Potential dangers of acne relieving drugs such as Accutane, Sotret, Claravis, and Amnesteem

The US Food and Drug Administration (USDA) recently published a consumer update about the common skin problem known as acne. 

Often represented as a teen related skin problem, acne can actually impact people of all ages.  The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has reported about 80 percent of people between the ages of 11 and 30 have outbreaks of the skin disorder at some point.

Jane Liedtka, a medical officer at the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) reports "many see their acne go away by the time they reach their 30s."  However, she pointed out "for some, acne persists into their 40s and 50s."

What Is Acne?

Acne is marked by pimples and other lesions caused by inflammation of skin glands and related hair follicles.  Acne commonly appears on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders.

Acne is not usually a serious health condition but according to Liedtka, who has 15 years of clinical experience treating acne "it can cause significant emotional distress, as well as permanent scarring of skin tissue."

Beware of Acne Related Myths

Liedtka says "there are many misconceptions out there about how acne forms, as well as on how to treat the condition."  All consumers dealing with acne need to do their research.

Acne does not need to be allowed to run its course according to Liedtka who says "the condition can be treated," with appropriate over-the-counter (OTC) as well as prescription drugs prescribed by a dermatologist."

Topical OTC medicines are applied to the skin and come in many forms, including gels, lotions, creams, soaps, and pads. Typical OTC treatments for mild acne include benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, and sulfur.

Caution with Isotretinoin

Patients with severe nodular acne (large, painful, solid lesions lodged deep within the skin) or cysts (deep, painful, pus-filled lesions that can cause scarring) that does not improve with the use of other treatments may be prescribed isotretinoin, which is sold under the brand names Accutane, Sotret, Claravis, and Amnesteem.

Isotretinoin is a vitamin A derivative that is taken orally once or twice a day with food for 15 to 20 weeks. It reduces the size of the oil glands so that less oil is produced.

Although effective, isotretinoin is associated with serious side effects, especially for pregnant women.

According to the medication guides for these products, isotretinoin can cause serious birth defects in the developing fetus of a pregnant woman. It is vital that women of childbearing age are not pregnant and do not get pregnant while they take isotretinoin, or for 30 days after completion of treatment.

Because isotretinoin can cause birth defects, it is only for patients who can understand and agree to carry out all of the instructions in iPLEDGE, a mandatory distribution program intended to prevent the use of the drug during pregnancy due to the high risk of birth defects.

Products containing isotretinoin may cause serious mental health problems in persons taking the drug. Other side effects include dry eyes, mouth, lips, nose, or skin; itching; nosebleeds; muscle aches; sensitivity to the sun; poor night vision; changes in the blood, such as an increase in fats in the blood; and changes in liver function.

It is important to know the dangers of the products and be aware of the side effects so you can report them to your physician if they occur.

Summary

Acne treatments are regulated by FDA under the same provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act covering prescription and non-prescription (or OTC) products.  Therefore it's the responsibility of the FDA to alert consumers to any possible dangers from acne drugs which might incur dangerous side effects.

The FDA's Liedtka says "it is best to read the labels or talk to your health care professional before you use any of these products, so that you know which is right for you, what if any side effects may occur, and when you can expect to see results."

For More Info:  Visit HairBoutique.com for more tips on hair, beauty, skin and related.  For more FDA information visit the FDA website.