Isotretinoin
Treatment for severe acne may be prescribed, such as the medication isotretinoin. The recommended duration of this oral medication is 16 to 20 weeks. Despite having adverse effects and needing careful monitoring, it is particularly effective against severe acne. The action of isotretinoin, sometimes referred to by its original brand name Accutane, is to shrink or deactivate the oil gland in acne-prone pores. As a result, it stops the overactive oil glands needed for developing acne.
The use of isotretinoin poses a risk to the developing fetus. Hence it is imperative to avoid pregnancy when using this medication. Therefore, a pregnancy test must be done before the drug, and women must use contraceptive methods before and while taking it. Before, throughout, and after isotretinoin therapy, sexually active women of reproductive age must utilize two methods of contraception. Referrals to a physician or dermatologist registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) monitoring program for the medication are required for those with severe acne who need to use isotretinoin.
