Acne Care Resources
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Acne (acne vulgaris, common acne) is a disease of the hair follicles of the face, chest, and back that affects almost all males and females during puberty; the only exception being teenage members of a few primitive isolated tribes living in Neolithic societies. It is not caused by bacteria, although bacteria play a role in its development. It is not unusual for some women to develop acne in their mid- to late-20s.
Acne appears on the skin as...
You can do a lot to treat your acne using products available at a drugstore or cosmetic counter that do not require a prescription. However, for tougher cases of acne, you should consult a physician for treatment options.
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Patient Information/Informed Consent About Birth Defects (for female patients who can get pregnant)
To be completed by the patient (and her parent or guardian* if patient is under age 18) and signed by her doctor.
Read each item below and initial in the space provided to show that you understand each item and agree to follow your doctor's instructions. Do not sign this consent and do not take isotretinoin if there is anything that you do not understand.
*A parent or guardian of a minor patient (under age 18) must also read and initial each item before signing the consent.
______________________________________________________________
(Patient's Name)
1. I understand that there is a very high chance that my unborn baby could have severe birth defects if I am pregnant or become pregnant while taking isotretinoin. This can happen with any amount and even if taken for short periods of time. This is why I must not be pregnant while taking isotretinoin.
Initial: ______
2. I understand that I must not get pregnant 1 month before, during the entire time of my treatment, and for 1 month after the end of my treatment with isotretinoin.
Initial: ______
3. I understand that I must avoid sexual intercourse completely, o r I must use 2 separate, effective forms of birth control (contraception) at the same time. The only exceptions are if I have had surgery to remove the uterus (a hysterectomy) or both of my ovaries (bilateral oophorectomy), or my doctor has medically confirmed that I am post-menopausal.
Initial: ______
4. I understand that hormonal birth control products are among the most effective forms of birth control. Combination birth control pills and other hormonal products include skin patches, shots, under-the-skin implants, vaginal rings, and intrauterine devices (IUDs). Any form of birth control can fail. That is why I must use 2 different birth control methods at the same time, starting 1 month before, during, and for 1 month after stopping therapy every time I have sexual intercourse, even if 1 of the methods I choose is hormonal birth control.
Initial: ______
5. I understand that the following are effective forms of birth control:
Primary forms
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Secondary forms Barrier:
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A diaphragm and cervical cap must each be used with spermicide, a special cream that kills sperm
I understand that at least 1 of my 2 forms of birth control must be a primary method.
Initial: ______
6. I will talk with my doctor about any medicines including herbal products I plan to take during my isotretinoin treatment because hormonal birth control methods may not work if I am taking certain medicines or herbal products.
Initial: ______
7. I may receive a free birth control counseling session from a doctor or other family planning expert. My isotretinoin doctor can give me an isotretinoin Patient Referral Form for this free consultation.
Initial: ______
8. I must begin using the birth control methods I have chosen as described above at least 1 month before I start taking isotretinoin.
Initial: ______
9. I cannot get my first prescription for isotretinoin unless my doctor has told me that I have 2 negative pregnancy test results. The first pregnancy test should be done when my doctor decides to prescribe isotretinoin. The second pregnancy test must be done in a lab during the first 5 days of my menstrual period right before starting isotretinoin therapy treatment, or as instructed by my doctor. I will then have 1 pregnancy test; in a lab.
I must not start taking isotretinoin until I am sure that I am not pregnant, have negative results from 2 pregnancy tests, and the second test has been done in a lab.
Initial: ______
10. I have read and understand the materials my doctor has given to me, including The iPLEDGE Program Guide for Isotretinoin for Female Patients Who Can Get Pregnant, The iPLEDGE Birth Control Workbook and The Ipledge Program Patient Introductory Brochure.
My doctor gave me and asked me to watch the DVD containing a video about birth control and a video about birth defects and isotretinoin.
I was told about a private counseling line that I may call for more information about birth control. I have received information on emergency birth control.
Initial: ______
11. I must stop taking isotretinoin right away and call my doctor if I get pregnant, miss my expected menstrual period, stop using birth control, or have sexual intercourse without using my 2 birth control methods at any time.
Initial: ______
12. My doctor gave me information about the purpose and importance of providing information to the iPLEDGE program should I become pregnant while taking isotretinoin or within 1 month of the last dose. If I become pregnant, I agree to be contacted by the iPLEDGE program and be asked questions about my pregnancy. I also understand that if I become pregnant, information about my pregnancy, my health, and my baby's health may be given to the maker of isotretinoin and government health regulatory authorities.
