Who is accutane for

Because vitamin A can build up in your tissues, it can quickly become a problem. It can do a good job of clearing up your skin, but there are some potential side effects. Most of these fade within a few weeks after you stop taking it. The dose is tailored to each person, and treatment usually lasts four to five months. Isotretinoin is available in a variety of brand names, including Absorica, Amnesteem, Claravis, Myorisan, and Sotret.

The original brand, Accutane, is no longer on the market. Since isotretinoin is designed to treat severe acne, it has a visible effect on the skin. The medication can be very effective in treating severe acne because it targets:.

Some of the more common side effects include dry skin and chapped lips. You may also have dry nasal passages, which can make your nose bleed. While taking isotretinoin, your skin will be more sensitive to the sun , so be sure to use sun protection. Some people develop fragile skin, rash, or peeling skin on the palms and soles.

You may notice a faint yellowing of your skin. Thinning hair is a possibility. Because your skin can become so fragile, hair removal techniques like waxing, dermabrasion, or laser treatments can lead to scarring. Women of childbearing years should take a pregnancy test before starting this medication. You should also use an effective form of birth control , plus a backup method. If you do get pregnant, stop taking the medication and tell your doctor right away. Taking isotretinoin during pregnancy can cause miscarriage, death of the fetus, or premature birth.

It can also lead to severe birth defects such as:. It can also cause a buildup of fluid and pressure on the brain called hydrocephalus. This can lead to intellectual disabilities. Babies may be born with an underdeveloped brain and small head, which is called microcephaly.

The most common side effect of isotretinoin is dryness—dry eyes, dry mouth, and dry skin. Other possible side effects include: yellowing of the eyes or skin, and nosebleeds. It can also lead to increased inflammation of the pancreas, liver damage, bone loss and stroke. Isotretinoin can affect growth in children, so teenagers should seek medical advice from their pediatrician before using it.

You should also avoid waxing and dermabrasion, as these can cause permanent scars in those who take isotretinoin. Isotretinoin has also been associated with inflammatory bowel disease IBD. The connection between isotretinoin and mental health problems is a murky one. A handful of high-profile cases in the early s, in which patients on Accutane died by suicide, led to questions about whether it could cause depression or suicidal thoughts and inspired stricter regulations. But, according to Dr.

Zeichner, studies show that patients on isotretinoin may actually have lower suicide rates. However, in all acne patients, especially those on isotretinoin, it is important to have a comprehensive care plan in place to monitor patients for mood changes. Use singlecare. Get the SingleCare prescription discount card. Isotretinoin is the most powerful, FDA-approved drug dermatologists have in their arsenal to help patients prevent and manage their acne, but there are risks to be considered.

Skip to main content Search for a topic or drug. Should you take Accutane for your acne? By Amy Wilkinson Aug. Top Reads in Drug Info. About isotretinoin capsules Isotretinoin capsules are a very effective treatment for severe acne spots.

Isotretinoin capsules are also known by the brand names Roaccutane and Rizuderm. Isotretinoin capsules start to work after a week to 10 days. They work very well - 4 out of 5 people who use them have clear skin after 4 months. You will a have blood test before you start taking isotretinoin and regular blood tests during your treatment.

Your skin may become very dry and sensitive to sunlight during treatment. Using lip balm and moisturisers will help. It's very important not to become pregnant while using isotretinoin capsules and for at least 1 month after stopping.

This is because isotretinoin can harm an unborn baby. Women will be given a reminder card about this. If you become depressed or think about harming yourself while taking isotretinoin, stop taking the medicine and tell your doctor straight away.

Isotretinoin capsules aren't suitable for some people. Do not take isotretinoin capsules if you : have had an allergic reaction to isotretinoin, soya the capsules contain soya or any other medicines in the past have an inherited digestive disorder called fructose intolerance the capsules contain sorbitol To make sure isotretinoin capsules are safe for you, tell your doctor if you : have had a mental health illness like depression are pregnant or think you could be, or you're breastfeeding have ever had an allergic reaction to isotretinoin or any other medicine have liver or kidney disease have high levels of cholesterol or other fats in your blood have high levels of vitamin A have Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis If you have diabetes , talk to your doctor before beginning treatment with isotretinoin capsules.

Common side effects The common side effects of isotretinoin capsules happen in more than 1 in 10 people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects bother you or don't go away: skin becoming more sensitive to sunlight dry eyes dry throat dry nose and nosebleeds headaches and general aches and pains Serious side effects Serious side effects are rare and happen in less than 1 in 1, people.

Important Tell your doctor straight away if you become depressed or think about ending your life while taking isotretinoin capsules. Serious allergic reaction In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction anaphylaxis to isotretinoin capsules. Information: You can report any suspected side effect to the UK safety scheme. What to do about : dry skin or lips - apply a moisturiser and lip balm often the best type of moisturiser is an oil-free face moisturiser for sensitive skin.

Try to keep your showers shorter than 2 minutes, using lukewarm water rather than hot. Do not use a sunlamp or sunbeds. If you wear contact lenses and these become uncomfortable, you might have to wear glasses instead while you're taking this medicine. Light exercise shouldn't be a problem, but try to avoid heavy exercise as it may make joint or muscle pain worse.

It's important to take the capsules as instructed by your doctor. The dose of isotretinoin capsules varies from person to person, and depends on your weight. What if I forget to take it? Never take a double dose. Never take an extra dose to make up for a missed one.

What if I take too much? Will the dose I take go up or down? This medicine is likely to harm a baby. It also increases the risk of miscarriage. Before starting treatment with isotretinoin capsules, women who are able to become pregnant must agree to: use at least 1, and ideally 2, reliable methods of contraception for 1 month before starting isotretinoin capsules, and for 1 month after treatment has stopped - the second contraceptive should be a barrier method of contraception for example, a condom , but you shouldn't use barrier methods on their own have a pregnancy test before, during, and 5 weeks after the end of treatment - some doctors may ask you to have monthly pregnancy tests Your doctor will give you a patient reminder card for isotretinoin.

Important Do not take isotretinoin capsules if you think you're pregnant, you know you're pregnant, or if you're breastfeeding. Men and isotretinoin capsules Men can safely take isotretinoin capsules if they and their partner are trying for a baby, or their partner is pregnant. Tell your doctor if you're taking these medicines before you start treatment with isotretinoin capsules : supplements that contain vitamin A tetracycline antibiotics such as doxycycline, oxytetracycline, minocycline, and lymecycline other acne medicines using both together may make skin irritation worse Mixing isotretinoin capsules with herbal remedies or supplements There's very little information about taking herbal remedies and supplements while you use isotretinoin capsules.

Important Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements. How do isotretinoin capsules work? How long does it take to work? How long will treatment last? Most people have clear skin after that time, but a few will need another round of treatment.

Are there other acne treatments? Why is isotretinoin no longer available as a gel? Will it affect my fertility? Can I donate blood while taking isotretinoin?