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Accutane is a powerful, doctor-prescribed treatment for controlling acne. When used under the right conditions, it can be a very effective acne fighting treatment. However, great care should be taken before starting an Accutane therapy.
Accutane is a naturally-occurring derivative of Vitamin A, and therefore is quickly absorbed by the body. It works by altering DNA transcription, to decrease the size and output of sebaceous glands - in other words, reducing the amount of oil produced by the body. It also makes the cells in the sebaceous glands less "sticky" and therefore less able to form whiteheads and blackheads.
Accutane is usually prescribed for individuals with moderate to severe acne who haven't responded to other forms of acne treatments. Treatment usually lasts 4-6 months. Some people notice that their acne gets worse after beginning Accutane therapy. This is normal and the skin will usually show signs of improvement within 4 weeks.
Over two million people have used Accutane so it is a very well-known and monitored medication. While it has proven very effective in about 50% of respondents, it also has a long list of side effects. These include
• Birth defects
• Depression
• Thoughts of suicide
• Dry skin
• Red, cracked, and sore lips
• Nosebleeds
• Joint and muscle pain
• Hair thinning
• Headaches
• Decreased night vision
Because of this list of potentially dangerous side effects, and the cost of the medication, many doctors prescribe Accutane only after other acne treatments have failed. In fact, the birth defects that are attributed to Accutane are so severe that many doctors ask for two negative pregnancy tests before they even prescribe the drug. On the other hand, many of the people who have tried other acne treatments without success have found positive results with Accutane.
For a non-prescription alternative to Accutane, many people have found success with Vilantae. Like Accutane, Vilantae fights acne by controlling the amount of oil that is produced by the body. While it is less convenient than Accutane, it does not require a prescription and is much less expensive.
Bottom line: Accutane is an effective treatment for moderate to severe acne. However, it is expensive, only available via prescription, and has a long list of side effects. Accutane should only be used as a last resort.
Accutane is a naturally-occurring derivative of Vitamin A, and therefore is quickly absorbed by the body. It works by altering DNA transcription, to decrease the size and output of sebaceous glands - in other words, reducing the amount of oil produced by the body. It also makes the cells in the sebaceous glands less "sticky" and therefore less able to form whiteheads and blackheads.
Accutane is usually prescribed for individuals with moderate to severe acne who haven't responded to other forms of acne treatments. Treatment usually lasts 4-6 months. Some people notice that their acne gets worse after beginning Accutane therapy. This is normal and the skin will usually show signs of improvement within 4 weeks.
Over two million people have used Accutane so it is a very well-known and monitored medication. While it has proven very effective in about 50% of respondents, it also has a long list of side effects. These include
• Birth defects
• Depression
• Thoughts of suicide
• Dry skin
• Red, cracked, and sore lips
• Nosebleeds
• Joint and muscle pain
• Hair thinning
• Headaches
• Decreased night vision
Because of this list of potentially dangerous side effects, and the cost of the medication, many doctors prescribe Accutane only after other acne treatments have failed. In fact, the birth defects that are attributed to Accutane are so severe that many doctors ask for two negative pregnancy tests before they even prescribe the drug. On the other hand, many of the people who have tried other acne treatments without success have found positive results with Accutane.
For a non-prescription alternative to Accutane, many people have found success with Vilantae. Like Accutane, Vilantae fights acne by controlling the amount of oil that is produced by the body. While it is less convenient than Accutane, it does not require a prescription and is much less expensive.
Bottom line: Accutane is an effective treatment for moderate to severe acne. However, it is expensive, only available via prescription, and has a long list of side effects. Accutane should only be used as a last resort.
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