What Is Acne?

Acne is a chronic skin disease. It affects both adolescents and adults. The type of acne that many teenagers get is called acne vulgaris. It usually appears on the face, neck, shoulders, upper back and chest. Although acne is usually not a serious health threat, it can be an important source of emotional distress. The oil that lubricates the skin is normally trapped in oil pipelines blocked and results in what we know as buttons, black and white dots on the surface of the skin. Sometimes it also includes deep lesions of the skin which are called cysts. Acne lesions range in severity from comedones (black and white dots) to nodules and cysts.Cysts associated with severe cases of acne (cystic acne) are firm swellings below the skin’s surface that become inflamed and sometimes infected. Nearly 17 million people in the United States have acne. Acne usually begins during puberty between the ages of 10 and 13 and he tends to be more severe in people with oily skin. Teenage acne is usually five to 10 years, it would normally in the early années’20. It occurs in both sexes, although adolescents tend to have the most severe cases. Women are more likely than men to have mild to moderate forms in their 30’s and beyond. While not a life threatening condition, acne can be upsetting and disfiguring.As a severe form of nodular acne, acne, has the potential to cause long-term nodular acne scars usually occur deep under the skin and do not rise to the surface. Nodulaire, acne heals very slowly for the reason that the infection waste is not released, but buried deep in the skin. Nodular Acne, lasts only a few months before they fade, even if within that period, it is extremely embarrassing and painful. Most cases of acne can be treated successfully, including severe nodular acne. For severe nodular acne or cysts, a dermatologist will likely prescribe istretinoin (Accutane), which is an oral drug. Isotretinoin is a very effective medication.People have often acne with a variety of injuries, some of which are shown in the diagrams below. The lesion of acne base, called the comedo. A comedo is a sebaceous follicle plugged with sebum. A comedo that compass the surface of the skin and opens up is called an open comedo or blackhead because it looks black on the skin’s surface. The development of acne takes 2-3 weeks before it appears on the skin surface. It starts as a stain in the sebaceous hair follicle. Deep in the hair follicle, the two processes are taking place continuously. When the pore is open and the plug pushes through the skin on the outer surface, it is called a blackhead.There are many types of acne. Blackhead is a type of acne. It is caused by an excess of oil that have accumulated in the sebaceous glands ’s jacket. Désengorgeant toxins that are expelled through the skin, blood and lymph sebum combines with the creation of a pasty glue. Another type of acne bone white. Whites also known as comedones closed follicles, which are filled with the same material, but have only a microscopic opening to the skin surface. Whites are the direct result of the skin with pores of oil and dead skin cells. White dots are the symptoms of acne vulgaris, and the pores are blocked with sebum.

Cystic Acne Treatment - The Whole Truth

Cystic acne breakouts can be painful and lead to deep scarring. Some dermatologists consider it to be the most severe kind because topical medications do not get to the root of the problem. It heals extremely slowly because it is so deep that the infection is trapped under the skin. Cystic acne treatment is usually limited to oral medication so all cases should be taken to a dermatologist.Treatment for Cystic acneCystic acne on first glance may look similar to nodular acne. The difference is that unlike nodular acne, cystic acne is pus-filled. So it is important that before starting up the treatment for acne it should b identified from a specialist what form of acne is their to be treated. This ensures a speedy treatment and recovery and also avoids further complication.Isotretinoin is the most common, and most potent drug prescribed for cystic acne treatment. It is a man-made form of retinoid (Vitamin A) that is taken in pill form.An alternative treatment is injections of cortisone into the cysts to decrease the inflammatory response. Accutane is used by many dermatologists due to the severe nature of the acne.Oral contraceptives are used as cystic acne treatment in females. It suppresses overactive sebaceous glands, and is safe to be used long-term. Tea tree oilTea tree oil does help acne but only to a limited degree. If you have mild acne it may be worth giving it a go.One of the problems with natural products is the huge variation between different products containing similar ‘natural ingredients’.If tea tree oil is not carefully purified and processed it can actually become cause allergies and even irritation. Some poorly made tea tree oil products cause severe allergic reactions in around 1 in 20-40 people who used these products. Although Cystic acne is resistant to many acne medications, there are treatments available that can help. Currently Accutane or Isotretinoin is the most common and effective treatment but the side effects can be severe. Don’t fear the side effect though; all you need is a little help in understanding the things you can do to help prevent them.It is highly recommended that people with cystic acne should visit a dermatologist. If the patient is suffering from light to moderate cystic acne then he/she can take antibiotics which have the tendency to kill the bacterium but approximately 30%-45% of today’s cystic acne strains are resistant to one or more of the common antibiotics, making them useless. Additionally long-term use of antibiotics is associated with increased cancer risks. Many dermatologists these days give oral drugs such as Accutane and sulfa-based antibiotics for cystic acne. Oral antibiotics such as tetracycline and minocycline are also more effective for cystic acne because they work systemically. This particular treatment for cystic acne will also make a person’s muscles ache. By carrying out gentle exercises and also taking plenty of rest on a regular basis will help prevent this particular side effect from becoming any worse.Although cystic acne treatment can lead to certain side effects two of which we have mentioned above however many patients do find that once they have completed their course of treatment, their acne problems do subside.Cystic Acne ExplainedCystic acne is an illness. It is the result of an plague down in the skin pore. The pore fills with pus andTurnbombastic, which then Turnnoticeable as a cyst on the skins surface. They are usually red in color and often have a white center where the sinus is noticeable.The true reason why cystic acneforms is that the pores get blockade, usually with superfluous oil. Once the pore is blocked the stage is set for germ to rank readily and causes an infection.

