How long does Accutane take to work?

What is Accutane?

Accutane is a prescription medication you’ll need to get from a dermatologist.  The medication can help reduce and eliminate acne that is severe—the issue is the risks are there for causing other health problems.  The drug was created from a high level form of vitamin A.  This comes in a cream, but the drug itself is used in capsule form for severe systemic acne or also called, cystic acne.

Taking the drug is a commitment for a few months, but some people might not be able to handle the side effects as they could become severe. Accutane is off the market as of 2009, the similar version, or generic medication is called, Isotretinoin capsules (Roaccutane).

If you have mild acne, you can always try the prescription however there are risks and you might be able to use an OTC method to reduce and rid of acne breakouts. Those that have cystic acne (also called, nodular acne or conglobata acne) might need a heavier option, like taking oral prescription, Accutane. Boosting your immune system is a healthier option, along with OTC sprays, gels, creams, and other products.

Usually, your dermatologist will provide prescriptions first, and then uses Accutane a harsher medication that can attack cystic acne.

Oral and topical dermatological medications used as first line treatment for acne:

• Benzoyl peroxide gels and creams
• Clindamycin creams, or orally
• Tetracycline orally
• Minocycline orally

If these oral antibiotics don’t help the patient with severe, cystic acne, then Isotretioin should be tried, the capsules form.  The drug also comes in cream form.  Because acne can cause social issues and psychological distress and severe scarring, various medications are tried to help eliminate acne that is severe for some people.

Potential side effects of Accutane or generic Isotretinoin:

Are the risks worth the benefits?  This depends on how severe your acne is.  Typically, it is only used on dermatology patients who have severe, cystic acne.  Also, you should be aware there is a laundry list of side effects and have been many lawsuits over the years due to the severity of them.  The drug is a rather harsh oral acne medication and should be used with caution. 

Any side effects should be immediately reported to your pharmacy and doctor.  You may want to immediately stop taking the medication, and should never take this kind of acne medication if you are planning on becoming pregnant, are already pregnant, have already been diagnosed with a mental health condition or disorder, or already have GI or immune health conditions or autoimmune conditions, muscle or joint problems, a current back condition or old back injury or chronic throat conditions.

Mild side effects of Accutane:

While these are mild, they could be a precursor side effect to something more severe mentioned below.

• Back pain, muscle or joint pains
• Dry mouth
• Sore throat
• Rashes and itching
• Dry eyes
• Dry nose
• Dry lip and chin area

Severe side effects of Accutane, you should immediately report to your doctor and get to an emergency room:

• Allergic reaction: anaphylaxis
• Can develop GI inflammatory conditions such as gastritis and pancreatitis (severe stomach pain and nausea with or without vomiting; also GI bleeding)
• High blood pressure; brain blood pressure issues
• Cause miscarriages and a variety of birth defects (even when used for a short period of time)
• Bruising or bleeding easily (could be blood clotting issue; dark urine)
• Begin to get many different infections

• Feeling very weak and dizzy
• Become violent or very anxious easily; can lead to psychosis
• Cause severe depression or suicidal thoughts
• Liver issues create skin and whites of eyes to turn yellow
• Kidney issues: difficulty urinating; tiredness
• General vision problems, especially at night; these can be sudden problems
• Severe headache that will not go away with OTC headache or migraine medications

How long does acne medication Accutane take to work?

Nothing is instant fix when it comes to your skin.  You really need to understand the reasons behind why you are getting acne or other kinds of breakouts.  When you go the prescription medication route, and choose to take the generic form of Accutane to address your acne, be sure to understand that Isotretinoin usually is prescribed for several months.  The typical amount of time is, four or five months.

The acne starts to improve in a few weeks—one to two months. The majority of folks see permanent reduction of acne. 

Ways around side effects of Accutane:

• Only take it for a short period of time
• Immune system supplements: Zinc, Zinc-carnosine, vitamin C, vitamin B, vitamin D, iron
• You may not want to take it at all, due to the nature of the harsh and variety of severe side effects
• IV vitamin C and B therapy (can improve immune system health while being treated with the medication; kind of a comparison to cancer patients who need chemotherapy and radiation to knock out different kinds of cancer)

What the NIH says about the Isotretinoin Capsules for treatment of severe acne

Most patients will be free of acne within four to six months of treatment. Doctors should be monitoring liver function, pancreas function, show a negative pregnancy test before using, and there are different doses for people who already have GI diseases, kidney issues, immune system issues, diabetes, spinal and back conditions and more. 

Doctors must explain to patients the risks and benefits and how that patient’s current medical conditions or diseases come into play—if this medication is the last resort for their cystic acne issues.  Sometimes prednisone (steroid) is given to improve inflammatory side effects of the drug.

HOCL Revitalizing Mist, a less harsh prevention or treatment

If you have tried the generic of Accutane for your acne, and side effects are too bothersome or you didn’t get the desired effect of completely ridding of your cystic acne—consider our mist.  It is safe, effective and can be used liberally on your face and body.  It can help prevent breakouts because it targets bacteria on the face and doesn’t have any side effects. 

You should still wash your face with an OTC or prescription product such as a bar or liquid soap, or skin improving cleanser to rid of excess oils and debris on your face that leads to blackheads, pimples and acne. Make sure to use make up products and other skin care creams that don’t use a ton of chemicals and take a more natural approach to skin—so your skin stays healthier while adding color to your eyelids, cheeks, lips and foundations you might use on your entire face and neck, and jaw line areas.