Accutane is the brand name for the drug Isotretinoin. It is taken in pill form and has been widely available since 1983 with a prescription from a Dermatologist. Its purpose is to regulate, control and reduce excess sebum production from the sebaceous glands.

Accutane isn’t cheap. The medication costs anywhere from $500 to $600 for a standard course of treatment which is about 16 weeks. Most drug plans cover the costs - though they will usually place some limits on coverage.

Taking this medication is generally safe under strict doctors care, however, there are many risks to consider prior to taking Accutane that one needs to be aware of. Cost not withstanding, the potential harmful side effects can be devastating.

Here are some of the possible side effects associated with taking Accutane or any form of Isotretinoin:

* Bleeding and inflammed gums, nose and lips

* Women are advised to not take this drug while pregnant given strong evidence of causing birth defects.

* Depressed behavior and suicidal thoughts

* Aches and pain

* People should be monitored closely for possible liver or kidney damage

* Dry skin and sensitivity to the sun

It is recommended that not everyone should be treated using Accutane since it’s such a strong medication with some serious side effects. While those with severe nodular acne have been helped by this drug not everyone should be on this type of treatment. You should speak with a Dermatologist if you have any confusion over the severity of your acne and if you have been unsuccessful treating your acne using other treatment methods.

Although the risks are higher taking any kind of medication to treat acne, it doesn’t keep people who are suffering with serious acne from trying Accutane. As for other’s, the side effects are too severe to handle and have them looking for alternative means to treating their acne.

Holistic approaches to acne treatment have proved successful in many patients and provide some patients with better alternatives to harsh medications without all the side effects. These treatments include, dietary changes, ayurvedic remedies, herbal remedies and vitamin supplementation. There are also products on the market that claim they are natural alternatives to Isotretinoin such as Vilantae. It should be known that even herbal or natural alternatives to medication can cause some unwanted side effects so make sure you do your homework.

Finding an acne treatment that works on your type of skin condition can be extremely difficult. Acne medications are not right for everyone. There can be side effects and adverse reactions and some medications can make your acne worse. There are natural and alternative options available to treat acne if you are worried about using strong medications. Educating yourself and finding out what causes your acne will help you develop the right treatment plan for you.