Acne Scarring Removal

Accutane’s Negative Side Effects on the Skin

The FDA has instructed Hoffmann-La Roche to revise its label for Accutane many times. The latest label states: “Many of the side effects and adverse reactions seen in patients receiving Accutane are comparable to those described in patients taking very high doses of vitamin A (dryness of the skin and mucous membranes, of the lips, nasal passage, and eyes”.

Hoffmann-La Roche down-plays the side effects of Accutane by talking about its effect on the skin. They readily admit that it causes skin diseases and/or damage. Following are just a few of these skin and appendages side effects.

Acne Fulminans

Acne fulminans is a rare and very severe form of acne conglobata associated with systemic manifestations. It nearly always affects men. It is characterized by abrupt onset inflammatory and ulcerated nodular acne on chest and back, strong acne scarring, fluctuating fever, painful joints, malaise (i.e. the patient feels unwell), loss of appetite and weight loss, and elevated while blood cell count.

Eruptive Xanthomas

Eruptive xanthomas are yellow-orange-to-red-brown papules that are usually surrounded by an erythematous halo. They show in crops on the buttocks, extensor surfaces of the extremities, and flexural creases. Acutely, variable amounts of pruritus and pain happen. A Koebner reaction can be present. Lesions commonly resolve spontaneously over weeks and can result in hypertrophic scars. Histologically, foamy macrophages are present in the skin with an inflammatory infiltrate of lymphocytes and neutrophils.

Eruptive xanthomas may appear in the setting of chylomicronemia and hypertriglyceridemia. (Hypertriglyceridemia is a frequent side effect of Accutane). This can be due to a incipient hyperlipoproteinemia resulting from an inherited deficiency of lipoprotein lipase (Type I hyperlipoproteinemia) or familial hyperlipoproteinemia (Type V). Eruptive xanthomas usually also appear secondarily in patients unresponsive to insulin. Insulin is required for the adequate triglyceride clearing function of lipoprotein lipase. Whenever insulin deficiency is detected, an acquired lipoprotein lipase problem exists, which produces an inadequate disposal of chylomicrons and very-low-density lipoproteins causing the resultant hypertriglyceridemia. Rarely, eruptive xanthomas have been linked with hypothyroidism, nephrotic syndrome, and von Gierke’s glycogen storage disease. They have been observed also after ingestion of alcohol, glucocorticoids, estrogens, and retinoids.

Other signs of hyperlipidemia usually noted in patients with eruptive xanthomas include lipemia retinalis, hepatosplenomegaly, and abdominal pain. The abdominal pain can be associated to intestinal ischemia from augmented blood viscosity.

Vasculitis: Wegener’s Granulomatosis

Wegener’s Granulomatosis (WG) is a rare form of vasculitis; that is, a disease signalled by inflammation of the walls of the blood vessels. This inflammation can result in damage to vital organs of the body by impeding blood flow to these organs. WG usually begins as an isolated granulomatous inflammation of the nasal structure (lining) and lung tissue, and commonly advances into generalized necrotizing ( slow degeneration) granulomatous (tumor-like) inflammation of the blood vessels. WG is an autoimmune disease, meaning the body’s defensive system attacks its own body tissue.

Acne scarring can be lessened or remove, but it has to be carried out in certain manner and certain procedure that you must follow.Popping pimple are sometimes a favorite pastime for acne sufferer and this is a sure way of leaving unsightly mark on the skin. Acne scarring can sometime happens by chance and you can try every prevention method and the scarring will still happen. Compared to milder type of acne, the chances of developing acne scars are much higher when you contract severe type of acne such nodular acne and cystic acne. The lesion and cut present during acne cystic acne breakouts are notorious for leaving behind visible acne scarring due to its longer time span.

