What is Isotretinoin?
Isotretinoin is a form of vitamin a used to treat severe, nodular acne that has not responded well to other treatments. This includes antibiotics.
Only a pharmacy certified under the ipledge programme can provide isotretinoin, also known as eqv-absorica. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of isotretinoin.
Side effects of Isotretinoin (eqv-absorica)
If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling on your face or throat or severe reactions on your skin (fever or itchy rash), or severe reactions such as fever and skin reactions such as fever blisters. Sore throat with burning eyes, skin pain or blistering, or a red or purple rash), seek emergency medical attention.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop using isotretinoin and contact your doctor immediately.
- You may have problems with your hearing or vision.
- Back pain or muscle pain
- Increased thirst leads to increased urination.
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real)
- Symptoms of depression include unusual mood changes, crying spells, and feelings of low worth, as well as new sleep disorders and thoughts of harming yourself.
- If you notice any of these symptoms, it could be a sign of liver or pancreas disease: loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, and dark urine.
- Severe stomach problems: severe abdominal or chest pain; pain when swallowing; heartburn; diarrhea; rectal bleeding or bloody stools.
- Increased pressure in the skull can cause severe headaches, dizziness, and nausea, as well as vision problems or pain behind your eye.
Isotretinoin side effects may include:
- Dryness of the skin, lips, nose, or eyes (you might have nosebleeds);
- Vision problems
- Headache, back pain, joint pain, muscle problems;
- Skin reactions
- Cold symptoms like stuffy noses, sneezing, and sore throats.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice regarding side effects, contact your physician. Alternatively, the fda can be reached at 1-800-fda-1088 in order to report them.
Similar/related drugs
Doxycycline, clindamycin topical, topical erythromycin, tetracycline, and tazorac
Warnings
One dose of isotretinoin can cause serious birth defects or even death in a child. Isotretinoin is not to be used if pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Before taking isotretinoin, you must perform a pregnancy test and get a negative result. While taking this medication, you will be required to use birth control. If you suspect that you are pregnant, stop using isotretinoin and contact your doctor immediately.
Before you take this drug
Isotretinoin can cause severe birth defects in the ears, eyes, and face of a child. It can also cause brain, skull, and heart defects. Do not use isotretinoin if you're pregnant or planning to get pregnant.
For women: if you have not had your uterus or ovaries removed (total surgery), or if you have not been in menopause for at least 12 consecutive months, you will be considered to be able to get pregnant. Before you begin taking isotretinoin, you must perform two negative pregnancy tests. You should also do this before every prescription refill and 30 days after your last dose. The ipledge programme requires all pregnancy tests.
You must agree to two forms of birth control in writing, beginning 30 days before starting isotretinoin (eq absorica) and ending 30 days after your last dosage. Primary and secondary birth control methods must be used in conjunction.
The primary forms of contraception include:
- Tubal ligation (tubes tied);
- Vasectomy is the removal of a male partner from a sexual relationship.
- An iud (intrauterine device);
- Birth control pills that contain estrogen but not mini-pills
- Vaginal rings, patches, injections, or hormonal birth control implants.
Other forms of contraception include:
- A male latex condom that contains or does not contain spermicide
- A diaphragm plus a spermicide;
- A cervical cap and spermicide
- A vaginal sponge that contains a spermicide.
If you are pregnant or suspect you may be, stop using isotretinoin. If you become pregnant while on isotretinoin, call 1-866-495-0654 to register with the ipledge registry. Abstinence (no sexual activity) is the best way to prevent pregnancy. If you have an allergy to isotretinoin, do not use it (eqv absorica).
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- Depression or mental illness
- Asthma;
- Liver disease
- Diabetes;
- High blood cholesterol, or heart disease?
- Osteoporosis, or low bone mineral densities;
- An eating disorder, such as anorexia.
- A food or drug allergic reaction
- An intestinal disorder such as ulcerative colitis.
Breastfeeding is not recommended. No one under the age of 12 is allowed to use this product.
How to take Isotretinoin?
Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all directions. Follow the directions on the label.
You must fill each prescription for isotretinoin, also known as eqv-absorica, within seven days from the date your doctor wrote it. Isotretinoin is only available in 30-day supplies. Isotretinoin should always be taken with water. The capsule should not be chewed or sucked. It is best to swallow it whole.
Take isotretinoin eqv-absorica as directed, with or without food. Do not stop taking isotretinoin for any reason. At first, your acne may appear to worsen. However, it should improve. Blood tests may be required frequently. Do not share this medication with anyone else, even if you both have the same symptoms. Store away from moisture, heat, and light at room temperature.
What happens if i miss the dose?
Do not take the missed dose. Use your next dose as usual. Do not take two doses at once.
What happens if i overdose?
Call the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. Overdose symptoms include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. You may also experience tingling or warmth in your face or lips.
What should be avoided?
Take vitamin a-containing supplements only if your doctor has prescribed them. Don't donate blood if you are taking isotretinoin or eqv absorica. You should also wait at least 30 days after stopping the medication before giving blood to pregnant women. This could cause birth defects in her child if it contains isotretinoin.
While taking isotretinoin (eqv absorica) and for 6 months following your last dose, avoid wax hair removal or dermabrasion treatments. It is possible that scarring will result. You may get sunburned easier if you take isotretinoin. Avoid tanning beds or sunlight. When you're outdoors, wear protective clothing and use sunblock (spf 30 or higher). Avoid driving and other hazardous activities until you understand how isotretinoin will affect you. It is possible that isotretinoin can impair your night vision.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, including:
- Phenytoin;
- John's wort (which may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills);
- Vitamin or mineral supplements
- Progestin is the only birth control pill. (mini-pills may not work well with isotretinoin, (eqv absorica), (eqv absorica);
- Steroid medicine;
- Tetracycline antibiotics include doxycycline and minocycline.
This list is incomplete. Isotretinoin may be affected by other drugs, including prescription and otc medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all drug interactions.
