What is Isotretinoin? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Isotretinoin

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• Take Accutane® capsules with food.

• Swallow the capsule whole with a full glass (8 ounces) of water or other liquid. Do not crush, break, chew, or suck it.

• Absorica® capsules should not be substituted with other forms of isotretinoin (such as Absorica LD„¢, Accutane®). Different brands may not work the same way. If you refill your medicine and it looks different, check with your pharmacist.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

• Missed dose: Skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Swallow the capsule whole with a full glass (8 ounces) of water or other liquid. Do not crush, break, chew, or suck it.

• Missed dose: Skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• Absorica® capsules should not be substituted with other forms of isotretinoin (such as Absorica LD„¢, Accutane®). Different brands may not work the same way. If you refill your medicine and it looks different, check with your pharmacist.

• Take Accutane® capsules with food.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

What to do if you miss a dose of Isotretinoin

Isotretinoin contraindications - Who shouldn't take Isotretinoin?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to isotretinoin, vitamin A, or paraben (a preservative), or if you are pregnant.

Isotretinoin warnings

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy because it can cause serious birth defects. All patients who can become pregnant must follow the requirements of the iPLEDGE„¢ program. You must use 2 forms of birth control for 1 month before you start taking isotretinoin, for the entire time you are being treated, and for 1 month after your last dose. You will need to have a pregnancy test every month during your treatment and 1 month after treatment ends. Tell your doctor right away if you miss a period or become pregnant.

• Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine and for 1 month after your last dose.

• Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, heart disease, asthma, bowel or digestion problems, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, a history of depression, lipid disorder, anorexia, or bone problems (including osteoporosis). Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol regularly. Tell your doctor if you had an allergic reaction to FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine) or aspirin.

• This medicine may cause the following problems: Depression, changes in mood or behaviorBenign intracranial hypertension (increased pressure in the brain)Serious skin reactionsPancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas)Liver problemsInflammatory bowel disease

• This medicine may cause bone or muscle problems, including fractures. You may get hurt more easily or heal more slowly. If this medicine is for your child, tell the doctor if you think your child is not growing properly.

• This medicine may cause hearing or vision problems, including decreased night vision. Do not drive at night until you know how this medicine affects you.

• Do not donate blood during treatment with this medicine or for 1 month after your last dose.

• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

• Do not use wax to remove hair or have any cosmetic procedures to smooth your skin (including dermabrasion, laser) while you are using this medicine and for 6 months after your last dose. Isotretinoin can increase your risk of scarring from these procedures.

• Your acne may get worse for a short time before it starts to improve.

• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Isotretinoin interactions & what to avoid when taking Isotretinoin

• Some medicines can affect how isotretinoin works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following: Phenytoin, St John's wortBirth control pills containing only progesterone ("minipills")Steroid medicineTetracycline antibiotics (including doxycycline, minocycline, tetracycline)Vitamin A supplements

• Do not breastfeed while you are taking this medicine and for 1 month after your last dose.

• Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, asthma, bowel or digestion problems, diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, a history of anorexia, or bone problems such as osteoporosis. Tell your doctor if you have a history of depression, or if you drink alcohol regularly. Tell your doctor if you had an allergic reaction to FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine) or aspirin.

• This medicine may cause the following problems: Depression, changes in mood or behaviorBenign intracranial hypertension (increased pressure in the brain)Serious skin reactionsPancreatitisLiver problemsInflammatory bowel disease

• This medicine may cause bone or muscle problems, including fractures. You may get hurt more easily or heal more slowly. If this medicine is for your child, tell the doctor if you think your child is not growing properly.

• This medicine may cause hearing or vision problems, including decreased night vision. Do not drive at night until you know how this medicine affects you.

• Do not donate blood while you use this medicine or for 1 month after your last dose.

• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

• Do not use wax to remove hair or have any cosmetic procedures to smooth your skin (such as dermabrasion, laser) while you take this medicine and for 6 months after you stop it. Isotretinoin can increase your risk of scarring from these procedures.

• Your acne may get worse for a short time before it starts to improve.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.