Looking for:
Accutane side effects: Weight, fertility, and more |
- Accutane hunger
You might finally be able to clear up your skin and put an end to the cycle of pesky breakouts and acne scarring. This should be a time to celebrate, right?
While being prescribed Accutane will come as a relief to lots of acne sufferers, Accutane itself can come with a host of unpleasant side effects. One particular side effect that I hear a lot about is weight gain: many users who begin Accutane notice weight fluctuations and begin wondering if their new prescription is to blame.
While the FDA currently does not recognize weight fluctuation as an Accutane side effect, many still report gaining and losing weight while taking this anti-acne medication.
So, does acne cause weight gain? When you begin taking Accutane, your body is going to experience some fundamental changes. Because of this you may need to stop certain activities throughout the course of your prescription.
Tanning, drinking alcohol, and even exercising come with complications while taking Accutane. So, why might taking Accutane cause weight gain? When you begin your treatment, your dermatologist or doctor will probably warn you about the potential side-effects of overdoing it at the gym while on Accutane. Therefore, any reduction in physical activity can lead to a bit of weight gain.
To combat this, try light walking or fun, low-impact exercises such as swimming. During your Accutane treatment, your body is going to go through several phases of dehydration.
This is because Accutane works by shrinking the sebaceous oil glands that cause acne and that also provide lubrication for your skin. Fluid retention can lead to temporary weight gain, while also contributing to an overall feeling of bloatedness. While it remains a rare side effect, some who take Accutane notice a dip in their overall wellbeing, often developing mild symptoms of depression. Depression alone is often related to weight gain, as patients become more lethargic and unwilling to engage in physical activity.
Depressed individuals can also develop a habit of eating junk or fast food rather than cooking fresh meals, which can also contribute to weight gain. Nonetheless, it may be a contributing factor if you gain weight during your treatment. Having high glucose levels is known to increase the appetite, so if you combine a larger appetite with a decrease in physical activity, you can expect to experience mild to moderate weight gain during treatment. Most acne supplements and vitamins are filled with empty promises and low-quality ingredients.
One unintended side effect of this is that it makes your body more susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections. If you have any type of skin wound while taking Accutane you should immediately consult your dermatologist. While stable hormone levels can play an important role in clearing acne-prone skin, the main purpose of Accutane is to shrink your oil glands, not disrupt your hormone levels. Because of this I highly recommend trying a natural alternative before going straight to Accutane.
As I wrote in my eBook, Unmasking Acne , having a clean, natural diet is one of the best ways to tackle acne symptoms and enjoy blemish-free skin. If weight gain is hormonal, it is typically accompanied by other side effects such as heavy period, mood swings, low libido, night sweating, and thyroid issues. If you believe your hormones are out of balance, you should seek medical advice immediately. Weight and acne are indirectly related. If you have a diet high in sugar or inflammatory-causing foods, it could be causing both bloating and acne.
By removing inflammatory foods from your diet, your acne should improve, and you could also lose weight due to eating a healthier diet. Everything you need to get permanently clear skin, including:.
Sam has battled acne for a better part of his life. He created this website after his skin cleared up when he changed his diet and lifestyle. He built GoodGlow. Read more of Sam's articles. Table of Contents. Learn More. How do I know if my weight gain is hormonal? Does acne improve with weight loss? Analyzed by Sam Wood Sam has battled acne for a better part of his life.
Accutane hunger -
Most side effects fade within a few weeks after you stop taking the medication. Some side effects are more serious and need immediate treatment. Have a detailed conversation with a doctor to explore the risks and benefits of taking isotretinoin. A healthcare team can also work with you to manage any side effects. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Your child is crying inconsolably, and you have no idea why. Sound familiar? Experts weigh in on understanding the reasons why kids cry and how to fix…. We'll go over how to register and stay…. While some types of acne scarring are best treated by a dermatologist, others may benefit from over-the-counter topical products. Ice therapy is routinely used for injuries. But can ice facials help reduce puffy eyes and acne?
Learn more about its purported benefits and how to…. Nodules, pustules, whiteheads, and more. Here's what you need to care for it all. Differin Gel uses retinoid to clear up acne and scarring. Here's everything you need to know about the over-the-counter medication. Dairy, chocolate, gluten, and fried foods all get a bad rap for causing acne in adults and teens, but are the claims valid?
This article breaks down 5…. Teenagers tend to experience breakouts and acne due to hormonal changes. There are treatments and skin care habits that can help. What can you do about acne scars? While the AAD suggest things like surgery and laser resurfacing, you might also find relief through less invasive…. How Well Do You Sleep? Skin Care. Medically reviewed by Alisha D.
What is isotretinoin Accutane? Common side effects of isotretinoin Accutane. Share on Pinterest Illustration by Alyssa Kiefer. Serious side effects of isotretinoin Accutane. Allergic reaction Any medication can cause a serious allergic reaction. Symptoms can include: hives swelling of the mouth or face breathing problems or anaphylaxis An allergic reaction to medication can be life threatening.
Birth defects caused by isotretinoin Accutane. Long-term side effects of isotretinoin Accutane. Mental health side effects of isotretinoin Accutane.
Side effects after stopping isotretinoin Accutane. Current advice says that people taking Accutane should also avoid waxing or other carrying out cosmetic skin procedures while taking the drug and for 6 months afterward.
This is to prevent scarring. However, one review found no evidence to support delaying cosmetic procedures after using Accutane or products containing isotretinoin. That said, people should only perform such procedures with the advice of an experienced physician. People sometimes mention weight gain or weight loss when talking about Accutane. However, the FDA do not currently list weight change as a side effect of this drug. It is very important that anyone who is pregnant, who is planning to become pregnant, or who may become pregnant accidentally does not take Accutane.
