WHAT IS ACCUTANE?
Isotretinoin/Accutane is a form of vitamin A. It decreases the amount of sebum (oil) that is released by the sebaceous (oil) glands, and it increases that rate at which the skin renews itself. Isotretinoin/Accutane may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide. Isotretinoin/Accutane is used to treat severe nodular acne that has not responded to other treatments, including antibiotics.
WHAT DRUG(S) MAY INTERACT WITH ACCUTANE?
- orlistat
- tetracycline antibiotics (examples: tetracycline, doxycycline)
- warfarin
- alcohol
- vitamins and other supplements containing vitamin A
- medicines for seizures
- progestin-only birth control hormones ('Minipills' like Nor-QD; Aygestin, or implantable/injectable products such as Depo-Provera® or Norplant®, Micronor® )
- salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or other drying medicines used for acne
- corticosteroids (example: prednisone)
- other drugs that make you more sensitive to the sun such as sulfa drugs
HOW SHOULD I TAKE ACCUTANE?
- Your doctor may perform blood tests during treatment with Isotretinoin/Accutane to monitor side effects from this medication.
- Due to the serious side effects that may occur with the use of this medication, do not share it with anyone else.
- Take each dose of Isotretinoin/Accutane with a full glass of water. This will help prevent the medication inside the capsule from irritating the lining of the esophagus. For the same reason, do not chew or suck on the capsule.
- Isotretinoin/Accutane is a medication taken to treat severe nodular acne that has not been helped by other treatments, including antibiotics. However, Isotretinoin/Accutane can cause serious side effects. Before starting treatment with Isotretinoin/Accutane, discuss with your doctor how bad the acne is, the possible benefits of Isotretinoin/Accutane and the possible side effects. Your doctor will ask you to read and sign a form indicating that you understand the serious risks associated with Isotretinoin/Accutane therapy.
- Store Isotretinoin/Accutane at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
- Take all of the Isotretinoin/Accutane that has been prescribed for you even if your symptoms start to improve. The acne may seem to get worse at the start of therapy, but should then begin to improve. For the best results, finish all of the medication that has been prescribed. You may require more than one course of therapy with Isotretinoin/Accutane.
- Take Isotretinoin/Accutane exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take Isotretinoin/Accutane twice a day with food or milk to get the best results from this medication, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
WHAT SHOULD I DISCUSS WITH MY DOCTOR BEFORE TAKING ACCUTANE?
- You may not be able to take Isotretinoin/Accutane, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- Before taking Isotretinoin/Accutane, tell your doctor if you have
- a personal or family history of mental problems including depression, suicidal behavior, or psychosis (loss of contact with reality, hearing voices, or seeing things that are not there);
- heart disease;
- high cholesterol or triglyceride levels (types of fat) in the blood;
- anorexia nervosa;
- asthma;
- weak bones or osteoporosis (bone loss);
- liver disease.
- diabetes;
- DO NOT TAKE ISOTRETINOIN/ACCUTANE IF YOU ARE PREGNANT OR IF YOU COULD BECOME PREGNANT DURING TREATMENT or for one month after you stop taking Isotretinoin/Accutane. Isotretinoin/Accutane is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that Accutane is known to cause severe birth defects in an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, stop using birth control, or miss your menstrual period, immediately stop taking Isotretinoin/Accutane and notify your doctor.
- It is not researched on if Isotretinoin/Accutane can be received through breast milk. It is not recommended you drink the Isotretinoin/Accutane pills without a doctors advice in this case.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I OVERDOSE?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- Symptoms of an Isotretinoin/Accutane overdose include vomiting, flushing of the face, abdominal pain, inflammation of the lips, dizziness, headache and clumsiness.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I MISS A DOSE?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF ACCUTANE?
- itching;
- dryness, inflammation, or cracking of the lips;
- dry mouth, dry skin, dry or bleeding nose, dryness of the eyes and/or difficulty wearing contact lenses;
- increased sensitivity of the skin to the sun.
- trouble breathing;
- an allergic reaction (closing of the throat; difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- hearing problems or hearing loss;
- painful or constant dryness of the eyes;
- slurred speech or problems moving;
- dizziness or severe headache;
- chest, stomach or bowel pain;
- joint or muscle pain or bone problems;
- new or worsening heartburn;
- seizures;
- leg swelling;
- nausea and vomiting;
- increased levels of cholesterol or triglyceride (types of fat) in your blood (detected by blood tests).
- depression including feelings of sadness, irritability, crying spells, changes in sleep patterns, trouble concentrating, unusual tiredness,loss of appetite, and/ or suicidal thoughts or other mental problems;
- fainting;
- rectal bleeding, or severe or bloody diarrhea;
- difficulty or pain when swallowing;
- increased thirst or urination;
- blurred vision, changes in vision, or decreased vision (especially at night);
- yellowing of the skin or eyes or persistently dark urine;
- Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
- Other, less serious side effects are more likely to occur. Continue to take Isotretinoin/Accutane and talk to your doctor if you experience
WHAT SHOULD I AVOID WHILE TAKING ACCUTANE?
- Do not take vitamin supplements containing vitamin A during treatment with Isotretinoin/Accutane. This could cause increased side effects.
- Do not donate blood while taking Isotretinoin/Accutane and for at least 1 month following the end of treatment. Blood donated while taking Accutane may be given to a pregnant woman and be harmful to her baby.
- Use caution when driving a vehicle at night. Isotretinoin/Accutane can cause decreased night vision. The onset of decreased night vision may be sudden.
- Do not use wax hair removal systems or have any skin resurfacing procedures (such as dermabrasion or laser treatment) performed while taking Isotretinoin/Accutane and for six months following treatment due to the possibility of scarring.
- Avoid exposure to sunlight or UV rays while taking Isotretinoin/Accutane. Generic Accutane may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight and a severe sunburn could result.