Accutane (Isotretinoin) 10mg/20mg/30mg/40mg Capsules Online
Accutane (isotretinoin) is a type of Vitamin A, belonging to a family of drugs called miscellaneous antineoplastics. It is potent in the treatment of severe cystic acne, particularly if it has proven to be difficult to cure with antibiotics and other medications.
Patients must be aware of the serious risks and safe use conditions of this drug to prevent misuse. Therefore, Accutane is only available in designated pharmacies that are under the iPLEDGE program as approved by the FDA.
Uses of Accutane
A physician will prescribe this drug for you if you have nodular acne that has refused to respond to other conventional drugs. However, it can be used for off-label purposes such as:
- Inflammatory skin conditions
- Mild to moderate acne
- Genodermatosis
- Certain skin cancers
- Other skin diseases
How Does Accutane Work?
Acne usually develops or thrives when there is an excessive amount of sebum (facial oil) on the skin. Severe acne tends to leave permanent scars on the face. However, Accutane works by reducing the amount of sebum that the sebaceous glands produce. As a result, the skin regenerates quickly.
Precautions
Before using this drug, make sure you adhere to the following instructions:
- Tell your doctor if you are allergic to isotretinoin or other Vitamin A-related drugs.
- You should not donate blood during Accutane treatment and for a minimum of one month after your last dose.
- You should not use the drug if you can become pregnant or have conceived. A physician will not prescribe this drug unless you present a negative pregnancy test result.
- As a woman of childbearing age, you will need to sign an undertaking that you will use two birth control methods three months before and after treatment with Accutane. Ensure you use the correct birth control to prevent pregnancy during treatment.
- Avoid consuming vitamin A-containing supplements while consuming Accutane
- To be sure that you can with safe administer this medicine, tell to the physician of any experience of:
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Heart diseases
- Liver diseases
- Anorexia
- Depression
- Osteoporosis
- Diabetes
- Asthma
- Ulcerative colitis
- Hypercholesterolemia
Note: Accutane is contraindicated in breastfeeding mothers as well as in pregnancy. A single dose can be very fatal to a fetus. Additionally, it should not be used in children younger than age 12.
How to Use Accutane
Before using Accutane, a pharmacist will supply you with a drug guide. It is important to read it and discuss any concerns you may have. You must sign an informed consent form before taking this medicine. Also, you should carefully follow your doctor's instructions for best results.
Accutane is consumed whole by mouth with adequate water. Avoid crushing or chewing it. While some brands of this drug may require you to take them with meals, others may not. Read the medicine leaflet of the brand you purchase to know how to take it.
Accutane is usually taken 2 times daily for 4 to 5 months. Though the acne may worsen after 1 to 2 weeks of treatment, do not fret. It may take up to 1 or 2 months before you start experiencing its full benefits.
Do not use Accutane more than the recommended dose.
Accutane Dosing information
The dosage for acne is usually between 0.25 – 0.5 milligrams per kilogram body weight, taken two times daily. However, patients can consume up to 2mg/Kg body weight. Your physician may prescribe the maximum dosage for patients with severe cases. You be aware that a consent form (iPLEDGE) will be filled out if you want a refill.
Accutane Side Effects
The common side effects include:
- Dryness of lips and mouth
- Stuffy nose
- Stomach upset
- Headache
- Minor swellings of the eyes or lips
- Back pain
- Nose bleeds
- Hair thinning
- Joint pains
- Xerosis vision
- Sore throat
- Sneezing
If these side effects become serious, call your doctor. Other severe side effects that usually require immediate medical attention include:
- Hallucinations
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Signs of liver problems
- Increased pressure inside the skull
- Faster than normal heartbeat
- Signs of pancreatitis dysfunction
- Symptoms of failing eyesight
Missed Dose and Overdose
If you miss your dose, skip it but ensure you take the next dose in real time. Patients should avoid consuming a double dose. However, if you suspect an overdose, contact the poison control center in your area immediately.
Interactions
Accutane interacts with five disease conditions and several drugs. The disease interactions include:
- Intracranial Hypertension
- Osteoporosis
- Hyperlipidemia (elevated plasma triglycerides)
- Hepatic diseases
- Psychiatric disorders
Some of the major drug interactions are with:
- Phenytoin
- Aminolevulinic Acid
- Doxycycline
- Etretinate
- Levoketoconazole
- Eravacycline
- Tigecycline
- Acitretin
- Demeclocycline
- Pexidartinib
- Oxytetracycline
- Minocycline
- Sarecycline
- Tetracycline
- Tretinoin