Vitamin A in the form of Isotretinoin is used to treat severe nodular acne that has not improved with conventional therapies, such as antibiotics. Other uses for this medicine may be prescribed. For more information consult with your physician. Generic name : Isotretinoin Brand name : Isotroin, Sotret, Tretiva Dosage form : oral soft gelatin capsule 10mg, 20mg
Isotretinoin Side Effects :
If you have, stop taking isotretinoin immediately and contact your doctor if you have:
Serious adverse effects are possible with isotretinoin :
- Hearing impairment, Tinnitus
- Decreased night vision, conjunctivitis, dry eyes
- Palpitation, Tachycardia (your heart is beating faster than normal)
- Dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia
- respiratory infection
Isotretinoin frequently causes the following adverse effects:
- Dryness of mouth, lips, skin, or nose
- Allergic reactions
- fatigue
- weight loss
- edema
- Headache, Joint pain, Muscle pain This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
Dosage & Administration of Isotretinoin :
The recommended dosage range for isotretinoin is 0.5 to 1mg/kg/day given in two divided doses for 15 to 20 weeks. During treatment, the dose maybe adjusted according to response of the disease or appearance of clinical side effect.
Second course of therapy if required must not be initiated 8 weeks after completion of the first course. Isotretinoin must be administered with food.
Always check with your healthcare practitioner to be sure the information on this page is appropriate for your unique situation.
PRECAUTIONS :
Before taking Isotretinoin,
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have allergic to isotretinoin, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in isotretinoin capsules.
- Tell your doctor what prescription and non prescription medications,vitamins,herbal products, and nutritional supplements you are taking or plan to take
- Be sure to mention medications for seizures, oral steroids, tetracycline antibiotics and vitamin A supplements. Your doctor may need to be change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- Do not breastfeed while you are taking Isotretinoin and for 1 month after you stop taking isotretinoin.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen. Isotretinoin may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
- Talk to your doctor before you participate in hard physical such as sports. For those who engage in specific physical activities, isotretinoin may raise the risk of specific bone injuries as well as weaken or thicken bones unnaturally.
- It is important to note that isotretinoin may result in dry eyes and discomfort when wearing contact lenses both during and after therapy.
CONTRAINDICATIONS & WARNINGS :
Isotretinoin is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to this medicine or any of its contents eg., paraben which is used in gelatin capsules.
Isotretinoin is contraindicated in pregnancy. Isotretinoin must not taken by females who are pregnant or may likely to become pregnant. Isotretinoin harmful for fetus. there is extremely high risk that severe birth defect will result if pregnancy occurs while taking Isotretinoin in any amount even for a short period of time.
Recommended tests during Isotretinoin therapy:
Liver function test and fasting serum lipid level must be obtained before, during and after completion of treatment.
FAQ FOR ISOTRETINOIN :
Why is Isotretinoin used? Isotretinoin is used to treat severe recalcitrant nodular acne that has not been helped by other treatments. Such as antibiotics isotretinoin is in a dose of medications called retinoids. It functions by decreasing the formation of specific natural compounds that have the potential to cause acne.
How should i take isotretinoin ?
Isotretinoin comes as soft gelatin capsule to take by mouth. Isotretinoin is usually taken twice a day with meals follow the directions on your prescription label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if any doubt. Swallow the capsules whole with liquid.Do not chew or suck on the capsules.
What should i do if i forgot a dose ?
Don’t take the medication that you skipped and stick to your usual regimen. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.