How should this medicine be used?
Isotretinoin comes as a capsule to take by mouth. Isotretinoin usually is taken twice a day. Take isotretinoin 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 isotretinoin 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 isotretinoin for 8 weeks and then restart your treatment.
Other uses for this medicine
Isotretinoin has been used to treat other skin disorders, including keratosis follicularis, pityriasis rubra pilaris, lamellar ichthyosis, keratosis palmaris et plantaris, rosacea, and leukoplakia. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking isotretinoin,
* 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. Isotretinoin may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
* isotretinoin 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 isotretinoin and for 6 months after stopping isotretinoin. These procedures may cause scarring.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Isotretinoin increases the amount of triglycerides (fats) in your blood. Limit your intake of dietary fat and alcoholic beverages (alcohol also increases the amount of triglycerides in your blood) while taking isotretinoin.
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 this medication 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
