Why do doctors not want to prescribe Accutane?

As with any drug, isotretinoin comes with risks: birth defects, depression and irritable bowel syndrome, in addition to more common side effects like severe skin and lip dryness. Because of this, the current process to fill a prescription is tricky and labor-intensive.

Do all dermatologists offer Accutane?

What are the requirements for taking Accutane? A dermatologist will only prescribe isotretinoin after all other methods of acne treatment fail.

Why is Accutane so serious?

The more serious, severe side effects of isotretinoin include birth defects, mental health problems, and stomach issues. Birth defects are among the most serious side effects of Accutane. Taking isotretinoin during pregnancy may also result in miscarriage, premature birth, and infant death.

Can a normal doctor prescribe Accutane?

Am Fam Physician. 2016 Sep 1;94(5):342-344. Family physicians are no strangers to prescribing medications with risks (e.g., anticoagulants, opioids, hypoglycemic agents).

Is Accutane a good idea?

Isotretinoin (Accutane) is generally very effective in helping prevent extensive scarring in patients with severe acne. After 16 to 20 weeks of treatment, their acne is completely (or nearly completely) one in most (up to 90\%) of cases.

Can acne come back after Accutane?

In some cases hormonal acne does not even respond well to treatment with Isotretinoin (Isotretinoin/Accutane). Hormonal acne is more likely to come back after a course of Roaccutane (Accutane) has successfully cleared it.

Can a regular doctor prescribe Accutane?

Yes, they can and routinely do so. There is an exception. In order to prescribe Accutane (isotretinoin) special education and certification is needed. This is true for family physicians and dermatologists.

Why you should never take Accutane?

Accutane can cause severe, life-threatening birth defects. Never use Accutane if you are pregnant. Women of child-bearing potential must agree in writing to use two specific forms of birth control and have regular pregnancy tests before, during, and after taking isotretinoin. Accutane is available only under a special program called iPLEDGE.

What do you need to know about Accutane?

Accutane is a form of vitamin A. It reduces the amount of oil released by oil glands in your skin, and helps your skin renew itself more quickly. Accutane is used to treat severe nodular acne. It is usually given after other acne medicines or antibiotics have been tried without successful treatment of symptoms.

How long does Accutane take to work?

Accutane will usually start to work within the first 1-2 months, but some patients will actually worsen during this initial phase, and this is normal too. Each patient will have a different experience, and very few patients are still breaking out towards the end of their treatment.

How effective is Accutane?

Accutane has become one of the most effective treatments available for patients with severe or cystic acne, successful even for patients whose acne has not responded to other treatments. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, isotretinoin is considered the most effective prescription treatment available for severe acne.