Accutane (Isotretinoin)

Accutane is used for treating severe acne in patients who do not respond to other medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Accutane is a retinoid. It works by reducing skin oil production, changing the characteristics of the skin oil, and preventing abnormal hardening of the skin.

Do not use Accutane if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Accutane;
• you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or become pregnant while taking Accutane;
• you are breast-feeding.

• Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not give blood while taking Accutane and for 1 month after stopping taking Accutane.
• Do not drink alcohol while taking Accutane.
• Worsening of acne may occur during the first part of therapy. This does not suggest failure or a need to stop the medicine.
• To prevent cracking of lips, use a lip moisturizer or balm.
• Do not have cosmetic procedures to smooth your skin, including waxing, dermabrasion, or laser procedures, while you are taking Accutane and for at least 6 months after you stop. Accutane can increase your chance of scarring from these procedures.
• Accutane may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Accutane . Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period.
• Tell your health care provider if you plan vigorous physical activity (sports) during treatment with Accutane.
• Sexually active women of childbearing age must use 2 effective forms of birth control at least 1 month before starting therapy, during therapy, and for 1 month after stopping the medicine. Your health care provider should conduct pregnancy tests on a monthly basis while you are taking Accutane.
• Certain birth control pills (progestin) that do not contain estrogen may not be as effective while you are taking Accutane.
• Diabetes patients - Accutane may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely and ask your health care provider before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• abnormal hair growth; abnormal skin sensations; bleeding and redness or swelling of the gums;changes in menstrual flow; chapped lips; decreased tolerance to contact lenses; dizziness; dry eyes and mouth; dry nose that may lead to nosebleeds; dry or peeling skin; fatigue; flushing; general body discomfort; hair thinning; headache; itching; lack of energy; nervousness; respiratory tract infection; sleeplessness; sweating; temporary worsening of acne; voice changes.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bizarre, aggressive, or violent behavior; bowel pain; chest pain or pounding in the chest; dark urine; depression; difficult or painful swallowing; difficulty moving; excessive thirst or urination; fainting; fast heartbeat; fever; fractured or weak bones; hearing problems or ringing in the ears; increased pressure in the brain (pressure in the eye; nausea; vision changes; vomiting); joint or back pain; leg swelling; muscle weakness with or without pain; nausea; new or worsening heartburn; rectal bleeding; red patches or bruises on the legs; shortness of breath; seizures; severe birth defects; severe diarrhea; severe headache; skin infection; slurred speech; stomach pain or tenderness; stroke; stunted growth in children; sun sensitivity; swelling of the pancreas (fever; increased heartbeat; nausea; stomach tenderness; vomiting); swollen glands; thoughts of suicide; tightness in the lungs; vision changes; vomiting; weakness; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Accutane is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.