Brand name :Isotretinoin
( Generic Accutane, Isotroin )
Pronounced: ACC-u-tane
Generic name: Isotretinoin , Roaccutan
Other brand name: Amnesteem
Why is Accutane prescribed?
Accutane, a chemical cousin of vitamin A, is prescribed for the treatment
of severe, disfiguring cystic acne that has not cleared up in response
to milder medications such as antibiotics. It works on the oil glands
within the skin, shrinking them and diminishing their output. You take
Accutane by mouth every day for several months, then stop. The antiacne
effect can last even after you have finished your course of medication.
Most important fact about Accutane / Roaccutane
Because Accutane can cause severe birth defects, including mental
retardation and physical malformations, a woman must not become pregnant
while taking it. Before starting Accutane therapy, women of childbearing
age will be asked to read a pamphlet, watch a video, and sign a detailed
consent form regarding the danger of birth defects. You must have two
negative pregnancy tests before beginning Accutane therapy, and must
take monthly pregnancy tests while using Accutane.
In addition, you must use 2 forms of birth control during Accutane
therapy, and for 1 month before and after. Each prescription for Accutane
must bear a yellow qualification sticker signifying that you meet these
requirements. Scientists have not ruled out the possibility that hormone-based
contraceptives (birth control pills and implants) may be less reliable
when taken with Accutane, so a second form of birth control should
always be used while taking Accutane. If you accidentally become pregnant
while taking Accutane, you should immediately consult your doctor.
How should you take Isotretinoin ( Generic Accutane,
Isotroin?
Take Accutane two times a day with a meal, unless your doctor tells
you otherwise. Swallow the capsule. Don't suck or chew it. Take it
with a full glass of water, milk, or other nonalcoholic liquid. Follow
your doctor's instructions carefully.Depending on your reaction to
Accutane, your doctor may need to adjust the dosage upward or downward.
If you respond quickly and very well,
your doctor may take you off Accutane even before the 15 or 20 weeks
are up.After you finish taking Accutane, there should be at least a
2-month "rest
period" during which you are off the drug. This is because your
acne may continue to get better even though you are no longer taking
Accutane. Once the 2 months are up, if your acne is still severe, your
doctor may want to give you a second course of Accutane. If you are
still growing, your doctor may recommend a longer "rest period."
Avoid consumption of alcoholic beverages.Read the patient information
leaflet available with the product.Do not crush the capsules.
Do not share Accutane with anyone because of the risk of birth defects
and other serious side effects.
If you miss a dose Isotretinoin ( Generic Accutane, Isotroin
Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time
for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular
schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.
--Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature, away from light.
Accutane side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking Accutane.
* Side effects may include:
Abnormal hair growth or loss, allergic reaction, bleeding gums, blood in urine,
bowel inflammation and pain, bruising, changes in blood sugar or cholesterol
levels, changes in skin pigmentation, chest pain, decreased night vision,
decreased tolerance to contact lenses, delay in wound healing, depression,
difficulty sleeping, dizziness, drowsiness, dry or fragile skin, dry or cracked
lips, dry mouth, dry nose, fatigue, flushing, headache, hearing problems,
heartbeat irregularities, herpes, inflammation or sores in the esophagus,
itching, joint pain, liver disorders, menstrual changes, muscle wasting,
nail disorders, nausea, nervousness, nosebleeds, peeling palms or soles,
pinkeye, rash, skin infections, stomach and intestinal discomfort, stroke,
sudden drop in blood pressure (causing unconsciousness), sunburn-sensitive
skin, suppression of growth, sweating, swelling due to fluid retention, tendon
and ligament problems, urinary discomfort, vision problems, vomiting, weakness,
weight loss
Why should Accutane not be prescribed?
If Accutane gives you an allergic reaction, you will not be able to
use it.
If you are a woman of childbearing age, you should not take Accutane
if you are pregnant, if you think there is a possibility you might
get pregnant during the treatment, or if you are unable to keep coming
back to the doctor for monthly checkups, including pregnancy testing.
Special warnings about Isotretinoin ( Generic Accutane,
Isotroin
Stop taking Accutane and notify your doctor immediately at the first
sign of a skin rash or any other allergic reaction. Although they are
rare, serious and even fatal allergic reactions have been known to
occur.
