Accutane (Isotretinoin)

What is Accutane?

Accutane (Isotretinoin) is a form of Vitamin A. It comes from a class of drugs known as retinoids.

What is Accutane used for?

Accutane is used for treating severe cases of acne, which does not ebb with other treatments. It is also recommended for moderate to severe or nodular acne that does not respond to treatments like antibiotic pills and other skin clearing creams.

How does Accutane work?

Accutane works by reducing oil production or sebum in body, which is released by sebaceous or skin glands in people having intense acne problems.

How to use Accutane

Accutane is usually prescribed for six months. It is highly recommended that it should be taken with food, as this increase the absorption of the drug. Have a full glass of water; after you take the Accutane capsule to avoid any kind of infection in esophagus, in case, it gets stuck there.

Accutane warnings and precautions

As Accutane is a strong medicine, it is warned that pregnant females should avoid taking it. The medicine can harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking Accutane doses, it is suggested that you should stop taking the medicine immediately or inform your doctor about it.

If you are allergic and/ or have a history of liver disease, or severe depression or suicidal thoughts, the medication should at once be stopped and a doctor should be consulted.

If a patient, during the course of medication, experiences troubles like hopelessness, feelings of guilt, worthlessness, fatigue, difficulty in concentrating and restlessness, it should be reported to the physician.

As the medicine has an effect on the body sugar and fat, it should be taken cautiously. Do not drive or indulge in any heavy work after taking Accutane.

What do I do if I have missed a Accutane dose?

If you have missed your Accutane dose, you should skip the missed dose and take the next directed dose. It is not advisable to take an extra dose without doctor’s recommendation, even if you have missed one.

What do I do if I have taken a Accutane overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Accutane, do not try anything on your own, it is wise to contact emergency medical services.

Accutane interactions

Accutane is known to interact inadequately with certain antibiotics, some seizure medicines and steroids. It is advised by medical professionals that Accutane should not be taken with tetracycline antibiotics, as it elevates the risk of idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Doctors also warn taking it with Vitamin A supplements, which can result in a higher threat of vitamin A toxicity. The drug, if consumed with methotrexate, can lead to increased methotrexate levels in body and hepatotoxicity, also.  A list of other drugs that can possibly interact with Accutane includes steroids (prednisone), seizure medication such phenytoin, or tetracycline antibiotics such as minocycline (Minocin), doxycycline (Doryx, Vibramycin), demeclocycline (Declomycin), or tetracycline (Sumycin, Brodspec, Tetracap).

Accutane side effects

Side effects of Accutane include allergic reactions like hives, difficulty in breathing, and swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

If not taken with prior medical advice, severe side effects of this acne drug can be depressing mood, problems in concentrating, sleeping troubles, getting crying spells, aggression and agitation.

Some patients also experience numbness or weakness in especially one side of the body, hearing problems and severe pain in upper stomach. In other cases, it can also result in loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice, severe diarrhea and even, rectal bleeding. Contact the doctor, if these side effects persist, as they may cause serious damage, if not treated well in time.