What is Accutane?

asked 4 years ago by anon
Latest answer by William Ting, MD
Question viewed 2,448 times
Tags: acne

i know accutane is a acne medication, but can you tell me more about this treatment for acne

6 answers to What is Accutane?

Accutane is oral vitamin A that can treat acne

Accutane is a brand designation of a class of medication known as isotretinoin that has been a 'god sent' for suffers of acne. While it has several possible side effects including dry skin, mood changes, increased lipid profile, burdening liver function, and birth defect if pregnant while on medication, no other medication has approached the consistent efficacy of Accutane in calming down the most resistant acne. It currently has a federal registry called Ipledgeprogram where the pharmacist... more

William Ting, MD
Bay Area Dermatologic Surgeon

Accutane - our most effective acne treatment

Accutane (Isotretinoin) is by far our most effective medicine for acne. It is mainly used for severe, resistant or persistent acne. Isotretinoin is derived from Vitamin A, which decades ago was a treatment for severe acne, but with a much higher safety profile. While there are a host of potential side-effects that can occur, some serious, the vast majority of patients who take Accutane have only minor side effects. We expect all our patients to have fairly severe dry, chapped lips. Dry... more

Jeffrey C. Poole, MD
Metairie Dermatologic Surgeon

Accutane is very effective when administered by a qualified professional

Accutane is a vitamin A derivative that is a very effective treatment for severe cystic acne or for people who are not responding to other traditional acne medications. The typical course is between 5-6 months, requiring monthly visits to your dermatologist. Side effects include dry lips, dry skin, dry eyes, muscle aches and pains, nose bleeds and risk of increased triglyceride or liver enzymes, sp proper monitoring is important. Although the most significant side effect may be the risk... more

Mona Salem Foad, MD
Cincinnati Dermatologist

Accutane treats severe cystic acne

Accutane (isotretinoin) is a Vitamin A-based oral medication that is used to treat severe nodulocystic acne that has proven recalcitrant to other treatment modalities (i.e. topical medicaments, oral antibiotics etc.). Accutane is a highly effective treatment that can provide life-changing results. It is important to note, however, that although this medication is very effective and generally well tolerated, there are numerous, potentially very serious side effects. As such, the... more

Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD
New York Dermatologic Surgeon

What is Accutane

Accutane is a high-dose Vitamin A pill typically taken for approximately 6 months duration and can have outstanding results for deep or severe or chronic acne. It has been around since 1982 and more than 20 million people have taken it. I have had amazing results with Accutane, but it is a complicated medication with many potential side effects and the requirement of blood test monitoring. That said, when prescribed and monitored appropriately by a dermatologist, it can be a very safe and... more

Benjamin Barankin, MD
Toronto Dermatologic Surgeon

Accutane

Accutane is an oral Acne medication, isotretinoin. It is mostly reserved for very severe cases of Acne because it has so many serious potential side effects. Most of these , fortunately, are uncommon. Accutane is the brand name for isotretinoin, just like "Band Aids" is the brand name for "adhesive bandages". Accutane is an excellent medication for treating severe cases of Acne. Severe acne cases are those that have failed traditional therapies for at least 6 months,... more

Steven Hacker, MD
West Palm Beach Dermatologic Surgeon

Ask a question

Get Free Email Updates