Isotretinoin is the name of the prescription drug that is better known as Accutane. This is a medication that is currently used to treat severe acne that has not responded to less intensive courses of treatment. Accutane is a medication that was originally developed as a chemotherapy type medication for the treatment of brain and pancreatic cancer. While the medication is better known for the treatment of acne, it is still used today to treat these and other cancers. Accutane is just one of the many trade names under which this medication is sold.
Accutane is used to treat many different types of acne but is the treatment of choice for acne vulgaris. It can also be used in the treatment of acne rosacea. Some doctors also use Accutane for the treatment of harlequin ichthyosis, xeroderma, and keratoses. For the treatment of acne, Accutane is used daily for four to six months. The dosage will vary from patient to patient depending on size as well as tolerance. Doses vary from 0.5mg to 2mg a day dependent on the sensitivity of each patient.
Accutane side effects include but are not limited to acne flare, dry skin, chapped lips, cuticle infections, itch, peeling skin, flushing, nose bleeds, and dry eyes. Other side effects include inability to wear contact lenses, headaches, thinning of the skin, hair thinning, back pain, and raised blood glucose levels. The FDA has found that Accutane is safe and effective, but each patient will need to monitor side effects for themselves.