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- $Unique_ID{BRK03196}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{isotretinoin}
- $Subject{Accutane Roche Acne preparation isotretinoin severe cystic acne sebum
- skin oil dries lesions}
- $Volume{}
- $Log{
- Accutane*0319601.scf}
-
- Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.
-
-
- isotretinoin
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)
-
- Accutane (Roche)
-
- TYPE OF DRUG
-
- Acne preparation
-
- INGREDIENT
-
- isotretinoin
-
- DOSAGE FORM
-
- Capsules (10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg)
-
- STORAGE
-
- Isotretinoin should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed,
- light-resistant container.
-
- USES
-
- This medication is used to treat severe cystic acne. It is not clearly
- understood how isotretinoin works, but it decreases the production of sebum (a
- skin oil) and dries up the acne lesions.
-
- TREATMENT
-
- An information leaflet is packaged with this product. Be sure to read it
- carefully.
- Isotretinoin should be taken with meals to obtain maximum benefit.
- It may take one to two months before the maximum effects of this
- medication are observed.
- If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
- possible, and then return to your regular dosing schedule. However, if you do
- not remember until it is time for your next dose, double the next dose, and
- then return to your regular dosing schedule.
-
- SIDE EFFECTS
-
- Minor.
-
- Changes in skin color, drowsiness, dry lips or mouth, fatigue, fluid
- retention, headache, indigestion, inflammation of the eyelids, inflammation of
- the lips, irritation of the eyes, or thinning of the hair. These side effects
- may disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.
- You may notice a worsening of your acne for the first few days of
- treatment.
- This medication can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight. Therefore,
- avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps. You should wear protective
- clothing and sunglasses, and also use an effective sunscreen.
- To relieve mouth dryness, chew sugarless gum or suck on ice chips or a
- piece of hard candy. If there is no relief within two weeks, consult your
- doctor.
-
- Major.
-
- Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
- particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
- black, tarry stools; bruising; burning or tingling sensation of the skin;
- changes in the menstrual cycle; depression; dizziness; hives; muscle pain;
- peeling of the palms and soles; rash; visual disturbances; or weight loss.
-
- INTERACTIONS
-
- This medication interacts with the following substances:
- 1. The concurrent use of alcohol and isotretinoin can lead to an increase
- in blood lipid (fat) levels, which can be dangerous.
- 2. Vitamin A and isotretinoin together can result in additive toxic
- effects.
- BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
- taking, especially vitamin A.
-
- WARNINGS
-
- * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
- any medications, especially to isotretinoin, vitamin A, or the preservative
- parabens.
- * Before starting to take this medication, tell your doctor if you now
- have or if you have ever had diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes) or
- hyperlipidemia (high blood lipid levels).
- * If this drug makes you drowsy, do not take part in any activity that
- requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially dangerous
- machinery.
- * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Isotretinoin has been
- shown to cause birth defects in humans. An effective form of birth control
- should be used by women of child-bearing age while they are taking this drug
- and for at least one month before and after they stop taking it. Within two
- weeks of starting this drug, women should have a blood pregnancy test. If the
- test is negative, the drug will be started on the second or third day of the
- next normal menstrual period. Women should have a pregnancy test each month
- while they take this medication. All women must also sign an informed-consent
- sheet. Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. It is not
- known whether this drug passes into breast milk.
-
- ----------------
-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
-