What is Accutane
Isotretinoin belongs to a class of drugs known as retinoids.
Accutane is used to treat the most severe and disfiguring cases of nodular acne. Accutane is a medicine to help clear and cure acne.
Accutane is equally effective on all types of breakouts.
By the end of a period of four to five months of Accutane treatment the skin becomes smooth and is clear of acne.
The medicine Accutane is safer than antibiotics and has been recommended by healthcare professionals for use in the long run.
While undergoing the Accutane treatment, one must avoid consuming any form of vitamin A as Accutane is a naturally occurring derivative of vitamin A.
A combination of Tetracycline (Achromycin) and Isotretinoin must not be used at the same time as the Accutane treatment as chances of brain swelling have been diagnosed with this combination.
Only after all other forms of acne medication have been tried and have been proved unsuccessful, do doctors recommend Accutane treatment.
Accutane should be prescribed only by a health care professional who has special knowledge of the diagnosis and treatment of severe, uncontrollable cystic acne.
Accutane has shown efficacy in cystic and recalcitrant acne, as well as the prevention of acne scarring.
How to use Medicine
Isotretinoin usually is taken with food or milk.
Take isotretinoin exactly as directed.
While undergoing the Accutane treatment, one must avoid consuming any form of vitamin A as Accutane is a naturally occurring derivative of vitamin A
Accutane Precaution
Inform your doctor if you have or have ever had :
other bone disorders
pancreatitis
weight problem
anorexia nervosa or an eating disorder
back pain
diabetes
high blood cholesterol/triglycerides
hearing problems
if you drink alcohol-containing beverages
inflammatory bowel disease
liver disease
low white blood cell count
mental problems/a family history of mental problems
osteoporosis/osteomalacia
If you conceive whilst on a course with this medication inform your doctor immediately.
If you need to undergo any kind of surgery, inform your doctor you are taking this medicine.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, breast feeding or planning to conceive.
Caution must be exerted when driving a vehicle at night as, Accutane can cause decreased night vision.
With the use of Accutane the onset of decreased night vision may be sudden.
Also, it is very important for the patient to know that while on an ongoing course of Accutane they must inform their health care professional if they plan on using hair removal systems or skin resurfacing procedures, such as Dermabrasion or laser treatments due to the possibility of scarring.
Furthermore, exposure to sunlight or UV rays while consuming Accutane must be avoided as much as possible since, this medication sometimes may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, resulting in severe sunburns.
Lastly, it is very important for the patient to know that while on an ongoing course of Accutane they must avoid consuming any form of vitamin A as this medication is a naturally occurring derivative of vitamin A.
Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture
Accutane Uses
Accutane is used for treating severe acne which has not responded to oral or topical anti-infectives.
Only after all other forms of acne medication have been tried and have been proved unsuccessful, do doctors recommend Accutane treatment.
Accutane should be prescribed only by a health care professional who has special knowledge of the diagnosis and treatment of severe, uncontrollable cystic acne.
Accutane is a medication used to treat only the most severe and disfiguring cases of nodular acne.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local em ergency services at 911.
Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using Isotretinoin for your condition.
Isotretinoin must not be taken if you are pregnant or may become pregnant, as there is a risk of losing the pregnancy, or the baby maybe born early have some birth defects or die shortly after birth.
Do not donate blood whilst taking this medicine.
Contact your doctor or health care professional for more information.
Keep your doctor informed at all times about your condition and any side effects you may experience.
Unless other forms of treatment have been tried and tested, Accutane must not be used to treat women who are able to bear children.
Accutane must not be taken during pregnancy because it causes birth defects in infants and later humans.
Teratogen is a substance present within Accutane that causes birth defects.
Certain studies have proved that infants exposed to Accutane in the first trimester will have major malformations.
Children who are spared from major malformation due to Accutane may still be affected by cognitive deficits. It is still unknown whether Accutane passes into breast milk.
Avoid alcohol and alcohol containing beverages whilst on a course with this medication.
Consult your health care professional if you need to make any dietary changes
Accutane Side effects
If you notice any of the symptoms listed below or any other symptoms which seem severe/persistent contact your doctor immediately.
thinning of hair
red/itchy/dry/inflamed eyes
red/cracked/sore lips
fatigue
dry skin
dry nose
dry mouth
Sometimes, Accutane may cause Epistaxis (nosebleeds), Chilitis (cracks in the corners of one`s mouth), inflammation of the whites of the eyes, and joint aches
Furthermore, Accutane may cause changes in one`s sleep patterns, unusual fatigue, trouble focusing, crying spells , irritability, a loss of appetite, abdominal pain, difficulty in swallowing, chest pain, rectal bleeding, and bowel pain.
Other than the above mentioned, Accutane may cause troubled breathing, Pancreatitis, fainting spells, an increase in thirst, slurred speech, diarrhea, excessive urination and swelling in the legs.
Lastly, Accutane may cause new or worsening heartburn, vomiting, dizziness, dark urine, severe headaches, nausea, and a loss of hearing.
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to the formulation of this medication or any other medication in any other form.
Accutane interacts with various medications, such as, Benzoyl Peroxide, Salicylic Acid, Prednisone, Orlistat, Doxycycline, Tetracycline and Warfarin.
Moreover, Accutane interacts with various seizure medications, and sulfa medications as well.
Inform your doctor about any other medication you may be taking in any other form
Missed Dose
Do not double doses to make up for a missed dose. Consult your health care professional about your missed dose
Dosages
5, 10, 20, 30, 40 mg
Quantity
30, 60, 90, 120, 180 pills
Related Categories:
Scin care
Related Medications:
Retin-A