Acne problems are usually associated with the raging hormone years; also known as teenage years as it also affect the body.The hormones fluctuation during teenage years triggers the production of excess oil and given time the pores will clog and give rise to acne. Acne breakouts are not limited to teenagers as adult too can have hormone fluctuation that triggers acne breakout.

It is always a good idea that you know the ins and out of what treatments to take once you have acne but it is equally important that you know the underlyiing causes of acne. The result of these misinformation has caused many untrue and outright false perception towards the cause of acne.

Nodular acne is one of those acne that are painful to the sufferer. Inflammation of the skin in the area underneath the skin is the source of the pain and it can be very difficult to remove. Bacteria presence underneath the skin resulted in the formation of pus by the immune system. The most severe form of this type of acne may persist for weeks or even months, eventually hardening into a cyst. The cystic acne and nodular acne problem may probably leave a scar on the affected area.

More and more people are affected by acne and it is now not just a common problem suffered exclusively to teenagers.For teenager having acne problems is a big deal and may sometimes escalate to psychological problems. Acne problem takes months to completely recover and for the duration of the time you will have to live with it whether you like it or not. Living with your acne conditions will need aome getting use to and if you want a great result, you would have to wait. Persevere and patience is all good, but during this time you must make some kind of effort to get your acne to be treated.

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Acne lesions range in severity from comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) to nodules and cysts. Here is a brief definition of acne lesions:

Comedo (plural comedones)-A comedo is a sebaceous follicle plugged with sebum, dead cells from inside the sebaceous follicle, tiny hairs, and sometimes bacteria. When a comedo is open, it is commonly called a blackhead because the surface of the plug in the follicle has a blackish appearance. The antioxidant Acnezine regulates the sebaceous glands thus controlling the oil secretion and stops acne growth permanently. Neither blackheads nor whiteheads should be squeezed or picked open, unless extracted by a dermatologist under sterile conditions.

Papule-A papule is defined as a small (5 millimeters or less), solid lesion slightly elevated above the surface of the skin. A group of very small papules and microcomedones may be almost invisible but have “sandpaper” feel to the touch. A papule is caused by localized cellular reaction to the process of acne. Prolong treatment with Ancezine smoothes the lesion to a great extent.Pustule-a dome-shaped, fragile lesion containing pus that typically consists of a mixture of white blood cells, dead skin cells, and bacteria. A pustule that forms over a sebaceous follicle usually has a hair in the center. Acne pustules that heal without progressing to cystic form usually leave no scars.

Nodule-like a papule, a nodule is a solid, dome-shaped or irregularly shaped lesion. Unlike a papule, a nodule is characterized by inflammation, extends into deeper layers of the skin and may cause tissue destruction that results in scarring. A nodule may be very painful. Nodular acne is a severe form of acne that may not respond to therapies other than isotretinoin.

Cyst-a cyst is a sac-like lesion containing liquid or semi-liquid material consisting of white blood cells, dead cells, and bacteria. It is larger than a pustule, may be severely inflamed, extends into deeper layers of the skin, may be very painful, and can result in scarring. Cysts and nodules often occur together in a severe form of acne called nodulocystic.

Acnezine is the answer to all these acne lesions for it is a natural product with no side effects and guarantees positive result if treated for a considerable period of time.

Treating cystic acne can boost your confidence and self-esteem. Your dermatologist can inform you about many methods to get rid of these painful pimples.

Always be careful while treating cystic acne, as your skin is a great asset to you. Cystic acne is not common like the other forms of acne. They can be very painful and even leave scars on your skin. It only requires a proper treatment by a dermatologist and you have no reasons for acne to be so long lasting that it leaves scaring.

What is cystic acne?

You might be quite inquisitive about cystic acne. Cystic acne is kind of chronic inflammation of skin with cysts, usually found in males. It usually persists in males over 20 years of age. It is perilous, since it sometimes leads to permanent scars on your skin. This type of acne should be treated medically with a specialists advice. Now, what is a cyst actually?

Cysts

The blockages of the oil glands are generally known as cysts or nodules. Cysts or nodules can burst open at any time and produce inflammation and pus around the surrounding tissues. These abrasions are capable of producing permanent and long-term scarring. Such infections usually grow deep under the skin and seldom rise to the surface. This is why cystic acne takes a lot of time to heal, as the infection waste finds no outlet.

Treatments

There are various ways by which cystic acne can be treated. Though not all of them are feasible. Before going for any kind of treatment you must take a dermatologists advice.

Most of the dermatologists hold a common opinion about cystic acne treatments, the three-step acne combating kits, which are an excellent technique for treating acne. It is without harmful side effects or hazards of oral drugs. To state more specifically, 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide kit is ideal. In a lot of cases you would see the dermatologists prescribing isotretinoin for severe nodular acne or cystic cysts.

