What is Accutane?
Accutane, the brand name of a medication called Isotretinoin, is an oral medication used to treat severe acne that does not respond to other treatments. Dr. Schweiger explains that, “Accutane works by a few different mechanisms. It prevents microcomedone formation by regulating skin cells in the hair follicle, it reduces excess sebaceous gland activity and decreases inflammation in the skin.”
Accutane is a great medication, which is very useful for patients who have failed in-office laser treatments and other prescription medications. The most common side effect of Accutane is excessive dryness; most patients notice this dryness to some degree. Most patients take Accutane for six months, with significant improvement generally seen in the third and fourth month.
