Tretizen 10 (active substance Isotretinoin/Accutane)is an anti-acne drug chemically associated with retinoic acid and retinol (vitamin A). Although the exact mechanism of its action is unknown, the drug works by inhibiting the functioning of the sebaceous glands, which reduces sebum production and inhibits the development of acne.
Accutane is sold in many countries around the world, and is largely regarded as one of the most effective drugs for treating severe acne. Studies also confirm the success of the drug even in cases of severe clinical acne (acne). Referring to a study published in 2005 with the participation of 160 patients who took Tretizen for 2-28 weeks, which was followed by further follow-up during the year. At the end of the study, out of 133 patents, 127 noticed a partial or complete disappearance of acne. The success rate of treatment was over 95%. About 60% of patients did not notice a relapse a year after discontinuing therapy. Given that acne is one of the most common side effects of using anabolic / androgenic steroids, Accutane is often used by bodybuilders and athletes to reduce or eliminate this cosmetic defect in steroid therapy.
Accutane Side Effects
Tretizen is a powerful drug with great potential for side effects. In fact, according to some sources, this drug is very controversial. After a series of precedents, accutane appeared on the front pages of newspapers, and was mentioned in articles that said its use was associated with birth defects, depression, and suicide of patients. As a result of certain potential health risks, warnings on product use are quite numerous. Women who are potentially pregnant can not use this drug at all.
The use of the drug even in small doses is associated with very serious complications for the development of the fetus. The substance also displays a certain level of hepatotoxicity, and can lead to intestinal inflammation, pancreatitis, suppression of HDL cholesterol levels, increased triglyceride levels and visual impairment. The drug can also be associated with a number of other peculiar side effects, including psychosis, palpitations, hoarseness, intracranial hypertension, and even deformities of the nasal tip when used after cosmetic surgery.
Instructions for use of the Tretizen
A typical method of using Tretizen involves taking the drug in a dosage of 0.5 to 1 mg / kg of body weight per day. This equates to a maximum daily dose of 100 mg for a person weighing 220 pounds. Very severe cases in adults (scars on the skin) may require an increase in dosage in the future, reaching 2mg / kg / day. The daily dose is divided into two equal doses, used at a specific time of day. Roche states this very clearly, saying that the safety of taking once a day has not been proven and, therefore, is not recommended.
Tretizen should be taken with meals, and not on an empty stomach, as food significantly contributes to the absorption of the drug (foods with a high content of fat most strongly affect the bioavailability of the drug). A single cycle of therapy lasting 15–20 weeks is usually sufficient to improve or at least help control the patient’s condition. If necessary, however, the doctor may prescribe a repeated cycle of therapy. After the first cycle of therapy, at least 2 months should pass.
Among athletes and bodybuilders taking the drug without medical supervision, doses are often reduced compared to standard medical prescriptions. This is done in order to minimize the chance of causing harm to health or other undesirable side effects, often associated with the use of the drug. In many cases, a dose of 10–20 mg per day is used for this purpose. The cycle of treatment is often much shorter than the recommended 15–20 weeks, and, as a rule, is only 6–8 weeks. Many athletes using steroids are prone to acne, however, use no more than one cycle of therapy per year.