Accutane (Isotretinoin) is considered by many to be the most powerful solution for getting rid of acne, but it comes with some nasty side effects.

"Isotretinoin is the generic name of Accutane, a retinoid or derivative of Vitamin A. It is considered as the most effective among all other acne treatments."

Accutane targets the sebaceous glands; it hastens the glands’ maturity, which leads to the shrinking of the glands and the reduction of its oil production. Accutane not only normalizes the production oil; it also changes the composition of the oil produced in such a way that it no longer clogs the pores. The Accutane-modified oil even protects the pores and prevents them from being clogged by other elements. Accutane also inhibits the production of excess keratin.

What are the harmful side effects of Accutane?
Since Accutane targets the oil glands and reduces its production of oils, the most common side-effects are chapped lips and dry skin. Other moisture-related problems include dryness of nose which leads to occasional nosebleeds; and dryness of eyes.

The more serious side-effects of the drug include birth defects; women who are sexually active and are capable of reproduction are advised to take at least two forms of contraceptives during treatment. Birth control pills must be taken at least a month before the start of the treatment; and women who would like to become pregnant must wait at least a month after treatment.

Accutane also affects the body’s blood composition and fat levels; patients undergo monthly blood checks to ensure that their blood and cholesterol levels are normal.

Accutane has also been linked to depression, suicide, and mental instability. Whether or not Accutane directly caused the reported depressions and suicides has not been clearly established by any study; but these incidents have figured prominently in media recently.

The best benefit of Accutane is that after one or two courses of treatment, the acne goes into permanent or long-term remission. The effects of Accutane last beyond the course of treatment unlike most oral remedies; neither is there a need for any maintenance drug. Patients successfully treated with Accutane rely on over the counter topical remedies to treat future occasional breakouts. From this perspective, Accutane may be a safer alternative than long-term use of antibiotics. But the dangers of Accutane are real and well-documented; the possible side-effects can be life-threatening or permanently disfiguring. The risk of side-effects and their gravity, as well as the effectiveness of the drug, increases as the dose taken by the patient increases. It is crucial for the prescribing doctor to correctly gauge the proper dose to be administered; to ensure that the effectiveness of the drug is not compromised by excessive concern over its potential side-effects.