Everything The Doctor Should Have To Tell You Before You Use Isotretinoin For Acne, But May Not

There comes a time in every severe acne sufferer's life when they have reached their limit

. They've tried all the creams, prescription antibiotics, and nothing seemed to work. They want something strong that will get rid of their acne once and for all.

So they turn to their doctor or dermatologist and they suggest trying Isotretinoin (also known as Accutane).

What is this so-called miracle cure? It's not as good for you as you may think. There are several side effects that you need to be aware of. And doctor's aren't required to tell you them all.

How It Works

Isotretinoin is a derivative of Vitamin A. It works by reducing the amount of sebum (oil) produced by your skin cells. Less sebum should mean less clogging of pores and therefore less acne.

Common Side Effects

Birth defects (females absolutely must be on a reliable birth control before they can use it)

Decreased night vision

Liver abnormality

Dry skin

Chapped lips

Nosebleeds

Cholesterol abnormalities

Joint pain

Depression

What They Aren't Telling You

If those side effects weren't enough to make you head for the hills, know that studies show that 25% of patients who went through the 3-5 months of suffering to get clear skin had their acne return after they went off the drug. So all that torture was for a temporary fix.

There was also another study that showed that there is evidence of a cause-and-effect relationship between this acne drug and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The researchers found that Isotretinoin users were approximately 4 times more likely than non-users to get ulcerative colitis and that the risk tended to increase relative to the patients' daily dose of the drug.

If you are considering going on Isotretinoin, be aware of this possible link between isotretinoin and IBD. You might be getting more than you bargained for.

What To Ask Your Doctor

If you still want to go ahead and give Accutane a try, even though you know the risks involved, here are a few things you should ask your doctor to make sure that you are well informed and closely monitored.

Have we exhausted all other acne treatments before going this route? If not, what other treatments are available to me?

What kinds of tests do you do to ensure that I'm not damaging my liver while on the drug? How often do you do them?

Are there any vitamin or mineral supplements that I should be taking while on the drug? Are there any that I need to avoid?

Are there any restrictions/changes to my diet that I need to know about?

What symptoms are considered irregular so I can monitor myself for them?

Will my acne get worse before it gets better?

What do you do to monitor my emotional levels for depression? What should I do if I begin to feel depressed and/or suicidal?

Are you monitoring me for inflammatory bowel disease?

What happens if I still get acne after I complete the treatment?

In the future, will this treatment affect how my skin ages?

Make sure that you are informed and have weighed all the risks versus the benefits before going on any medication, especially Isotretinoin, as it really does change the way your skin works for the rest of your life.

by: Jennifer E Filgate

POST COMMENT

Eczema Cures - Simple Methods To Deal With Eczema Discover The Natural Cure For Acne Is There A Cure For Acne? Natural Cures For Back Acne - Mother Nature's Remedies Are Always Best! The Best Natural Cures For Acne The Best Natural Cures For Cystic Acne Acai Berry Hype Completely Uncovered Living With Eczema How To Find A Cure For Acne In Time For The Summer Three Wonderful Acne Skincare Products That Are Really Absolutely Worth Using Acai Berry And Weight Loss Best Acne Cure Eczema Treatment With E Vitamin Creme