Severe acne causes more than just a few pimples, and it needs more treatment than over-the-counter medications can possibly provide. If you have acne with deep cysts, bad inflammation, infection and pain, you need to fight it with potent medications and procedures, or you most likely will develop scars and even disfigurement. The prescription medication isotretinoin, known as Accutane in the United States and as Acutrex in some other countries, potentially can cure severe acne, but users risk some bad side effects.
Cause
Severe acne generally starts out as mild acne, which is caused by clogged pores and too much oil in the skin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Clogged pores can harbor bacteria, which cause white-topped zits. However, in severe acne, the bacterial infection penetrates much more deeply into the skin, causing cysts and abscesses in addition to pimples. Some cases of severe acne can cause widespread infection and even fever.
Function
Dermatologists consider isotretinoin, made with a form of vitamin A, the most effective acne medication available, according to the AAD. One course of therapy lasting 16 to 20 weeks can clear even the worst acne, often permanently, or at least for years. If your physician prescribes isotretinoin for you, take it exactly as described, generally with a full glass of water. Don't ever take more than your prescribed daily amount.
Side Effects
Isotretinoin cannot be taken by women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant. Even a single dose of the drug can cause major birth defects involving the baby's heart, brain, face, skull, ears, eyes and mouth, according to Drugs.com. Isotretinoin also can cause miscarriage and still births. If you are a woman whose physician prescribes isotretinoin, you must have a negative pregnancy test and pledge to use two forms of birth control during the entire time you are taking the medication.
Additional Side Effects
Side effects from isotretinoin aren't limited just to problems in unborn babies. Serious potential side effects from the medication include headache, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, seizures and chest pain, according to the National Library of Medicine's PubMed Health drug database. In teenagers, isotretinoin can cause bones to stop developing too soon.
Warning
Use of isotretinoin has been linked to depression and thoughts of suicide, although medical researchers haven't been able to prove an association. Because of this potential risk, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned physicians of the potential psychological effects involved with isotretinoin treatment, and also recommends that physicians warn patients of the risks.
