Important Information about Accutane to learn before taking it

Accutane is a powerful drug used to treat the most severe types of acne. It is extremely effective at treating acne, but it comes with a list of side effects and risks - making it suitable for last resort cases. Accutane works by using a processed and concentrated form of Vitamin A to decrease oil production in your skin. Oftentimes, too much oil production will result in clogged pores, which results in acne. Accutane also works by killing the bacteria responsible for acne.

Accutane is the brand name for the drug isotretinoin. Isotretinoin is sold under many different brand names; however, Accutane is the most popular in the United States and has been around since 1982. If you want to save money, you can also purchase the generic form of isotretinoin, which goes under the name Claravis.

A treatment plan involving Accutane will typically last from two to six months. Dosage typically falls within .50 to 200 mg per day, and can be taken in either oral or topical form. Accutane isn't cheap and can cost you between 150 to 200 dollars per month, with higher dosages costing more. Since many insurance companies consider acne to be a cosmetic issue, Accutane is not normally covered by insurance. However, if you need Accutane to combat cysts or nodules, your insurance might cover treatment.

Accutane is a powerful and sometimes dangerous drug. Therefore, in order to use Accutane, you will need to sign up with iPledge. iPledge is a program associated with the FDA that began as a way to help prevent pregnant ladies from having babies with birth defects due to Accutane. Similarly, if you are female, you will need to take two pregnancy tests, with negative results, in order to obtain Accutane. These tests will need to be repeated each month of treatment. Women who are sexually active while on Accutane must use two different forms of birth control, or abstain from sexual activity.

As you can see, Accutane isn't a drug you mess around with. It is reserved for the most serious cases of acne, and shouldn't be the first drug you try. If nothing else has worked, however, Accutane can be a good treatment option for you. Accutane has worked when other drugs have failed, and although there are side effects, is tolerated by thousands of people across America. While using Accutane, remain under the care of your physician, and always report any side effects.