Accutane (Isotretinoin)

General information

Accutane is a medicine prescribed for severe acne treatment. It should be used by patients who don't respond to other medications. It belongs to a class of drugs known as retinoids. It works by decreasing facial oil (sebum) production. High amounts of sebum can lead to severe acne.

Directions

You should consult with your doctor regarding your proper dosage. Take it with a full glass of water. Do not exceed your recommended dosage. The usual starting daily dose is 0.5 mg per kilogram of body weight taken daily for a period of 2 to 4 weeks. Isotretinoin should be taken as a single dose or in 2 divided doses during the day.

Precautions

Before starting your treatment with Accutane discuss with your doctor all conditions you can have: allergy, diabetes, osteoporosis, asthma, heart disease, and kidney or liver problems, eating disorders (e.g., anorexia nervosa), alcohol abuse, pancreatitis. Do not use vitamin A, alcoholic beverages during the treatment. Middle aged people can be more sensitive to Accutane. Do not donate blood while you are taking isotretinoin and for at least 1 month after you stop taking it.

Contraindications

The patients with sensitivity to Accutane can't use the medicine. Do not take this medication if you: are breast-feeding, pregnant, are taking tetracycline antibiotics (e.g., tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline), have excessively high blood cholesterol levels or excessively high levels of vitamin A.

Possible side effects

Headache, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, swelling of the eyelids or lips, crusty skin, nosebleeds, upset stomach, mental or mood changes, back, joint or muscle pain are common side effects. Serious side effects are very rare. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Drug interactions

Accutane can interact with steroids(prednisone), tetracycline antibiotics, seizure medication (phenytoin), vitamin A-type drugs (e.g., acitretin, bexarotene), vitamin A. Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time of the next intake just skip it and go back to your schedule.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help immediately. The overdose symptoms are chest pain, nausea, irregular heartbeat, and feeling light-headed or fainting.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store your drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.