A Chemotherapy Treatment For Acne

Acne is one of the many commercially known skin conditions that a lot of people suffer from, especially in their adolescent stage. Because of this, different kinds of treatments have been used to treat acne. Some involve topical bactericidals containing benzoyl peroxide. Some treatments even use phototherapy and lasers. One treatment, however, uses oral retinoids such as isotretinoin - a medication used for the treatment of moderate to severe acne.

Isotretinoin was first developed to be used as a chemotherapy medication for the treatment of brain cancer, pancreatic cancer and more. It is still being used in the treatment of these cancers to this day because of its ability to kill cells that divide too quickly.
Isotretinoin as acne treatment

Isotretinoin is indicated for the treatment of severe cystic acne vulgaris. According to dermatology rancho cucamonga centers, it is also effective for hidradenitis suppurativa and some cases of severe acne rosacea. Also, it is currently being used especially in cases where other acne treatments fail to produce results. Treatment of acne begins with topical medications (e.g. benzoyl peroxide, adapalene, etc), followed by oral antibiotics (or a combination) and finally isotretinoin therapy. This is because other treatments, while less effective than isotretinoin, are thought to be associated with fewer adverse effects and lower cost. The higher cost is due to the medical supervision required in taking a toxic dosage. The cost of the medicine is also a factor (example: taking 5, 10, or even 20 mg daily is far less expensive than taking 80 mg daily).
Restrictions of use
In some countries, particularly in dermatology rancho cucamonga centers, this drug may only be prescribed by, or under the supervision of, a consultant dermatologist. Because severe, cystic acne has the potential to cause permanent scarring over a short period, restrictions on isotretinoin's more immediate availability have proved contentious.
Dosage

The dose of isotretinoin a patient receives is dependent on their weight and the severity of the condition. High dose treatments are administered between 0.5 mg/kg/day to 2 mg/kg/day (usually at 0.5 to 1 mg/kg/day, divided into two doses), for a total treatment of 4-6 months. According to dermatology rancho cucamonga centers, a second course may be used two months following the cessation of the initial course if severe acne recurs. Efficacy appears to be related to the cumulative dose of isotretinoin taken, with a total cumulative dose of 120-150 mg/kg used as a guideline. High dose treatments should only be used as a last resort due to adverse side effects.