This medicine is used for the following purposes:
- acne
- skin condition (rosacea)
- cancer
Generic Name: Isotretinoin
Instructions
Swallow the medicine without crushing or chewing it.
Some brands of this medicine should be taken without food while other brands may be taken with food. Ask your pharmacist how you should take your medicine.
Sit or stand upright for 10 minutes after taking the medicine. Do not lie down.
Swallow with a full glass (8 oz) of water unless your doctor gives you different instructions.
To relieve dry mouth, chew gum, suck on hard candy/ice chips, drink extra water, or use a saliva substitute.
This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.
Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.
This medicine can make you sensitive to the sun. Use sunscreen or protective clothing when in sun.
It may take several weeks for this medicine to fully work.
If you forget a dose, just wait. Use the next dose at the usual time. Do not use 2 doses at once.
Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.
Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.
Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting any other vitamins.
This medicine may cause menstrual changes and make it easier to become pregnant. Speak with your healthcare provider about effective birth control options.
Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.
Cautions
Avoid touching any powder from an open or broken capsule. If the powder touches the skin, nose, or eyes, rinse thoroughly with water.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
Some brands contain soy. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to soy products.
Do not use the medication any more than instructed.
Do not drink beverages with alcohol while on this medicine.
If you miss your period while on this medicine, contact your doctor.
Family should check on the patient often. Call the doctor if patient becomes more depressed, has thoughts of suicide, or shows changes in behavior.
Do not breastfeed while on this medicine.
Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor immediately.
Women of childbearing age must have two negative pregnancy tests before starting this medicine.
Women must use 2 reliable forms of birth control while taking this medicine and for 4 weeks after stopping to prevent pregnancy.
If you think you might possibly be pregnant, stop taking this medicine immediately and contact your doctor.
Do not take products containing vitamin A while on this medicine.
Women who are pregnant or in their childbearing years should not touch or handle this medicine. This medicine can be absorbed through the woman's skin and harm the unborn baby.
Do not donate blood for at least 4 weeks after the last dose of this medicine.
Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.
Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.
Always refill this medicine before it runs out.
Side Effects
The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.
- drowsiness or sedation
- dry eyes
- hair loss
- stomach upset or abdominal pain
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:
- severe or persistent abdominal pain
- back pain
- bone pain
- chest pain
- changes in memory, mood, or thinking
- confusion
- coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- depression or feeling sad
- diarrhea
- discomfort or pain in the ear
- feeling of swelling of the body
- fever or chills
- severe or persistent headache
- signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
- joint or muscle pain
- skin tingling, burning or prickly feeling
- sore throat
- blood in stool
- suicidal thoughts
- blurring or changes of vision
- severe or persistent vomiting
A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.
Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice.
There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist.
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More information about ISOTRETINOIN - ORAL
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Selected from data included with permission and copyright by First DataBank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
Conditions of Use: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. The display and use of this drug information is subject to express Terms of Use.
