Brand Names: Isotret, Eratin.
Generic Name: Isotretinoin.
This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist
Common Uses
Isotret is medicine used for the treatment disease connected with skin, such as severe acne, hidradenitis suppurativa or Harlequin type ichthyosis. Also it is some times used for treatment and prevention skin cancer in chemotherapy
How to Take
Before start taking any new medicine please consult with a doctor. The dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose for adults and teenagers is 0.5 to 1 mg per kg (0.23 to 0.45 mg per pound) of body weight a day. It is recommended to divide daily dose and take 2 times a day. For adult patients with severe acne, dosage must be prescribed by the doctor.
Warning and Precautions
Isotret sometimes cause drowsiness or dizziness. The effect may be worse if you take alcohol or certain medicines such as sleep aids or muscle relaxants. Please avoid operating a potentially unsafe tasks or mechanisms such as driving a car, until you know your reaction on it. A sudden decrease in night vision may occur while you are taking Isotret. Use caution when driving at night and avoid driving at night if you experience decreased night vision. Use Isotret with caution. It may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Try to avoid the open sun or sunlamps until you know you reaction to it. Wear protective clothing or use a sunscreen if you must be outside for a long time. Sometimes after or while treatment a depression condition or other mental problems may occur. Sexually active women of childbearing age must use 2 effective forms of birth control at least 1 month before starting therapy, during therapy, and for 1 month after stopping the medicine. Some kind of birth control medicine may be not effective while taking Isotret. Do not have cosmetic procedures to smooth your skin, including waxing, dermabrasion, or laser procedures, while you are taking Isotret and for at least 6 months after you stop. Isotret can increase your chance of scarring from these procedures. While wearing contact lenses a certain problems may occur.
Important
Isotret can cause severe birth defects, including mental retardation and physical malformations, a woman must not become pregnant while taking it. Also breast feeding mothers should not use Isotret, it appears in the milk and can harm your baby. Ask your doctor for more information.
Missed Dose
If your doctor gave you strict instructions not to miss dose and if you missed one take the missed dose as soon as you remembered. If it is time for your next dose, skip it and continue taking you medicine regularly. Do not double the medicine. It can cause severe side effects.
Overdose
Almost any medicine taking in excess doses without consultation with your doctor can cause an overdose. Mild symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, upper abdominal pain, diarrhea or incoordination and clumsiness, headache. If you suspect an overdose contact your emergency room immediately.
Storage
Isotret should be stored at room temperature in a container it comes in. Protect from heat, sun light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep away from pets and children.
Possible Side Effects
Any of the medicine can cause side effects. If the side effects occur seek medical attention or consult with your doctor for more information. Anyway such common side effects may bother you: decreased tolerance to contact lenses, abnormal hair growth or loss, changes in skin pigmentation, chest pain, delay in wound healing, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, drowsiness, dry or fragile skin, dry or cracked lips, dry mouth, dry nose, fatigue, flushing, headache, herpes, menstrual changes, vomiting, weakness, weight loss. Seek medical attention if any of these side effects occur: hearing problems, heartbeat irregularities, bleeding gums, blood in urine, allergic reaction, depression, vision problems.
More Information
The information given above is a summary. Your doctor, pharmacies or health care provider can provide more information about Isotret. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Do not store medication with end term of storage.