IS ACCUTANE RIGHT FOR YOU?

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What is Accutane (isotretinoin)?

• Vitamin A-derived pill 
• The "gold standard" for severe and unresponsive acne 
• Works reliably for the vast majority of acne, even the most serious nodular-cystic scarring forms
• The only medication that usually achieves long-term control or a permanent cure of acne 
• Shrinks oily sebum-producing glands
• Prevents clogging of pores  

How is Accutane taken?

• Ideal is to take 1 pill twice a day with a large meal (breakfast and dinner) to help your body absorb it
• Once-a-day dosing can be used if you  skip a meal
• Absorica is a brand that is well-absorbed even without a meal
• There are excellent branded generics, if Absorica is not covered by your insurance
• Typical course to achieve clearing is about 6 months, and an additional 2 months increases likelihood of permanent cure

Is Accutane for acne safe?

• Accutane was approved by the FDA in 1982
• Has never been pulled for safety reasons in the US or any other country
• The original Accutane brand made by Roche was discontinued in 2009 due to competition from generics, not safety issues
• Several high-profile lawsuits have increased the public's anxiety about Accutane, but extensive scientific studies show that it is safe for the vast majority
• It can cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy, but has no effect 1 month after ending course, and does NOT affect future fertility
• All patients must be registered in an FDA-mandated program, called iPledge, requiring monthly visits and pregnancy tests in women
• Scientific studies show that Accutane does NOT cause depression or inflammatory bowel disease but may rarely trigger flares in people who have a propensity to these conditions 

What are potential side-effects of Accutane?

• Accutane dries out the oily sebum secretions of the skin, and usually causes tolerable dryness of the lips, and occasionally nose and eyes
• This is the effect we most commonly see and it is not a true side-effect, as this is how Accutane works
• Uncommon side-effects include: initial flare; severe dryness leading to nosebleeds; headaches or dizziness; stomach or bowel symptoms; changes in vision; changes in moods; joint aches or muscle pain; temporary hair thinning; sun sensitivity; abnormal blood tests (triglycerides and liver function tests)
• Potential side-effects can be reduced by optimally dosing at a smaller dose initially and increasing dose gradually over the first 2-3 months, while monitoring for side-effects
• If a side-effect does develop, it can be controlled, and will resolve
• In our extensive experience of using Accutane, very few people have stopped it due to side-effects, and the vast majority are pleased they took it