Isotretinoin

Who is Isotretinoin for ?

Isotretinoin is used to treat severe acne that has not responded to oral or topical anti-infectives. Isotretinoin is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

When should I be careful taking Isotretinoin ?

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Isotretinoin, stop taking Isotretinoin and call your doctor immediately. Isotretinoin can harm the fetus. Use a reliable method of birth control for 1 month before taking, while taking, and for 1 month after discontinuing this drug.

Isotretinoin may cause depression, psychosis and, rarely, thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts or suicide. Contact your health care provider immediately if you are depressed, have thoughts of hurting yourself or others, or have suicidal thoughts.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to Isotretinoin.

Isotretinoin may cause benign intracranial hypertension. If you experience the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: headache, upset stomach, vomiting, or visual disturbances.

Before taking Isotretinoin,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Isotretinoin or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially minocycline (Minocin), tetracycline (Achromycin V), vitamin A, and other vitamins. Do not take any vitamin supplements that contain vitamin A to avoid possible harmful reactions.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes, liver disease, a high amount of triglycerides (fats) in your blood, or a family history of high triglycerides in the blood.
• plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Isotretinoin may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
• tell your doctor if you or a family member have or have had a history of mental health problems
• be aware that this medicine may affect your night vision. Be cautious when driving or operating any machinery after dark.

Isotretinoin Side Effects

Although side effects from Isotretinoin are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• red, cracked, and sore lips
• red, itchy, dry, and inflamed eyes
• dry mouth and nose
• dry skin
• thinning of the hair
• fatigue

• depression
• thoughts of hurting self or others
• suicidal thoughts
• vision changes
• bone or joint pain
• dizziness
• stomach pain
• muscle aches
• skin peeling
• skin infections