| Isotretinoin can be obtained in the topical form (i.e. in the | | | | 1.Sever dryness of the skin and mucous membranes |
| form of creams, gels and lotions) as well as in the oral | | | | (such as the mouth, nose etc.) |
| capsule form. | | | | 2.Nose bleeds |
| Oral isotretinoin, also known as Roaccutane (Roche), | | | | 3.Joint pains |
| reduces the secretion of oil (sebum), from the | | | | 4.There are many more side effects which have been |
| sebaceous glands found in the skin. As a result of this, | | | | associated with this drug; these are rare and can be |
| less oil secretion means that there is less of it for | | | | obtained from any drug formulary or from the |
| bacteria to thrive on. This therefore leads to | | | | Roaccutane website. |
| decreased inflammatory/infection rates of the hair | | | | Contraindications |
| follicle leading to the prevention of acne formation. | | | | 1.This drug is highly teratogenic ( meaning it can be |
| It is primarily used for nodulo-cystic acne ('hard raised | | | | very harmful to the developing baby during the course |
| pus-filled spots'), conglobate acne (this rare type of | | | | of pregnancy) and MUST not be given to women of |
| acne develops on the back, bottom and thorax. It is an | | | | child bearing age unless they practise effective |
| accumulation of pustules and cysts, and this may be | | | | methods of contraception |
| due to a strong bacterial infection) and severe acne | | | | 2.People with liver disease should not take this |
| scarring. | | | | medication as it can further impair the liver and |
| It is usually given to people who have not responded | | | | exacerbate the disease process |
| to: | | | | 3.Patients with kidney disease are advised not to take |
| 1.Acne creams (benzoyl peroxide, retinoids etc.) | | | | this and guidance from a consultant dermatologist |
| 2.Antibiotics (erythromycin, tetracyclines etc.) | | | | should be taken |
| Oral isotretinoin has also been shown to be quite | | | | 4.Patients with high cholesterol are strongly advised not |
| useful in women who are in the 3dr and 4th decades | | | | take this medication and regular liver function tests |
| of life. Studies have shown that acne developing in | | | | should be performed in all patients before treatment |
| women (in the 3rd and 4th decades of life) is not | | | | with oral isotretinoin is commenced |
| usually responsive to antibacterial treatment; | | | | Efficacy |
| Roaccutane has shown efficacy in these cases. | | | | Isotretionoin is very good at obliterating acne but at the |
| Isotretinoin is quite a toxic drug and a lot of care and | | | | cost of some side effects which may cause problems |
| supervision must be undertaken when taking this | | | | in some patients. Although these side effects are rare, |
| medication. It should always be prescribed by a | | | | they can still occur and, if experienced, you must |
| consultant dermatologist. | | | | consult your doctor for advice. Many patients have |
| The course of treatment is usually 16 weeks. In many | | | | reported good results with oral isotretinoin and usually |
| cases, repeat treatments are not required although | | | | only one course of treatment is required. If you are |
| can be undertaken with the clinical consent of your | | | | considering this form of treatment, it would be in the |
| consultant dermatologist. | | | | your best interest to seek medical advice from a |
| Main Side effects of isotretinoin include | | | | dermatologist. |