Isotretinoin being an oral drug can be taken once or twice a day with food

for four to five months. Isotretinoin is also credited with clearing up of severe acne forever. The drug helps in reducing the size of oil glands which further reduces the growth of bacteria and oil production. However, using Isotretinoin will not be a safe bet, if you do not consult a dermatologist thoroughly.

Another method of treatment for severe nodular and cystic acne is intralesional corticosteroid therapy. This is a relatively painless procedure. In this process, each pimple is given an injection of dilute cortisone solution. You can get fast relief for the painful inflammations with the injection. You can always rely on products backed by the research.

You have another option in acne surgery. This procedure involves manually removing whiteheads and blackheads. A round loop extractor is utilized to apply smooth pressure to extricate the material. It speeds up the clearing of acne greatly. This type of surgery needs to be performed under the supervision of dermatologists.

When do you consult a dermatologist?

1. If the acne is growing into a large and painful bump

2. If you are already suffering with persistent acne causing scars

3. People having dark complexion, and the cystic acne are causing darker patches

4. When your acne puts you in stress and personal dissatisfaction with life

5. If you are displeased with acne products available over-the-counter

Now-a-days there are treatments available for all sorts of acne. You do not need to suffer from painful lesions, low self-confidence and self-esteem; neither do your cystic acne deserve exposure to bacterial infections and grow into scars. Treatments of acne can escort you to greater confidence and self-esteem. There is no need to worry at all. There are plenty of modern methods accessible, just consult your dermatologist to get rid of the pimples.

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Generic Accutane Isotretinoin Skin Care Medication Information

What is Generic Accutane isotretinoin?Generic Accutane Isotretinoin is a form of vitamin A. It decreases the amount of sebum (oil) that is released by the sebaceous (oil) glands, and it increases that rate at which the skin renews itself. Isotretinoin is used to treat severe nodular acne that has not responded to other treatments, including antibiotics. Isotretinoin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide. What should I discuss with my doctor before taking Generic Accutane isotretinoin?Before taking Generic Accutane isotretinoin, tell your doctor if you have a personal or family history of mental problems including depression, suicidal behavior, or psychosis (loss of contact with reality, hearing voices, or seeing things that are not there); diabetes; asthma; heart disease; osteoporosis (bone loss) or weak bones; anorexia nervosa; high cholesterol or triglyceride levels (types of fat) in the blood; or liver disease. You may not be able to take Generic Accutane isotretinoin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. Do not take Generic Accutane isotretinoin if you are pregnant or if you could become pregnant during treatment or for one month after you stop taking isotretinoin. Isotretinoin is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that isotretinoin is known to cause severe birth defects in an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, stop using birth control, or miss your menstrual period, immediately stop taking isotretinoin and notify your doctor. It is not known whether isotretinoin passes into breast milk. Do not take isotretinoin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. How should I take isotretinoin?Take Generic Accutane isotretinoin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Generic Accutane Isotretinoin is a medication taken to treat severe nodular acne that has not been helped by other treatments, including antibiotics. However, isotretinoin can cause serious side effects. Before starting treatment with isotretinoin, discuss with your doctor how bad the acne is, the possible benefits of isotretinoin and the possible side effects. Your doctor will ask you to read and sign a form indicating that you understand the serious risks associated with isotretinoin therapy. You will get no more than a 30-day supply of Generic Accutane isotretinoin at a time. Your prescription should have a special yellow self-adhesive sticker attached to it. If your prescription does not have this yellow sticker, call your doctor. The pharmacy should not fill the prescription without this sticker. Take each dose of Generic Accutane isotretinoin with a full glass of water. This will help prevent the medication inside the capsule from irritating the lining of the esophagus. For the same reason, do not chew or suck on the capsule. Take Generic Accutane isotretinoin twice a day with food or milk to get the best results from this medication, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Take all of the Generic Accutane isotretinoin that has been prescribed for you even if your symptoms start to improve. The acne may seem to get worse at the start of therapy, but should then begin to improve. For the best results, finish all of the medication that has been prescribed. You may require more than one course of therapy with isotretinoin. Your doctor may perform blood tests during treatment with isotretinoin to monitor side effects from this medication. Due to the serious side effects that may occur with the use of this medication, do not share it with anyone else. Store isotretinoin at room temperature away from moisture and heat. What happens if I miss a dose?Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication. What happens if I overdose?Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of an isotretinoin overdose include vomiting, abdominal pain, flushing of the face, inflammation of the lips, headache, dizziness, and clumsiness. What should I avoid while taking Generic Accutane isotretinoin?Do not take vitamin supplements containing vitamin A during treatment with isotretinoin. This could cause increased side effects. Do not donate blood while taking isotretinoin and for at least 1 month following the end of treatment. Blood donated while taking isotretinoin may be given to a pregnant woman and be harmful to her baby. Do not use wax hair removal systems or have any skin resurfacing procedures (such as dermabrasion or laser treatment) performed while taking Generic Accutane isotretinoin and for six months following treatment due to the possibility of scarring. Avoid exposure to sunlight or UV rays while taking Generic Accutane isotretinoin. Isotretinoin may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight and a severe sunburn could result. Use caution when driving a vehicle at night. Generic Accutane Isotretinoin can cause decreased night vision. The onset of decreased night vision may be sudden. What are the possible side effects of isotretinoin?Stop taking isotretinoin and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); changes in vision, blurred vision, or decreased vision (especially at night); painful or constant dryness of the eyes; depression including feelings of sadness, crying spells, irritability, changes in sleep patterns, unusual tiredness, trouble concentrating, loss of appetite, and/ or suicidal thoughts or other mental problems; stomach, chest, or bowel pain; rectal bleeding, or severe or bloody diarrhea; difficulty or pain when swallowing; new or worsening heartburn; yellowing of the skin or eyes or persistently dark urine; severe headache or dizziness; seizures; nausea and vomiting; joint or muscle pain or bone problems; hearing problems or hearing loss; trouble breathing; fainting; increased thirst or urination; slurred speech or problems moving; leg swelling; increased levels of cholesterol or triglyceride (types of fat) in your blood (detected by blood tests). Other, less serious side effects are more likely to occur. Continue to take isotretinoin and talk to your doctor if you experience inflammation, dryness, or cracking of the lips; dry skin, dry mouth, dry or bleeding nose, dryness of the eyes and/ or difficulty wearing contact lenses; itching; or increased sensitivity of the skin to the sun. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. What drug(s) may interact with Generic Accutane isotretinoin?alcohol benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or other drying medicines used for acne corticosteroids (example: prednisone) medicines for seizures orlistat other drugs that make you more sensitive to the sun such as sulfa drugs progestin-only birth control hormones (examples: ‘Minipills’ like Aygestin, Micronor, Nor-QD or injectable/implantable products such as Depo-Provera or Norplant) tetracycline antibiotics (examples: doxycycline, tetracycline) vitamins and other supplements containing vitamin A warfarin What is the shelf life of the pills?The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.You can buy Rx Generic Accutane isotretinoin skin care drug medication at a online pharmacy at cheap prices.

