Isotretinoin, popularly known under the brand name Accutane, is a systemic drug used as an effective acne treatment. If you have frequent breakouts that are inflammatory then you may use isotretinoin as a part of your acne treatment regime. The drug is classified as a retinoid and is prepared from a synthetic form of vitamin A. Isotretinoin, as an acne treatment medicine is taken orally in the form of pills, once or twice a day.
Isotretinoin has fast become one of the most effective drugs used for severe and cystic acne treatment. It is also used as an effective acne treatment for conditions where the acne had not responded well to other types of treatments. As per the study that was published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2001), 69 percent to 75 percent of people who opted for a course of isotretinoin showed significant decrease in the number of acne breakouts. Some people also successfully got rid of the problem after using isotretinoin as an acne treatment medication.
Isotretinoin is available in the market in the form of several acne treatment products. It is also marketed and sold under the brand names such as Claravis, Amnesteem, and Sotret. Isotretinoin has been available in the market in the form of a generic drug since 2003.
How does isotretinoin work?
Isotretinoin or accutane works as an effective acne treatment by causing the sebaceous glands to shrink within the dermis. This helps in reducing the amount of oil produced by the sebaceous glands. The reduction of oil within the hair follicle means that there is less clogging of the pores. This leads to a reduction of the overall acne breakouts in the skin.
Common course of acne treatment using isotretinoin:
The most common acne treatment process using isotretinoin consists of a 16 to 20 week course, followed by a period of rest. If you do not see satisfactory improvement after this process, then you can go for more courses. It has been noted however, that nearly 20 percent of the patients suffering from acne need to go for a second course.
You must remember to consult your dermatologist before beginning to take isotretinoin as a part of your acne treatment method. This is mainly due to the effectiveness of the drug. Isotretinoin is mostly reserved only for people who need cystic acne treatment. All patients taking isotretinoin are kept under the careful monitoring by their doctors. During the course of acne treatment, patients are also required to schedule regular follow-up appointments with their dermatologists.
