The difference between drugs is not only in different concentrations of the active substance – isotretinoin: Aknekutan – 8 and 16 mg, Roaccutane – 10 and 20 mg. Both drugs are originals. Roaccutane was the first to enter the pharmaceutical market. The danger of its use due to many serious side effects forced pharmacists to work on new forms of medicine.
Belgian manufacturers have developed a unique technology, created Aknekutan. Its difference from the analogue is that with a reduced content of isotetrinoin in capsules, the therapeutic efficacy of therapy is equal to or even higher compared to Roaccutane. This effect is achieved by increasing the bioavailability of the active substance when it interacts with additional components of the drug.
A decrease in the concentration of isotreptinoin with equal effectiveness leads to a decrease in the risk of side effects, and the load on the digestive tract and liver is reduced. Both drugs are taken with meals. If you take them on an empty stomach, then the active component of Roaccutane is absorbed by less than 40%, whereas in Aknekutan this figure is about 70%.
The conclusion is that Aknekutan therapy is safer than analogue, with equal treatment results. The price of this medicine is lower, which is also important.
Physical and mental suffering bring people problems with skin diseases such as acne, acne, acne. The body of each person is individual. One to get rid of the problem, it is enough to choose the right cosmetics, the other, with a severe form of the disease, treatment with drugs from the retinoid group is necessary. Such medicines include Aknekutan and Roaccutane.
Aknekutan
Aknekutan dermatotropic agent is patented by a Belgian manufacturer. It is an anti-seborrheic, anti-inflammatory drug used in the treatment of severe acne, acne. The active substance in the composition of the drug is isotretinoin, a synthetic analogue of vitamin A. Auxiliary components help to increase the percentage of isotretinoin absorption by the body.
The medicine is available in the form of hard gelatin capsules. In brown capsules, the dose of the active substance is 8 mg. Capsules with a dosage of 16 mg isotretinoin in a white shell with a green top. The waxy mass of yellow-orange color is inside the dosage forms. Capsules are packaged by the manufacturer in blisters. They are sold in cardboard boxes with attached instructions.
Available with a prescription. Shelf life no more than 2 years. The price of Aknekutan is from 1200 rubles for 30 capsules (8 mg). from 2300 rubles for 30 capsules (16 mg).
Roaccutane
Roaccutane manufacturer – Switzerland. The drug is antiseborrheic, anti-inflammatory, enhancing the regeneration of the skin. Used in the treatment of severe acne, acne and other similar skin diseases. Its composition includes the active substance – isotretinoin and auxiliary components.
The drug is produced in capsules in two dosages of isotretinoin: 10 and 20 mg. Packed in 30, 100 capsules. It is sold in cardboard boxes, with enclosed instructions for use. It is released in the pharmacy network with a prescription. Shelf life no more than 3 years. The price per pack of 30 capsules (10 mg) is from 1,500 rubles. 30 pieces (20 mg) – from 3000 rubles.
Similarity of drugs
The similarity of Aknekutan and Roaccutane is due to their similarity:
- The active ingredient in both drugs is isotretinoin.
- The same contraindications, side effects.
- Incompatibility of drugs with alcohol, some drugs.
In addition to effective healing and restoration of the skin, drugs cause many serious side effects. Therefore, both doctors and manufacturers do not recommend the use of these drugs if other therapy is possible. Self-administration of Aknekutan or Roaccutane is strictly contraindicated.
Before taking the medicine, the dermatologist finds out the patient’s concomitant diseases, the presence of contraindications, prescribes the necessary examinations. The entire long course of treatment, 4-6 months, is carried out under his control. After the end of therapy, relapse is possible. Therefore, monitoring the patient’s health continues.
Who should not be treated with retinoids
Acnecutan and Roaccutane are contraindicated for women of childbearing age during pregnancy, lactation, pregnancy planning, since the teratogenic and embryotoxic properties of the drugs threaten fetal malformations and miscarriages.
The use of these drugs in the treatment of children under 12 years of age, patients with acute renal and hepatic diseases, pancreatitis, diabetes, high blood lipoproteins, and hypervitaminosis A is forbidden. Retinoid therapy should not be prescribed to people with individual intolerance to the components of these drugs.
Concomitant treatment of other diseases with tetracyclines, sulfonamides, local keratolytics, thiazide diuretics, with the simultaneous use of retinoids, will increase the risk of side effects, lead to vision problems, increase intracranial pressure.
Alcohol and retinoids are absolutely incompatible, ignoring this warning is fraught with the development of liver failure in the patient. Aknekutan and Roaccutane weaken the effect of contraceptives. Therefore, women should avoid using contraceptives with progesterone during retinoid therapy, and do a pregnancy test every month.
Usually, a dermatologist prescribes a drug in an amount sufficient for a monthly dose. At the end of this period, the patient should come to the doctor with a negative pregnancy test. To continue therapy, positive dynamics in treatment is needed. If pregnancy has occurred, then it is interrupted for medical reasons. Retinoids are canceled.
How to treat with retinoids
The standard dosage of drugs is calculated by the doctor individually for each patient. The general condition of the body, the absence of contraindications, body weight and severity of skin disease are taken into account. Capsules of drugs are taken with meals 1-2 times a day.
The daily dosage of Aknekutan and Roaccutane is used at the beginning of treatment at the rate of 0.4-0.5 mg / kg body weight, with a gradual increase in dose to 0.8-1 mg / kg. In severe cases, up to 2 mg / kg per day is possible . The course of treatment is 16-24 weeks. In case of relapse, repeated therapy is prescribed no earlier than 2 months after the next course of treatment.
To control the patient’s response to retinoids, he needs to know the signs of manifestations of disorders on the part of various body systems. To promptly consult a doctor for help to normalize your condition. Side effects in the treatment of severe forms of acne or acne with retinoids:
- From the gastrointestinal tract, one can expect diarrhea, nausea, bleeding gums, dry mouth, hepatitis, pancreatitis.
- The skin on the face, palms and soles of the feet peels off, there is sensitivity to the sun’s rays, hair is thinning and falling out, allergies, itching, the face turns red, increased skin vulnerability, exacerbation of inflammation of acne and blackheads.
- The nervous system can respond to retinoid intake by a pseudotumor of the brain, in rare cases, depression, psychosis, and suicidal moods.
- It is worth paying attention to changes from the side of vision, when its severity decreases, fear of bright light appears, lenses are torn away, inflammation of the eyelids, optic nerve, conjunctivitis are tormented.
- Joints, tendons, and muscles can respond with pain, inflammation, tendonitis, and hyperostosis.
- Signs of hypervitaminosis A during retinoid therapy: nosebleeds, dry eyes, hoarseness, cheilitis.
- Laboratory blood counts can contribute to the increase in ESR, a decrease in the level of white blood cells, possibly an increase in cholesterol, anemia.
With many side effects of retinoid therapy, in most cases, the results of treatment bear fruit. It should be remembered that self-medication with Aknekutan and Roaccutane can be harmful. Therefore, the appointment of therapy is the competence of the doctor. Responsible following the instructions of a medical specialist will lead the patient to solve their problems with acne and acne.
