Accutane is a strong acne medication associated with serious side effects. It requires a physician's prescription and signing of a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-mandated patient affidavit. It is indicated for patients who have severe nodular acne that has not been effectively treated by other methods, according to eMedTV. Among the side effects of Accutane is an increased level of triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood.
How It Works
The chemical name of Accutane is isotretinoin. It has similarities to vitamin A and reduces the amount of sebum or oil that your sebaceous glands produce. Sebum is the oil that contributes to the formation of acne lesions. Although Accutane can be very effective as a treatment for nodular acne, a 2006 study showed that it raised triglyceride levels in a substantial percentage of 13,772 patients while they were taking the drug, according to "Accutane Treatment for Acne Increases Risk of Abnormal Blood Test Results."
Triglycerides
Forty-four percent of the study participants showed increased triglyceride levels. Cholesterol and liver enzymes were also elevated during treatment. After Accutane therapy ended, these abnormalities returned to normal in most of the patients. While previous studies had already shown these effects, the 2006 study provided a better idea of the percentage of patients who experience these side effects, particularly elevated triglycerides.
Contraindications
Accutane may not be suitable for patients who have a history of elevated triglyceride levels and underlying disorders that contribute to them. Such disorders include obesity and diabetes Type 2. Alcohol intake in larger amounts can also lead to hypertriglyceridemia. Doctors usually prescribe Accutane for a period of 15 to 20 weeks for patients who are at least 12 years of age, according to Drugs.com.
Dosage
The starting dose for Accutane ranges from 0.5 to 1 mg per kilogram per day. Maximum dosage per day should not exceed 2 mg per kg. Patients take Accutane orally in two daily doses with food. After about two weeks, the dosage can be adjusted as needed. The medication is discontinued once the number of acne nodules or cysts has been reduced by more than 70 percent.
iPledge
Because Accutane use is associated with serious birth defects, the FDA developed the iPLEDGE program to reduce fetal exposure to the drug. The computer-based program requires that female patients commit to using two forms of birth control immediately before, during and immediately after Accutane treatment. Pregnancy tests are also mandated. This program involves the joint efforts of the patient, prescriber and pharmacist.
