Accutane, Acne Treatment

The company Roche markets the product Accutane, the commercial name, which is the drug isotetinoin.

Accutane is a very powerful oral acne medication which is closely related to vitamin A. Though, one may think that the association between vitamin A and Accutane is beneficial do not be fooled. This form of drug is a strong synthetic one, it is extremely far removed from the normally benign vitamin that is located in the base structure.

The exact action of this medication is not fully understood yet, but the results are incredible. One study concluded that 95% of acne sufferers noticed partial or complete clearance of acne during treatment, and nearly a year on, 60% of those patients were free from relapse after discontinuing treatment.

It is known that isotretinoin inhibits sebaceous gland functioning, this diminishes oil production in the skin and deters the development of acne. Bodybuilders are drawn to this drug as a combatant against the common androgenic side effect associated with anabolic steroids use, acne.

Accutane has received widespread controversial press following the amount of side effects experienced by users.  The drug has made front-page papers on many occasions; linking the drug with depression, suicide and severe birth defects.  Some evidence exists that proves isotretinoin does have a negative impact on an area of the brain which is known to mediate symptoms of depression, making this drug a very controversial one in medical treatments.

Accutane is not a controlled substance, but is regulated in the U.S very tightly by the FDA. This drug has been labeled with warnings over its potency and prescriptions are not handed out without forewarning: education on the side effects and extensive security on handing out the drug.