Question 1

how does isotretinoin work ?

Accepted Answer

: Isoretinoin reduces the size of the oil producing sebaceous glands ,  leading to deceased production of  sebum (oil)   in the skin . The latter  is a very important factor  causing acne . It  also   decreases  skin  inflammation and  clogging of skin pores,  besides reducing   the concentration of acne causing  bacteria .

Question 2

can i smoke while taking  isotretinoin?

Accepted Answer

Probably not: Smoking itself my exacerbate acne by effecting the microcirculation in the skin, and smoking also increases skin dryness.  Accutane itself can cause problems with excessive skin dryness, particularly on the face and lips, and smoking may make this worse. There is no evidence of any particular interactions between Accutane and smoking, however.  There are many reasons to stop smoking - please try.

Question 3

what is the use of topical isotretinoin?

Accepted Answer

Acne treatment: Apply this preparation once or twice a day.
 It may take 4-6 weeks before you notice an improvement in your skin.
 Your skin may become more sensitive to sunlight than usual. Avoid strong sunlight and do not use sunbeds.
 If you are a woman, you must avoid getting pregnant. Ask your doctor about suitable contraception.

Question 4

does isotretinoin cause you to gain weight ?

Accepted Answer

Weight gain: Not listed as side effect HOWEVER elevation of serum glucose may occur with isotretinoin and that may contribute to weight gain. Consult with prescribing physician. Thanks for trusting HealthTap!

Question 5

does isotretinoin affect the effectiveness of levonorgetrel pills?

Accepted Answer

NO: It does not in terms of the pills contraceptive ability.  That type of pill does help with acne in many patients, and will have an additive effect with the isotretinoin.

Question 6

for how many days does isotretinoin remain in body after it is stopped?

Accepted Answer

Only a few: Every day without it the amount in the body drops by 1/2. So after a week less than 1% remains. The chapped lips and other side effects are gone by then.

Question 7

is topical isotretinoin safe and what is the difference between it and oral drugs ?

Accepted Answer

Tretinoin: The topical I'm familiar with is tretinoin, a relative of oral isotretinoin. Main side effects are dryness, redness, irritation, sun sensitivity. All of these can usually be managed with dose or strength changes, moisturizers and sunblock.

Question 8

how common does ed happen for those that take isotretinoin? does the benefit outweighs the risk of ed?

Accepted Answer

: In 40 years of prescribing isotretinoin, I have never seen a single case of erectile dysfunction as a result of taking it.  While there are rare reports in the literature of it happening, I would do a workup looking for other (more common) causes rather than automatically blame the isotretinoin.  Even if it did cause temporary ED, it is a small price to pay if you have severe scarring cystic acne.

Question 9

what is the efficacy of roaccutane (isotretinoin)?

Accepted Answer

Roaccutane: "Treating severe acne in patients who do not respond to other medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. Isotretinoin is a retinoid. It works by reducing skin oil production, changing the characteristics of the skin oil, and preventing abnormal hardening of the skin."  See: http://www.drugs.com/cdi/isotretinoin.html

Question 10

do isotretinoin reduces the size of sabecious glands permanently?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily: Not necessarily. Furthermore, roche pharmaceuticals stopped manufacturing Accutane (aka isotretinoin) in 2009. The official reason was that roche's patent had run out. A number of generic equals are still available. However, many who have used the drug have reported harmful side effects (depression, bowel disease), and the drug is a known teratogen (can cause harm to the fetus) in pregnant women.

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Isotretinoin elimination

A member asked:

How does isotretinoin work ?

A member asked:

Can i smoke while taking isotretinoin?

A member asked:

What is the use of topical isotretinoin?

A member asked:

Does isotretinoin cause you to gain weight ?

A member asked:

Does isotretinoin affect the effectiveness of levonorgetrel pills?

A member asked:

For how many days does isotretinoin remain in body after it is stopped?

A member asked:

Is topical isotretinoin safe and what is the difference between it and oral drugs ?

A member asked:

How common does ed happen for those that take isotretinoin? does the benefit outweighs the risk of ed?

A member asked:

What is the efficacy of roaccutane (isotretinoin)?

A member asked:

Do isotretinoin reduces the size of sabecious glands permanently?

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