Why is Accutane prescribed?

Accutane is in a class of drugs called retinoids. It is used to treat severe acne that has not responded to oral or topical anti-infectives. Isotretinoin should not be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should Accutane be used?

Accutane comes as a capsule to take by mouth. Accutane usually is taken twice a day. Take Accutane with food or milk. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Accutane exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

You may not notice any improvement in your condition until after 4-6 weeks of treatment, and your acne may actually get worse during the first few weeks. Your acne should improve within 15-20 weeks. If it does not improve, your doctor will probably stop giving you Accutane for 8 weeks and then restart your treatment.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking accutane,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Isotretinoin, parabens, or any other drugs. - tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially carbamazepine (Tegretol), demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycyline (Monodox, Vibramycin, and others), minocycline (Minocin), oxytetracycline (Uri-Tet), tetracycline (Achromycin V), vitamin A, and other vitamins and herbal products. Do not take any vitamin supplements that contain vitamin A to avoid possible harmful reactions.

• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes, liver disease, pancreatitis, a high amount of triglycerides (fats) in your blood, a family history of high triglycerides in the blood, or depression.
• plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Accutane may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
• Accutane may cause intracranial hypertension, especially when it is taken with tetracycline. Intracranial hypertension is a condition caused when the pressure in the blood vessels of the brain increases or when the brain swells. Symptoms of intracranial hypertenstion include severe headache, upset stomach and vomiting, and changes in vision. If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
• be aware that this medicine may affect your night vision. Be cautious when driving or operating any machinery after dark.
• hair removal by waxing and laser procedures to the skin should be avoided while taking Accutane and for 6 months after stopping Accutane. These procedures may cause scarring.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can Accutane cause?

Side effects from Isotretinoin are common.Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• red, cracked, and sore lips
• red, itchy, dry, and inflamed eyes
• dry mouth and nose
• dry skin
• thinning of the hair
• fatigue

If you experience any of the following symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:

• bone or joint pain
• chest pain
• dizziness
• stomach pain
• headache
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• difficulty with vision
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• difficulty hearing
• ringing in your ears
• difficulty walking
• rectal bleeding
• severe diarrhea
• bruising or red patches of the skin
• muscle aches
• difficulty walking
• skin peeling
• skin infections
• depression
• seeing visions or hearing voices that do not exist
• thoughts of suicide

What storage conditions are needed for Accutane?

Keep Isotretinoin in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What other information should I know?

When you begin taking Accutane, your acne may become worse before it starts to improve. Do not donate blood while you are taking Accutane and for at least 1 month after you stop taking it.

If you wear contact lenses, you may not tolerate them as well as usual while you take Accutane.

Do not let anyone else take your medication, especially a woman who may become pregnant. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.