Accutane

Drug Uses

Accutane is a retinoid that is used to treat patients with severe acne who do not respond to any other form of treatment. The drug may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How it is taken

Accutane comes in a capsule form that must be swallowed with a glass of water. Take the drug with a meal. The capsule must not be chewed, crushed or sucked on. Continue taking Accutane for the complete dosage schedule even if you start seeing an improvement in your condition after a while.

Missed Dosage

You should try and take your doses on time taking care not to miss any. But if you do miss a dose, then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust your remaining doses. Alternatively, you may skip it and continue with your regular dose. But do not take a double dose.

Overdose

Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect an overdose.

If have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances, if you have diabetes, a family history of diabetes, high blood cholesterol or triglyceride levels, psychiatric disorders, suicidal thoughts, liver disease, pancreatitis, a bone loss condition (eg, osteoporosis), decreased bone density, an eating disorder, severe diarrhea, rectal bleeding, hearing problems, ringing in the ears, or stomach pains, then mention this clearly to your doctor before you start treatment with Accutane.

Women must maintain utmost caution while taking Accutane. You must not take the drug if you are pregnant. Alternatively, you must not become pregnant while taking the drug.

The drug can cause serious birth defects, miscarriage, early birth, or even death of the fetus.

If you are having sex while using the drug, then use at least 2 different types of contraceptives 1 month before, during and 1 month after using Accutane to prevent a pregnancy.

If you think you are pregnant or miss your menstrual periods, then stop using the drug and contact your medical practitioner immediately.

Do not breast feed while consuming Accutane or after 1 month of stopping the drug.

Should not be used by children who are younger than 12 years of age.

Certain drugs can interact with Accutane and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking.

Skin procedures like waxing, dermabrasion or laser procedures must be avoided while taking the drug and for at least 6 months after you stop using it because the drug can increase your chances of getting scarred by these procedures.

Do not consume alcohol while taking the drug. 

Possible Side Effects
Like most drugs, Accutane may also cause some side effects in certain people. Here are some of the typical side effects. 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, headache, lack of energy, nervousness, sleeplessness, sweating and temporary worsening of acne.

In certain severe cases, allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest), aggressive or violent behavior; bowel pain, dark urine, depression, difficult or painful swallowing, difficulty moving, excessive thirst or urination, fast heartbeat, fever, fractured or weak bones, hearing problems or ringing in the ears; increased pressure in the brain, muscle weakness with or without pain; nausea, rectal bleeding, shortness of breath, seizures; severe diarrhea, slurred speech, stroke, stunted growth in children, sun sensitivity, swelling of the pancreas, swollen glands, thoughts of suicide, vision changes, vomiting and yellowing of the skin or eyes is seen. You must seek medical attention immediately if you notice any of the above mentioned side effects.