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Accutane, |Accutane

Accutane

Generic Name: isotretinoin (oral) (eye so TRET i noyn)
Brand Names: Accutane

What is isotretinoin?

Isotretinoin is a form of vitamin A. It reduces the amount of oil released by oil glands in your skin, and helps your skin renew itself more quickly.

Isotretinoin is used to treat severe nodular acne. It is usually given after other acne medicines or antibiotics have been tried without successful treatment of symptoms.

Isotretinoin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about isotretinoin?

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 isotretinoin. 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.

Isotretinoin is available only under a special program called iPLEDGE. You must be registered in the program and sign agreements to use birth control and undergo pregnancy testing as required by the program. Read all program brochures and agreements carefully.

It is dangerous to try and purchase isotretinoin on the Internet or from vendors outside of the United States. The sale and distribution of isotretinoin outside of the iPLEDGE program violates the regulations of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the safe use of this medication.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking isotretinoin?

Isotretinoin is available only under a special program called iPLEDGE. You must be registered in the program and sign documents stating that you understand the dangers of this medication and that you agree to use birth control as required by the program. Read all of the iPLEDGE program brochures and agreements carefully. Ask your doctor or call the drug maker if you have questions about the program or the written requirements.

It is dangerous to try and purchase isotretinoin on the Internet or from vendors outside of the United States. The sale and distribution of isotretinoin outside of the iPLEDGE program violates the regulations of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the safe use of this medication.

Before taking isotretinoin, 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 diease, high cholesterol or triglycerides;

• osteoporosis or other bone disorders;

• diabetes;

• asthma;

• an eating disroder (anorexia nervosa); or

• liver disease.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use isotretinoin, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

For Women: Unless you have had your uterus and ovaries removed (total hysterectomy) or have been in menopause for at least 12 months in a row, you are considered to be of child-bearing potential.

Even women who have had their tubes tied are required to use birth control while taking isotretinoin.

You must have a negative pregnancy test 30 days before you start taking isotretinoin. A pregnancy test is also required before each prescription is refilled, right after you take your last dose of isotretinoin, and again 30 days later. All pregnancy testing is required by the iPLEDGE program.

You must agree in writing to use two specific forms of birth control beginning 30 days before you start taking isotretinoin and ending 30 days after you stop taking it. Both a primary and a secondary form of birth control must be used together.

Primary forms of birth control include:

• tubal ligation (tubes tied);

• vasectomy of the male sexual partner;

• an IUD (intrauterine device);

• estrogen-containing birth control pills (not mini-pills); and

• hormonal birth control patches, implants, injections, or vaginal ring.

Secondary forms of birth control include:

• a male latex condom plus spermicidal foam or gel;

• a diaphragm plus spermicidal foam or gel;

• a cervical cap plus spermicidal foam or gel; and

• a vaginal sponge containing spermicide.

Stop using isotretinoin and call your doctor at once if you have unprotected sex, if you quit using birth control, if your period is late, or if you think you might be pregnant.

How should I take isotretinoin?

Take this medication 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.

Each prescription of isotretinoin must be filled within 7 days of the date it was prescribed by your doctor. You will receive no more than a 30-day supply of isotretinoin at one time.

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.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while taking isotretinoin?

Isotretinoin can weaken bones. Avoid sports or activities that may result in injury or bone fracture.

Do not use wax hair removers or have dermabrasion or laser skin treatments while you are taking isotretinoin and for at least 6 months after you stop taking it. Scarring may result.

Isotretinoin side effects

• depressed mood, trouble concentrating, sleep problems, crying spells, aggression or agitation, changes in behavior, hallucinations, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;

• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;

• blurred vision, sudden and severe headache or pain behind your eyes, sometimes with vomiting;

• hearing problems, hearing loss, or ringing in your ears;

• seizure (convulsions);

• severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate;

• loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• severe diarrhea, rectal bleeding, black, bloody, or tarry stools;

• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, purple spots under your skin, easy bruising or bleeding; or

• joint stiffness, bone pain or fracture.

Continue taking isotretinoin and talk to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

• discomfort with contact lenses;

• joint pain, back pain;

• feeling dizzy, drowsy, or nervous;

• dryness of the lips, mouth, nose, or skin; or

• cracking or peeling skin, itching, rash, changes in your fingernails or toenails.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect isotretinoin?

Before taking isotretinoin, 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).

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use isotretinoin, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect isotretinoin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has information about isotretinoin written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Isotretinoin is available with a prescription under the brand name Accutane. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ("Multum") is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum"s drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum"s drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.