Oratane Acne Treatment

Oratane is a medication used to treat acne. It contains the generic drug isotretinoin, used to reduce the production of oil that causes acne to form. Oratane was developed by Douglas Pharmaceuticals, located in New Zealand. While Accutane has been approved for use in the United States, Oratane, which has the same active ingredients, has not.

About Acne

The American Academy of Dermatology reports that no one knows what causes acne. It is known, however, that lesions form when bacteria, sebum and dead skin cells block pores. Acne can be a genetic disorder, meaning that if you have family members with acne, you are more likely to develop it as well.

Isotretinoin

Isotretinoin, sold in the United States under the brand name Accutane, is a prescription medication for people who suffer from severe acne breakouts that is resistant to other acne medications like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Isotretinoin works by reducing sebum production in the sebaceous glands. Isotretinoin is also known to reduce bacteria in the pores and on the skin and can reduce inflammation associated with acne.

Treatment

Douglas Pharmaceuticals explains that treatment with Oratane typically lasts about 20 weeks, but is prescribed to some patients for as long as six months. Oratane is effective in more than 80 percent of cases, clearing acne by the end of one treatment. For those whose acne does not clear after a single treatment, a second treatment may be prescribed. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, acne can worsen when you first start taking isotretinoin. Your doctor may suggest that you use other medications along with isotretinoin until the medication begins working.

Side Effects

Side effects of taking Oratane include dry skin, eyes and nasal passages, as well as fatigue, muscle and bone pain. Douglas Pharmaceuticals reports that side effects of Oratane indicate that the medication is working, specifically in reference to dryness since the purpose of isotretinoin is to reduce production of oil from the sebaceous glands.

Warnings

In 2005, the New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority issued a prescriber warning for isotretinoin. According to the report, isotretinoin was believed to play a part in causing depression and possibly even suicide in patients of all ages. In an October 2001 article in the "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology," Diane K. Wysowski, Ph.D. wrote that the United States FDA received reports of depression, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and suicide in patients treated with isotretinoin.