Roaccutan or Roaccutane: Uses, Contraindications, Side Effects and Recommendations

It is a well-known drug among users who suffer from acne.

However, the product must be used under medical prescription and is considered the last alternative in treating the disease. This is a solid product that, despite bringing satisfactory results, can cause serious side effects, including psychological disorders.

What Roaccutane is used for

As mentioned above, Roaccutane is a very effective oral medication to treat acne but is also very aggressive. Its active ingredient is Isotretinoin, which is a derivative of vitamin A. The drug is anti-inflammatory and works to reduce excess fat from the skin, decreases the size of the sebaceous glands, and controls the bacteria that favor the appearance of blackheads and pimples, resulting in acne.

In which cases can Roaccutane be used?

People suffering from severe cystic acne – cystic acne are those very inflamed internal spines (corresponding to the grade V of acne, the highest).

Who should avoid its use – Contraindications

  • In patients who are pregnant – the Roaccutane can compromise the development of the fetus, so in the future, mothers are prohibited from using the drug. Even after treatment, you must be careful not to get pregnant within the next three months.
  • Patients who do not have healthy kidneys or liver – if you have any deterioration in these organs, probably the doctor will not recommend the use of this medication.
  • Patients who have moderate lipid exchange – if you have high lipid levels, you should stay away from Roaccutane, as this drug significantly increases the rate of lipids that can compromise the pancreas.
  • Women who are the breastfeeding-their active ingredient, Isotretinoin, can pass into breast milk, which will strongly affect the child’s health.
  • Patients using antibiotics with tetracycline – Combination between Accutane and tetracyclines may cause increased intracranial pressure. So if you use some antibiotic, make sure it contains tetracycline. If so, do not use Roaccutane.
  • Roaccutane is made with soybean oil for patients who are allergic to soybean oil.

Roaccutane and its side effects

The most common side effects are night vision problems, intestinal infections, pruritus or itching, sweating, mild deafness, skin irritation (not related to acne), psychiatric and nervous system disorders (such as depression and seizures), hepatitis, decrease in the number of red blood cells and white blood cells (which cause weakness and leaving the patient more vulnerable to infectious diseases) and inflammation of blood vessels.

Recommendations for Roaccutane Treatment

The person who does the treatment with Roaccutane should not be exposed to the sun and should always use sunscreen with SPF greater than 30. Protective is recommended every two hours or every time you sweat a lot. The product must be free of oils. The use of derma cosmetics is recommended, which substitutes for everyday makeup. Use the contraceptive pill because, during the treatment, you can not get pregnant, or even three months after the treatment; it is not recommended to start a pregnancy since it can cause problems in the fetus’s health.

Do not donate blood. Isotretinoin is a substance that can be transferred into breast milk and the blood. Therefore those who use it are strictly forbidden to donate blood.

 

How long does the treatment last?

A box contains 30 capsules; given that the treatment can have an average length of 6 to 8 months, it can be said that it is a costly treatment. However, the market makes available the generic drug name is Isotretinoin, and the costs can be reduced by half. Nor is it so cheap, but it is an alternative. Because it is generic, it is identical to the original, the only difference being its manufacturing laboratory.

For those who need the medication, the investment is well made because, in most cases, it is shown to be quite effective. You must, however, take into account the results and the secondary effects, do not initiate treatment until you reach a consensus with your dermatologist, and only then start the use of this product.