{"id":7811,"date":"2022-06-09T18:24:50","date_gmt":"2022-06-09T18:24:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/neurvanahealth.com\/?p=7811"},"modified":"2024-09-16T17:14:36","modified_gmt":"2024-09-16T17:14:36","slug":"alternatives-to-accutane-for-severe-acne-care","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/neurvanahealth.com\/blog\/alternatives-to-accutane-for-severe-acne-care\/","title":{"rendered":"Alternatives to Accutane for Severe Acne Care"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When you have acne, your medicine cabinet tends to overflow with topical ointments, Instagram-endorsed elixirs, and an assortment of antibiotic medications. At times it feels like you\u2019d try just about anything<\/em> to get rid of stubborn whiteheads or inflamed blackheads for good. But Accutane? Those side effects seem a bit too harsh, even for severe acne treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The truth is, Accutane side effects are<\/strong> incredibly harsh \u2014 to the point that some patients must enroll in a risk evaluation and safety program before they can receive their first dose. Before taking your chances with the potential life-threatening risks of Accutane, take a look at safer alternatives that can help identify and solve the true source of your acne once and for all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Accutane, and Why is It So Harsh?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Accutane is the brand name for the drug isotretinoin<\/strong>, a vitamin A derivative related to retinol and other retinoids used in skincare. It targets oil production, clogged pores, bacteria, and inflammation to treat severe acne that hasn\u2019t responded to other treatments, such as antibiotics. Isotretinoin is also available to purchase under the names Absorica, Amnesteem, Claravis, Myorisan, and Sotret.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since Accutane is a vitamin A derivative, your body will react to the drug much like it would to increased doses of vitamin A. While normal doses of vitamin A found in fresh fruits and vegetables are relatively harmless, higher doses can cause acute toxicity<\/a> of the liver within as little as three months. Side effects of liver toxicity can include vertigo, muscle aches, and alopecia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Vitamin<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Once introduced to the body, Accutane can build up in the bloodstream over time. It can impact your central nervous system (CNS), with potential impacts that range from headaches to increased pressure on the brain, a life-threatening condition. There is a risk of serious mental health problems<\/a>, including depression, psychosis, and suicidal thoughts. Studies have also linked Accutane to inflammatory bowel diseases<\/a> like Crohn\u2019s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Accutane is fetotoxic<\/strong>, which means it can poison or cause degenerative effects in a developing fetus. Patients who experience a monthly period must be on some form of birth control while taking Accutane to avoid pregnancy, as the drug can cause miscarriage, premature birth, and severe birth defects<\/a>. Patients must enroll in the iPLEDGE risk prevention program<\/a> in the U.S. and Pregnancy Prevention Program\u00ae<\/a> in Canada to confirm they are not pregnant to fill an Accutane prescription.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Potential Side Effects of Accutane Treatment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Accutane works to clear acne by reducing the amount of oil released by the oil glands in your skin. As a result, one of the most common side effects of Accutane treatment is incredibly dry skin and lips that may crack and bleed. While this side effect may fade within a few weeks after stopping Accutane, other more harmful side effects may be permanent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Known potential side effects of Accutane treatment<\/a> include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n