Roaccutane acne treatment is one of the few clinically proven oral treatments for acne and is highly effective, producing incredible results.
Dr Simon Zokaie empathises with how acne can make you feel physically and emotionally and he wants patients to fully understand the benefits and downsides of the controversial drug when considering taking it.
- How does it work?
Roaccutane is an anti inflammatory drug that attacks the sebaceous glands in the skin and reduces their oil production. It also reduces acne causing bacteria. The combined effect of the above along with reduced inflammation helps prevent flare ups. - What is it made of?
The drug gets its power from a natural source, Vitamin A.
It can only be prescribed by specialist dermatologists and used in severe cases when other options have been exhausted. - Impressive results
It is an extreme treatment, but it’s highly effective. It has an approximately 80% success rate when taken for 4-5 months. - How is the dose calculated and how long is the course?
Doses of Roaccutane vary from patient to patient as they are based on body weight (guidelines recommend starting on 0.5mg per kg).
Your doctor will calculate an accumulative target dose based on your weight and the severity of your acne and once that is hit the course is completed. This can take 8-10 months or possibly longer if the patient cannot tolerate the higher dosage. - It’s not for all acne
Pimples, nodules (solid, painful lumps beneath the skin), cysts (pus filled lumps under the skin) and scarring all need to be present before you can start the treatment. - It’s not for everyone
Roaccutane cannot be prescribed to anyone who is pregnant as it can cause serious harm to a developing foetus. So regardless of whether you’re sexually active or not your doctor will require you to start taking contraception and do a pregnancy test at each appointment.
People who are breastfeeding or have impaired liver function will also be unable to take the drug.
Caution must be exercised for anyone with diabetes, depression or impaired kidney function. - Side effects: Skin
As the drug works by aggressively attacking your oil production it can upset other parts of the skin.
Symptoms include cracked lips, dermatitis, very dry skin, scaly skin, fragile skin, itching and red rashes. - Side effects: Mood
There have been reports of psychiatric disorders, including very low moods and depression associated with taking Roaccutane. - Frequent doctors appointments
Due to the possible extremity of the side effects, your doctor will want to keep an eye on you. Both your physical, biochemical and psychological wellbeing will need to be closely monitored. - Sun sensitivity
The treatment makes your skin extremely photosensitive, meaning you will be much more likely to burn. You should wear an SPF every day as UV rays are present even when the sun isn’t shining.
