Accutane

isotretinoin

Accutane (isotretinoin), 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 may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

What is Accutane?

Accutane is a retinoid. It works by reducing skin oil production, changing the characteristics of the skin oil, and preventing abnormal hardening of the skin. It dramatically reduces the size of the skin's oil glands (35%-58%) and even more dramatically reduces the amount of oil the skin produces (around 80%). Acne bacteria (P. Acnes) lives in skin oil. Since oil is so dramatically reduced, so is the amount of acne bacteria in the skin. Accutane also slows down how fast the skin produces skin cells inside the pore which helps pores from becoming clogged in the first place. It displays anti-inflammatory properties.

Before taking Accutane

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication. Before taking Accutane, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any foods or drugs, or if you have:

• a personal or family history of depression or mental illness;
• heart disease, high cholesterol or triglycerides;
• osteoporosis or other bone disorders;
• diabetes;
• asthma;
• an eating disorder (anorexia nervosa); or
• liver disease.

How should I take Accutane?

Take Accutane exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

Always take Accutane with a full glass of water to prevent the capsule from melting in your esophagus (food pipe), causing irritation. Do not chew or suck on the capsule. Swallow it as quickly as possible. Take Accutane with food or milk. Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your acne may seem to get worse at first, but should then begin to improve.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

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: Chapped lips (90%), countered by a using Vaseline or Aquaphor as a lip moisturizer, Dry skin and itching (80%) helped by frequent moisturizer creams, Dryness of nose, mild nosebleed (80%), helped by "AYR nasal gel", Irritation of the eyelids and eyes (40%), Joint and muscle pains (15%), Temporary hair thinning (10%), Rash (7%), Intestinal symptoms (5%), Urinary symptoms (5%), Headache (5%), Increased sensitivity to sun (5%), Decreased night vision (<1%), Depression, thoughts of suicide (<1%).

Precautions

Do not take vitamin supplements containing vitamin A while you are taking Accutane. Accutane can weaken bones. Avoid sports or activities that may result in injury or bone fracture. Do not donate blood while taking Accutane and for at least 30 days after you stop taking it. Donated blood that is later given to pregnant woman could lead to birth defects in her baby if the blood contains any level of Accutane. Do not use wax hair removers or have dermabrasion or laser skin treatments while you are taking Accutane and for at least 6 months after you stop taking it. Scarring may result.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Accutane can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Accutane can cause side effects that may impair your vision, especially at night. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to see clearly.

Drug interactions

Before taking Accutane, tell your doctor if you are also taking: steroids (prednisone and others); seizure medication such phenytoin (Dilantin); or a tetracycline antibiotic such as demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Doryx, Vibramycin), minocycline (Minocin), or tetracycline (Brodspec, Sumycin, Tetracap).

Preganacy

Accutane can cause severe, life-threatening birth defects if the mother takes the medication during pregnancy. Even one dose of Accutane can cause major birth defects of the baby's ears, eyes, face, skull, heart, and brain. Never use Accutane if you are pregnant.

Women of child-bearing potential must agree in writing to use two specific forms of birth control and have regular pregnancy tests before, during, and after taking Accutane. Unless you have had a total hysterectomy or have been in menopause for at least a year, you are considered to be of child-bearing potential.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include headache, dizziness, vomiting, stomach pain, warmth or tingling under the skin, swelling of the lips, and loss of balance or coordination.

Notes

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Accutane. If you have any other questions about Accutane, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.