Accutane is a strong acne medicine that can clear severe cystic spots when other treatments fail in months with care

The active ingredient is isotretinoin, a vitamin A derivative that shrinks oil glands and reduces skin oil over several months

Typical treatment lasts about four to six months depending on dose and how your skin responds under close doctor supervision

Common side effects include dry lips, flaky skin, nosebleeds, and increased sensitivity to the sun along with occasional muscle aching Before starting, your doctor will order blood tests to check liver function and blood lipids for safety regularly during treatment

Accutane causes severe birth defects, so anyone who can get pregnant must follow strict pregnancy prevention rules and monthly tests

Most programs also require two forms of reliable birth control and a negative test before each prescription for safety monitoring Do not share your pills or take Accutane without a verified prescription from a licensed healthcare provider and regular checkups While on treatment avoid waxing, certain skin procedures, and prolonged sun exposure to lower the risk of complications after discussion

Some medicines and supplements can interact with isotretinoin, so give your prescriber a full list of all drugs and vitamins Mental health changes have been reported by a few patients, so report mood swings, depression, or unusual thoughts right away Simple skin care helps: use a gentle cleanser, heavy moisturizer, and daily sunscreen rated SPF thirty or higher for protection

If acne flares early in treatment, communicate with your doctor before changing dosage or stopping medication abruptly to avoid relapse Alternatives exist when Accutane is unsafe or unwanted, including topical retinoids, antibiotics, hormonal therapy, and light treatments that may help For hormonal acne, spironolactone or combined oral contraceptives often work well under medical supervision and reduce oil over time safely

Avoid high dose vitamin A supplements while taking isotretinoin because excessive vitamin raises toxicity risks to the liver and skin If you consider buying medication online, use licensed pharmacies that require prescriptions and have clear pharmacist contact details and reviews Watch for red flags like no prescription requirement, anonymous payment requests, or fake contact information before trusting a seller online

Talk with a dermatologist to confirm Accutane is the right choice and to discuss monitoring, doses, and expectations before starting Keep a treatment diary noting dates, side effects, and lab results so your doctor can track progress and adjust dosing Many patients see long term skin improvement, but occasional relapse can require a later course or different strategy with followup

If you have a history of liver disease, high cholesterol, inflammatory bowel disease, or certain psychiatric conditions, mention them early Pregnant partners should not handle Accutane capsules if capsules are broken because the drug can be absorbed through the skin Use sun protection, avoid abrasive products, and favor gentle non comedogenic moisturizers during and after treatment for skin healing support Questions about risks, pregnancy rules, safe buying, or alternatives are worth asking your dermatologist before starting treatment and ongoing care