Usage And Safety
Side Effects
Common side effects with Isotretinoin: (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) - Headache. - Higher levels of cholesterol in the blood. - Protein or blood in the urine. - More liable to get infections - if the white blood cells are affected. - Inside of the nose becomes dry and crusted, causing mild nosebleeds. - Sore or inflamed throat and nose. - Allergic reactions such as rash, itchiness. If you have any allergic reaction, stop taking Isotretinoin and contact your doctor. Rare side effects with Isotretinoin: (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people) - Hair loss (alopecia). This is usually only temporary. Your hair should return to normal after the treatment ends. Very rare side effects with Isotretinoin: (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people) - You may see less well at night; colour blindness and colour vision gets worse. - Sensitivity to light may increase; you may find that you need to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from too bright sunlight. - Other sight problems including blurred vision, distorted vision, cloudy surface on the eye (corneal opacity, cataracts).
Drug Interactions
Do not take vitamin A supplements or tetracyclines (a type of antibiotic), or use any skin treatments for acne while you are on Isotretinoin. It is fine to use moisturisers and emollients (skin creams or preparations that prevent water loss and have a softening effect on the skin). - Avoid the use of topical keratolytic or exfoliative anti-acne agents while you are on Isotretinoin.
Indication
Isotretinoin is used to treat severe types of acne (such as nodular or conglobate acne, or acne that is at risk of causing permanent scarring) in adults and adolescents.
When not to Use
Do not take Isotretinoin : If you are pregnant or breast-feeding - if there is any chance you could become pregnant. - If you are allergic to isotretinoin, peanut or soya or any other ingredients of this medicine - if you have liver disease - if you have very high levels of blood fats (e.g. high cholesterol or triglycerides) .
Warnings
Warning 1
Isotretinoin should only be prescribed by or under the supervision of a dermatologist (a doctor specialised in the treatment of skin problems) with understanding of the risks of isotretinoin therapy and monitoring requirements.
Warning 2
During treatment with this medicine and for 1 month after stopping Isotretinoin because an unborn baby could be harmed if a pregnant patient receives your blood.
Warning 3
It may increase your liver enzyme levels. Your doctor will do some blood tests before, during and at the end of your Isotretinoin 20 mg treatment to check your liver values. In cases where liver enzyme values remain high your doctor may reduce your dose or stop your Isotretinoin therapy .