Initial: ______
13. I understand that being qualified to receive isotretinoin in the iPLEDGE program means that I:
Initial: ______
My doctor has answered all my questions about isotretinoin and I understand that it is my responsibility not to get pregnant 1 month before, during isotretinoin treatment, or for 1 month after I stop taking isotretinoin.
Initial: ______
I now authorize my doctor ________________ to begin my treatment with isotretinoin.
Patient Signature:_____________________________________ Date: ______
Parent/Guardian Signature (if under age 18):________________ Date:______
Please print: Patient Name and Address_______________________________ ______________________________
Telephone _______________________ have fully explained to the patient, __________________,
the nature and purpose of the treatment described above and the risks to female
patients of childbearing potential. I have asked the patient if she has any
questions regarding her treatment with isotretinoin and have answered those
questions to the best of my ability.
Doctor Signature: __________________________________ Date: ______
PLACE THE ORIGINAL SIGNED DOCUMENTS IN THE PATIENT'S MEDICAL RECORD. PLEASE PROVIDE A COPY TO THE PATIENT.
Patient Information/Informed Consent (for all patients):
To be completed by patient (and parent or guardian if patient is under age 18) and signed by the doctor.
Read each item below and initial in the space provided if you understand each item and agree to follow your doctor's instructions. A parent or guardian of a patient under age 18 must also read and understand each item before signing the agreement.
Do not sign this agreement and do not take isotretinoin if there is anything that you do not understand about all the information you have received about using isotretinoin.
1. I, ______________________________________________________,
(Patient's Name)
understand that isotretinoin is a medicine used to treat severe nodular acne that cannot be cleared up by any other acne treatments, including antibiotics. In severe nodular acne, many red, swollen, tender lumps form in the skin. If untreated, severe nodular acne can lead to permanent scars.
Initials: ______
2. My doctor has told me about my choices for treating my acne.
Initials: ______
3. I understand that there are serious side effects that may happen while I am taking isotretinoin. These have been explained to me. These side effects include serious birth defects in babies of pregnant patients. [Note: There is a second Patient Information/Informed Consent About Birth Defects (for female patients who can get pregnant)].
Initials: ______
4. I understand that some patients, while taking isotretinoin or soon after stopping isotretinoin, have become depressed or developed other serious mental problems. Symptoms of depression include sad, “anxious” or empty mood, irritability, acting on dangerous impulses, anger, loss of pleasure or interest in social or sports activities, sleeping too much or too little, changes in weight or appetite, school or work performance going down, or trouble concentrating. Some patients taking isotretinoin have had thoughts about hurting themselves or putting an end to their own lives (suicidal thoughts). Some people tried to end their own lives. And some people have ended their own lives. There were reports that some of these people did not appear depressed. There have been reports of patients on isotretinoin becoming aggressive or violent. No one knows if isotretinoin caused these behaviors or if they would have happened even if the person did not take isotretinoin. Some people have had other signs of depression while taking isotretinoin (see #7 below).
Initials: ______
5. Before I start taking isotretinoin, I agree to tell my doctor if I have ever had symptoms of depression (see #7 below), been psychotic, attempted suicide, had any other mental problems, or take medicine for any of these problems. Being psychotic means having a loss of contact with reality, such as hearing voices or seeing things that are not there.
Initials: ______
6. Before I start taking isotretinoin, I agree to tell my doctor if, to the best of my knowledge, anyone in my family has ever had symptoms of depression, been psychotic, attempted suicide, or had any other serious mental problems.
Initials: ______
7. Once I start taking isotretinoin, I agree to stop using isotretinoin and tell my doctor right away if any of the following signs and symptoms of depression or psychosis happen. I:
Initials: ______
8. I agree to return to see my doctor every month I take isotretinoin to get a new prescription for isotretinoin, to check my progress, and to check for signs of side effects.
Initials: ______
9. Isotretinoin will be prescribed just for me — I will not share isotretinoin with other people because it may cause serious side effects, including birth defects.
Initials: ______
10. I will not give blood while taking isotretinoin or for 1 month after I stop taking isotretinoin. I understand that if someone who is pregnant gets my donated blood, her baby may be exposed to isotretinoin and may be born with serious birth defects.
Initials: ______
11. I have read The iPLEDGE Program Patient Introductory Brochure, and other materials my provider gave me containing important safety information about isotretinoin. I understand all the information I received.
