Manufacturer: Roche, Switzerland
Pharmaceutical name: Pack: 1 cap (1 cap 10 mg)
Accutane is a form of vitamin A. It reduces the amount of oil released by oil glands in your skin, and helps your skin renew itself more quickly. Accutane is used to treat severe nodular acne. It is usually given after other acne medicines or antibiotics have been tried without successful treatment of symptoms. Accutane may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Accutane can cause severe, life-threatening birth defects. Never use Accutane if you are pregnant. Women of child-bearing potential must agree in writing to use two specific forms of birth control and have regular pregnancy tests before, during, and after taking isotretinoin. Do not take vitamin supplements containing vitamin A while you are taking isotretinoin. Do not donate blood while taking Accutane and for at least 30 days after you stop taking it.
Accutane is available only under a special program called iPLEDGE. You must be registered in the program and sign documents stating that you understand the dangers of this medication and that you agree to use birth control as required by the program. Ask your doctor or call the drug maker if you have questions about the program or the written requirements. Do not use Accutane if you are allergic to isotretinoin or to parabens, or if you are pregnant or may become pregnant.
To make sure you can safely take Accutane, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
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a personal or family history of depression or mental illness;
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heart disease, high cholesterol or triglycerides;
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osteoporosis or other bone disorders;
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an intestinal disorder such as inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn's disease;
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diabetes;
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asthma;
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an eating disorder (anorexia nervosa);
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liver disease.
Side Effects
Dry lips and mouth, minor swelling of the eyelids or lips, crusty skin, nosebleeds, upset stomach, or thinning of hair may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water, or use a saliva substitute.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
