Are you suffering from severe acne that has become a source of frustration and pain despite trying all other medications and treatments? If so, your doctor may have told you about a drug called Isotretinoin. This is a very powerful drug that has been a successful solution to the acne problem of many people. However, there are a few things we need to be very careful about when using it. So today, let's talk about Isotretinoin.
What is Isotretinoin?
Simply put, Isotretinoin is a medication used to treat severe acne. Doctors usually prescribe it to people who have not responded to other treatments (such as creams, lotions, or antibiotic pills). It belongs to a class of drugs called retinoids. It works by controlling the activity of the oil glands in our skin, which reduces the formation of acne. It also controls the rate at which skin cells turn over. This helps to prevent acne from recurring.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Because isotretinoin is a very strong medication, it is very important to give your doctor a complete history of your health. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| Health conditions that should be reported to the doctor | |
|---|---|
| Mental health problems | If you have depression, suicidal thoughts, or other mental illnesses. |
| Pregnancy or breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding (this is extremely important) |
| Liver disease | If you have any liver disease. |
| Diabetes | A condition of elevated blood sugar levels. |
| Cholesterol level | If the blood cholesterol level is high. |
| Digestive system diseases | Conditions such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). |
| Bone weakness | Bone thinning diseases such as osteoporosis. |
| Allergies | If you have an allergy to isotretinoin, vitamin A, or any other medicine or food. |
How should I use this medicine?
You should use this medicine exactly as your doctor advises you.
- It is usually taken once or twice a day. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, crush, or chew the tablet.
- If you experience stomach upset, taking this medicine with a meal can help reduce it.
- Do not stop taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to. It may take several weeks to see results.
- If you miss a dose of the medicine, skip it and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take two doses at once to make up for the missed one.
Important: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. This medicine is for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
Can there be problems with other medications?
Yes, some medications can interact with Isotretinoin, so tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
| Reactive substances | Description |
|---|---|
| Things that should never be taken together | |
| Vitamin A | Avoid taking other vitamins or supplements containing vitamin A. |
| Things to use with caution/seek medical advice | |
| Tetracycline-type antibiotics | Medicines such as Doxycycline and Tetracycline. |
| Other things that dry out the skin | Other acne medications, such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. |
| Alcohol | May increase effects on the liver and cholesterol levels. |
| Steroid-type drugs | Medications such as prednisone and cortisone. |
Things to be especially careful about when taking medication
This part is very important. You need to pay close attention to these points.
Very important facts about pregnancy
This is the most important thing to remember about Isotretinoin: If you become pregnant while taking this medication, your baby may have severe birth defects. This risk exists even with a single dose.
So:
- If you are a woman, start this medicine.Two forms of highly reliable birth control must be used simultaneously, starting one month before, throughout the entire time you are taking the pill, and for one month after stopping the pill.
- You need to take two pregnancy tests before starting the pill, and one test every month while taking the pill.
- Breastfeeding is absolutely prohibited during this period.
- If your period is late, or if you have even the slightest suspicion that you are pregnant, stop taking the medicine immediately and talk to your doctor.
Take care of your mental health.
Isotretinoin can cause psychological effects in some people. If you notice any of these changes in your behavior or thoughts, either in yourself or in your family, tell your doctor right away:
- Anxiety, anger
- Increased or new onset of depression
- Thoughts of harming oneself
Skin, eyes and other things
- Dry skin: Lips, nose, eyes, and skin can become very dry. Use a good lip balm and moisturizer. If your eyes are dry, ask your doctor about lubricating eye drops. Contact lens wearers may experience discomfort.
- Sun sensitivity: Your skin will become very sensitive to sunlight while taking this medication. So, limit your exposure to the sun as much as possible. If you do go, apply a good sunscreen and wear clothing that covers your body.
- Cosmetic treatments: Avoid waxing, dermabrasion, and laser therapy while taking the medication and for 6 months after stopping. These increase the risk of skin scarring.
- Blood donation: Do not donate blood while taking the medication and for 30 days after stopping.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medication, Isotretinoin can have side effects. Don't be afraid, but it's important to be aware of these.
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Severe headache | Severe headache with blurred vision and nausea (this may be a sign of increased pressure around the brain). |
| Liver problems | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine. |
| Severe stomach pain | Severe abdominal pain radiating to the back with fever and nausea (symptoms of pancreatitis). |
| Vision changes | Blurred vision, decreased night vision. |
| Mental changes | The mental health problems mentioned above. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Dry skin, lips, nose | This is very common. |
| Joint and muscle pain | This can be especially felt by those who exercise. |
| Hair thinning | This is usually temporary. |
Take-Home Message
- Isotretinoin is a very strong medication for severe acne, so follow your doctor's instructions exactly.
- It is extremely important to completely avoid getting pregnant while taking this medicine and for one month after stopping it.
- Be aware of your mental health . If you notice any changes, tell your doctor immediately.
- Maintain regular contact with your doctor. Go for monthly checkups and advice.
- This medicine is for you only . Do not give it to anyone else for any reason.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 What is isotretinoin (Isotretinoin / Accutane, Claravis) tablets used for?
This is not an ordinary acne medicine! This is a very powerful, oral capsule/pill made from Vitamin A (Vitamin A / Retinoid). This is used to permanently 100% eliminate the most severe acne (Severe Nodular Acne) that is not cured by any other medicine/cream, and is filled with cysts/pus and completely destroys the face/forms pits. (This can only be taken under the strict supervision of a dermatologist).
💬 How do I stop acne completely after taking these pills (Isotretinoin)?
It is true that this completely destroys the acne factory (sebaceous glands) inside the skin! The main reason for acne is excessive oil secretion and cell blockage. This medicine permanently destroys the oil-producing glands in our skin by '90%'. When the oil is gone, all the bacteria (C. acnes) that feed on the oil die and the acne disappears forever.
💬 Why are pregnant mothers and girls prohibited from taking these pills?
This is the most dangerous danger in the world (Black Box Warning)! If you get pregnant while drinking this, the child will definitely be born with a 100% chance of being disabled (severely deformed brain, kidneys, heart)! Therefore, women who drink this must definitely use 2 methods of birth control (iPLEDGE). Other problems are that the oil glands all over the body dry out, causing chapped lips (Cheilitis), unbearably dry eyes/skin, and some people may experience severe depression (Depression).
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