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Accutane

Generic name: isotretinoin (oral) [ EYE-so-TRET-i-noyn ]

Classes of drugs: Miscellaneous antineoplastics, Miscellaneous uncategorized agents

What is Accutane?

Accutane is a type that contains vitamin A. It decreases the amount of oil that is released by the oil glands on your skin. 

Accutane is a treatment for the severe form of nodular acne that hasn't been treated with other methods which include antibiotics.

Accutane can only be purchased from a pharmacy that is certified under an exclusive program known as iPLEDGE.

Warnings

Accutane, even in one dose could cause serious birth defects or even death of a child. Avoid using this medicine when there is a possibility of pregnancy or have the potential to be pregnant.

You must pass a positive pregnancy test before taking Accutane. It is also obliged to use two birth control methods to stop pregnancy while taking this medication.

Women with a child-bearing capacity must sign a written agreement to make use of two different methods of birth control and regularly test for pregnancy before, during, and after using Accutane. Stop taking Accutane and consult your physician immediately if you suspect you could be pregnant.

Accutane is only available through an exclusive program known as iPLEDGE. It is risky to test and purchase this drug via the Internet or from vendors outside the United States.

Do not consume vitamin supplements that contain vitamin A when you're taking Accutane. Don't give blood while you are taking Accutane as well for at least 30 days following the time you stop taking it.

Before You Take This Drug

Before you start taking this medicine, make sure to consult your doctor.

Accutane may cause miscarriage, birth prematurely or birth defects that are severe or even death of a child when the mother is taking this medication at the moment of conception or pregnancy. Even one dose of isotretinoin could cause serious birth defects to the baby's eyes, ears face, skull heart, brain, and. Don't make use of Accutane when there is a chance that you're pregnant and have the potential to be pregnant.

For women: Unless you have been able to have your uterus and ovaries eliminated (total Hysterectomy) or you have been in the menopausal phase for at minimum 12 months consecutively and you are thought to be in a position to become pregnant. It is necessary to pass 2 negative pregnancy tests before when you begin taking Accutane before refilling your prescription just after taking your last dose and then again 30 days after. All pregnancy tests are mandated through the iPLEDGE program.

How to Take Accutane?

Use Accutane exactly as directed by your physician. Follow all instructions on the label of your prescription and read the medication guide or instructions sheets.

Every prescription for Accutane must be filled within seven days from the date it was issued by your physician. The amount you receive is not more than a 30-day supply of Accutane in one go. Always always Accutane with an entire bottle of fluid. Do not chew or chew into the capsule. Suck it up whole. Make sure to take this medication for the entire prescribed amount of duration. Your acne may appear to worsen at first however, it will soon start to improve.

You might require regular blood tests. Do not share this medicine with a person else even if they suffer from similar symptoms to yours. Maintain at room temperature, and free of heat, moisture, and light.

Detail On Dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Acne:

Dosage for maintenance: 0.25 to 0.5 mg/kg orally, 2 times per day. Maximum dose: Up to 2 mg/kg/day Therapy duration: up to the 20-week mark.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Acne:

Age 12 or over:

Maintenance dose: 0.25 to 0.5 mg/kg orally twice a day

-Maximum dose: 2 mg/kg/day

The duration of treatment: Up to 20 weeks

Patients are advised to take certain dosages of this drug along with food.

Before increasing the dose the patient should be questioned about their compliance with the treatment (e.g. using the medication alongside food).

Patients with extreme acne, scarring, or primary signs on the trunk could require a dose of 2 mg/kg/day.

Any patient who wants to refill their prescription requires the prescription to be renewed and authorization from the iPLEDGE Program.

The safety and efficacy of daily dosing have not been proven, therefore, daily dosing is not advised.

Use: Treatment for nodular acne with severe recalcitrants for patients who are not responding to standard treatment, such as the use of systemic antibiotics

What Happens If I Miss a Dose?

Do not miss the missed dose, and retake your dose at the same time.

Do not take two amounts at the same time.

What Happens If I Overdose?

Get medical attention immediately or contact the toll-free Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Some symptoms of an overdose consist of headache, dizziness, vomiting, stomach pain, warm or tingling on your face, swelling or cracked lips the loss of stability and coordination.

What Should be Avoided?

Don't take a vitamin, mineral, or supplement containing vitamin A unless your doctor advises you to. Do not give blood while taking isotretinoin, and up to 30 days following the last day of using it. Donated blood that is later donated to a woman who is pregnant could cause birth defects in the child if the blood has any amount of isotretinoin. When you're on Accutane as well for at minimum six months after the last dose: Avoid using wax hair removal products laser treatments or dermabrasion. There is a risk of scarring. Isotretinoin can cause sunburn more quickly. Avoid tanning beds or sunlight. Be sure to wear protective attire and apply sunblock (SPF 30 or greater) whenever you're outside.

Avoid driving and other hazardous activities until you are aware of what effects this medication can have on you. It can cause vision impairment, particularly at night.

Accutane Side Effects

.Mild Effects

Common Accutane side effects could be:

  1. Dryness of your lips, skin, and eyes (you might experience nosebleeds);

  2. Issues with vision;

  3. Headache, back pain, joint pain, muscle problems;

  4. Skin reactions skin reactions

symptoms of cold like nasal stuffiness, sneezing, and sore throat.

Adverse Side Effects

Take immediate medical attention when you notice symptoms that indicate an allergy reaction Accutane (hives and breathing difficulties and swelling of your throat or face) or an extreme skin reaction (fever and sore throat burnt eyes, irritation, or an ailment that is purple or red with peeling and blisters) hallucinations (see or hear things that aren't real); signs of depression abnormal mood changes tears, feelings of self-doubt and a loss of interest in activities you once loved, new sleeping problems and thoughts of hurting yourself indications of pancreas or liver issues weight loss and stomach pain in the upper part of your stomach (that can extend over your entire rear), nausea or vomiting, fast heart rate dark urine, the appearance of jaundice (yellowing on the eyes or skin);

severe stomach issues severe chest or stomach pain, discomfort when taking a swallow, heartburn, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. bloody or tarry stools or increased pressure in the skull headaches that can be severe and ringing in the ears, nausea, dizziness, and vision issues, as well as eye pain

Interaction With Other Drugs

phenytoin;

Mineral or vitamin supplements;

Birth control pills that are progestin-only (mini-pills are not guaranteed to work effectively when combined with isotretinoin); medication with steroids orA Tetracycline anti-biotic includes the doxycycline as well as minocycline.

This list isn't complete. Other drugs can interact with isotretinoin. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. There are many possible interactions between drugs. are listed here.

DRUG STATUS

Availability

Prescription only

Pregnancy & Lactation

CSA Schedule*
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