Accutane for Treatment of Acne

Since the approval of Accutane (brand name) by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) back in 1982 for treating moderate to severe cases of acne several horrifying facts have come to light. It is true that Accutane has proven it’s effectiveness in treating severe cases of acne such as nodules and cysts (deep lumps), but at what cost? Side-effects associated with this acne medication far outweigh the benefits.

What is Accutane?

It is a prescription medication derived from Vitamin A for treating serious cases ofacne such as deep lumps or cysts beneath or above the surface of your skin. It is prescribed by your doctor only if all other conventional means of acne treatment such asbenzoyl peroxide,salicylic acid, or herbal treatment of acne has failed. However, prior to prescribing this medication your physician will explain the benefits and the fitfalls of using this treatment, and in any case, you will be required to fill out a form acknowledging that you fully understand the RISKS.

Benefits of Using this Acne Medication!

Both adults and teenagers withsevere acne have been successfully treated with Accutane in the United States over the last two decades. This acne medicine is administered in cycles lasting 16 to 20 weeks in duration. Depending on how well your body responds to this medication, the cycles can be reduced to extended by your Doctor. According to statistics nearly 85% of the people are clear of acne after the first 16 weeks. Many patients continue to notice the reduction of acne lesions and scarring months after discontinuing the use of Accutane. In addition, studies have shown that your skin responds better to conventional acne treatments should acne reoccur.

Risks of Using Accutane!

Accutane can cause depression, psychosis, and in some cases suicidal tendencies. There is no disputing this fact, according to the report released by FDA late in the year 2000, there have been 63 suicide and some 1,373 cases reported of users developing psychiatric behaviors. Not only that, it is also linked to several other adverse side effects such as: Heart disease, liver and kidney failure.

When FDA first approved Accutane for treatment of acne, it was classified as teratogenic meaning this drug has the ability to cause birth defects. FDA strongly advised any woman who is either pregnant or considering pregnancy in the near future to refrain from using this acne medication. It was further suggested that a new mother, nursing her baby should also avoid Accutane as nearly 30 to 40 percent of the babies exposed to Accutane will develop some type of a physical disability.

For the protection of your future child, FDA will require that all women using Accutane be registered in a database. Also, woman are required to provide, on a monthly basis, the results of a pregnancy test to prove they are not bearing a child. In addition woman will be expected to provide proof of using two different types of contraceptives.

Accutane Alternatives!

It is estimated that nearly half a million people in the United States try this drug every year. However in most of these cases the patient’s acne is too mild to be treated with an acne medicine of this potency. Most cases of mild or moderate acne can easily be treated withextremely effective conventional acne treatments.

New alternative to accutane for servere cases of acne is Vitamin B5 Acne Treatment which offers many of the benefits of accutane but with minor side-effes. If you suffer from severe forms of acne but are terrified of the side-effects of accutane then Vitamin B5 acne treatment is for you.

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