Accutane Capsule 20mg

About Accutane Capsule 20mg

Uses

• Severe nodular acne that has not improved with antibiotics or other acne treatments
• Acne with a high risk of permanent scarring
• Cystic acne resistant to standard oral and topical therapy

Benefits

• Produces long term remission of severe acne in most patients after a single course
• Shrinks oil glands and reduces sebum production at the source
• Lowers acne causing bacteria on the skin
• Reduces the chance of permanent scarring from severe breakouts

What Experts Say

Dermatologists reserve isotretinoin for severe or scarring acne that has failed courses of oral antibiotics and topical retinoids, since it is the only acne treatment known to produce long term remission by shrinking the skin's oil glands.

Because isotretinoin causes severe birth defects if taken during pregnancy, doctors require a negative pregnancy test before starting treatment, repeat pregnancy tests during the course, and two reliable methods of contraception for women of childbearing age. Physicians also avoid prescribing it alongside vitamin A supplements or tetracycline antibiotics, since both combinations raise the risk of toxicity and increased pressure around the brain.

Regular blood monitoring of liver enzymes and lipid levels is standard practice throughout treatment, since isotretinoin can raise triglycerides and affect liver function in some patients. Doctors also screen for mood changes at each visit, since rare but serious psychiatric effects have been reported with this medicine.

Drug Class

• Retinoid, a Vitamin A derivative
• Systemic anti acne agent

Accutane Capsule 20mg formula

• Isotretinoin 20mg

Available forms

• Capsule

How to use Accutane Capsule 20mg?

• Take with a meal that contains fat, since fat improves absorption of the capsule
• Swallow the capsule whole with water, do not chew or crush it
• Confirm a negative pregnancy test before starting treatment and repeat monthly pregnancy tests during the course for women of childbearing age
• Use two reliable methods of contraception starting one month before treatment and continuing through one month after the last dose
• A typical course runs 15 to 20 weeks, with the dose set by the doctor based on body weight
• Attend scheduled blood tests for liver function and lipid levels throughout the course
• Avoid donating blood during treatment and for one month after stopping

Drug Interactions

• Vitamin A supplements increase the risk of vitamin A toxicity when combined with isotretinoin
• Tetracycline antibiotics such as doxycycline and minocycline raise the risk of increased pressure around the brain when taken with isotretinoin
• Other oral or topical retinoid products can add to skin dryness and irritation
• Alcohol and other medicines that affect the liver can add to the strain on liver function during treatment
• Progestin only birth control pills may be less reliable during treatment, so a combined method or a second form of contraception is advised

Risks and warnings

• Must never be taken during pregnancy, since it causes severe and well documented birth defects
• Women of childbearing age must use two reliable forms of contraception before, during and for one month after treatment
• Requires mental health monitoring, since mood changes, depression and rare reports of suicidal thoughts have been linked to this medicine
• Needs regular blood tests to monitor liver enzymes and triglyceride levels
• Causes marked dryness of the skin, lips and eyes in most patients
• Increases sun sensitivity, so sunscreen and sun avoidance are advised during treatment
• Should not be combined with vitamin A supplements due to added toxicity risk
• Should not be combined with tetracycline antibiotics due to increased risk of raised pressure around the brain
• Requires strict prescription control and pregnancy prevention counseling before dispensing in Pakistan

Accutane Capsule 20mg Side Effects

• Dry skin, lips and nasal passages
• Dry, irritated or red eyes
• Chapped lips
• Headache
• Muscle and joint pain
• Nosebleeds
• Sun sensitivity and easy sunburn
• Temporary worsening of acne in the early weeks
• Raised triglycerides or liver enzymes on blood tests
• Mood changes or depression
• Reduced night vision or other vision changes
• Severe allergic reaction, rare

Storage Conditions

• Store at room temperature, between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius
• Keep the capsules in their original blister pack to protect them from light
• Protect from moisture and keep the container tightly closed
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not store in the bathroom or near direct sunlight