Read this Medication Guide every time you get a prescription or a refill for Accutane (ACK-u-tane). There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking with your prescriber (doctor or other health care provider).

What is the most important information I should know about Accutane?

Accutane is used to treat a type of severe acne (nodular acne) that has not been helped by other treatments, including antibiotics. However, Accutane can cause serious side effects. Before starting Accutane, discuss with your prescriber how bad your acne is, the possible benefits of Accutane, and its possible side effects, to decide if Accutane is right for you. Your prescriber will ask you to read and sign a form or forms indicating you understand some of the serious risks of Accutane.

Possible serious side effects of taking Accutane include birth defects and mental disorders.

1. Birth defects. Accutane can cause birth defects (deformed babies) if taken by a pregnant woman. It can also cause miscarriage (losing the baby before birth), premature (early) birth, or death of the baby. Do not take Accutane if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while you are taking Accutane. Do not get pregnant for 1 month after you stop taking Accutane. Also, if you get pregnant while taking Accutane, stop taking it right away and call your prescriber.

All females should read the section in this Medication Guide “What are the important warnings for females taking Accutane?”

2. Mental problems and suicide. Some patients, while taking Accutane or soon after stopping Accutane, have become depressed or developed other serious mental problems. Symptoms of these problems include sad, “anxious” or empty mood, irritability, anger, loss of pleasure or interest in social or sports activities, sleeping too much or too little, changes in weight or appetite, school or work performance going down, or trouble concentrating. Some patients taking Accutane have had thoughts about hurting themselves or putting an end to their own lives (suicidal thoughts). Some people tried to end their own lives. And some people have ended their own lives. There were reports that some of these people did not appear depressed. No one knows if Accutane caused these behaviors or if they would have happened even if the person did not take Accutane.

All patients should read the section in this Medication Guide “What are the signs of mental problems?”

For other possible serious side effects of Accutane, see “What are the possible side effects of Accutane?” in this Medication Guide.

What are the important warnings for females taking Accutane?

You must not become pregnant while taking Accutane, or for 1 month after you stop taking Accutane. Accutane can cause severe birth defects in babies of women who take it while they are pregnant, even if they take Accutane for only a short time. There is an extremely high risk that your baby will be deformed or will die if you are pregnant while taking Accutane. Taking Accutane also increases the chance of miscarriage and premature births.

