Accutane

Accutane (isotretinoin) is a drug that has been designed especially for the treatment of severe nodular acne (a skin condition that results from the inability of your skin to deal with the excessive amounts of sebum). Take Accutane exactly as recommended and never exceed the dose prescribed, as the following symptoms are possible if you happen to overdose: problems with coordination, vomiting, loss of balance, stomach pain, dizziness, headache, warmth or tingling under your skin, and swelling of the lips. Before you start the treatment you are supposed to have a negative pregnancy test (30 days before the treatment is to start) and from this moment use two reliable methods of birth control. You will also have to have a pregnancy test done before you get a refill and one month after the treatment is over. There are many contraception methods for you to choose from. These methods can be primary and secondary and are supposed to be used in combination. Primary methods can include insertion of intrauterine device, vaginal ring, birth control injections, birth control pills with estrogen, tubal ligation, vasectomy (for males), and birth control patches. Secondary forms of birth control that you could use can be any of the following (all are supposed to be used with a spermicide): condoms, diaphragm, cervical cap, or a vaginal sponge. If your acne seems to get worse - don’t worry, as this is a normal reaction of your body to the treatment and everything is going to get better when you carry on. Serious side effects of Accutane are possible. You need to stop taking this medicine and report any of the following serious side effects to your doctor: thoughts of suicide, aggression, sleep problems, blurred vision, hallucinations, severe headache, ringing in your ears, pain behind your eyes, hearing loss, suicidal thoughts, and agitation. Mild side effects of Accutane can include dizziness, dry mouth or lips, back pain, nervousness, peeling skin, joint pain, rash, drowsiness, dry skin, and itching. Mild side effects are a lot more likely and do not need to be reported to your health care provider unless they change in intensity and become particularly bothersome. If you happen to develop any new side effects – not mentioned above – call your health care provider to see if any changes need to be made to your dosing schedule to provide for maximum efficiency of the treatment and rule our unpleasant health effects.