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Isotretinoin (eye-soe-TRET-i-noyn ) is used to treat severe, disfiguring nodular acne. It should be used only after other acne medicines have been tried and have failed to help the acne. Isotretinoin may also be used to treat other skin diseases as determined by your doctor. Isotretinoin must not be used to treat women who are able to bear children unless other forms of treatment have been tried first and have failed. Isotretinoin must not be taken during pregnancy because it causes birth defects in humans. If you are able to bear children, it is very important that you read, understand, and follow the pregnancy warnings for Isotretinoin. Isotretinoin is available only with your doctor's prescription and should be prescribed only by a doctor who has special knowledge of the diagnosis and treatment of severe, uncontrollable cystic acne. Isotretinoin is available in the following dosage form: Oral Capsules (U.S. and Canada)
Isotretinoin is in a class of drugs called retinoids. It is used to treat severe acne that has not responded to oral or topical anti-infectives. Isotretinoin should not be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Isotretinoin comes as a capsule to take by mouth. Isotretinoin usually is taken twice a day. Take Isotretinoin with food or milk. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Isotretinoin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. You may not notice any improvement in your condition until after 4-6 weeks of treatment, and your acne may actually get worse during the first few weeks. Your acne should improve within 15-20 weeks. If it does not improve, your doctor will probably stop giving you Isotretinoin for 8 weeks and then restart your treatment. Brand names: - Accutane - Accutane Roche - Isotretinoin |