Roaccutane pills are one of the most effective treatments for severe and chronic acne that does not respond to traditional treatments. Doctors resort to them in cases that affect the patient’s psychology and general appearance. They work to reduce the secretion of fat inside the skin, which helps reduce the appearance of pimples and inflammation. They also show impressive results within a relatively short period, and despite their great benefits, they require careful medical supervision because of their effect on the body. In the following lines with Al Mousa Specialist Hospital, we will review the most important information about Roaccutane pills, their uses, benefits, and the most important precautions.

What are Roaccutane pills?

Roaccutane pills are a trade name for an active substance known as Isotretinoin, which is a derivative of Vitamin A, and is primarily used to treat severe or stubborn acne that does not respond to topical treatments or antibiotics.

Roaccutane pills work to reduce the activity of the sebaceous glands in the skin and thus reduce the secretion of oils, which contributes to reducing the formation of pimples and inflammation. They also help reduce the size of pores and purify the skin from the inside. Most of the time, Roaccutane pills are used under strict medical supervision due to their potential side effects on the liver, skin, and mental health. Their use is completely prohibited during pregnancy due to their danger to the fetus. In short, Roaccutane is a strong and effective treatment for chronic acne, but it requires careful monitoring and adherence to medical instructions.

What are the uses of Roaccutane pills?

The uses of Roaccutane pills are numerous, but they are mainly focused on treating skin problems related to increased activity of the sebaceous glands and the appearance of acne. The following are their most prominent uses:

• Treatment of severe and chronic acne: Roaccutane pills are used to treat cases of nodular, cystic, or inflamed acne that does not respond to topical treatments or antibiotics. They help reduce the secretion of oils in the skin and prevent clogged pores.

• Treating recurrent pimples and skin scars. It is useful in cases that suffer from recurrence of pimples or leave permanent marks and scars on the skin.
• Reducing the secretion of excess sebum in the skin, which is beneficial for people who suffer from very oily skin that leads to recurring skin problems.
• Preventing skin infections resulting from clogged pores, as it helps open the pores, clean them from the inside, and reduces inflammation.
• Roaccutane pills are sometimes used in other rare skin conditions, such as some types of rosacea or skin diseases associated with inflammation of the sebaceous glands, but always under specialized medical supervision.

However, it should be noted that Roaccutane is only used with a medical prescription and after careful examinations because it is a strong drug and has important side effects that must be monitored regularly by a specialist doctor.

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What are the contraindications for Roaccutane pills?

Contraindications for the use of Roaccutane pills are very important and must be known well before starting treatment, as the drug is a powerful drug that requires careful medical supervision. The following are the most prominent cases in which the use of Roaccutane is prohibited:

• The use of Roaccutane is strictly prohibited during pregnancy because it may cause severe birth defects in the fetus. Women must also adhere to using two methods of contraception at least one month before, during, and after the start of treatment.
• The drug is transmitted through breast milk, which may affect the infant, so it is prohibited during breastfeeding.
• Hypersensitivity to any of the components of the drug. You must immediately stop using Roaccutane if allergic symptoms such as skin rash, itching, or shortness of breath appear.
• It is prohibited to use Roaccutane pills if there are problems with liver function because it may increase liver damage or affect liver enzymes.
• Roaccutane may increase the level of triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood, so its use is contraindicated if there is a pre-existing uncontrolled increase.
• It is contraindicated in cases of severe depression, suicidal thoughts, or unstable mental disorders because it may increase psychological symptoms in some patients.
• Do not use any products containing vitamin A while taking Roaccutane as this may lead to excess toxicity.

