Accutane

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Prescription Drug Information, Side Effects & Interactions for Accutane

Uses
This medication is used to treat severe cystic acne.

Notes

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight.
Do not store in the bathroom.

Accutane Home » Isotretinoin (Accutane) – Effective but Controversial

How To Use

Read the information leaflet available with the medication.
Complete a patient consent form.
Take with meals.
Swallow capsules whole.
Do not crush or chew them.
It may take a month or two before the full benefits of this medication are observed.

Side Effects

May cause dry lips and mouth, inflammation of the eyelids or lips, crusty skin, nosebleeds, indigestion, headache, or thinning of hair.
These effects should subside as your body adjusts to the medication.
If they persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor.
Notify your MD immediately for any changes in vision, hives, rash, stomach pain, rectal bleeding, severe diarrhea, tingling skin sensation, sun sensitivity or mood changes (depression).
Acne may worsen during the first few days of therapy.
In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history, including diabetes, family history of high blood fats (triglycerides), depression or any allergies (incl.
drugs).
Do not donate blood while you take isotretinoin and for at least one month after you stop taking it.
Avoid exposure to the sun and sunlamps.
Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when you are exposed to direct sunlight.
Isotretinoin can affect your night vision.
Be cautious when driving or operating any machinery after dark.
If you wear contact lenses, you may not tolerate them as well as usual while using this medication.
Avoid the use of alcohol while taking this medication.
This drug should not be used during pregnancy.
If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.
This drug should not be used by those who may become pregnant during treatment.
Consult your doctor.
It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk.
Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this medication.
Use two reliable forms of birth control together, starting one month before treatment, during and at least one month after stopping the drug.
Semen may pose a risk to a pregnant woman if the male is using this drug.
Consult your doctor.
This statement is based on information for a similar drug, acitretin.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of vitamin A-type drugs (including etretinate and vitamin A itself), minocycline and tetracycline.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.