Accutane is a very effective treatment that we reserve for the most severe acne. Accutane was approved by the FDA in 1978, and over its 35-year history, the drug has proven to be an effective, safe treatment for acne. The Apex Dermatology Group has treated thousands of patients with Accutane. The medication is a purified form of vitamin A, related to retinol. It works by finding the vitamin A receptors in skin, decreasing the size of oil glands and stopping production of the abnormal sticky cells that plug follicles.

Accutane has only one serious, irreversible side effect, and that occurs only in pregnant women: It has a high risk of causing birth defects when taken during pregnancy. Therefore, we administer two pregnancy tests before prescribing the medication, and require patients to use two forms of birth control until 30 days after finishing the medication. There are no long-term effects on either fertility or fetal health; the only risk is to babies whose mothers took the drug during pregnancy. Women can safely become pregnant 30 days after their last pill. Accutane can have minor side effects, which we’ll discuss with you at your appointment. The most common ones are dry eyes and dry skin; these are treatable and generally improve as you keep taking the medication.