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Accutane

Accutane

(isotretinoin)

Accutane (Isotretinoin) is a vitamin A derivative that belongs to the class of medications called retinoids. Retinoids are typically used to treat skin problems.

Available form

Dosage

Capsule

10MG, 20MG, 30MG, 40MG

Buy Accutane Full drug details

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Accutane information

Dosage

Side Effects

Available Form

Contraindications

Precautions

Warnings

The usual starting daily dose is 0.5 mg per kilogram of body weight taken daily for a period of 2 to 4 weeks. Based on body weight, severity of acne, and your response to the medication, your doctor will then adjust your dose. Accutane (Isotretinoin) should be taken as a single dose or in 2 divided doses during the day.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

Your acne may get worse temporarily, before it gets better. Your doctor will adjust your daily dose after the initial treatment to between 0.1 mg and 1 mg per kilogram of body weight depending on your response to the medication.

Food increases the amount of medication available to the body. It also helps to reduce upset stomach. For these reasons, Accutane (Isotretinoin) medication should be taken with food.

The first signs of healing usually occur after 2 to 3 weeks of treatment, however, it may take 1 or 2 months before you see beneficial effects. The complete course of treatment usually lasts 12 to 16 weeks. Most people with severe acne notice a marked improvement after 1 or 2 courses of treatment. You may continue to see even more improvement in your acne condition for several months after you have stopped taking the medication.

If any of your side effects do not clear up in a few weeks after you stop taking your medication, speak to your doctor. Be sure to read the patient information that comes with each package of medication.

It is important that Accutane (Isotretinoin) be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Accutane (Isotretinoin) at room temperature, in the original package, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Accutane (Isotretinoin). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Accutane (Isotretinoin) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Accutane (Isotretinoin). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

difficulty in wearing contact lenses (may continue after treatment is stopped)
dry eyes (may continue after treatment is stopped)
dry or itchy skin
Dry Mouth or nose
increased sensitivity of skin to sunlight
nosebleeds
peeling of skin on palms of hands or soles of feet
stomach upset
thinning of hair (may continue after treatment is stopped)
unusual tiredness

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

bleeding or inflammation of gums
blurred vision or other changes in vision
bone or joint pain
burning, redness, itching, or other signs of eye inflammation
changes in behaviour
decreased hearing
decreased vision after sunset or before sunrise (sudden or may continue after medication is stopped)
ringing in the ears
scaling, redness, burning, pain, or other signs of inflammation of lips
signs of Depression (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide)
pain, tenderness, or stiffness in muscles (long-term treatment)
signs of heart problems (e.g., fast, irregular heartbeat or pulse, chest pain, sudden weight gain, difficulty breathing, leg swelling)
signs of increased pressure in the brain (e.g., bad Headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, seizures)
signs of inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., severe abdominal or stomach pain, severe Diarrhea, rectal bleeding)
signs of liver problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools)
skin infection or rash
symptoms of high blood sugar (e.g., frequent urination, increased thirst, excessive eating, unexplained weight loss, poor wound healing, infections, fruity breath odour)

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

attempts at suicide or thoughts of suicide
signs of pancreatitis (e.g., abdominal pain on the upper left side, back pain, nausea, Fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, swollen abdomen)
signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)
signs of a severe skin reaction such as blistering, peeling, a rash covering a large area of the body, a rash that spreads quickly, or a rash combined with fever or discomfort

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Accutane (Isotretinoin).

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Accutane (Isotretinoin).

HEALTH CANADA ADVISORY

September 7, 2016

Health Canada has issued new restrictions concerning the use of Accutane (Isotretinoin). To read the full Health Canada Advisory, visit Health Canada's web site at www.hc-sc.gc.ca.

Behaviour changes and suicidal thoughts: Some people taking Accutane (Isotretinoin) have experienced depression, including thoughts of suicide. If you experience any behaviour change or symptoms such as sad mood, hopelessness, feelings of guilt, loss of pleasure or interest in activities, changes in sleep pattern, irritability, or restlessness while taking Accutane (Isotretinoin), contact your doctor immediately.

If you are at risk for developing depression or have a history of depression, discuss with your doctor how Accutane (Isotretinoin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Accutane (Isotretinoin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Family members or caregivers of people who are taking Accutane (Isotretinoin) should contact the person's doctor immediately if they notice unusual behaviour changes.

Birth Control: Accutane (Isotretinoin) causes birth defects in a large percentage of babies born to women who take Accutane (Isotretinoin) during pregnancy. Accutane (Isotretinoin) interacts with hormonal birth control (i.e., birth control pills), making it very important that women of childbearing age use an additional type of birth control.

Two reliable forms of birth control should be used at the same time during treatment unless abstinence is the chosen method.

Blood donation: You should not give blood during treatment with Accutane (Isotretinoin) and for one month after stopping treatment in case the blood is given to a pregnant woman.

