Oral Isotretinoin

Your doctor has prescribed oral isotretinoin for use.

What is isotretinoin used for?

Isotretinoin is used to treat severe acne that has not responded to other acne medicines. It reduces the oil gland activity and clears inflammation.

How should I take isotretinoin?

Isotretinoin is available in the form of capsules. Take this medicine as directed by your doctor. Take this medicine with meals as it is best absorbed with food.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the next dose to make up for the missed dose.

What other effects may it cause?

A course of treatment with Isotretinoin usually takes 4 to 6 months ie 16 to 24 weeks.

After 1 to 2 weeks, you will probably notice your skin getting less oily.

After 3 to 4 weeks, your acne will show signs of clearing.

In some people, the acne may seem to get worse during the first few weeks. If it happens to you, do not be discouraged. If you continue taking this medicine, you will notice an improvement.

Certain side effects of this medicine are not unusual and may even disappear during treatment. If any of the following effects persist or are severe, consult your doctor:

• Red, cracked and sore lips. This can be relieved by applying petroleum jelly or a lip moisturizer.
• Irritated and dry eyes. If you wear contact lenses, use of eyedrops or artificial tears should help revent this.
• Dry skin, sometimes with peeling. Relieve by applying a moisturizer
• Dry mouth and nose. In extreme cases, some nose bleeding may occur.

The following side effects may rarely occur at high doses. Consult your doctor if any of them becomes a problem.

• Headaches
• Joint pain or stiffness
• Hair loss
• Nausea

What precautions should I take?

• Isotretinoin has been reported to cause serious harm to unborn babies when taken during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant, who intend to become pregnant, or who are breast-feeding should tell their doctors before taking thi s medication. If you think you may be pregnant stop taking isotretinoin and have a pregnancy test. Use a reliable method of birth control for one month after discontinuing this drug.
• Do not donate blood while you take isotretinoin and for at least one month after you stop taking it. This is to prevent the possibility of a pregnant patient receiving the blood.
• Limit your exposure to sunlight. Use a sunscreen product and wear protective clothing when you are exposed to direct sunlight.
• Do not take vitamin preparations containing high doses of vitamin A.
• Isotretinoin can increase the amount of triglycerides (fats) in your blood. Limit your intake of alcoholic drinks, as alcohol also increases triglycerides in your blood.
• Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

How do I store this medicine?

• Keep this medicine away from heat and direct sunlight in a cool,dry place, out of reach of children.
• Do not keep this medicine with other medications in the same container. Keep each medicine separately in labelled containers.

When in doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist.