Advice and information on Roaccutane treatment

The reference medication prescribed in France has long been Roaccutane, and this name has become part of everyday language. While Roaccutane is no longer available in oral form in France, it is still available as a gel for topical application. Nevertheless, the name is still widely used by the general public to refer to the treatment prescribed for resistant forms of acne. We will therefore refer to it as Roaccutane-type treatment in this article. This name can sometimes be worrying, as it requires strict precautions and rigorous medical monitoring, both of which must be followed.

However, when properly supervised by a healthcare professional, the treatment is generally well tolerated and can bring real relief. Here we take a look at how it works, the possible side effects, and the best practices to adopt in order to confidently undergo this treatment.

What is Roaccutane?

Roaccutane® was the trade name for an oral medication whose active ingredient was isotretinoin, a derivative of vitamin A. Nowadays, identical medications available in France are sold under the trade names Curacné®, Procuta®, and Contracné®. There is also a generic form: Isotretinoin Acnetrait. This type of medication is prescribed to treat severe forms of acne (nodular, acne conglobata, or acne with a risk of permanent scarring), especially when other acne treatments have failed and topical acne creams are no longer effective.

This medication works deeply on several factors responsible for acne, such as excess sebum production and inflammation of the hair follicles.

💡Important: an anti-acne treatment such as Roaccutane is only available on prescription, following a specialist consultation with a dermatologist. During this first appointment, the healthcare professional will assess the severity of the acne, the history of treatments already tried, and the patient's general state of health.

Due to its potential side effects, particularly in women of childbearing age, it is strictly regulated in France. Medical examinations are required before starting and throughout the course of treatment. Before starting, a full blood test is prescribed to check liver function, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and other important health markers.

How does Roaccutane work against acne?

Roaccutane treatment works on several levels to target the root causes of severe acne:

• It reduces sebum production: by acting directly on the sebaceous glands, it significantly reduces the amount of sebum, an oily substance that promotes the formation of pimples when produced in excess.
• It limits the proliferation of bacteria responsible for inflammation: less sebum also means a less favourable environment for Cutibacterium acnes, the bacteria involved in inflammatory acne flare-ups.
• It slows down skin inflammation: by soothing the inflammatory reaction, it helps the skin regain its balance.
• It regulates keratinisation: by normalising skin cell renewal, it helps prevent clogged  pores.

The result? Over the weeks, the skin becomes less oily, lesions fade and potential acne scars are reduced.

Side effects and precautions to take with Roaccutane treatment

What are the possible side effects of Roaccutane?

Roaccutane treatment (as well as similar treatments) can cause side effects. Most are well known, monitored, and disappear after treatment is stopped. However, some require close medical attention.

Common (and often mild) side effects:

• Marked dryness of the skin, lips (chapping), and eyes.
• Redness, flaking, pruritus (itching).
• Fatigue, muscle or joint pain.

Rarer effects, but to be monitored closely:

• Mood changes: irritability, anxiety, dark thoughts, depression.
• Visual disturbances, especially at night.
• Liver issues: elevated liver enzymes.
• Increased cholesterol or triglyceride levels.

For these reasons, regular medical monitoring is carried out throughout the treatment, with monthly blood tests to check that the liver is functioning properly and that lipid levels are stable.

💡 In France, prescriptions are strictly regulated and valid for one month only. This measure is intended to ensure close medical supervision and to improve treatment safety.

Precautions to take when taking Roaccutane

Roaccutane-type acne treatments are strictly contraindicated during pregnancy, as they can cause serious birth defects in the foetus. For this reason, very strict measures govern its prescription to women of childbearing age:

• Using at least two effective methods of contraception, starting one month before the start of treatment.
• Compulsory pregnancy test before the first prescription, then every month.
• Signature of an informed consent form, confirming understanding of the risks associated with pregnancy while taking Roaccutane.

Additional precautions include:

• Avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun: the treatment makes the skin more sensitive to UV rays. Appropriate sun protection is essential.
• Avoiding harsh or irritating cosmetics such as exfoliants or alcohol-based products.
• Avoiding waxing and abrasive dermatological treatments during and after the treatment to prevent scarring or irritation.
   

Medical monitoring and management of effects with Roaccutane-type treatment

Why is strict medical monitoring essential?

Roaccutane-type treatments are not to be taken lightly: close medical supervision is key to ensure its effectiveness and limit the risk of side effects. Throughout the treatment the dermatologist will provide:

• Monthly consultations to adjust the dosage and check the patient's tolerance.
• Regular blood tests (liver function, cholesterol, triglycerides).
• Monthly pregnancy tests for women of childbearing age.

This monitoring also allows the healthcare provider to listen to the patient's feelings and address any significant side effects early on.

🚨 The following symptoms should be reported to the doctor immediately:

• Sudden mood swings, dark thoughts, feelings of deep unease.
• Vision problems: decreased visual acuity, especially at night.
• Unusual abdominal pain, nausea, extreme fatigue.
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (a sign of liver issues).

These side effects are rare, but they require immediate medical attention.

Roaccutane: a daily routine to combat dry skin

Roaccutane-type treatments can leave the skin, lips and mucous membranes very dry, sensitive and uncomfortable. To make the treatment more bearable, adopting a gentle, soothing skincare routine is essential. Avène supports skin undergoing acne treatment, particularly with its Cleanance products range.

Here are the essential steps to include in your routine: