Accutane – Generic Name: isotretinoin

What is Accutane?

Accutane is a form of vitamin A. It reduces the amount of oil by oil glands in your skin and helps your skin renew itself faster.

Accutane is used to treat severe nodular acne. It is usually after other acne medicines or antibiotics have been tried without successful treatment of symptoms.

Accutane may also be used for any other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Accutane?
Accutane can cause severe, life-threatening threatening birth defects if the mother takes the medication during pregnancy. Even one dose of Accutane can cause serious birth defects of the baby’s ears, eyes, face, head, heart and brains. Never use Accutane if you are pregnant.

Women of childbearing potential must agree in writing to use two specific forms of birth control and regular pregnancy tests before, during and after taking Accutane. Unless you have a total hysterectomy or have been in menopause for at least a year, you are deemed to be of childbearing potential.

Accutane is available only in a special program called iPLEDGE. You must be registered in the program and sign agreements to use birth control undergo pregnancy testing as required by the program. Read all program brochures and agreements carefully.

It is dangerous to try and buy Accutane on the Internet or from sources outside the United States. The sale and distribution of Accutane outside the iPLEDGE program violates the regulations of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the safe use of this medication.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Accutane?
Accutane is available only in a special program called iPLEDGE. You must be registered in the program and sign documents stating that the dangers of this medication, and that you agree to use birth control as required by the program. Read all iPLEDGE program brochures and agreements carefully. Ask your doctor or call the drug maker if you have questions about the program or the written rules.

It is dangerous to try and buy Accutane on the Internet or from sources outside the United States. The sale and distribution of Accutane outside the iPLEDGE program violates the regulations of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the safe use of this medication.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to isotretinoin or parabens, or if you are pregnant or become pregnant.

If you meet certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication. Before taking Accutane, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any foods or drugs, or if you:

a personal or family history of depression or mental illness;
heart disease, high cholesterol and triglycerides;
osteoporosis or other bone;
diabetes;
asthma;
an eating disorder (anorexia nervosa), or
liver disease.

Accutane can cause severe, life-threatening threatening birth defects if the mother takes the medication during pregnancy. Even one dose of Accutane can cause serious birth defects of the baby’s ears, eyes, face, head, heart and brains. Never use Accutane if you are pregnant.

For Women: Unless you had your uterus and ovaries removed (total hysterectomy) or have been in menopause for at least 12 months in a row, you are deemed to be of childbearing potential.

Even women who have their tubes tied are required to use birth control taking Accutane.

You must have a negative pregnancy test 30 days before you start taking Accutane. A pregnancy test is also required for each prescription is refilled, right after your last dose of Accutane, and again 30 days later. All pregnancy testing is required by the iPLEDGE program.

You must agree in writing to use two specific forms of birth control beginning 30 days before you start taking Accutane and ending 30 days after you stop taking it. Both a primary and a secondary form of birth control must be used together.

Primary forms of birth control include:

tubal liga tion (tubes tied);
vasectomy of the male sexual partner;
an IUD (intra-device);
estrogen-containing birth control pills (not mini-pills), and
hormonal birth control patches, implants, injections, or vaginal ring.

Secondary forms of birth control include:

a male latex condom plus spermicidal foam or gel;
a diaphragm plus spermicidal foam or gel;
a cervical cap plus spermicidal foam or gel, and
a vaginal sponge with spermicides.

Do not take St. John’s wort, an herbal supplement, if you have any form of hormonal birth control, including pills, patches, implants, injections, or vaginal ring. Breakthrough bleeding can occur.

Stop using Accutane and call your doctor immediately if you have unprotected sex, if you quit using birth control, if your period is late, or if you think you might be pregnant. If you are pregnant while using Accutane, call the iPLEDGE pregnancy registry 1-866-495-0654.

It is not known whether isotretinoin passes into breast milk. Do not take Accutane without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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Posted in: Health

Tags: accutane

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