What is Accutane?

Hello Superstars,
   As you have read in my acne story, I am starting my journey on Accutane. I know this is an unfamiliar medication to most of you, but  I am here to explain what the medication is, process of getting on it, and side effects.


*Gents, I'm sorry I can only really give information to the ladies about the process of getting on the acne medication.
   
What is Accutane?
  
 Isotretinoin or Accutane is considered the miracle pill in the acne community. It is used to treat nodular acne, a form of acne that has not be cleared by acne treatments, medications, even antibiotics. Treatments can last anywhere from three months until six, unless there is an allergic reaction.

Process of Getting on Accutane for Girls:

  In May, I had my first visit with a new dermatologist. While listing off several of the top medications I had been on, my dermatologist stopped me. First, asking who my previous doctor was. Then, asking if I ever heard of Accutane. I nodded my head as images of the commercials I saw on T.V. of lawsuits filed against the medication brand popped into my mind. After a long explanation of the pill, I was confident that the medication would not harm me too severely  but give me close to flawless skin.
  That day I started my process. I received my first pregnancy test. Pregnancy test are an very important factor in this medication. Accutane causes severe birth defects that sometimes end in miscarriages or abortions. To protect patients and the medication's company, female Accutane patients must go through a long process called iPLEDGE. Which is pledging not to get pregnant.
  I sat through a five minute video that turned into Sex Ed, giving another "talk" from my dermatologist and nurse, and was then told that I could not get the prescription that day. I had to come back in a month for my follow up appointment which would involve another pregnancy test. So, ladies you have to have two negative pregnancy test before your doctor would even prescribe you the medication.

  During my second visit, I had to take three other test which I would get monthly to check my liver and kidney function, cholesterol, and triglyceride ( a type of fatty acid found in the blood), all of which can raise through your course. Then, your blood goes through the medical process of getting tested. If everything comes out fine, you are given the okay to complete the iPLEDGE comprehension questions, and can get your prescription filled.

iPLEDGE

  iPLEDGE is a program designed to make sure women DO NOT get pregnant during their course of Accutane. To make sure of this you must have two valid forms of birth control: a primary and secondary. For me my primary source is abstinence and secondary form is birth control pills.
  You would be given "The iPLEDGE Program Isotretinoin Educational Kit for Female Patients Who Can Get Pregnant" workbook. Also, you would have to complete online iPLEDGE questions to make sure you are staying true to your pledge. In my opinion, the questions are a waste of time for me since I have no plans of doing any type of baby making. But I have to follow the rules.
  Once you have completed the questions for the month ( Yes, you have questions monthly along with monthly dermatologist visits), you are given a seven day window to pick up your prescription.

Side Effects

Although I am new user of Accutane, I already dread the side effects. 

Here is a list from rxlist.com.

• depressed mood, trouble concentrating, sleep problems, crying spells, aggression or agitation, changes in behavior, hallucinations, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;
• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
• blurred vision, sudden and severe headache or pain behind your eyes, sometimes with vomiting;
• hearing problems, hearing loss, or ringing in your ears;
• seizure (convulsions);
• severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate;
• loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• severe diarrhea, rectal bleeding, black, bloody, or tarry stools;
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, purple spots under your skin, easy bruising or bleeding;
• severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or
• joint stiffness, bone pain or fracture.

Less serious side effects (although most common) may include:

• joint pain, back pain;
• feeling dizzy, drowsy, or nervous;
• dryness of the lips, mouth, nose, or skin; or
• cracking or peeling skin, itching, rash, changes in your fingernails or toenails.

The side effect that was not on the list I am most terrified of experiencing is hair loss or hair thinning. Not all patients experience, but from the online forums I think it is quite common. Hopefully, I won't find more loose strands collecting on my bathroom floor.

Diet

  I feel that it is important to have a healthy, but simple diet while on Accutane. To keep your cholesterol levels down, avoid a lot of greasy fast food and anything high in sodium. But it is all right to treat yourself every now and then to your favorite comfort food. Also, do not have too many foods in a day with Vitamin A. Accutane is drug rich in Vitamin A, and you do not want to overdose on too much of the vitamin. And if you are of age to drink (21 in the U.S.), please do not go buck wild. Accutane is already harsh enough on the liver. Do you really want to risk your health over a shot of tequila? Mainly, just remember to drink PLENTY of water because your body is being stripped of all its oils and fluids.

  I hope this gives a little incite of the drug. Remember, I am only a high school student, and does not have any certification or medical school experience. This is only my knowledge from hours of research and listening to my dermatologist.

                                                                            Thanks for Listening Superstars,

                                                                                         Sarah E.