Isotretinoin
Generic Name:
Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin Description:
Isotretinoin belongs to a group of medications known as retinoids and is used in the treatment of severe acne. Isotretinoin works by reducing the amount of oil produced by skin glands. This reduction deprives acne bacteria of a vital food source needed for growth.
Isotretinoin Side Effects:
While isotretinoin has been proven effective in the treatment of severe acne, it carries a high risk of side effects, some of which are very dangerous. Some of the most serious side effects of isotretinoin include:
- Birth defects and fetal death
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Suicide
- Liver Damage
For more information, see our isotretinoin side effects page.
Isotretinoin Uses:
Isotretinoin is used in the treatment of severe nodular acne, which is characterized by large, red lesions on the skin that can leave scarring if left untreated. Due to the serious risks associated with isotretinoin, this medication is not intended to treat mild acne and is generally only used in patients who have not responded to alternative treatment methods.
Isotretinoin may also be used in the treatment of other conditions including:
- Cancer of the brain or pancreas
- Folliculitis, a bacterial skin infection
- Rosacea, a red discoloration of the face
- Hidradenitis supperativa, a sweat gland disorder
- Other skin conditions such as keratosis follicularis and palmoplantar keratoderma
Isotretinoin Interactions:
Patients should talk with their doctor about the use of any other medications, vitamins or supplements before beginning treatment with isotretinoin.
Isotretinoin may adversely interact with the following medications:
- Vitamin A supplements
- Tetracycline antibiotics
- Birth control pills
- Phenytoin (Dilantin)
- Corticosteroids
- St. John’s Wort
Isotretinoin Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Isotretinoin dosages may vary among patients. Your doctor will establish the size and frequency of your dosage depending upon your individual needs. It is important to follow the dosage guidelines established by your doctor.
Isotretinoin is administered in the form of an oral tablet and is generally taken twice a day at mealtime. Isotretinoin tablets should be swallowed whole and each dose should be administered alongside a full cup of water. Patients should not break, crush, chew or otherwise tamper with the tablets.
The full benefits of isotretinoin may not occur until after several weeks of treatment.
Missing a Dose of Isotretinoin
If you forget to take a dose of isotretinoin, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosage schedule. Do not take a double dose of this medication to compensate for a missed dose.
Isotretinoin Overdose
An overdose of isotretinoin may result in vomiting, flushing, stomach pain, dizziness and other complications. Seek immediate medical attention if you believe you may have taken too much of this medication.
Isotretinoin FDA Approval:
May 7, 1982
Isotretinoin Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
Isotretinoin carries a black box warning noting the medication has caused severe birth defects and fetal death when used in pregnant women. Due to the serious risks associated with the medication, isotretinoin is only available through an FDA-regulated program known as iPLEDGE. Under this program, female patients of child-bearing age must use two forms of birth control or abstain from sex entirely one month before beginning treatment, while taking the medication and one month after the cessation of treatment. Patients who become pregnant while taking isotretinoin should immediately discontinue use of the medication and contact their doctor.
Other Warnings
Isotretinoin has also been associated with other serious side effects including severe gastrointestinal disorders. The medication may increase the risk of inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis in patients with no prior history of intestinal disorders.
Additionally, isotretinoin may increase the risk of suicide in some patients. Patients taking this medication should be closely monitored for abnormal changes in behavior or suicidal tendencies.
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