Isotretinoin - Oral

Isotretinoin is used to treat severe forms of acne (also known as pimple). It is given to those who have failed previous therapy, such as oral antibiotics or topical treatment.

Take Isotretinoin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether you should take this medicine with or without food. Different brands or formulations of this medicine may be taken differently.

Try to take it at the same time each day.

Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the severity of your condition and your response to the medication.

Isotretinoin must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• hypervitaminosis A (high level of vitamin A in the body)
• excessively high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides (fats) in the blood
• liver disease

as Isotretinoin may not be suitable for you.

Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with Isotretinoin, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods at least 1 month before starting, during the entire treatment, and for at least 1 month after stopping this medicine.

Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine.

Do not take Isotretinoin with a certain antibiotic group called tetracyclines.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• diabetes
• dry eyes
• history of depression
• at risk of bone loss e.g. age-related osteoporosis (thinning and weakening of bones), history of osteoporosis during childhood, osteomalacia (softening of the bones)
• severe renal disease

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Isotretinoin to a child or an overweight individual. Children and overweight individuals may be more sensitive to the side effects.

Do not switch brands unless instructed by your doctor, as different brands or formulations of Isotretinoin may have slightly different ways of working in your body.

Notify your doctor if you consume large amounts of alcohol or if you are a frequent drinker.

Your skin may be more fragile while you are taking Isotretinoin. Avoid waxing (hair removal) or skin resurfacing procedures (e.g. dermabrasion, laser treatment) during and for at least 6 months after treatment.

Do not donate blood while taking this medicine and for 1 month after treatment.

Do not share or give this medicine to anyone else.

Avoid using exfoliating anti-acne products.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

• Routine pregnancy tests will be done before and during treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to take. Since some medicine may still be left in the body after treatment, a pregnancy test may be done after 1 month of stopping Isotretinoin, as decided by your doctor.
• Routine tests (e.g. liver and kidney function, blood cholesterol and sugar levels, complete blood count) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
• Regular monitoring for changes in vision, signs of depression, skin reactions, and high pressure in the brain may also be needed.

Isotretinoin may decrease your ability to see at night. If affected, be cautious when driving and during any activity in which you need to see clearly.

This medicine may also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and wear protective clothing when going outdoors and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV lamps.

Other side effects include any of the following: headache, dry skin, eye irritation, back pain, muscle pain, joint pain, fragile skin, dryness of the inside of the nose, and nosebleeds.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
• having thoughts of self-harm
• unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or aggressive)
• severe stomach pain and back pain, severe nausea and vomiting
• muscle weakness or pain, trouble moving arms or legs, dark-coloured urine
• yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
• severe headache, dizziness, fits or seizures, weakness on one side of the body, difficulty thinking or speaking, change in balance

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Do not take Isotretinoin with a certain group of antibiotics called tetracycline, such as doxycycline.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Avoid taking foods or supplements that are rich in vitamin A such as beef liver or cod liver oil.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Protect from light.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.