Female patients will not get their first prescription for Accutane unless there is proof they have had 2 negative pregnancy tests. The first test must be done when your prescriber decides to prescribe Accutane. The second pregnancy test must be done during the first 5 days of the menstrual period right before starting Accutane therapy, or as instructed by your prescriber. Each month of treatment, you must have a negative result from a urine or serum pregnancy test. Female patients cannot get another prescription for Accutane unless there is proof that they have had a negative pregnancy test.

A yellow self-adhesive Accutane Qualification Sticker on your prescription indicates to the pharmacist that you are qualified by your prescriber to get Accutane.

While you are taking Accutane, you must use effective birth control. You must use 2 separate effective forms of birth control at the same time for at least 1 month before starting Accutane, while you take it, and for 1 month after you stop taking it. You can either discuss effective birth control methods with your prescriber or go for a free visit to discuss birth control with another physician or family planning expert. Your prescriber can arrange this free visit, which will be paid for by the manufacturer.

You must use 2 separate forms of effective birth control because any method, including birth control pills and sterilization, can fail. There are only 2 reasons you would not need to use 2 separate methods of effective birth control:

1. You have had your womb removed by surgery (a hysterectomy).

2. You are absolutely certain you will not have genital-to-genital sexual contact with a male before, during, and for 1 month after Accutane treatment.

If you have sex at any time without using 2 forms of effective birth control, get pregnant, or miss your period, stop using Accutane and call your prescriber right away.

All patients should read the rest of this Medication Guide.

What are the signs of mental problems?

Tell your prescriber if, to the best of your knowledge, you or someone in your family has ever had any mental illness, including depression, suicidal behavior, or psychosis. Psychosis means a loss of contact with reality, such as hearing voices or seeing things that are not there. Also, tell your prescriber if you take medicines for any of these problems.

Stop using Accutane and tell your provider right away if you:

? Start to feel sad or have crying spells

? Lose interest in activities you once enjoyed

? Sleep too much or have trouble sleeping

? Become more irritable than usual

? Have a change in your appetite or body weight

? Have trouble concentrating

? Withdraw from your friends or family

? Feel like you have no energy

? Have feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt

? Start having thoughts about hurting yourself or taking your own life (suicidal thoughts)

What is Accutane?

Accutane is used to treat the most severe form of acne (nodular acne) that cannot be cleared up by any other acne treatments, including antibiotics. In severe nodular acne, many red, swollen, tender lumps form in the skin. These can be the size of pencil erasers or larger. If untreated, nodular acne can lead to permanent scars. However, because Accutane can have serious side effects, you should talk with your prescriber about all of the possible treatments for your acne, and whether Accutane?s possible benefits outweigh its possible risks.

Who should not take Accutane?

? Do not take Accutane if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or become pregnant during Accutane treatment. Accutane causes severe birth defects. All females should read the section “What are the important warnings for females taking Accutane?” for more information and warnings about Accutane and pregnancy.

? Do not take Accutane unless you completely understand its possible risks and are willing to follow all of the instructions in this Medication Guide.

Tell your prescriber if you or someone in your family has had any kind of mental problems, asthma, liver disease, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis (bone loss), weak bones, anorexia nervosa (an eating disorder where people eat too little), or any other important health problems. Tell your prescriber about any food or drug allergies you have had in the past. These problems do not necessarily mean you cannot take Accutane, but your prescriber needs this information to discuss if Accutane is right for you.

How should I take Accutane?

? You will get no more than a 30-day supply of Accutane at a time, to be sure you check in with your prescriber each month to discuss side effects.

? Your prescription should have a special yellow self-adhesive sticker attached to it. The sticker is YELLOW. If your prescription does not have this yellow self-adhesive sticker, call your prescriber. The pharmacy should not fill your prescription unless it has the yellow self-adhesive sticker.

? The amount of Accutane you take has been specially chosen for you and may change during treatment.

? You will take Accutane 2 times a day with a meal, unless your prescriber tells you otherwise. Swallow your Accutane capsules with a full glass of liquid. This will help prevent the medication inside the capsule from irritating the lining of your esophagus (connection between mouth and stomach). For the same reason, do not chew or suck on the capsule.

? If you miss a dose, just skip that dose. Do not take 2 doses the next time.

? You should return to your prescriber as directed to make sure you don?t have signs of serious side effects. Because some of Accutane?s serious side effects show up in blood tests, some of these visits may involve blood tests (monthly visits for female patients should always include a urine or serum pregnancy test).

What should I avoid while taking Accutane?

? Do not get pregnant while taking Accutane. See “What is the most important information I should know about Accutane?” and “What are the important warnings for females taking Accutane?”

? Do not breast feed while taking Accutane and for 1 month after stopping Accutane. We do not know if Accutane can pass through your milk and harm the baby.

