Accutane, a trademark name for the chemical isotretinoin, is a potent medication that has been used for the treatment of certain types of cancers. Originally, the medication was developed for use in chemotherapy for brain cancer and pancreatic cancer, along with other forms of malignant tumors. It is still currently in use in this manner due to its ability to kill rapidly dividing cells typical of tumor growths. Currently, it is also seeing use as a treatment for severe cases of conditions such as acne.
This drug was first used in the 1930’s as treatment for acne. With administration, sebum production is notably reduced. From the time of its introduction, the drug was known to have teratogenic potential, and pregnancies with the drug were strongly discouraged. When they occurred, they were found to have approximately 30% rates of congenital malformation. In February 2002, more companies began to sell generic and cheaper versions of the drug.
Accutane class action is classified as retinoid. As a retinoid medication, its general action is to reduce the amount of oil that is released by the skin, and increases the skin’s ability to renew. The drug decreases the size and sebum output of the sebaceous glands.
Accutane is a derivative of vitamin A and is naturally occurring in the human body. It is formed by the body during vitamin A intake, but only in trace amounts. As a naturally-occurring chemical, the body is able to quickly remove it from the bloodstream. In most cases, the chemical is gone from the body within nine days and is believed to have no lasting effects on future pregnancies. The combination of the trace amounts natural to the body and higher doses from medication are believed to be the cause of the birth defects that Accutane causes.
Accutane is taken orally in the form of soft gel capsules. The usual capsule sizes are 10, 20 and 40 mg. The amount of accutane to be taken depends on quite a number of factors such as height, weight, general health and the type of medical condition you have. It is the task of physicians to determine the dose and schedule. Accutane, when taken with food, increases the absorption of the medicine. It is best absorbed when taken after a high-fat meal. This means, the more accutane one takes, the chance of cure becomes greater. However, like most drugs, it has side effects as well. Its side effects depend on the dosage taken. On one hand, at a relatively low dose, there are almost no side effects at all. On the other, at a high dose, side effects should be watched out for. Side effects are usually related to the drying of the oil glands. Therefore, the dose has to be adjusted to meet the perfect balance between effectiveness and side effects.
Common side effects linked to accutane are chapped lips, dry skin, itching, nose dryness, mild nosebleed, eye irritation, joint and muscle pain. Other side effects include intestinal symptoms, urinary tract symptoms, temporary hair thinning, rash, headache, increased sensitivity to sun and decreased night vision. At worst, depression and thoughts of suicide are possible. If taken by sexually active women, accutane may be work as an effective birth control method. However, if taken during pregnancy, it can cause serious birth defects.