Drug Uses

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

How Taken

Accutane comes in capsules taken with a full glass of water and with a meal. Do not break, crush, chew, or suck on the capsule before swallowing. For best results, you should take Accutane regularly.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. However if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

More Information

Accutane may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid 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 prolonged time. Certain birth control pills (progestin–only pills, "mini pills") that do not contain estrogen may not be as effective while you are 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.

Storage

Store Accutane at 77 °F (25 °C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Accutane out of the reach of children.

Warnings/Precautions

Before taking Accutane, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if you 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. Do not become pregnant while taking Accutane. Accutane can cause serious birth defects, miscarriage, early birth, or death of the fetus. If you have sex at any time without using 2 forms of effective birth control, become pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or miss your menstrual period, stop using Accutane and call your health care provider. Accutane is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast–feed while taking Accutane and for 1 month after stopping Accutane. Some medicines may interact with Accutane. Therefore tell your doctor of all prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement that you are taking. Accutane should not be used with in children younger than 12 years old. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed. 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 drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. It is advised that you do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to Accutane.

Possible Side Effects

Some of the possible side effects are- 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, temporary worsening of acne. Contact your doctor if any of these or other side effects occur. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately- 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, yellowing of the skin or eyes.