Anabolic androgen steroids (AAS) have the side effects such as acne, pimples and oily skin occurred due to elevated testosterone levels. Accutane (isotretinion) is a powerful oral drug used for the treatment of serious acne.
It is a synthetic retinoid, derived from Vitamin A and works to remove or cut down the quantities of oils secreted by the skin. It basically is inhibiting the sebaceous gland secretion by decreasing the size and output of this gland during the treatment of acne. Retinoid drugs basically control process of cell growth, differentiation and death. They also reduce bacteria in this gland and on the surface of skin. Accutane is not an anabolic steroid and come in the form of 10, 20, and 40 mg gel capsules with a chemical formula of C20H28O2. Many factors like weight, health problems, and type of severity determines the amount of Accutane to be received. The dosage and schedule is only recommended by the doctors.
According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, Accutane is being effective drug to about 50% people for cleaning up the severe acne problems. Apart for being anti acne drug, Accutane is now considered to be an anti cancer drug as well. It is also effective against cancer and used in the chemotherapy treatment. They have been used in the treatment of variety of cancer alone or in combination with other drugs. Studies are also carried out to better understand the role of this drug in the treatment and prevention of cancer.
Accutane also has some side effects and it cause severe birth defects. For this reason, Accutane is not recommended to pregnant women as a single dose of it will lead to major defects in baby’s skull, eyes heart or brain. Other side effects include loss of appetite, sensitivity to sunlight, weakness, aggression and jaundice. Researchers are also having a closer look on the possibility of links between isotretinion and depression in literature but there has been no significant result so far.
To avoid these side effects, one must take the dosage according to the legal prescription and must not take grapefruit juices. The consumer must use SPF 15 (or higher) sunblock when exposed to sun. Patients must have proper diet plan, rest and frequent liquid (water) in take while using Accutane drug and must avoid alcoholic liquids.
Accutane is the product of Roche pharmaceuticals and is not legal without a proper prescription. It has a sale price for approximately $300-400. Because of the potential side effects, the consumers must sign a promise note called iPLEDGE before purchasing it. Consumers prior to start using it should test the blood count, triglyceride levels and women should also have a pregnancy test too.
