Accutane is an oral medication developed for treating nodular acne, and works by lowering the oil produced by the skin thereby preventing acne from spreading. This treatment is usually prescribed as a last resort when other medications have been tried and failed to provide relief. The drug is available in capsule form in 10, 20, 30 & 40 mg. A patient’s dosage will be determined by their doctor.
Every prescription of the drug must be filled seven days following the prescription, and a maximum of 30 days’ supply may be given. Accutane should be taken with a glass of water and must be swallowed, not chewed.
Accutane Cost Information
40 mg of Accutane costs $140.00 a week, but the drug is sold online with varying prices, not including shipping.
Dosage | Quantity | Price Without Insurance |
CVS Pharmacy |
| 10mg | 30 capsules | $191.27 |
| 20mg | 30 capsules | $225.47 |
| 40mg | 30 capsules | $260.63 |
Kmart |
| 10mg | 30 capsules | $213.75 |
| 20mg | 30 capsules | $248.25 |
| 40mg | 30 capsules | $746.00 |
Kroger |
| 10mg | 30 capsules | $214.75 |
| 20mg | 30 capsules | $249.25 |
| 40mg | 30 capsules | $277.15 |
Publix |
| 10mg | 30 capsules | $213.75 |
| 20mg | 30 capsules | $311.00 |
| 40mg | 30 capsules | $405.00 |
Rite Aid |
| 10mg | 30 capsules | $352.00 |
| 20mg | 30 capsules | $583.00 |
| 40mg | 30 capsules | $485.00 |
Target |
| 10mg | 30 capsules | $214.25 |
| 20mg | 30 capsules | $400.00 |
| 40mg | 30 capsules | $452.00 |
Walgreens |
| 10mg | 30 capsules | $205.17 |
| 20mg | 30 capsules | $242.25 |
| 40mg | 30 capsules | $246.21 |
Walmart |
| 10mg | 30 capsules | $194.00 |
| 20mg | 30 capsules | $248.20 |
| 40mg | 30 capsules | $215.20 |
Short-Term Side Effects
Short term side effects include an apparent worsening of acne. However this is only temporary as the body is getting used to the medication. After a few days or weeks acne will be begin to clear up. Some patients have also experienced changes in their blood pressure so regular checkups is necessary.
Blurred vision, nausea, headaches and brief pain behind the eyes are other common short term side effects. A few patients have also reported going through brief crying spells.
For safety reasons, the drug must never be shared with someone else.
Long-Term Side Effects
A patient should seek emergency help if they experience any allergic reactions such as swelling of the throat, lips, face or tongue. Other serious long term effects include numbness and weakness of the body, increased suicidal thoughts and feelings of depression and hallucinations. Accutane can also cause mood swings, aggression and difficulty sleeping. A patient should also get in touch with a doctor if they experience faster heart rate, seizure and stomach pain.
Drug Interactions
Accutane should not be used with prednisone, steroids as well as seizure medications like tetracycline, phenytoin and other antibiotics. Side effects may also manifest or get worse if the patient takes minocycline, doxycycline and demeclocycline. This medication should not be used by anyone who is allergic to parabens, pregnant women or intending to get pregnant. Individuals who wish to take this medication have to inform their doctor if they have a history of mental illness or if any member of their family does. Those with high cholesterol or heart disease must also discuss with their doctors if they can take the medication.
How It Works
Accutane removes acne by working on the molecular level of the skin, reducing the size of the skin’s oil glands by up to 60%, and at the same reducing the oils they produce by nearly 80%. Because the bacteria that causes acne reside in skin oil, their growth and spread is reduced significantly. The active ingredients in Accutane also slow down the production of skin cells within the pores, helping reduce acne. At the same time the ingredients in this drug have anti-inflammatory properties that keep acne from swelling and spreading.
Generic Alternatives
Accutane is available as under the generic name of isotretinoin.
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