Isotretinoin

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Canadian/Mexican Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to treat acne that has not improved with other medicines.
• Other uses include treatment of some cancers in children. These cancers have not responded to other therapies.

How does it work?

• Isotretinoin decreases gland size in the skin.
• It also affects cell growth and reproduction.

How is it best taken?

• Take with food.
• Swallow capsule whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
• Use entire prescription as directed, even if feeling better.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Limit alcohol intake (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
• Do not take extra vitamin A, beta-carotene, or a multivitamin while taking this medicine.
• Do not donate blood while using this medicine.
• You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid lots of sun. Use sunscreen; wear protective clothing and eyewear.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Do not use in pregnancy and do not get pregnant. Use birth control that you can trust. Use 1 month before starting this medicine, during, and for at least 1 month after stopping this medicine.
• Do not use if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Dry skin, itching, nose bleeds, dry mouth and nose.
• Inflamed lips and irritated eyes.
• Muscular aches and pains.

What should I monitor?

• Check blood work. Talk with healthcare provider.
• You will need a negative pregnancy test before starting this medicine. It should be repeated every month.
• Follow up with healthcare provider. If you are female, this should be on a monthly basis.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Feeling depressed or feeling blue.
• Severe muscle aches and pains.
• Any rash.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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