Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Treating Acne with Accutane - What You Need to Know

By D.L. Casey

Since 1983 people have been taking Isotretinoin or it's brand name Accutane as a way of treating severe types of acne known as nodular cystic acne. Isotretinoin is typically given as an oral medication prescribed by a dermatologist. This type of medication is derived from vitamin A and will cause excess sebum or oil to decrease from the oil glands and stop comodomes from forming.

Accutane isn't cheap. The medication costs anywhere from $500 to $600 for a standard course of treatment which is about 16 weeks. Most drug plans cover the costs - though they will usually place some limits on coverage.

Taking this medication is generally safe under strict doctors care, however, there are many risks to consider prior to taking Accutane that one needs to be aware of. Cost not withstanding, the potential harmful side effects can be devastating.

Some side effects include but are not limited to the following:

* Bleeding and inflammed gums, nose and lips

* Birth defects

* Depressed behavior and suicidal thoughts

* Joint pain

* Possible damage to the organs such as the kidneys and liver

* More fatigue and sun sensitivity

It is recommended that not everyone should be treated using Accutane since it's such a strong medication with some serious side effects. While those with severe nodular acne have been helped by this drug not everyone should be on this type of treatment. You should speak with a Dermatologist if you have any confusion over the severity of your acne and if you have been unsuccessful treating your acne using other treatment methods.

Even serious side effects do not stop most people from trying Accutane as they feel the benefits of acne-free skin are worth the potential risks. Other acne patients might start looking for alternative treatments because the treatment has been ineffective or they have had too many adverse side effects.

Many people have got their acne under control using alternative treatments to traditional medications. Those treatments include taking vitamins, changing the diet and using herbal and ayurvedic remedies to treat acne. Products such as Vilantae also claim to be a natural alternative to Isotretinoin because of the way it stops oil production in the skin. However, even products that have herbal components are not always safe and can have potential side-effects. Make sure you research any other acne treatment before you jump in.

Finding an acne treatment that works on your type of skin condition can be extremely difficult. Acne medications are not right for everyone. There can be side effects and adverse reactions and some medications can make your acne worse. There are natural and alternative options available to treat acne if you are worried about using strong medications. Educating yourself and finding out what causes your acne will help you develop the right treatment plan for you.

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