Accutane is a prescription medication that is indicated for the treatment of severe acne. Most doctors will not prescribe Accutane unless the acne has not responded to other less invasive types of treatment. Accutane is reserved, by most doctors, for the treatment of a type of acne known as acne vulgaris. Accutane may also be prescribed for other types of acne that are severe in nature and have not responded to other treatment options.
Interestingly, Accutane wasn’t created to treat acne, it was actually formulated for the treatment of brain cancer and is often used in the treatment of neuroblastoma today. While it is most commonly associated with the treatment of severe acne and other skin issues, it is also used to treat a wide variety of conditions and diseases. Accutane is often used today to treat rosacea as well as hidradentitis suppurativa. Additionally, the medication is used to treat harlequin ichthyosis and is additionally used in the treatment of xeroderma pigmentosum in cases that are associated with kertoses. Accutane may also be helpful in the treatment of fibrodysplasia ossificans progressive either alone or in addition to other medications.
Like all medications that have been approved by the FDA, Accutane has been deemed to be safe and effective, but that does not mean that it is not without its unintended side effects. While some side effects are known, doctors only prescribe the medication when they believe the benefits of the medication outweigh the risks. As with all medications, Accutane may or may not be the most effective drug choice for every patient. Accutane is known to have severe side effects in some individuals, which doctors should discuss before the patient begins treatment.