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Isotretinoin: The Magic Pill For Acne |
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What is Isotretinoin?
Isotretinoin
(brand name: Accutane) is that magic pill, which has actually brought a
revolution in the world of acne treatments. Presently, it is the most
popular and effective way to treat acne of all types. Whenever the word
acne treatment is uttered, it is somewhere, somehow related to
Isotretinoin. It belongs to the family of retinoids which are similar to
vitamin A.
How does it work?
Like other retinoids, Isotretinoin works by altering DNA transcription. This
alteration leads to decrease in the size and output of sebaceous glands.
It also helps reduce the number of bacteria present in
the sebaceous
gland and on the skin surface. Due to all these functions, it ultimately
reduces the formation of whiteheads and blackheads.
Who
uses Isotretinoin?
Isotretinoin (Accutane) is generally used
by people suffering from nodular and pustular acne that is severe in
nature and has not responded to any type of treatment with regular
antibiotics. While it has been basically prescribed for severe acne, it
has also been used to treat mild to moderate acne depending on the
condition of the patient, and has witnessed varying degrees of success.
What
are the things to be kept in mind before starting an acne treatment?
1) Tell your doctor about the medical history of your family as well as
yourself. You need to mention things like diabetes, asthma, heart
disease, depression or liver disease.
2) If you are allergic to certain medications, tell your doctor about
them.
3) Inform your doctor about all or any Over the Counter (OTC) medications
that you might be taking.
4) Do not take any Vitamin A or multivitamin pills along with
Isotretinoin.
What are the things to be kept in mind during
and after the treatment?
1) In the initial stages of your taking Isotretinoin, your acne may get
worse. Don't worry, this doesn't last long.
2) Take exactly the prescribed amount of the drug. The amount may variate
during the treatment.
3) Get your check ups done regularly. This is necessary in order to keep
a check on your cholesterol and liver.
4) Take Isotretinoin with your food.
5) Keep the medicine out of sunlight and warm places, but do not store it
in the refrigerator.
6) It has been prescribed just for you so, don't share it with other
people.
7) Do not give blood while you are taking the medicine and till one month
after you leave it.
8) No cosmetic procedures like waxing should be undertaken while taking
the drug and for 6 months after you stop.
What are the side-effects of Isotretinoin?
You
don't need to fret if you experience the following side-effects. They are
normal and vanish once you stop taking Accutane.
1) Peeling of skin of your palms and soles.
2) Itching or fragile skin.
3) Thinning hair.
4) Tendency to get sunburned easily.
5) Bleeding nose and gums.
6) Reduced night vision. A consultation with your doctor is suggested in
this case.
7) Dry and red eyes. You might experience a problem wearing contact
lenses.
Muscular pain.
However, some people may experience some severe
side-effects. In such a case, you should stop taking Isotretinoin
immediately and consult your doctor:
1) Feeling irritable and/or sad.
2) Extremely dry eyes.
3) Depression or mood swings.
4) Loss of appetite or unusual tiredness.
5) Presence of yellow color in your skin and eyes, and dark yellow urine.
Headaches, nausea, vomiting or blurred vision.
What are the aftermaths of this treatment?
After
the use of Isotretinoin, your skin will keep getting better. Most of the
side-effects vanish after you stop taking it. If they don't, consult your
doctor. There is a possibility that the results may not be that good after
the first treatment of 15-20 weeks itself. In such a case you can repeat
the treatment after 8-10 weeks of the first one.
Word
of caution if you are pregnant!
Isotretinoin can cause severe
birth defects including malformation of various body parts as well as
under-development of the brain. So if you are pregnant or are about to get
pregnant, do not use this medicine. Also, you are required to use two
forms of birth control at the same time, at least 1 month before you start
taking Isotretinoin. During and after the treatment, follow the same
guideline for at least a month.
Although there exists various
treatment options that you can choose from, Isotretinoin still remains the
unbeatable emperor of the acne treatment arena.
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