Accutane is an oral prescription medication also known as Roaccutane or by the generic name isotretinoin. It is commonly prescribed by dermatologists and physicians for severe or nodular acne that does not respond to other topical or oral treatments. Accutane is an effective medication and the Food and Drug Administration notes that it has shown great success in treating severe acne conditions that can cause scarring and emotional distress. Accutane causes several changes in the skin as well as some unwanted mild to serious side effects.
Decrease Sebum Production
Accutane primarily works by drastically reducing sebum, or skin oil, production by the sebaceous glands in the skin. Individuals with acne-prone skin or severe nodular acne often have excess sebum production leading to oily skin and clogged, enlarged pores. The pores become clogged due to plugs formed by the skin oil and dead skin cells, allowing acne-causing bacteria to flourish. Accutane decreases sebum output, drying the skin and leading to fewer clogged pores and acne pimples and nodules.
Increase Skin Exfoliation
Accutane also improves exfoliation or the shedding of dead skin cells, preventing cell buildup on the surface of the skin that caused enlarged pores, blackheads, whiteheads and nodular acne. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology notes that increased skin exfoliation also helps to reduce skin irritation, inflammation, redness and bumpiness.
Mild Side Effects
As listed by Drugs.com, normal side effects of Accutane include heightened skin sensitivity to sunlight and ultraviolet radiation causing the skin to burn or peel more easily. Other mild to moderate side effects include dry eyes, chapped lips, skin dryness and flaking and irritation and bleeding of the lining of the nose due to dryness. Individuals taking higher dosages of Accutane may experience more noticeable side effects. These side effects of Accutane are temporary and will dissipate after dosages are completed.
Birth Defects
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that Accutane is a known teratogen that may causes severe birth defects in developing fetuses if taken by pregnant women. This occurs because Accutane's medicinal ingredient, isotretinoin, contains high doses of vitamin A. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology notes that large amounts of vitamin A in the bloodstream can cause malformations in the developing embryo, particularly in the first trimester. These serious deformities can affect the head, face, heart and central nervous system of the developing baby. This risk is so critical that the FDA Medication Guide counsels physicians and female patients to undergo pregnancy tests before beginning dosages of Accutane and to use two forms of birth control if they are sexually active while taking this medication. To decrease the high risk of birth defects, male and female individuals cannot donate blood while taking Accutane as the blood may be transfused to a pregnant woman. The AOCD advises that the risk of birth defects subsides completely approximately nine days after the dosage of Accutane is stopped.
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