Vitamin A treatments are available over-the-counter or via prescription as topical treatments to reduce the incidence of acne. However, when your symptoms are very severe and do not respond to other topical treatments, your physician may prescribe Accutane, a pill form of vitamin A that can be effective for treating acne. Because the medication tends to have serious side effects, it's important to discuss this treatment with your physician before taking Accutane.
Significance
Accutane is a vitamin A pill in the class of medications called retinoids. Accutane only is prescribed for severe acne sufferers who experience cysts, inflammation and extensive damage to the skin as a result of acne. Your doctor will recommend blood tests before and during the time you take Accutane. This will ensure you are not experiencing adverse side effects as a result of taking Accutane.
How the Medication Works
Acne is the result of a multi-step process. First, the oil glands in your pores start to produce too much oil, which plugs the pore. This can occur when your body produces too much oil or when you do not practice proper hygiene, such as washing your face twice daily. Next, the bacteria enter the clogged pores, infecting the pores and causing acne lesions to develop. When you have severe acne, this can result in skin scarring and the development of painful lesions. Accutane signals the body to first stop making as much oil in your oil glands. This prevents the pores from becoming plugged. Then, the medication also encourages cell turnover, meaning your skin exfoliates itself more quickly to prevent dead skin cells from clogging your pores.
Side Effects
Taking Accutane is associated with a number of potentially unpleasant side effects. This includes dryness of the eyes, mouth, lips, nose and skin. You also can experience nosebleeds, muscle aches, increased sun sensitivity and difficulty with night vision. If these symptoms begin to interfere with your daily life, talk to your physician about adjusting your dosage.
Warning
Taking Accutane puts you at great risk for having a baby with birth defects. If you think you may become pregnant, you should not take Accutane. Your physician will ask you to sign a pledge called iPLEDGE informing you of the risks should you become pregnant before you can receive Accutane. It is possible to overdose on Accutane. If you experience symptoms like vomiting, dizziness, lack of coordination or headache after taking Accutane, seek immediate medical attention.
References
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin A and Carotenoids
- MayoClinic.com; Acne: Treatment and Drugs; November 2009
- American Academy of Dermatologists; Prescription Medications for Treating Acne; 2011
- American Academy of Family Physicians; Treating Severe Acne; 2011
- PubMed Health; Isotretinoin; February 2011
- Drugs.com; Accutane Information from Drugs.com; March 2011
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