As it is mentioned many times in previous posts, Roaccutane or precisely his active ingredient isotretinoin derived from vitamin A accumulates in the liver. It has significant function in metabolism and removes toxic substances from our body.
Since liver is burdened with great amounts of isotretinoin, regular performance of its tasks is minimized. The liver excrete cholesterol through the bile. If it has disturbed function, the cholesterol level will increase and lead to cardiovascular disease which causes heart attack or stroke. So it's important to make blood test in order to keep cholesterol under the referent value. The earlier action can avoid liver damage by preventing intake of some foods. Blood tests should be done every month or two depending on the decision of the dermatologist.
The blood test results must contain, in addition to the analysis of cholesterol, other components essential for start, pause or continuing the treatment. First test should be done before Roaccutane course in order to obtain a prescription and must include glucose, cholesterol, bilirubin, triglycerides and liver enzymes AST, ALT, GGT, LDH. The most common referent values expressed in mmol are:
Glucose: 3.4 - 6.5
Cholesterol: 0.0 - 5.0
Triglycerides: 0.0 - 1.7
Bilirubin total: 2 - 25
AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase): 10 - 37
ALT (Alanine Transaminase): 10 - 37
GGT (Gamma Glutamyltransferase): 10 - 49
LDH (Lactate Dehydrogenase): 140 - 271
while last 4 are liver enzymes expressed in U/L. The numbers are referent for male although females have smaller values.
Facts about diet during Roaccutane course.
Some groceries may increase cholesterol and triglycerides level so it's significant to pay attention to foods you are taking. Intake of salt, sugar or high fat foods will likely impact cholesterol in your blood. Keep of salty meals or don't add much salt at all. Sweets, chocolates and cakes can be taken in moderate doses. Fried meals or fatty foods will certainly affect liver enzymes. Try not to increase the weight and avoid alcoholic beverages. Alcohol burdens the liver which leads to enzymes increment.
Keep a wide variety of food, eat cereals, bread, rice, pasta, fruit, vegetables, fish and poultry meat. Remember that side effects which actually causes acne treatment will be aborted if you stop therapy due the liver enzymes increment.
Roaccutane intake must be strictly equal to the prescribed dose. Take the capsules right before or immediately after meal with a glass of water. Accutane, because of its ingredients, must be consumed with food. Swallow instantly and don't chew or hold it in the mouth. In case you missed one, don't take two doses next time you consume medicament. Effectiveness may not change with higher intake but side effects definitely will- take prescribed amount.
