Review: Accutane is one of the best
known pharmaceuticals purely for removing Acne. It uses
extremely potent chemical that is very similar to
vitamin A to shrink the Sebaceous gland and stop it from
producing the natural oil that in essence causes acne.
We rated this product second on our list purely for it's
ability to stop acne. The side effects associated with
this product are somewhat extreme. Patients often complain of
extreme headaches, sleeplessness, inability to move in
the morning and a sick feeling through the entire
duration of the process as well as the list below under
side effects. We have seen results after 6 weeks but the
medication usually has to be taken for 6 months. Users
also need to stay out of the sun, avoid alcoholic
beverages, women should avoid pregnancy because it
causes birth defects and completely avoid the medication
if you have any history of allergic reactions.
Description and Information: Accutane
is the brand name for the chemical Isotretinoin. This
chemical inhibits the sebaceous gland function and stops
your gland from producing the your skins natural oils.
This medication is used to treat severe cystic acne
(also known as nodular acne) that has not responded to
other treatment (e.g., benzoyl peroxide or clindamycin
applied to the skin or tetracycline or minocycline taken
by mouth). It belongs to a class of drugs known as
retinoids. It works by decreasing facial oil (sebum)
production. High amounts of sebum can lead to severe
acne. If left untreated, severe acne may cause permanent
scarring
Side Effects: Abnormal hair growth
or loss, allergic reaction, bleeding gums, blood in
urine, bowel inflammation and pain, bruising, changes in
blood sugar or cholesterol levels, changes in skin
pigmentation, chest pain, decreased night vision,
decreased tolerance to contact lenses, delay in wound
healing, depression, difficulty sleeping, dizziness,
drowsiness, dry or fragile skin, dry or cracked lips,
dry mouth, dry nose, fatigue, flushing, headache,
hearing problems, heartbeat irregularities, herpes,
inflammation or sores in the esophagus, itching, joint
pain, liver disorders, menstrual changes, muscle
wasting, nail disorders, nausea, nervousness,
nosebleeds, peeling palms or soles, pinkeye, rash, skin
infections, stomach and intestinal discomfort, stroke,
sudden drop in blood pressure (causing unconsciousness),
sunburn-sensitive skin, suppression of growth, sweating,
swelling due to fluid retention, tendon and ligament
problems, urinary discomfort, vision problems, vomiting,
weakness, weight loss
Note regarding other pharmaceuticals for Acne:
We have also investigated other pharmaceutical acne
products including Differin™
and Minocycline
generic term for
Minocin®,
Dynacin®,
Vectrin®
. We left
them out of our list based on the problematic side
effects that effected most users. We have listed some of
the highest occurring for each:
Differin™
Side Effects- Erythema, scaling,
dryness, pruritus, and burning occurs in 10-40% of
patients. Skin irritation, sun burn and acne flares are
also possible. Minocycline Side effects
-
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or
do not go away: Itching of the rectum or vagina,
diarrhea, dizziness or lightheadedness, furry darkening
or black discoloration of the tongue, redness of the
skin (sunburn), changes in skin color, hearing loss or
ringing in your ears, Some side effects can be serious.
If you experience any of these symptoms, call your
doctor immediately: severe headache, blurred vision,
skin rash, hives, difficulty breathing or swallowing,
yellowing of the skin or eyes itching, dark-colored
urine, light-colored bowel movements, loss of appetite,
upset stomach, vomiting, stomach pain, extreme tiredness
or weakness, confusion, joint stiffness or swelling,
unusual bleeding or bruising, decreased urination, pain
or discomfort in the mouth, throat sores, fever or
chills.
Average Success Rate:
98% (if
used continuously for 6 months)
Pricing:
Prescription Only