Roacután ® is an oral medication used to treat acne. It is estimated that 38% of those who use it solve this problem completely.
Roacután ® is a medication that is used in various parts of the world to treat skin conditions. In particular, It is indicated for cases of polycystic acne.. Although surprising, it is also used in cancer.
The name Roacután ® is commercial and corresponds to the monodrug isotretinoin. In the popular field it is known as strong acne pillsince the drug produces significant side effects.
In general, Roacután ® is prescribed for patients with very severe acne. It is almost always about cases that do not respond to treatment with creams or antibioticsor have scars.
What is Roacután ®?
Roacután ® is a medicine whose creation is attributed to G. Peck, from the National Institute of Health of the United States. It was patented in 1979 and launched on the market 3 years later. In the last 30 years it has become popular.
The active substance is isotretinoin, a derivative of vitamin A. It also contains refined, hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated soybean oil, beeswax, gelatin, glycerol, titanium dioxide and others.
The patent, whose holder was Roche ®, expired in 2002. Since then, many other laboratories market this drug under names such as isotretinoin, Flexresan ®, Isoacné ®, Accutane ® or Dercutane ®.
Mechanism of action
Roacután ® belongs to the family of oral retinoids. They are drugs derived from vitamin A.. Its action reduces sebum production, decreases inflammation in skin lesions and removes keratin plugs.
The decrease in sebaceous secretion has the consequence that the growth of bacteria in the affected areas is also reduced. This is the main cause of severe acne, since it is these microorganisms that proliferate and cause considerable inflammation in the skin.
Roacután ® causes the sebaceous glands to decrease in size, between 35 and 58%. It also slows down the process by which cells form inside the pores.. This prevents its clogging.
How to use
The medicine is marketed in soft capsules of 10 or 20 milligrams.. These are oval, opaque, with a violet tone tending to reddish. Usually each box contains 30 capsules.
It is only available with a prescription.
It is ingested with meals, at the time established by the dermatologist. It should be taken with a glass of water.
The dose varies, depending on the severity of each case. The usual thing is to start with 0.5 to 1 milligram for each kilo of patient weight. This dose can be raised up to 2 milligrams.
The duration is also variable, depending on the state of the problem. As a general rule, it takes between 16 and 24 weeks to take effect. The usual thing is that the results begin to be seen 2 months after starting the consumption.
If the patient misses a dose, it should be taken when noticed. However, if the next dose is already close, it is appropriate that you do not take it.
Doubling the dose is counterproductive. An overdose of Roacután ® is considered an emergency.
Possible side effects of Roacután ®
This is a systemic medication, which means that it not only acts on acne, but is also capable of generating changes throughout the body. One of the problematic aspects is that its active principle is eliminated through the liver.
In some people, this drug increases cholesterol levels and triglycerides. That is why it is very important that before starting treatment, and during it, blood tests are carried out.
Acne may increase during the first week of treatment. Some patients develop depression for the use of the active ingredient. It is more common in those who already have previous symptoms of mood disorders.
Other side effects are as follows:
- Dry skin.
- Vision difficulties.
- Joint pains.
- Severe dryness in the lips.
Contraindications
Roacután ® is not indicated in children nor for the treatment of any form of acne presenting before adolescence. If a person has a serious illness, he must carefully weigh the risks and benefits.
It is prohibited for pregnant women. It is a tetarogenic drug, which means that it has the potential to cause malformations in the fetus. Therefore, women of childbearing age who use it must use a contraceptive method at the same time.
Concomitant use with vitamin A supplements may cause hypervitaminosis A. It also causes adverse effects if used concomitantly with tetracycline, minocycline, sulfonamides, and thiazide diuretics.
Use tips
Given that Roacután ® has various side effects and that these can be annoying and even dangerous, it is indicated to take a series of measures. The following are the precautions to be observed during treatment:
- Apply sunscreen SPF 30 or higherwithout oil, every day.
- Moisturize your lips constantly.
- Always bathe with lukewarm water in the shortest possible time.
- Avoid dermabrasion or laser treatments on the skin.
- Apply a few drops of physiological serum in the nose every day.
- Apply artificial tears and do not wear contact lenses.
- Use 2 contraceptive methods simultaneously to avoid pregnancy.
- Do not drink alcohol.
It must be taken into account that Roacután ® remains in the body for up to 3 months after consumption ends. Therefore, it is convenient to maintain all care during that period.
You might be interested…