Isotretinoin - Accutane

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What it is: Made under the brand name "Accutane", isotretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A taken in pill form for 15-20 weeks. Doctors prescribe it for people with "severe nodular acne" that does not respond to other treatments. Nodules are inflammatory lesions with a diameter of 5mm or more. A single course of 15-20 weeks has been shown to result in complete clearing and long-term remission of acne in many people.

What it does: Reduces the amount of oil produced by the oil glands.

All about Accutane

Things to be aware of while taking it:
(see full story for details)		 THERE IS AN EXTREMELY HIGH RISK THAT A DEFORMED INFANT CAN RESULT IF PREGNANCY OCCURS WHILE TAKING ACCUTANE IN ANY AMOUNT AND EVEN FOR SHORT PERIODS OF TIME. FEMALES WHO ARE PREGNANT OR WHO MAY BECOME PREGNANT WHILE UNDERGOING TREATMENT SHOULD NOT TAKE ACCUTANE. There are many other warnings as well.

Side effects of Accutane are many, some of which include dry and cracked lips, dry skin, dry nose and mouth, mild to moderate muscle or joint aches.

Only obtain Accutane legally

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References

Bewley, A.P., N.J. Levell, E.C.C. Rankin, and T.W.E. Robinson. "Isotretinoin Causing Acute Aseptic Arthropathy." Clinical and Experimental Dermatology 20.3 (1995): 279-281.

Campanella, M., V De Francesco, and G Stinco. "Acute Arthritis During Isotretinoin Treatment for Acne Conglobata." Dermatology 194.2 (1997): 195.

Ceyrac, D.Lehucher. "Acute Arthritis After Isotretinoin." Dermatology 198.4 (1999): 406-07.

Clearihan, L. "Acne. Myths and Management Issues." Australian Family Physician 30.11 (2001): 1039-44. Abstract. PubMed. 15 Apr. 2002 link.

Cunliffe, W.J., V Goulden, and A.M. Layton. "Long-Term Safety of Isotretinoin as a Treatment for Acne Vulgaris." British Journal of Dermatology 131.3 (1994): 360-3. Abstract. PubMed. 15 May 2002 link.

Demkiw-Bartel C, and P.R. Hull. "Isotretinoin Use in Acne: Prospective Evaluation of Adverse Events." Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery 4.2 (2000): 66-70. Abstract. PubMed. 15 May 2002 link.

Erikson, J.D., M.A. Honein, and L.J. Paulozzi. "Continued Occurrence of Accutane-Exposed Pregnancies." Teratology 64.3 (2001): 142-7. Abstract. PubMed. 15 May 2002 link.

"Isotretinoin." MedlinePlus. 2004. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. 2000 link.

Lamb, S.R., and A.M.M. Oakley. "Adverse Effects of Isotretinoin Therapy for Acne Vulgaris." New Zealand Medical Journal 144.1139 (2001): 414.

McLane, J. "Analysis of Common Side Effects of Isotretinoin." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 45.5 (2001): 188-94. Abstract. PubMed. 15 Apr. 2002 link.