Accutane
® (
isotretinoin) is a prescription medication approved to treat severe nodular acne that has not responded to other treatments. It can be quite effective, with long-lasting effects after a single 15- or 20-week course. However, this
acne medication is extremely dangerous for pregnant women, and there are strict rules and regulations for prescribing and dispensing it.
Accutane is manufactured by Roche Laboratories, Inc.
Accutane is a retinoid, which means that it is similar to
vitamin A. It works by affecting the sebaceous glands. These glands produce sebum (an oily substance), and Accutane works by reducing the size of the sebaceous glands and decreasing sebum production. The medication also corrects abnormal keratinization (which causes a buildup of cells within hair follicles), a problem that contributes to acne. It is not entirely clear as to why Accutane causes such long-lasting, anti-acne effects.
When and How to Take Accutane
Some general considerations for those taking this medication include the following:
- Accutane comes in capsule form. It is usually taken by mouth twice a day with food.
- It is important to take the medication with food, as taking it on an empty stomach significantly decreases its absorption.
- For many people, a single 15- to 20-week course of the medication will be sufficient. However, if acne is still a problem eight weeks after stopping Accutane, a second course may be recommended.
- There are strict rules for taking this drug. Women of childbearing potential must use two effective forms of birth control and must have frequent pregnancy tests in order to prevent the use of this medication during pregnancy.
- For Accutane to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed.
The dose of Accutane your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The severity of your acne
- Your weight
- How you respond to the drug.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Accutane. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. However, serious side effects are also possible.
Some of the possible side effects include but are not limited to:
(Click Accutane Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Accutane?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much Accutane may experience effects such as (but not limited to):
- Facial flushing
- Inflammation or cracking of the corners of the mouth
- Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Coordination problems.
If you happen to take an overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Accutane as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
- Accutane 10 mg
- Accutane 20 mg
- Accutane 40 mg.
Is There a Generic Version of Accutane?
Currently, this medication is available in generic form
(see Generic Accutane for more information).
