About Accutane

• Accutane, which is made by Roche Holding AG, was approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1982. The patent of the drug itself, isotretinion, has since expired, and now there are numerous generic medications available, which may go by the names of Amnesteem, Claravis and Sotret. In June 2009, Roche announced that it would pull Accutane from the shelves. Once the company's second most popular drug, the competition from less-expensive competitors purportedly led to the company's decision. However, the brand name "Accutane," most closely associated with isotretinoin since its development and FDA approval, may be used synonymously for all types of isotretinoin medications.
  
  

Effects of Accutane on Acne

• According to the American Academy of Dermatology, Accutane (isotretinoin) has a profound effect on severe acne when all other treatments have failed. The medication is taken on a daily basis for 14 to 20 weeks, after which time the majority of patients with severe, cystic acne find that their skin condition has resolved completely. Rarely is a second round of treatment necessary. Accutane gets rid of deep, severe acne by fighting all of the factors that cause it: excess oil, bacteria, inflammation and clogged pores.
  
  

Common Side Effects of Accutane

• During the course of their treatment, patients will note common side effects of Accutane. Often, acne gets worse the first few weeks of treatment before patients begin to see it resolve. Other temporary side effects may include aching joints, nosebleeds, thinning hair, flaky or peeling skin, dry or inflamed lips, and a dry nose and eyes. Some patients may find wearing contact lenses uncomfortable or require the use of lubricating eye drops. Lotions, creams and lip balms can reduce symptoms of dry, flaking skin.
  
  

Accutane Complications

• Occasionally, Accutane use causes more severe side effects that should be reported to a doctor. Some of these may include diarrhea or rectal bleeding, nausea and/or vomiting, decreased vision, hearing difficulties and severe headache. Accutane can also affect mood, causing depression and sometimes suicidal thoughts. For a comprehensive list of possible side effects, see the Resources link below.
  
  

Accutane Safety

• Accutane can harm a developing fetus. Female patients must use two forms of birth control during the course of treatment, as well as submit to regular pregnancy testing and monitoring through the FDA's iPledge program. Patients using Accutane typically have numerous visits with their treating dermatologists, who may order blood tests to check cholesterol levels and liver function. According to the AAD, most patients adapt to the temporary effects of Accutane quickly after treatment starts, and Accutane need not be discontinued. But the decision to use this very strong medication should be made by both doctor and patient to minimize health risk.