Description

Accutane is an original name of the active ingredient Isotretinoin. This is a structural analogue of vitamin A which is synthesized for the use in the dermatological practice.

Isotretinoin has anti-inflammatory, antiseborrheic, sebostatic and immunomodulating action. The use of Accutane treats any form of acne including forms which are not treatable by the intensive antibacterial therapy.

A high efficiency of Accutane is achieved by means of several main characteristics in the dermatological practice:

• Accutane reduces a production of sebum and lowers the skin oiliness
• Accutaneenhances regenerative processes in the skin
• Accutane bothers a development of the morbific microorganisms in sebaceous plugs
• Accutane relieves a resection of the sebaceous plugs and cleaning of the deep pores

Accutane is a good antiseptic, and therefore there is no need to take antibiotics. But this drug is not used during light forms of acne or any insignificant cosmetic defects. The action of the drug causes serious changes of the biochemical processes in the body, and therefore Accutane is used during the severest forms of acne:

• Gram-negative folliculitis resistant to antibiotics
• Acne fulminansand pyodermafaciale
• nodular or cystic, conglobata forms of acne
• seborrheic dermatitis
• rosacea

In what dose is Accutane used?

Accutane is produced in capsules for the oral use. A capsule contains an active ingredient isotretinoin in the dose of 2,5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg. The dose of Accutane depends on a severity of the dermatological disease, patient’s age and a sensitivity to retinoids.

The treatment of acne or dermatological diseases is started from a minimal dose of Accutane 0,5 mg per 1 kg of the body weight. Atherapeuticeffectshouldappearwithin 2 weeks. If it is weak or insignificant, a dose of Accutane is increased up to 1 mg per 1 kg of the body weight.

The maximal dose of Accutane 1 mg/1 kg of the body weight is prescribed for a short period of time 2-3 weeks. As soon as a patient has a significant improvement of the acne symptoms, a dose is reduced. the drug should be used in the minimal effective dose in order to lower a risk of the side effects.

Accutane may be used for not more than 12 weeks.

Precautions

• do not take more than 1 mg of Accutane per 1 kg of the body weight
• if you are pregnant, you are under 18 years old, or you are breast-feeding, Accutane is contraindicated
• patients with hepatic/renal failure should not take the drug because it will cause an additional load
• if you have pancreatic diabetes or other forms of the lipid metabolism, the use of Accutane is possible only after a consultation with a doctor

Sideeffects

The use of Accutane may be accompanied by negative side effects: dry skin and mucous membranes, allergic dermatitis, increased sweating, nasal bleedings, pain in muscles and joints.

More evident side effects are observed within the first 2-3 weeks of the treatment, and then they are reduced.