When you first start taking Accutane, it is possible that your acne
will get worse before it starts to get better.Accutane may cause depression
or other mental problems. In rare cases, it has prompted thoughts of
suicide. If you begin to feel depressed
or become troubled by suicidal thoughts, contact your doctor immediately.Before
starting Accutane therapy, all patients must sign a consent form noting
that they are aware of the possibility of mental side effects,
the danger of birth defects, and the need for certain other precautions.
If you are a woman of childbearing age and you are considering taking
Accutane, you will be given both spoken and written warnings about
the importance of avoiding pregnancy during the treatment. You will
also be asked to sign a second consent form noting that:
* You must not take Accutane if you are pregnant or may become pregnant
during treatment;
* If you get pregnant while taking Accutane, your baby will be at high risk
for birth defects;
* If you take Accutane, you must use 2 effective forms of birth control from
1 month before the start of treatment through 1 month after the end of treatment;
* You must have 2 negative pregnancy tests (one just before starting Accutane
therapy), and must be tested every month during therapy;
* You may participate in a program that includes an initial free pregnancy
test and birth control counseling session;
* If you become pregnant, you must immediately stop taking Accutane and see
your doctor;
* You have read and understood the Accutane patient brochure and asked your
doctor any questions you had;
* You have been invited to participate in a survey of women being treated with
Accutane.
Some people taking Accutane, including some who simultaneously took
tetracycline, have experienced headache, nausea, and visual disturbances
caused by increased pressure within the skull. Avoid taking tetracycline
while using Accutane. See a doctor immediately if you have these symptoms;
if the doctor finds swelling of the optic nerve at the back of your
eye, you must stop taking Accutane at once and see a neurologist for
further care.Be careful driving at night. Some people have experienced
a sudden decrease in night vision.
Accutane affects the body's processing of fats and sugars. It should
be used cautiously by people with diabetes, excess weight, high triglyceride
or cholesterol levels, or a tendency to drink too much alcohol. If
you have any of these conditions, your doctor will monitor you closely
during Isotretinoin ( Generic Accutane, Isotroin therapy.
You may not be able to tolerate your contact lenses during and after
your therapy with Accutane.You should stop taking Accutane immediately
if you have abdominal pain, bleeding from the rectum, or severe diarrhea.
You may have an
inflammatory disease of the bowel.You should not donate blood during
your therapy with Accutane and for a month after you stop taking it.
You may become more sensitive to light while taking Accutane. Try
to stay out of the sun as much as possible.You should not use wax hair
removal treatments or skin resurfacing procedures (dermabrasion, laser
treatments) while taking Accutane or
for 6 months after completing therapy.
Some people taking Accutane develop vision or hearing problems. If
you notice changes in your vision or hearing, stop taking this drug
and contact your doctor.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Accutane
While taking Accutane, do not take vitamin supplements containing
vitamin A. Accutane and vitamin A are chemically related; taking them
together is like taking an overdose of vitamin A.
Remember, too, that Accutane should not be combined with tetracycline
antibiotics such as Doryx, Minocin, and Vibramycin.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Accutane causes birth defects; do not use it while pregnant. Nursing
mothers should not take Accutane because of the possibility of passing
the drug on to the baby via breast milk.
Recommended dosage for Isotretinoin ( Generic Accutane,
Isotroin
The recommended dosage range for Accutane is 0.5 to 1 milligram per
2.2 pounds of body weight, divided into 2 doses daily, for 15 to 20
weeks. For very severe cases, the doctor may increase the daily dose
to as much as 2 milligrams per 2.2 pounds.
If after a period of 2 months or more off therapy, severe cystic acne
persists, your doctor may prescribe a second course of therapy.
Overdosage - What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of an isotretinoin overdose
include vomiting, abdominal pain, flushing of the face, inflammation
of the lips, headache, dizziness, and clumsiness.
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you
suspect an overdose of Accutane, seek medical attention immediately.Seek
emergency medical attention. Symptoms of an isotretinoin overdose include
vomiting, abdominal pain, flushing of the face, inflammation of the
lips, headache, dizziness, and clumsiness.
