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Accutane

What is acne?

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...

  • congested pores ("comedones"), also known as blackheads or whiteheads,
  • tender red bumps also known as pimples or zits,
  • pustules, and occasionally as
  • cysts (deep pimples, boils).

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.

What...

Accutane

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Accutane Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose

What happens if I miss a dose (Accutane)?

Skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Accutane)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include headache, dizziness, vomiting, stomach pain, warmth or tingling under the skin, swelling of the lips, and loss of balance or coordination.

What should I avoid while taking isotretinoin (Accutane)?

Do not take vitamin supplements containing vitamin A while you are taking isotretinoin.

Do not donate blood while taking isotretinoin and for at least 30 days after you stop taking it. Donated blood that is later given to pregnant woman could lead to birth defects in her baby if the blood contains any level of isotretinoin.

Do not use wax hair removers or have dermabrasion or laser skin treatments while you are taking isotretinoin and for at least 6 months after you stop taking it. Scarring may result.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Isotretinoin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result.

Isotretinoin can cause side effects that may impair your vision, especially at night. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to see clearly.

What other drugs will affect isotretinoin (Accutane)?

Before taking isotretinoin, tell your doctor if you are also taking:

  • steroids (prednisone and others);
  • seizure medication such phenytoin (Dilantin); or
  • a tetracycline antibiotic such as demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Doryx, Vibramycin), minocycline (Minocin), or tetracycline (Brodspec, Sumycin, Tetracap).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with isotretinoin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about isotretinoin.


Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed

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