Bones and joints: Accutane (Isotretinoin) may cause some minor bone changes. Talk to your doctor if you notice aches or pains in the bones or joints, or have difficulty moving. Your doctor may monitor you for bone changes while you are taking Accutane (Isotretinoin).

Cholesterol: Accutane (Isotretinoin) can cause increases in cholesterol and other lipids in the blood. If you are already at an increased risk of developing High Cholesterol, for example if you have a family history of high cholesterol, Diabetes, are overweight, or have an increased alcohol intake, you are more likely to experience this.

If you are at any increased risk of developing increased blood lipids, discuss with your doctor how Accutane (Isotretinoin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Accutane (Isotretinoin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Diabetes: Accutane (Isotretinoin) may cause a loss of control of blood sugar levels for people with diabetes. If you have diabetes, or anyone in your family has diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Accutane (Isotretinoin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Accutane (Isotretinoin), and whether any special monitoring is needed. You may need to check your blood glucose levels more often.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Accutane (Isotretinoin) may cause irritation in the digestive system. If you experience stomach pain, rectal bleeding or diarrhea, contact your doctor immediately.

Liver disease: Several cases of hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) have been reported that are considered to be possibly or probably related to Accutane (Isotretinoin) therapy.

If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.

Neurologic: Accutane (Isotretinoin) has been linked to causing intracranial hypertension, also known as pseudotumor cerebri. Early symptoms of this condition include headache, nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbances. If you have these symptoms call your doctor immediately.

Night vision: Decreased night vision has been reported during Accutane (Isotretinoin) therapy. Because some patients experience sudden onset of vision problems, use caution when driving or operating any vehicle at night. Report any vision changes to your doctor.

Pancreatitis: Accutane (Isotretinoin) can cause the pancreas to become inflamed. If you have a history of pancreatitis, discuss with your doctor how Accutane (Isotretinoin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Accutane (Isotretinoin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Report signs of pancreatitis such as abdominal pain on the upper left side, back pain, nausea, fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, or swollen abdomen to your doctor immediately.

If you have a history of pancreatitis, gallstones, Alcoholism, or high triglycerides, you may be more at risk of experiencing this.

Skin care: Accutane (Isotretinoin) causes irritated, dry skin and lips. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for appropriate moisturizers and lip balms to use to prevent severe dryness. While you are taking Accutane (Isotretinoin), avoid exfoliators, waxing and dermabrasion, or laser procedures.

Skin rash: Accutane (Isotretinoin) may cause skin rash or itchiness. Rarely, people taking Accutane (Isotretinoin) experience a severe skin reaction that can be life threatening. If you experience a rash that gets worse, or develops into blisters, sores on the lips or eyes, or covers a large area of the body, contact your doctor immediately.

Sun sensitivity: Accutane (Isotretinoin) may make you more likely to burn in the sun. Use appropriate measures to prevent excessive exposure to the sun. These include wearing a hat and sunglasses when out in the sun, using a sunscreen that provides an SPF of 15 or more, and avoiding going out in the sun between 10 am and 2 pm when the sun is at its strongest.

Vitamin supplements: You should not take vitamin supplements containing vitamin A if you also take Accutane (Isotretinoin) as this may increase the side effects of vitamin A. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure which of your supplements might contain vitamin A.

Pregnancy: Accutane (Isotretinoin) causes severe birth defects in an extremely high percentage of infants born to women who take Accutane (Isotretinoin) even for a short period of time during pregnancy.

Accutane (Isotretinoin) must not be used during pregnancy. Women must not become pregnant while taking Accutane (Isotretinoin) or for at least one month after stopping the medication. Your doctor will perform monthly pregnancy tests while you are taking Accutane (Isotretinoin) to confirm the safety of continuing to take Accutane (Isotretinoin).

Women who may become pregnant must not be given Accutane (Isotretinoin) until pregnancy is excluded. A pregnancy test should be performed when you first see your doctor. A second pregnancy test must be performed within 11 days of starting treatment. Accutane (Isotretinoin) treatment should start on the second or third day of the next normal menstrual period following this negative pregnancy test. Effective birth control must be used for at least one month before starting Accutane (Isotretinoin) treatment, during the treatment, and for at least one month following the discontinuation of treatment.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Accutane (Isotretinoin) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Accutane (Isotretinoin), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding. Because of the potential for side effects, women should consider not breast-feeding if they take Accutane (Isotretinoin).

Children: The long-term safety of using Accutane (Isotretinoin) have not been established for children less than 12 years of age.

Seniors: The use of Accutane (Isotretinoin) by seniors has not been well studied. It is likely that seniors would be at an increased risk for side effects from Accutane (Isotretinoin).

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All material © 1996-2024 MediResource Inc. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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