   
  (Click Clindamycin Dosage for more information.)
   

  Side Effects of Clindamycin

  Just like any medicine, clindamycin can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience problems; some people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
   
  The specific side effects depend on the particular form of clindamycin. Commonly reported problems include but are not limited to:
   
  • Diarrhea
  • Skin irritation
  • Dry skin.
     
  (Click Clindamycin Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
   

  Drug Interactions

  Clindamycin can potentially interact with several other medicines (see Clindamycin Drug Interactions).

  What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

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

   

  • Liver disease, such as cirrhosis, liver failure, or hepatitis
  • Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
  • Colitis
  • Frequent yeast infections
  • 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 Clindamycin and Pregnancy)
  • Breastfeeding (see Clindamycin and Breastfeeding).
     

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

   

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

   

  What If I Take an Overdose?

  It is not clear what exactly to expect from an overdose of clindamycin. If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.

   

  (Click Clindamycin Overdose for more information.)

   

  How Should Clindamycin Be Stored?

  Most clindamycin products should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children. Refer to the storage directions for your particular product.

  What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

  As with all antibiotics, it is important to avoid missing doses. If you do miss a dose, simply take it 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.

   

  Clindamycin Products

  Many different prescription clindamycin products are available in several different forms (see Clindamycin HCL for more information about oral forms of the medication and Clindamycin Phosphate for more information about other forms).

   

  Generic Availability

  Many (but not all) clindamycin products are available in generic form.