? Do not give blood while you take Accutane and for 1 month after stopping Accutane. If someone who is pregnant gets your donated blood, her baby may be exposed to Accutane and may be born with birth defects.

? Do not take vitamin A supplements. Vitamin A in high doses has many of the same side effects as Accutane. Taking both together may increase your chance of getting side effects.

? Do not have cosmetic procedures to smooth your skin, including waxing, dermabrasion, or laser procedures, while you are using Accutane and for at least 6 months after you stop. Accutane can increase your chance of scarring from these procedures. Check with your prescriber for advice about when you can have cosmetic procedures.

? Avoid sunlight and ultraviolet lights as much as possible. Tanning machines use ultraviolet lights. Accutane may make your skin more sensitive to light.

? Do not use birth control pills that do not contain estrogen (”minipills”). They may not work while you take Accutane. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist if you are not sure what type you are using.

? Talk with your doctor if you plan to take other drugs or herbal products. This is especially important for patients using birth control pills and other hormonal types of birth control because the birth control may not work as effectively if you are taking certain drugs or herbal products. You should not take the herbal supplement St. John?s Wort because this herbal supplement may make birth control pills not work as effectively.

? Talk with your doctor if you are currently taking an oral or injected corticosteroid or anticonvulsant (seizure) medication prior to using Accutane. These drugs may weaken your bones.

? Do not share Accutane with other people. It can cause birth defects and other serious health problems.

? Do not take Accutane with antibiotics unless you talk to your prescriber. For some antibiotics, you may have to stop taking Accutane until the antibiotic treatment is finished. Use of both drugs together can increase the chances of getting increased pressure in the brain.

What are the possible side effects of Accutane?

Accutane has possible serious side effects

? Accutane can cause birth defects, premature births, and death in babies whose mothers took Accutane while they were pregnant. See “What is the most important information I should know about Accutane?” and “What are the important warnings for females taking Accutane?”

? Serious mental health problems. See “What is the most important information I should know about Accutane?”

? Serious brain problems. Accutane can increase the pressure in your brain. This can lead to permanent loss of sight, or in rare cases, death. Stop taking Accutane and call your prescriber right away if you get any of these signs of increased brain pressure: bad headache, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting. Also, some patients taking Accutane have had seizures (convulsions) or stroke.

? Abdomen (stomach area) problems. Certain symptoms may mean that your internal organs are being damaged. These organs include the liver, pancreas, bowel (intestines), and esophagus (connection between mouth and stomach). If your organs are damaged, they may not get better even after you stop taking Accutane. Stop taking Accutane and call your prescriber if you get severe stomach, chest or bowel pain, trouble swallowing or painful swallowing, new or worsening heartburn, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, yellowing of your skin or eyes, or dark urine.

? Bone and muscle problems. Accutane may affect bones, muscles, and ligaments and cause pain in your joints or muscles. Tell your prescriber if you plan vigorous physical activity during treatment with Accutane. Tell your prescriber if you develop pain, particularly back pain or joint pain. There are reports that some patients have had stunted growth after taking Accutane for acne as directed. There are also some reports of broken bones or reduced healing of broken bones after taking Accutane for acne as directed. No one knows if taking Accutane for acne will affect your bones. If you have a broken bone, tell your provider that you are taking Accutane. Muscle weakness with or without pain can be a sign of serious muscle damage. If this happens, stop taking Accutane and call your prescriber right away.

? Hearing problems. Some people taking Accutane have developed hearing problems. It is possible that hearing loss can be permanent. Stop using Accutane and call your prescriber if your hearing gets worse or if you have ringing in your ears.

? Vision problems. While taking Accutane you may develop a sudden inability to see in the dark, so driving at night can be dangerous. This condition usually clears up after you stop taking Accutane, but it may be permanent. Other serious eye effects can occur. Stop taking Accutane and call your prescriber right away if you have any problems with your vision or dryness of the eyes that is painful or constant.

? Lipid (fats and cholesterol in blood) problems. Many people taking Accutane develop high levels of cholesterol and other fats in their blood. This can be a serious problem. Return to your prescriber for blood tests to check your lipids and to get any needed treatment. These problems generally go away when Accutane treatment is finished.

? Allergic reactions. In some people, Accutane can cause serious allergic reactions. Stop taking Accutane and get emergency care right away if you develop hives, a swollen face or mouth, or have trouble breathing. Stop taking Accutane and call your prescriber if you develop a fever, rash, or red patches or bruises on your legs.

? Signs of other possibly serious problems. Accutane may cause other problems. Tell your prescriber if you have trouble breathing (shortness of breath), are fainting, are very thirsty or urinate a lot, feel weak, have leg swelling, convulsions, slurred speech, problems moving, or any other serious or unusual problems. Frequent urination and thirst can be signs of blood sugar problems.

