What is isotretinoin?

Isotretinoin (Accutane, Amnesteem, Claravis, or Sotret) is a powerful medicine for severe acne that cannot be cleared up with other medicines. It is related to vitamin A. Most people need to take it for 3 to 6 months.

This medicine unclogs skin pores and shrinks oil glands. It can reduce the scars and emotional pain of severe acne. But this medicine can have severe side effects.



What are the risks of taking this medicine?

Isotretinoin can cause side effects. The most serious side effects occur in women who are pregnant or get pregnant while taking it. They may have a miscarriage, or their infant may be born with severe birth defects. Other serious side effects are rare.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that this medicine has been linked with depression, psychosis, and, in rare cases, suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts. The link between this medicine and depression is not clear, and it is being watched very closely. Talk with your doctor to decide if this medicine is right for you or your child. See your doctor if you or your child takes isotretinoin and has signs of depression.

Most people who take this medicine have some of the less serious side effects. These include dry skin, dry mouth, chapped lips, nosebleeds, dry eyes, and trouble wearing contact lenses. These side effects usually are not a big problem and can be treated with moisturizers, artificial tears, and other products. If you have dry eyes while taking this medicine, you may have to wear glasses instead of contact lenses. Your skin also could sunburn more easily, so make sure to use sunscreen.

This medicine can raise the level of certain fats (triglycerides) in your blood. So you may be more likely to get health problems such as heart disease. For this reason, you need to have your triglyceride levels checked before you start this medicine and every 4 to 6 weeks while you are taking it. You also need blood tests to make sure that the medicine isn't harming your liver.

Headaches and muscle or joint pain are less common side effects that most people can treat with over-the-counter pain medicine. Muscle and joint pain are more common in people who exercise often.
Why might your doctor recommend this medicine?

Your doctor might recommend this medicine if:

* You have severe acne that has not improved with other treatments.
* You feel bad about yourself because of your acne.
* You are not pregnant or planning on getting pregnant soon.

Compare your options
Take isotretinoin Take isotretinoin
What is usually involved?

* You take a pill every day for 3 to 6 months.
* You have blood tests every 4 to 6 weeks to check your liver enzymes and the level of certain fats.
* Because the medicine can cause birth defects or miscarriage, women must use two forms of birth control while they are taking it and for at least 1 month after they stop taking it.

What are the benefits?

* Your acne may get much better or go away. In 80 out of 100 people, this medicine clears up severe acne or makes it much better. 1
* It can prevent scarring from severe acne.
* If acne comes back, it may be much less severe than before you took the medicine.
* You may feel better about how you look if the medicine clears up your acne.

What are the risks and side effects?

* It may not work for you. It doesn't clear up severe acne or make it much better for 20 out of 100 people.1
* You cannot take it if you are pregnant or want to get pregnant soon. It can cause birth defects and miscarriages.
* It has been linked with depression and suicidal thoughts.
* Less serious side effects are dry skin, dry eyes, and chapped lips. You may get sunburned more easily than before if you don't wear sunscreen.
* It can raise the level of fats in your blood.
* This medicine is expensive.

Don't take isotretinoin Don't take isotretinoin
What is usually involved?

* Keep washing your face with soap or other cleansers. You also may use over-the-counter acne lotions.
* You can use other prescription pills or creams.

What are the benefits?

* You don't have the risk of the medicine's serious side effects, such as depression and birth defects and miscarriage.
* You don't have less serious side effects, such as dry skin, dry eyes, and chapped lips.
* You don't have to use two forms of birth control, which is required for women who use this medicine.

What are the risks and side effects?

* Home care might not control your acne.
* Your acne could get worse, causing more scarring.


Source : Health.com