Isotretinoin
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DRUG STATUS
Approvals
US(FDA), UK(BNF)
Essential Medicine
NO
Teratogenicity
Unlisted
Pharmaceutical Class
Retinoid
Isotretinoin
Know More About This Medicine -
Click HereSummary
Isotretinoin is a strong medication used for treating severe acne that doesn't respond to other treatments like antibiotics.
Isotretinoin works by shrinking oil glands in your skin and altering how skin cells grow, helping to clear up severe acne. It's absorbed better if taken with a fatty meal.
The dosage is based on your weight. Adults usually take it twice a day with food for about 4-5 months. It's not recommended to take it just once a day.
Common side effects include changes in appetite, mood swings, sleep disruption, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, weight gain, sexual dysfunction, drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, and fatigue.
Isotretinoin carries serious risks. It can cause birth defects, miscarriage, or the baby's death, so pregnant women absolutely cannot take it. Women who might get pregnant must use two types of birth control a month before, during, and after taking it. It can also cause mental health problems like depression, suicidal thoughts, or aggression.
Indications and Purpose
What is Isotretinoin used for?
Isotretinoin is a strong medicine for really bad acne that doesn't get better with other treatments like antibiotics. It's very important to know that Accutane can harm an unborn baby, so it's only for people who can strictly follow all the program rules to prevent pregnancy.
How does Isotretinoin work?
Isotretinoin is a strong acne medicine. It works by shrinking oil glands in your skin and changing how skin cells grow, which helps clear up severe acne. It's absorbed better if you take it with a fatty meal. Most of the medicine binds to proteins in your blood, and your body breaks it down into smaller parts. Exactly how it works isn't fully understood, but it's very effective.
Is Isotretinoin effective?
Isotretinoin is a strong medicine that clears up really bad acne that doesn't get better with other treatments. A study of over 200 kids and adults showed that taking a specific dose (1 mg per kilogram of body weight, per day) was effective against severe acne and didn't cause significant bone thinning in most people.
How does one know if Isotretinoin is working?
Isotretinoin treats acne, but doctors don't directly measure how well it's working against acne. Instead, they check your blood for changes in fats (lipids) and sugar levels. These blood tests, done before and during treatment (often within a month of starting, and more often if you're at higher risk), show how your body is responding to the medicine.
Directions for Use
What is the usual dose of Isotretinoin?
Isotretinoin is a strong medicine for acne. The doctor figures out the right amount based on your weight. Adults usually take it twice a day with food for about 4-5 months. Sometimes, the doctor might give a higher dose if needed. For teens with really bad acne, the dose is also determined by weight, but taken twice a day. Taking it just once a day isn't recommended.
How do I take Isotretinoin?
Isotretinoin is a strong medicine. You must follow your doctor's instructions precisely. This means taking the exact dose at the exact times they told you. There's no information here about whether to take it with food or not, so ask your doctor or pharmacist.
For how long do I take Isotretinoin?
Isotretinoin is a medicine for severe acne. Most people take it for 3-5 months. If your acne clears up a lot sooner (more than 70%), you might stop early. If it doesn't clear up completely after that, you can try it again after a couple of months. But it's best not to take it for a really long time.
How long does it take for Isotretinoin to start working?
Isotretinoin typically starts showing noticeable improvements in 4 to 6 weeks of treatment. However, it can take up to 12 to 24 weeks (about 3 to 6 months) to achieve the full therapeutic effect, depending on the severity of acne. Some individuals may experience a flare-up of acne before seeing improvement.
How should I store Isotretinoin?
Keep the medicine in a cool, dry place, between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Don't let it get too hot or cold. Keep it away from sunlight.
Warnings and Precautions
Who should avoid taking Isotretinoin?
Isotretinoin is a powerful medicine with serious risks. Pregnant women absolutely cannot take it because it can cause birth defects, miscarriage, or the baby's death. Even women who might get pregnant must use two types of birth control a whole month before, during, and a month after taking it. Isotretinoin can also cause mental health problems like depression, suicidal thoughts, or aggression. Anyone taking it needs to tell their doctor right away if they notice these issues.
Can I take Isotretinoin with other prescription drugs?
Isotretinoin is a strong medicine, so it shouldn't be taken with some other things. Don't take it with tetracycline antibiotics or vitamin A supplements because it can cause serious side effects, especially brain swelling. If you can get pregnant, use two different kinds of birth control because Accutane can make birth control pills less effective. Also, St. John's Wort (an herbal medicine) can interfere with birth control. Finally, Isotretinoin might weaken bones if taken with certain epilepsy or steroid medications, so your doctor needs to be careful.
Can I take Isotretinoin with vitamins or supplements?
Isotretinoin is a strong medicine, so you shouldn't take vitamin A supplements with it because they're both similar and could cause problems. Taking isotretinoin with certain antibiotics (like tetracyclines) might increase the chance of a rare brain condition. And finally, St. John's Wort can make birth control pills less effective.
Can Isotretinoin be taken safely while pregnant?
Isotretinoin is a very dangerous medicine to take if you're pregnant. It can cause serious birth defects in the baby, affecting many parts of the body, including the brain and heart. It can also lead to miscarriage or premature birth. If you become pregnant while taking Isotretinoin, stop taking it right away and see a doctor who specializes in pregnancy complications.
Can Isotretinoin be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Isotretinoin is a very strong medicine, and it can pass into breast milk. This means the baby could get some of the medicine, which is dangerous for them because it can cause serious birth defects. That's why doctors say mothers shouldn't take Isotretinoin while breastfeeding. It's safer for the baby to avoid it completely.
Is Isotretinoin safe for the elderly?
Most studies on isotretinoin didn't test it on enough older people (65 and up) to know for sure if it works differently in them than younger people. Although no problems have been reported yet, getting older might make some of the risks of this medicine worse. Doctors should be extra careful when giving it to older people who have bone problems.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Isotretinoin?
Exercising while on isotretinoin is typically safe but should be approached cautiously if experiencing side effects like dizziness or fatigue. Always listen to your body and consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about physical activity while on this medication.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Isotretinoin?
Drinking alcohol while taking isotretinoin can increase the risk of side effects like drowsiness and impaired coordination. It's best to avoid alcohol altogether or limit intake and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
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