Treating Severe Type of Acne

Isotretinoin treats a severe type of acne. It belongs to the class of medication called Retinoid. It is a big problem for youths. Different medicines, capsules, lotion etc. are available in order to get rid of it. But people many a time fail to do so. Isotretinoin is helpful in treating acne and the others fail to improve. It is helpful treating some type of skin cancer and in treating other cancers. It show result in skin disease. It is retinoid that means it relates to vitamin A. This is available in small amount naturally in the body. This type of acne causes painful cyst and nodules, deep in the skin layer.

HISTORY:

Roche laboratories discovered the compound in Switzerland by Werner Bollag in 1960s. This studies was for the treatment of skin cancer. But it was inactive for cancer. It showed benefits in case of acne. In 1975 Gary and Frank Yoder rediscovered the drug to use it in case of cystic acne and published his work. Rochis New drug application got approval from FDA in 1982. He organize a program called pregnancy prevention program. He inform possible defects in the fetus in pregnancy with above pill. His patent for this drug expired. Now many other companies sell cheaper generic version of the drug.

WORKING:

Its exact mechanism is unknown. It is form of vitamin A. It controls the amount of oil released by the oil glands in your skin. This help skin to renew itself in short period. Acne occur due to the increase in the secretion of oil from oil glands. Several studies show that it induces cell death in various cell in the body. This include sebaceous gland cell too. One more studies show that it help the production of NGAL in the skin. This induce death of cell in glands and reduce oil production. Thus the size and oil output decrease. Only isotretinoin can effect major four pathogenic processes in acne. This separates it from other medicines. The significant decrease in P.acne amount leads to the decrease in acne inflammation.

DOSAGE:

A dose of 0.5-1.0 mg/Kg/day reduces the (oil) sebum excretion by 90% within 6 weeks. Dose is dependent on body weight. It is decided by Doctor. It is available in 10 mg and 20 mg tablet. Give it in two divided dose with food for 15 to 20 weeks. Dose is adjusted according to how the disease respond and the side effects occur in the person.

SIDE EFFECTS:

Any drug administered in the body takes time to adjust in the body. This shows some common side effects which don’t need medical attention. They disappear with time. They are;

• Itching
• Nausea
• Weight loss
• Hair thinning and breakage
• Dry mouth, ears, throat, anus
• Changes in the nail and skin texture

It is necessary to check out for major side effects. It can lead serious conditions. They are;

• Temporary depression
• Inflammation of liver or pancreas
• Bone disorders
• Vision changes
• Severe diarrhea
• Continuing headache
• Abdominal and stomach pain

PRECAUTIONS:

It is necessary to take precaution to take medicine in certain cases. Don’t use this tablet if a person belong to following medical conditions;

• Person showing allergy to the ingredient in the above drug
• Children younger than 12 years
• Teenagers with bone problems or disease
• In pregnancy, as it can produce fetal defects
• Breast feeding, as no adequate evidences show its safety
• Certain drugs can interact with above medicine. Check with doctor and consume with doctors permission.
• Avoid drinking alcohol and tobacco

Some other medical conditions like

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Liver or kidney disease
• Bone disorder
• History of severe weight problems
• Asthma

COST OF GENERIC VERSUS THE BRAND NAME OF DRUG:-

The generic drugs are cheaper as compared to brand name drug. They contain same active ingredient as the brand name. It is an effective medicine. The difference between the prices is due to the packaging and the brand name. The generic form of this drug is $0.88 for 20 mg and $0.94 for 10 mg per pill. The cost of brand Accutane is $4.71 for 20 mg per pill and $1.48 for 10 mg per pill.

This represent the difference between the prices of generic versus the brand version of Isotretinoin. It shows visible improvement in the acne.