Everything You Need to Know About Starting Accutane
You’ve tried it all – the expensive cleansers, benzoyl peroxide spot treatment approved by Proactiv commercials – and look in the mirror wondering why none of it worked. Your acne has become a serious problem and your only consolation is a poorly lit room.
And then your dermatologist will recommend Accutane, one of the most extreme measures to get rid of volcanic acne once and for all.
But what exactly is Accutane? What about all the rumors that it is causing dry skin or depression? And why is it considered the gold standard for acne remedies among the many cheaper treatments available at your local pharmacy? Here’s your guide to everything you ever wanted to know about taking Accutane and why it’s less scary than you think.
I want to try Accutane, but what exactly is it?
Accutane is a vitamin A derivative that patients take orally (often twice a day), according to dermatologist Debra Jaliman , M.D. You may find that the name ” Isotretinoin” is also interchangeable – the product under the brand name “Accutane” is actually no longer on the market. It’s just a name that most of us are now familiar with.
Isotretinoin reduces inflammation and reduces the number of bacteria in the pores, resulting in eliminating any problems with acne. Both dosage and treatment vary from person to person. If your problem is serious, you can get a higher dose, although Jaliman added that it is often only recommended for patients with severe acne problems who have not been able to use other treatments.
Why does it work so well?
According to dermatologist Joshua Zeichner , MD, it is effective because it works on acne across the board: “It eliminates all the major causative factors of acne, including oil production, acne-causing bacteria, sticky cells that block follicles, and inflammation.” he said. … Part of the scary factor of isotretinoin is its side effects, which can be serious depending on the dosage your doctor recommends.
What side effects are we talking about?
Dry skin and lips are a common side effect: you will need constant hydration throughout your treatment (and often after), so take lip balm with you wherever you go.
The list of potential side effects of isotretinoin is long and intimidating, but many are rare. You may experience some physical side effects, such as joint stiffness, loss of appetite, headaches , light nosebleeds, eye irritation, temporary thinning of hair, increased sensitivity to sunlight, and blurred vision, Jaliman said. It also increases blood triglyceride levels (a type of fat), which could mean a stronger effect on cholesterol, which can lead to an increased risk of heart disease and liver damage. She added that some mental health-related side effects have been reported too, like depressed mood, trouble sleeping and concentrating, as well as general changes in behavior, which, yes, the whole sound is a little scary at first, but we will decide that soon. …
For women, the drug is much more dangerous due to the high risk of birth defects and miscarriage. “Female patients need to make sure they continue to use the birth control methods discussed with their doctor,” she said. “Preventing pregnancy is critical.”
For this reason, women must take two negative pregnancy tests per month before receiving a supply for the first month. During treatment, women should observe the two forms of control over the birth and monthly pregnancy test (as well as one after the end of treatment). You will also need to fill out a monthly questionnaire, which we will talk about a little later.
Wait, so this could cause depression?
The results are, for the most part, mixed. Depression and an increased risk of suicide have been linked to Accutane in the past, but there is no evidence that it actually causes them (confusingly, a 2017 study found isotretinoin was not associated with an increased risk of suicide, which casts doubt on the alleged link ).
“In all the years of treating a patient with Accutane, I have never seen anyone get depressed because of this,” Jaliman added. “Anyway, I noticed that their mood changed for the better when they saw their acne go away. Patients who are depressed and undergoing psychiatric treatment are often approved for Accutane and are closely monitored. I don’t think the risks should scare them away. “
However, if you have concerns, be sure to tell your dermatologist before starting any treatment.
What should I do first if I’m interested?
Check with a dermatologist to find out what dosage you will take and how long you will need to take it. A low dosage can mean you take longer to heal, and a high dosage , on the contrary (a low dosage , by the way, can mean fewer side effects, according to Zeichner).
You will also need to consider a number of lifestyle changes before starting any treatment. Because of its effects on triglycerides and the liver, you should often avoid drinking or taking any additional vitamin A supplements, Jaliman said.
In addition, you will need to find out if your health insurance covers isotretinoin, as pills are not cheap without it (usually a couple hundred dollars for one month of treatment, depending on dosage and your insurance).
You also have to take the time.
What is investing time like?
Every month when you take isotretinoin, you must go to your doctor for a blood test (mainly to check the numbers showing your cholesterol and liver function, Zeichner said). As mentioned, if you are a woman, you also need to have a monthly pregnancy test in the office.
Both men and women are responsible for completing the iPledge Experience Questionnaire monthly . To get the medicine, both you and your doctor are responsible for taking it regularly (it’s pretty easy, but you can’t forget to fill it, or you risk missing out on a month’s supply).
Can I expect immediate results?
It depends on the circumstances – it took me two months before I saw any results. “Some people notice [improvement] a few months after starting treatment, and some don’t see good results until they finish the entire course,” Jaliman said. In other words, you may have to endure the treatment for six months before you see any signs of effectiveness.
Some also get worse before recovering, she added. Some users experience an initial breakthrough or ” purge ” at the start of treatment. However, this is temporary and only lasts a few weeks.
What can I do to preserve my skin during treatment?
Moisturize! You should always carry some kind of lip balm with you. The strategist has also put together a few guidelines that include gentle face creams, moisturizers, and Aquaphor (perhaps the most essential), a petroleum jelly and mineral oil mixture that acts as a general moisturizer, as well as a lip balm and makeup remover. …
“It’s important to use mild cleansers and moisturizers to keep your skin barrier in good shape,” Zeichner said. “If you develop an itchy rash, your doctor may also give you a prescription cream to soothe inflammation and reduce itching.”
Will it save my skin forever?
I received treatment twice (once every 16 years, again at 21) and since then I have rarely failed. However, the results of my first treatment were poor, so it is not safe, especially at first.
A 2014 study of 146 patients with severe acne found that 96.4 percent of them experienced complete relief from acne with low doses of isotretinoin. However, over a 5-year follow-up, 7.9% had a relapse in one form or another. According to Insider , some doctors say their patients have a relapse rate of 20 to 33 percent. However, the odds look pretty good if you think it over and are willing to put in the time (and money).
And if you still have doubts, talk to your dermatologist again and see if you can handle it. It’s not easy, but compared to another year of useless acne medications, it’s worth a try.