If you suffer or have suffered at some point in your life from pimples, have you ever heard of Roacutan®? One of the trade names of the active ingredient Isotretinoin. This is because the drug is generally considered the most effective acne treatment.
But, it is noteworthy, the use of Isotretinoin is indicated only in severe cases of acne, and requires medical monitoring, as well as patient dedication, so that the treatment offers really positive results.
Below you will find all the information about Roacutan treatment and you can answer your questions.
What is Roacutan? What are your indications?
Roacutan is the trade name of the medicine whose active ingredient is Isotretinoin. It is manufactured by the Roche laboratory.
"Isotretinoin is a vitamin A-derived medicinal substance most commonly used to treat severe acne, but it can also be used to treat other skin conditions," explains Elisabete Dobao, a postgraduate dermatologist, professor of dermatology. Santa Casa de Misericórdia, Rio de Janeiro and member of the European Academy of Dermatology.
Isotretinoin is very indicated in severe cases of acne, especially when there is formation of nodules, cysts and abscesses. However, in some cases of moderate acne that does not respond to other treatments, the use of Roacutan may be indicated.
Elisabete Dobao explains that Isotretinoin may be indicated for both sexes, including adolescents, with an intimate age to be evaluated by the attending physician. The decision to use Isotretinoin should always be taken together with the dermatologist and the patient's family members when the patient is under age.
How does isotretinoin work against acne?
Elisabete Dobao explains that Isotretinoin acts basically by reasonably reducing the size of the sebaceous glands and more strongly the amount of oil they produce. "As acne bacteria live in this oily secretion, their numbers also greatly decrease," he says.
"The drug also slows the production of skin cells inside the pore, making them unobstructed, and has anti-inflammatory properties," says the doctor.
Side Effects of Treatment
"The main and most feared side effect is teratogenicity (defects in the embryo), so the ban on getting pregnant during and after some time of treatment," says Elisabete Dobao.
Also according to the doctor, the most common side effects are:
- skin dryness;
- dryness of the eyes;
- dryness of the lips;
- hair loss;
- nose bleed;
- bleeding gums.
Also among the possible side effects, according to doctor Elisabete:
- headaches;
- muscle aches;
- increased liver enzymes and blood lipids;
- depression, among others.
How to deal with side effects?
Elisabete Dobao points out some measures that help people cope with the side effects of Isotretinoin:
- Use of well-established and 100% reliable contraceptive method;
- Use of body hydration, lip and ophthalmic;
- Use of sunscreen.
"All other symptoms will be carefully evaluated by the doctor to define their degree of importance and the need for discontinuation of treatment," says the dermatologist.
Care during Roacutan treatment
Elisabete Dobao points out that, in the case of women, the main precautions are: having a well-established and 100% effective contraceptive method, as well as monthly serological tests to diagnose a possible pregnancy.
Also according to dermatologist Elisabete, for both women and men, it is essential to control blood tests to evaluate lipid rates, liver tests and blood count, within the period indicated by the doctor who accompanies the treatment.
"It is also very important to use body moisturizers, lip, eye drops, sun protection and abstinence from alcoholic beverages," adds the doctor.
Isotretinoin contraindications
Elisabete Dobao explains that the use of Roacutan / Isotretinoin is absolutely contraindicated in women wishing to become pregnant or not using 100% effective contraceptive methods.
"It is also contraindicated for patients whose complementary exams indicate an inadequacy to the medication", adds the doctor.
Testimonials from those who have been treated with Roacutan
Stephanie Noelle, 24, a journalist and blogger for Chez Noelle, had her Roacutan treatment in 2012 for 5 months.“That's because I have a salicylic acid allergy and couldn't do any more potent treatment with acne-specific creams, so my dermatologist suggested the drug. I used antibiotics too, but had reactions? So I took Roacutan when I was 22?
For Stephanie, the results were very positive. ? Today, it is very difficult to show pimple on my face, and the texture of the skin has also improved a lot?
Regarding side effects, the journalist says that she had skin dryness as a whole. "Hair, lips, body, everything went very dry and I had to use many products to relieve the feeling of dryness," he says.
“The liver is also very overloaded, so you couldn't eat fatter things or fried foods at all times. And when I ate, I sometimes felt sick. But I was very responsible, I did everything the doctor said: I didn't drink, I didn't leave the house without sunscreen, and it really hydrated my body and my face a lot, ”says Stephanie.
In the video below, Ana, from vanite101 Youtube channel, reports why she started taking Roacutan and her initial experiences with the drug:
Below, Niina Secrets blogger Nina talks about her experience with Roacutan:
Can acne come back after treatment?
This is a very common question among people who are about to start Isotretinoin treatment.
Elisabete Dobao explains that there may be a relapse (recurrence of a disease or symptom) in up to 30% of cases? and with a higher rate in women who have acne due to some untreated hormonal problem.
Roacutan x Generic
Another common question concerns the purchase of generic Roacutan medicines. Are they really effective?
Elisabete Dobao explains that Roacutan is the reference medication, that is, all generic should normally be compared to it. "But being a generic medication from a reputable laboratory, with concern for quality, there is no problem in choosing it," he says.
The price of Roacutan (20 mg), with 30 capsules, can reach up to 180 reais, depending on the pharmacy where it is purchased. Generics, on the other hand, can be a little more affordable? (somewhere around 100 reais).
When in doubt about what type of medicine to buy (original or generic), it is best to talk to your doctor who will advise you on the best choice.
Now you have good information about Roacutan. Remember that this is a very potent medicine, therefore, indicated only in severe cases of acne. Its use should always be indicated by a dermatologist who should also follow all treatment, giving all the necessary information so that the results are, in fact, positive.
Finally, it is worth noting that the success of the treatment also depends on the patient's dedication to follow the instructions given by his doctor.
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