Accutane (Isotretinoin) Oral Capsules
Accutane is a
retinoid-class medication (derived from vitamin A) with
Isotretinoin as the active ingredient. The drug is available in oral and micronized oral capsules in varying dosages. Common oral capsules include 40mg, 35mg, 25mg, 20mg, and 10mg. Common micronized oral capsules include 32mg, 28mg, 24mg, 16mg, and 8mg. The medication is only accessible through certified pharmacies under a unique program called iPLEDGE.
What Does Accutane Treat?
Accutane (Isotretinoin) mainly treats
moderate acne and
severe cystic acne. A doctor may prescribe this drug if the acne doesn't respond to typical treatments like antibiotics. Isotretinoin is also used in treating other skin problems like
lamellar ichthyosis and
harlequin-type ichthyosis.
How Accutane Works
Accutane works by shrinking oil glands in the skin. That reduces the production of skin oil (sebum), which often blocks pores, encouraging acne bacteria to grow. Isotretinoin controls how your skin cells grow and shed so they do not clog pores. It may also help decrease redness and swelling, which often happens with acne.
How to Take Accutane
Only take Accutane if a healthcare provider prescribes it. Follow all the instructions to the letter on the prescription label, including:
- Take this medication with a full glass of water
- Do not chew the capsule (or suck on it); swallow the capsule whole
- Adhere to your doctor's advice about taking Isotretinoin with or without food
If you forget to take a dose, skip the forgotten dose and take the next one at the right time. No double or extra doses! Use Accutane for the entire prescribed period.
What Are Accutane Side Effects?
The potential side effects of Accutane include:
- Cold-related symptoms, such as sneezing, stuffy nose, and sore throat
- Dryness of the skin or eyes
- Dry or chapped lips
- Dry nose or nose bleeds
Stop using Accutane and contact your doctor if you have any of these
severe side effects:
- Increased pressure in the skull; symptoms include severe headaches, dizziness, ringing in the ears, and pain behind the eyes.
- Increased thirst or urination
- Muscle, joint, bone, or back pain
- Hallucinations
- Depression symptoms, such as mood changes, a feeling of low self-esteem, etc.
- Signs of pancreas or liver problems, e.g., loss of appetite, vomiting or nausea, dark urine, and fast heart rate.
- Serious stomach issues, e.g., stomach pain, heartburn, pain swallowing, bloody stools, and rectal bleeding.
The above isn't a comprehensive list of side effects. Please get in touch with your doctor for more information on side effects.
Warnings
Note the following warnings while using Isotretinoin:
- Do not share this medication with other people, even those with the same condition as you. It may harm them.
- Accutane can affect your night vision. Avoid driving at night until you know how the drug impacts you.
- Isotretinoin can increase your skin's sensitivity to light (photosensitivity). Avoid exposure to sun, tanning beds, and sunlamps. If you must be outside, wear clothing that covers your skin, sunscreen, and a hat.
- The medication can increase the risk of scarring following skin-smoothing procedures, such as waxing or laser resurfacing. Avoid these practices while using Accutane.
- Do not donate blood while using Accutane or for one month after stopping it. This drug can cause serious birth defects. If a pregnant woman receives the blood, it could hurt her unborn baby.
Contraindication
You shouldn't use Isotretinoin in the following situations:
- Allergic: Avoid Accutane capsules if you're allergic to any of its ingredients.
- Pregnancy: You should never use this drug while pregnant or if you intend to get pregnant. As mentioned, Isotretinoin can cause congenital disabilities.
- Breastfeeding: It's unknown if Isotretinoin can pass into breast milk. However, the risk isn't worth taking. Inform your doctor if you're breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.
To ensure Isotretinoin is safe for you, inform your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
- Asthma
- Diabetes
- Liver disease
- Depression or any form of mental illness
- A drug or food allergy
- Anorexia or any other eating disorder
- Low bone mineral density
- High cholesterol or heart disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease or any other intestinal disorder
Accutane Interactions
Accutane can interact with over-the-counter or prescription medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products you might be using. Always inform your doctor in advance if you're taking the following:
- Vitamin A supplements
- A corticosteroid (medication for certain inflammatory conditions)
- Phenytoin (Phenytek, Dilantin, and others) - drugs used to control seizures
- A Tetracycline antibiotic, e.g., doxycycline or minocycline.
- A progestin-only birth control pill (minipill)
- John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) or other herbal supplement
How to Store Accutane
- Store Accutane in a cool, dry place at room temperature (20°C to 25°C)
- The drug can be exposed to temperatures of 15°C to 30°C but only for short periods - such as during transportation.
- Keep Accutane out of the reach of children.
FAQs
Can I take alcohol while using Accutane?
There's no known interaction between alcohol and Isotretinoin so far. However, it's essential to seek your doctor's advice on whether you can drink alcohol while on Accutane.
