Why is isotretinoin used

The liver naturally makes small quantities of isotretinoin from vitamin-A, but the drug we prescribe is made synthetically. Isotretinoin was developed in the s, but only started being used in the mid s. Isotretinoin is a very effective medication for the treatment of acne. Originally licensed for use in severe disease, it is increasingly prescribed for all grades of acne. Isotretinoin is also useful for other follicular conditions, such as:. It has also been used as an adjuvant in neuroblastoma.

Blood donation by males and females on isotretinoin is not allowed in case the blood is used for a pregnant woman. The range of doses used each day for acne is less than 0. Some patients may only need a small dose once or twice a week. A course of treatment may be completed in a few months or continue for several years. The individual dose prescribed by the dermatologist depends on:. Isotretinoin is better taken with water or milk after food to help with its absorption.

It may be taken on an empty stomach, but absorption may be halved. There is no particular advantage in splitting the dose over the day. A newer formulation isotretinoin-lidose can be taken without food.

Inform your health care professional if you are pregnant or may be pregnant prior to starting this treatment. Pregnancy category X Isotretinoin may cause fetal harm when given to a pregnant woman. Isotretinoin must not be given to a pregnant woman or a woman who intends to become pregnant.

If a woman becomes pregnant while taking Isotretinoin, the medication must be stopped immediately and the woman given appropriate counseling. Because of the extremely high risk that a deformed infant can result if pregnancy occurs while taking Isotretinoin in any amount even for short periods of time, for both men and women: Do not conceive a child get pregnant while taking Isotretinoin.

Two methods of effective contraception are recommended for women of childbearing potential, unless absolute abstinence is the chosen method.

Discuss with your doctor when you may safely become pregnant or conceive a child after therapy. Do not breast feed while taking Isotretinoin. Do not donate blood while on isotretinoin and for 1 month after stopping this drug. Do not take tetracycline antibiotics doxycycline, tetracycline, minocycline, demeclocycline while on isotretinoin.

Self-Care Tips: Take Isotretinoin at about the same time every day along with a meal that includes some fats this does not matter for Absorbica Avoid grapefruit juice Avoid wearing contact lenses if you have dry or irritated eyes Drink at least two to three quarts of fluid every 24 hours, unless you are instructed otherwise.

You may be at risk of infection so try to avoid crowds or people with colds, and report fever or any other signs of infection immediately to your health care provider. Wash your hands often. To reduce nausea, take anti-nausea medications as prescribed by your doctor, and eat small, frequent meals. When you start taking Isotretinoin, you may experience headache, loss of night vision, sleepiness or eyesight changes. Use caution when driving or engaging in tasks requiring alertness until response to drug is known.

Avoid sun exposure. Wear sunblock with an SPF of at least 15 and protective clothing. In general, drinking alcoholic beverages should be kept to a minimum or avoided completely. You should discuss this with your doctor. Get plenty of rest. Maintain good nutrition. If you experience symptoms or side effects, be sure to discuss them with your health care team.

Monitoring and Testing: You will be monitored regularly by your health care professional while you are taking Isotretinoin to monitor side effects and check your response to therapy. If you are a man or if you are a woman who cannot become pregnant, you must have this prescription filled and picked up within 30 days of your doctor visit.

Your pharmacist cannot dispense your medication if you come to pick it up after the allowed time period has passed. Tell your doctor if you do not understand everything you were told about isotretinoin and the iPLEDGE program or if you do not think you will be able to keep appointments or fill your prescription on schedule every month.

Your doctor will give you an identification number and card when you start your treatment. Keep the card in a safe place where it will not get lost. If you do lose your card, you can ask for a replacement through the website or phone line.

Do not share isotretinoin with anyone else, even someone who has the same symptoms that you have. Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer's patient information sheet Medication Guide when you begin treatment with isotretinoin and each time you refill your prescription.

Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. If you can become pregnant, you will need to meet certain requirements during your treatment with isotretinoin. You need to meet these requirements even if you have not started menstruating having monthly periods or have had a tubal ligation 'tubes tied'; surgery to prevent pregnancy. If none of these are true for you, then you must meet the requirements below.

You must use two acceptable forms of birth control for 1 month before you begin to take isotretinoin, during your treatment and for 1 month after your treatment. Your doctor will tell you which forms of birth control are acceptable and will give you written information about birth control.

You can also have a free visit with a doctor or family planning expert to talk about birth control that is right for you. You must use these two forms of birth control at all times unless you can promise that you will not have any sexual contact with a male for 1 month before your treatment, during your treatment, and for 1 month after your treatment.

If you choose to take isotretinoin, it is your responsibility to avoid pregnancy for 1 month before, during, and for 1 month after your treatment. You must understand that any form of birth control can fail. Therefore, it is very important to decrease the risk of accidental pregnancy by using two forms of birth control at all times. Tell your doctor if you do not understand everything you were told about birth control or you do not think that you will be able to use two forms of birth control at all times.

If you plan to use oral contraceptives birth control pills while taking isotretinoin, tell your doctor the name of the pill you will use. Isotretinoin interferes with the action of micro-dosed progestin 'minipill' oral contraceptives Ovrette, Micronor, Nor-QD. Do not use this type of birth control while taking isotretinoin. If you plan to use hormonal contraceptives birth control pills, patches, implants, injections, rings, or intrauterine devices , be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking.

Many medications interfere with the action of hormonal contraceptives. Do not take St. John's wort if you are using any type of hormonal contraceptive. You must have two negative pregnancy tests before you can begin to take isotretinoin. Your doctor will tell you when and where to have these tests. You will also need to be tested for pregnancy in a laboratory each month during your treatment, when you take your last dose and 30 days after you take your last dose.

You will only be able to continue to get isotretinoin if you have done this, if you have visited your doctor to talk about how you are feeling and how you are using your birth control and if you have had a negative pregnancy test within the past 7 days. You should not breastfeed while using this medicine. Side Effects. Side Effects What are the side effects of Isotretinoin Accutane?

Stop using isotretinoin and call your doctor at once if you have: problems with your vision or hearing; muscle or joint pain, bone pain, back pain; increased thirst, increased urination; hallucinations, see or hearing things that are not real ; symptoms of depression --unusual mood changes, crying spells, feelings of low self-worth, loss of interest in things you once enjoyed, new sleep problems, thoughts about hurting yourself; signs of liver or pancreas problems --loss of appetite, upper stomach pain that may spread to your back , nausea or vomiting, fast heart rate, dark urine, jaundice yellowing of the skin or eyes ; severe stomach problems --severe stomach or chest pain, pain when swallowing, heartburn, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, bloody or tarry stools; or increased pressure inside the skull --severe headaches, ringing in your ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind your eyes.

Common side effects may include: dryness of your skin, lips, eyes, or nose you may have nosebleeds ; vision problems; headache, back pain, joint pain, muscle problems; skin reactions; or cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

Based on FDA pregnancy categories. Interactions What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Isotretinoin Accutane? Do not take a vitamin or mineral supplement that contains vitamin A. Follow all directions about taking isotretinoin with or without food. Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. What should I do if I missed a dose of Isotretinoin Accutane? If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on: Isotretinoin Accutane , call your doctor or the Poison Control center.

If someone collapses or isn't breathing after taking Isotretinoin Accutane , call See More. Medical Disclaimer Drugs A-Z provides drug information from Everyday Health and our partners, as well as ratings from our members, all in one place.