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Accutane is an effective treatment for acne. It improves acne by decreasing the amount of oil released by the sebaceous glands or oil glands in the skin. Accutane is a form of vitamin A which also induces the skin to replenish itself more quickly, thus helping heal from acne breakouts more quickly.
Accutane is primarily used to treat severe acne that can lead to scarring. Usually acne patients can only receive Accutane after they have not had adequate response to other first line therapies like topical or oral antibiotics and topical benzoyl peroxide. There are significant risks to Accutane treatment. Accutane can cause severe, life threatening birth defects if taken during pregnancy. It is very important that patients have regular pregnancy tests before and during therapy because even one dose can cause major, life threatening birth defects of the baby's face, skull, ears, eyes, brain and heart. Women considering pregnancy or who think they might be pregnant should never take Accutane. Patients desiring therapy with Accutane must register with a federal program called iPLEDGE. This program is aimed at trying to eliminate Accutane caused birth defects and deaths. Women of child bearing potential must sign agreements within iPLEDGE to use two forms of birth control and agree to monthly pregnancy testing before, during and after a course of Accutane. To be considered not of childbearing potential you must have had a total hysterectomy or been in menopause for at least a year. You will be given a booklet of information on Accutane as part of the iPLEDGE process, please read all materials included in this booklet thoroughly before taking Accutane. The only safe way to obtain Accutane in the United States is through a physicians office and the iPLEDGE program. If you have questions about Accutane and desire a consultation please feel free to call us for an appointment. |