How to use Roaccutane pills

How to use Roaccutane pills requires precision and carefully following the doctor’s instructions to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment and avoid side effects. Here is how to use it in detail:

• The doctor determines the dose based on the patient’s weight and acne condition. Most often, the daily dose is between 0.5 to 1 mg per kilogram of body weight, and in some severe cases the dose may reach 2 mg per kilogram.
• The pills should be taken with a meal that contains fats, because fatty food helps absorb the medicine better. Roaccutane is taken once or twice a day according to the doctor’s instructions. It is best to swallow the capsule whole without chewing or crushing it with a sufficient amount of water.
• The treatment period usually ranges between 4 to 6 months. In some severe cases, the period may be extended or another treatment course may be repeated after a short pause. In most cases, results begin to appear within the first two months.
• Regular tests should be performed during treatment, including liver function, lipid and cholesterol levels, monthly pregnancy tests for women, and review of psychological or skin symptoms if they appear.
• For women, two methods of contraception must be used, one month before the start of treatment, throughout the treatment period, and one month after it. Pregnancy is completely prohibited during treatment because it may cause serious birth defects.
• It is not permissible to stop the medication suddenly without consulting a doctor. It is not recommended to use any topical treatments that irritate the skin during the treatment period without medical supervision. Direct exposure to sunlight for long periods should be avoided and sunscreen should be worn.

What are the side effects of Roaccutane pills?

The side effects of Roaccutane pills may be multiple and vary in severity from one person to another, due to it containing the powerful substance isotretinoin, which affects the skin, sebaceous glands, and the nervous and immune systems.

Common side effects

They occur often in most users, but are not serious:

• Dry skin, especially on the face, lips and hands.
• Noticeably chapped lips.
• Dry nose, which may be accompanied by minor bleeding.
• Redness and peeling of the skin, especially in the first weeks.
• Excessive sensitivity to sunlight.
• Joint or muscle pain, especially with high doses.
• Mild headache.

Less common side effects

It appears in some people and needs to be monitored:

• Mood changes such as depression or anxiety.
• Blurred night vision.
• High levels of cholesterol or triglycerides in the blood.
• Temporary hair loss.
• Stomach pain or digestive disorders.
• Skin or bacterial infections resulting from severe dry skin.

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Serious side effects are rare

Requires stopping the medication immediately and consulting a doctor:

• Severe psychological disorders such as suicidal thoughts.
• Liver problems such as high liver enzymes.
• Pancreatitis.
• Severe allergic reactions such as a widespread rash or facial swelling.
• Hearing or vision problems.
• Defect in the production of white or red blood cells.

It is worth noting that not all side effects appear in all users, and many of them can be lived with or mitigated with moisturizing products and careful medical follow-up. It is advised not to use Roaccutane without a prescription or supervision from a specialist doctor.

Frequently asked questions 

What do roaccutane pills do for the face?

Roaccutane pills work to treat severe and chronic acne that does not respond to traditional treatments. They reduce the size and number of sebaceous glands in the skin and limit the production of oils, which helps in reducing clogged pores and the growth of bacteria. They also contribute to reducing inflammation and significantly improving the appearance of the skin in the long term. They also work to prevent the formation of scars resulting from chronic acne.

When do the results of Roaccutane pills appear?

The results of Roaccutane pills usually begin to appear 4 to 6 weeks after the start of treatment, but the ideal and final result may take 4 to 6 months depending on the body’s response and the dose of the drug. It is normal for the pills to increase at the beginning of use before they begin to improve. This does not mean treatment failure, but rather is part of the mechanism of Roaccutane’s action.

What is the prohibited food with Roaccutane?

While using Roaccutane pills, it is recommended to avoid foods rich in saturated and fried fats because they may raise blood fat levels and increase the burden on the liver. You should also refrain from taking vitamin A supplements or foods that contain it in high quantities, such as liver, to avoid the risk of vitamin poisoning. It is preferable to stay away from excess sugars and spicy or salty foods that may increase skin dryness or irritation. It is recommended to eat healthy balanced meals and drink sufficient amounts of water to keep the body and skin hydrated during the period.

If you choose to use Roaccutane pills, book your appointment now at the Dermatology and Cosmetic Clinic at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital with an elite group of dermatologists. Your health begins with one step, so do not hesitate and seek help from our specialized team.

المصادر:

Isotretinoin capsules (Roaccutane) – nhs

Accutane – drugs