If you suffer from severe acne, you may be a candidate for a strong medicine called isotretinoin, otherwise known by its recently discontinued brand name, Accutane. Since its release in 1982, over 13 million people have benefited from this drug's skin-saving powers. Although Accutane was discontinued in 2009, there are still prescription generics available. Here are the facts about isotretinoin. Isotretinoin, a vitamin A derivative, reduces the amount of sebum oil your glands make, lessens inflammation, shrinks pores, and regulates how skin cells are made. Sebum oil keeps your body moisturized and waterproof but make too much and pimples appear. That's why isotretinoin is approved for treating and preventing severe nodular cystic acne, which is a fancy way of describing swollen, tender, red lumps that form in the skin. This acne resists conventional, topical treatments. You have to treat these zits quick or they can lead to serious pain, scarring, and discoloration. Isotretinoin is often taken twice daily, in a personalized dose based on a patient's weight. Generally, a course of isotretinoin is 15 to 20 weeks, after which, many patients rave that their acne has vastly improved, if not entirely eliminated. But every strong medication has side effects. The most common complaints include dry skin, lips, eyes, sensitivity to the sun, dry nostrils that lead to nosebleeds, and thinning hair. Obsessive moisturizer, and lip balm, as well as sunscreen use is a must. Acne can get worse before it gets better, and sometimes dermatologists prescribe steroids to prevent this inflammation. There are reports of isotretinoin worsening depression. In fact, there have been patients who have committed suicide while using the medication. If you have a history of depression or develop depression while using the medication, it's important to tell your doctor immediately. The most concerning side effects is isotretinoin's potential to cause severe birth defects, premature births, and even miscarriages. In fact, a federal registry program called the iPledge Program was created to require female patients to use two forms of birth control while on this medication. Women also have to take a monthly pregnancy test before they can receive their next month's medication. Due to these serious side effects, expensive personal injury lawsuits, as well as more affordable competitors, Accutane was discontinued in 2009. Fortunately, generic isotretinoin, like Sotret, Claravis, and Amnesteem continue to zap thousands of zits. Remember, isotretinoin is still only available via prescription. To learn about other ways to care for your skin, watch more videos in this series.