ACCUTANE

OUR SON HAS CYSTIC ACNE AND OUR CONCERN IS HE IS ON ACCUTANE AND HAVING SEVERE EFFECTS FROM IT.  HIS SKIN IS VERY ***** AND LEAKING ALL OF THE TIME A ORANGE LIQUID AND HE IS IN EXTREME PAIN.  WE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF ANYONE ELSE HAS GONE THROUGH THIS AND IF THERE IS A SUPPORT GROUP OUT THERE IN BUFFALO NY.  WE THINK HE NEEDS TO DISCUSS THIS WITH OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE GONE THROUGH A SIMILAR EXPERIENCE

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

A daily oral intake of vitamin A derivative isotretinoin (marketed as Accutane) over a period of 4-6 months can cause long-term resolution or reduction of acne. It is believed that isotretinoin works primarily by reducing the secretion of oils from the glands, however some studies suggest that it affects other acne-related factors as well. Isotretinoin has been shown to be very effective in treating severe acne and can either improve or clear well over 80% of patients.

The drug has a much longer effect than anti-bacterial treatments and will often cure acne for good. The treatment requires close medical supervision by a dermatologist because the drug has many known side effects (many of which can be severe). About 25% of patients may relapse after one treatment. In those cases, a second treatment for another 4-6 months may be indicated to obtain desired results.

It is often recommended that one lets a few months pass between the two treatments, because the condition can actually improve somewhat in the time after stopping the treatment and waiting a few months also gives the body a chance to recover. Occasionally a third or even a fourth course is used, but the benefits are often less substantial. The most common side effects are dry skin and occasional nosebleeds (secondary to dry nasal mucosa).

Let us know about how he is doing and what the doctor advises.

Post us if you need any further information.

Regards.

[Brittnnyy]

I started it about two months ago and starting to notice back pain. Anyone have that? I don't want to stop working out but I dont want hurt myself evenmore