Initials: ______
12. My doctor and I have decided I should take isotretinoin. I understand that I must be qualified in the iPLEDGE program to have my prescription filled each month. I understand that I can stop taking isotretinoin at any time. I agree to tell my doctor if I stop taking isotretinoin.
Initials: ______
I now allow my doctor ___________________________ to begin my treatment with isotretinoin.
Patient Signature: ____________________________________ Date: ______
Parent/Guardian Signature (if under age 18): _______________ Date: ______
Patient Name (print) ___________________________________ Patient Address ___________________________
Telephone (___.___.___) ____________________________________
I have:
Doctor Signature: _________________________________ Date: ______
PLACE THE ORIGINAL SIGNED DOCUMENTS IN THE PATIENT'S MEDICAL RECORD. PLEASE PROVIDE A COPY TO THE PATIENT.
MEDICATION GUIDE
ACCUTANE (ACK-U-TANE)
(isotretinoin capsules)
Read the Medication Guide that comes with Accutane (isotretinoin) before you start taking it and each time you get a prescription. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or your treatment.
What is the most important information I should know about Accutane (isotretinoin) ?
1. Birth defects (deformed babies), loss of a baby before birth (miscarriage), death of the baby, and early (premature) births. Female patients who are pregnant or who plan to become pregnant must not take Accutane (isotretinoin) . Female patients must not get pregnant:
If you get pregnant while taking Accutane (isotretinoin) , stop taking it right away and call your doctor. Doctors and patients should report all cases of pregnancy to:
2. Serious mental health problems. Accutane (isotretinoin) may cause:
Stop Accutane (isotretinoin) and call your doctor right away if you or a family member notices that you have any of the following signs and symptoms of depression or psychosis:
After stopping Accutane (isotretinoin) , you may also need follow-up mental health care if you had any of these symptoms.
What is Accutane (isotretinoin) ?
Accutane (isotretinoin) is a medicine taken by mouth to treat the most severe form of acne (nodular acne) that cannot be cleared up by any other acne treatments, including antibiotics. Accutane (isotretinoin) can cause serious side effects (see “What is the most important information I should know about Accutane (isotretinoin) ?”). Accutane (isotretinoin) can only be:
What is severe nodular acne?
Severe nodular acne is when many red, swollen, tender lumps form in the skin. These can be the size of pencil erasers or larger. If untreated, nodular acne can lead to permanent scars.
Who should not take Accutane (isotretinoin) ?
What should I tell my doctor before taking Accutane (isotretinoin) ?
Tell your doctor if you or a family member has any of the following health conditions:
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Accutane (isotretinoin) must not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Tell your doctor about all of the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Accutane (isotretinoin) and certain other medicines can interact with each other, sometimes causing serious side effects. Especially tell your doctor if you take:
These medicines should not be used with Accutane (isotretinoin) unless your doctor tells you it is okay.
Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show to your doctor and pharmacist. Do not take any new medicine without talking with your doctor.
How should I take Accutane (isotretinoin) ?
What should I avoid while taking Accutane (isotretinoin) ?
What are the possible side effects of Accutane (isotretinoin) ?
These are not all of the possible side effects with Accutane (isotretinoin) . Your doctor or pharmacist can give you more detailed information. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or Roche at 1-800-526-6367.
How should I store Accutane (isotretinoin) ?
General Information about Accutane (isotretinoin)
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not mentioned in Medication Guides. Do not use Accutane (isotretinoin) for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Accutane (isotretinoin) to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them.
This Medication Guide summarizes the most important information about Accutane (isotretinoin) . If you would like more information, talk with your doctor. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for information about Accutane (isotretinoin) that is written for health care professionals. You can also call iPLEDGE program at 1-866-495-0654 or visit www.ipledgeprogram.com.
What are the ingredients in Accutane?
Active Ingredient: Isotretinoin
Inactive Ingredients: beeswax, butylated hydroxyanisole, edetate disodium, hydrogenated soybean oil flakes, hydrogenated vegetable oil, and soybean oil. Gelatin capsules contain glycerin and parabens (methyl and propyl), with the following dye systems: 10 mg — iron oxide (red) and titanium dioxide; 20 mg — FD&C Red No. 3, FD&C Blue No. 1, and titanium dioxide; 40 mg — FD&C Yellow No. 6, D&C Yellow No. 10, and titanium dioxide.
This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Last reviewed on RxList: 1/3/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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