Isotretinoin/Accutane for acne and pimples

Pills and medicine for acne

Isotretinoin (formerly known as Accutane) is a prescription of strong Vitamin A treatment, which is ingested (in three to twelve months) in the form of pills and works by drastically reducing the oil production in your skin.

Since the oil production in your skin will be reduced (approximately 80%), the pores will not be clogged and so acne cannot appear (acne bacteria lives in your skin’s oil).

90% experience a dramatic improvement in their acne when using Isotretinoin, and for many it will be a lasting effect, even if the oil production in your skin gradually resumes when treatment is finished.

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Side effects of Isotretinoin

As with all types of medication, you have to consider the possible side effects before you start treatment.

Isotretinoin has many side effects, and some are more serious than others, but luckily, the serious ones do not occur often.

The most severe side effect from Isotretinoin is fetal damage.

Other side effects can be severe headaches, vomiting, blurred vision, mood swings, depression, severe stomach ache, diarrhea, impaired night vision, bowel problems, continuous dryness in the eyes, calcium deposits in the tendons, elevated cholesterol, and yellowing of the skin.

The more common side effects are dry skin, dry lips, scaling, nose bleeds, hair loss, soreness, pain, itching, rashes, increased sensitivity to the sun, and headaches.

Remember to eat extra healthy diet (a lot of fruits and vegetables) and healthy oils (olive, almond and flax seed oil) while you are taking Isotretinoin.