Start Using Accutane

Accutane, or isotretinoin, is the most powerful and one of the most effective oral treatments for severe acne on the market. The tradeoff to its effectiveness is the associated side effects as well as isotretinoin's renown contributions to birth defects. If you have exhausted your acne treatments, you may want to consider taking Accutane. Here are some tips and points that you should consider before and during a regimen using Accutane.

Steps

 * 1) Talk to your doctor or dermatologist. If you have not spoken with a dermatologist, speak with one as soon as possible. Many dermatologists will not see patients without a referral from a doctor (depending on your insurance plan), so you may wish to visit with your doctor, first.  Only a dermatologist can tell you if Accutane is right for you.
 * 2) Determine the severity of your acne. As described in its medical packet, Accutane is reserved for "severe recalcitrant nodular acne", or severe acne that has not responded to several other forms of treatment. Nodular acne (sometimes referred to as cystic acne) is the most severe form of acne, where pustules develop on the body in the form of hard, painful cysts.  Left untreated, this acne can lead to heavy scarring, as well as potential psychological problems associated with stress and self-esteem .  If your acne is persistent, but not severe, then you may want to consider a different form of treatment before taking Accutane.
 * 3) Understand how Accutane works. Accutane is a "retinoid", similar to Vitamin A. It alters the size and oil-producing ability of your sebaceous (oil) glands.  At the same time, it works to decrease the amount of bacteria that already exists in your sebaceous glands.
 * 4) Understand the associated danger of birth defects. Taking Accutane during pregnancy has been shown to significantly increase the risk of birth defects . Women that conceive children under Accutane have a 30% chance of causing congenital birth defects, as opposed to a normal 3-5% .  If a female, you are required take two forms of birth control while on Accutane.  These can be one of the following:
 * 5) *Oral contraceptives (i.e. "the pill")
 * 6) *Physical contraceptives (e.g. condoms, diaphragms)
 * 7) *A solemn swear of abstinence during the Accutane period (i.e. no sexual contact)
 * 8) Understand other commitments required to take Accutane. In addition to birth control, you are required to take a monthly blood test so that your dermatologist can monitor the balance of your blood (specifically, your triglyceride levels).  This is necessary to ensure that Accutane is not causing any internal damage to your liver or kidneys.
 * 9) *Triglycerides refer to the fatty acids that are normally found in your blood. These may peak when eating particularly fatty foods, such as fast food or other deep fried meals.  In order to avoid displaying irregular levels in fatty acids, avoid eating fatty meals several days before your blood test.
 * 10) Do not mix Accutane with other acne products. Remember that Accutane works by targeting your sebaceous glands.  Using over-the-counter acne creams, such as benozyl peroxide, will only aggravate your skin and increase dryness.
 * 11) Keep in contact with your dermatologist. As the saying goes: Knowledge is power.  Let your dermatologist know if you are experiencing any highly unusual side effects during your treatment.  Ask your dermatologist about specific side effects to look out for, such as blurry vision or severe back pains.
 * 12) Stick to your regimen, and commit to it. An Accutane regimen will usually last several months. Remember to take your pill every day.  If you have to, set a daily alarm on your cell phone or your bedroom alarm clock to remind yourself not to miss a dose.
 * 13) *If you do miss a pill, skip that pill and take your next one as soon as possible. Do not take two pills in one day to "compensate" for the missed dosage.

Tips

 * Since Accutane affects the way that your oil glands function, the most common side effects deal with dryness, such as chapped lips, dry skin, and dry eyes. You may want to consider purchasing a non-comedogenic (i.e. non pore-blocking) moisturizer to help alleviate symptoms.
 * There are many other potential side effects to Accutane, including rare, but serious effects that influence your psychological behavior. Be sure to talk to your dermatologist about all of Accutane's side effects.
 * Note that males taking Accutane do not increase the risk of causing birth defects. Isotretinoin does not carry over to sperm cells.
 * Be sure to ask your dermatologist any questions that you may have about Accutane. Many dermatologists can offer you a pamphlet or brochure that can tell you about the basics of Accutane.
 * As with most acne products, you may notice that your acne becomes more severe during the first few weeks of treatment. This is normal.
 * If you plan to get pregnant, you should wait a minimum of 12 months after stopping your Accutane regimen to ensure that the isotretinoin is sufficiently out of your system.
 * Accutane is covered under most insurance plans, so that you can obtain a monthly dosage for a relatively inexpensive price (i.e. the generic price). This may make it more desirable than most cosmetic procedures (e.g. microdermabrasion, laser therapy), which are expensive and not covered by most insurance plans.  The obvious tradeoff is the associated and common side effects of Accutane, itself.
 * In the beginning of treatment, your dermatologist will usually prescribe smaller doses of Accutane in order to monitor your body's response to the drug. Your dermatologist may increase or decrease dosage throughout your Accutane regimen to ensure safety of treatment.

Warnings

 * Accutane is powerful and effective, but is prone to causing many side effects, ranging from dry skin to severe psychological problems such as depression and suicidal behavior. If you experience any unusual changes in mood or behavior, stop taking Accutane and call your dermatologist immediately.
 * Do not take any vitamin supplements that contain Vitamin A while on Accutane. Since isotretinoin is chemically similar to Vitamin A, taking additional Vitamin A supplements can be deadly.
 * Avoid partaking in heavy contact sports, as Accutane may weaken your bones during your regimen.
 * Do not donate blood while on Accutane, or for at least six months after finishing your regimen. Isotretinoin carries over to your blood cells, which can contaminate other blood.

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Get Rid of Acne Without Using Medication
 * How to Get Rid of Acne
 * How to Avoid Acne
 * How to Cope With Acne
 * How to Treat Mild Acne