Serious permanent problems do not happen often. However, because the symptoms listed above may be signs of serious problems, if you get these symptoms, stop taking Accutane and call your prescriber. If not treated, they could lead to serious health problems. Even if these problems are treated, they may not clear up after you stop taking Accutane.

Accutane has less serious possible side effects

The common less serious side effects of Accutane are dry skin, chapped lips, dry eyes, and dry nose that may lead to nosebleeds. People who wear contact lenses may have trouble wearing them while taking Accutane and after therapy. Sometimes, people?s acne may get worse for a while. They should continue taking Accutane unless told to stop by their prescriber.

These are not all of Accutane?s possible side effects. Your prescriber or pharmacist can give you more detailed information that is written for health care professionals.

This Medication Guide is only a summary of some important information about Accutane. Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. If you have any concerns or questions about Accutane, ask your prescriber. Do not use Accutane for a condition for which it was not prescribed.

Active Ingredient: Isotretinoin.

Inactive Ingredients: beeswax, butylated hydroxyanisole, edetate disodium, hydrogenated soybean oil flakes, hydrogenated vegetable oil, and soybean oil. Gelatin capsules contain glycerin and parabens (methyl and propyl), with the following dye systems: 10 mg ? iron oxide (red) and titanium dioxide; 20 mg ? FD%26C Red No. 3, FD%26C Blue No. 1, and titanium dioxide; 40 mg ? FD%26C Yellow No. 6, D%26C Yellow No. 10, and titanium dioxide.

My first encounter with acne medicine, if you will, happened when I was twelve. My grandma just spotted a huge, swollen bubble of a zit on my cheek. Ached by the sight of my massive facial growth, grandma gestured me over to her medicine cabinet and pleaded, “Put some turpentine on that soar to suck that poison out”. And use that backwoods prescription I did.

Not all zit tales end in such swift bliss.

Many people tormented by pimples find no reprieve with trusted pustule terminators like benzoyl peroxide or antibiotics. And so researchers toil away in labs and challenge the stamina of pimple prone skin with yet another acne preventative. However, this summer, the entourage of novel acne therapies could make blemishes retreat from the skin.

Reduced dosage isotretinoin

For starters, doctors may soon prescribe the acne drug typically reserved for the most severe cases of cystic or nodular acne, isotretinoin, for mild to moderate cases of acne. Just this past June, a study published in the Expert Review of Dermatology found that an intermittent, low-dose regimen of isotretinoin could mitigate potentially caustic side effects of isotretinoin, like liver damage and extreme skin dryness, while still effectively controlling acne.

Bio-identical acne preventing agents

While isotretinoin effects acne control by reducing facial oil secretion and bacterial counts, a recently patented bio-product called phytosphingosine (PS) may combat pimples by mitigating pain inducing inflammation.

Phytosphingosine (PS) is a fat that exists in upper layers of the skin called the the stratum corneum. According to a report in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, a skin-identical version of phytosphingosine exhibited antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties in the skin. Researchers suspect that this new anti-acne fat may soon complement topical pimple treatments.

Less menacing contraceptives

If such fat laden topical acne creams prove insufficient to tame blossoming blemishes, woman can bolster their skin care regime with contraceptives. And with the arrival of a new hormonal agent called drospirenone, women may enjoy less pimples and a more pleasant period.

Doctors may prescribe an oral contraceptive blend of spirolactone and ethinyl estradiol to female acne patients over age 35.

Similar to spironolactone, drospirenone helps prevent acne by reducing androgenic hormonal activity like excess facial oil production. Yet when drospirenone displaces spirolactone in such contraceptives, women experience better acne control and less menstrual weight gain and pain, while enjoying the same level efficacious birth control.

While I don’t foresee pine derivative like turpentine stealing the acne controlling spot light from isotretinoin, phytosphingosine, or birth control pills, I do predict that in a generation from now, the multifaceted causes and contributors to acne lesions will continue to baffle scientists and continue to crowd our cabinets with test-worthy acne antidotes. In the mean time, “Thank you grandma.”

Sources:

Pavicic, T; U Wollenweber, M Farwick %26 H Korting.. Anti-microbial and -inflammatory activity and efficacy of phytosphingosine: an in vitro and in vivo study addressing acne vulgaris. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, June 2007; vol 29, no 3, pp 181-190.

Ramos-e-Silva, M; C da Silva %26 S Coelho. Oral isotretinoin: intermittent and low-dosage regimen in acne. Expert Review of Dermatology, June 2007; vol 2, no 3, pp 267-269.

Rapkin, A %26 S Winer. Drospirenone: a novel progestin. Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, May 2007; vol 8, no 7, pp 989-999.