These effects are severe and not unusual. Different countries have introduced various regulatory procedures to prevent fetal exposure to this medication, including asking people to use two contraception methods during and after retinoid treatment and to take regular pregnancy tests. One analysis reported that although the number of pregnancies, miscarriages, and fetal defects in people taking isotretinoin has decreased since then, they do still happen.
Accutane may also increase the levels of blood cholesterol and fats in the body. Undergoing regular blood tests allows doctors to monitor these. Taking Accutane may lead to a reduction in the number of red and white blood cells. Anemia may affect more than 1 in 10 people taking Accutane. The following sections will discuss the potential long-term side effects of Accutane in more detail. Accutane does not appear to affect fertility. However, scientists have found a link between Accutane and sexual side effects, such as:.
These severe but rare side effects may also persist after a person stops taking Accutane, so follow-up care is essential. This could lead to permanent sight loss and, in rare cases, death. Accutane may increase the levels of sugar in the blood and, rarely, lead to diabetes. People may experience a loss of night vision sometimes permanently and other severe eye problems from taking Accutane.
This medication can also make it hard to wear contact lenses, and this difficulty may continue after treatment. As well as the more common, minor skin side effects, people have reported severe skin conditions with the use of Accutane.
Some of the long-term side effects may persist after a person has stopped taking Accutane. These may even cause permanent problems, such as scarring, vision loss, or internal organ damage. Some people had sexual side effects appear or become significantly worse after they had stopped treatment, according to one review. To help relieve dryness of the eyes, check with your doctor about using a lubricating solution, such as artificial tears. If eye inflammation occurs, check with your doctor right away.
Isotretinoin may cause dryness of the mouth and nose. For temporary relief of mouth dryness, use sugarless candy or gum, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute. However, if dry mouth continues for more than 2 weeks, check with your medical doctor or dentist. Continuing dryness of the mouth may increase the chance of dental disease, including tooth decay, gum disease, and fungus infections.
Avoid overexposing your skin to sunlight, wind, or cold weather. Your skin will be more prone to sunburn, dryness, or irritation, especially during the first 2 or 3 weeks of treatment.
However, you or your child should not stop using this medicine unless the skin irritation becomes too severe. Do not use a sunlamp or tanning beds. To help isotretinoin to work properly, use sunscreen or sunblock lotions with a sun protection factor SPF of at least 15 on a regular basis. Also, wear protective clothing and hats. Isotretinoin may cause some people to be agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies or to become more depressed.
If you, your child, or your caregiver notice any of these side effects, check with you doctor right away. This medicine may increase pressure in your head, which may lead to vision loss or serious brain problems. Check with your doctor right away if you have a bad headache, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or seizures.
Serious skin reactions can occur with this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you or your child have any of the following symptoms while using this medicine: blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, chills, diarrhea, itching, joint or muscle pain, rash, red skin lesions, often with a purple center, sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips, or unusual tiredness or weakness.
Isotretinoin may cause bone or muscle problems, including joint pain, muscle pain or stiffness, or difficulty moving. You may get hurt more easily during rough sports. You may also heal more slowly. If this medicine is for your child, tell the doctor if you think your child is not growing properly. It is very important that you or your child not use wax epilation to remove hair while you are taking isotretinoin and for 6 months after stopping it. Isotretinoin can increase your chance of scarring from wax epilation.
It is very important that you or your child not have any cosmetic procedures to smooth your skin eg, dermabrasion, laser while you are using isotretinoin and for 6 months after stopping it. Isotretinoin can increase your chance of scarring from these procedures. This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If you or your child are diabetic and notice a change in the results of your blood or urine sugar tests, check with your doctor.
Pancreatitis may occur while you are using this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you or your child have sudden and severe stomach pain, chills, constipation, nausea, vomiting, fever, or lightheadedness. Isotretinoin may cause some people to have hearing problems within a few weeks after they start using it. Check with your doctor right away if you or your child have hearing loss, a continuing ringing or buzzing, or any other unexplained noise in the ears.
Check with your doctor right away if you have pain or tenderness in the upper stomach, pale stools, dark urine, loss of appetite, nausea, unusual tiredness or weakness, or yellow eyes or skin.
These could be symptoms of a serious liver problem. Tell your doctor right away if you or your child have abdominal or stomach pain, rectal bleeding, or severe diarrhea. These may be symptoms of a serious condition called inflammatory bowel disease. This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
Call your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, redness, soreness, or itching skin, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are using this medicine. This reaction is more often seen in people who also have an allergy to aspirin. This medicine lowers the number of some types of blood cells in your body. Because of this, you or your child may bleed or get infections more easily. To help with these problems, avoid being near people who are sick or have infections.
Wash your hands often. Stay away from rough sports or other situations where you could be bruised, cut, or injured. Brush and floss your teeth gently. Be careful when using sharp objects, including razors and fingernail clippers. Do not take other medicines without checking first with your doctor.
This includes vitamins, herbal products, and prescription or nonprescription over-the-counter [OTC] medicines. Some medicines or nutritional supplements eg, St. John's wort may cause your birth control pills to not work as well.
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects.
❾-50%}Accutane and Increased appetite, a phase IV clinical study of FDA data - eHealthMe.
Nonetheless, it may be a contributing factor if you gain weight during your treatment. Having high glucose levels is known to increase the appetite, so if you combine a larger appetite with a decrease in physical activity, you can expect to experience mild to moderate weight gain during treatment. Most acne supplements and vitamins are filled with empty promises and low-quality ingredients.
One unintended side effect of this is that it makes your body more susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections. If you have any type of skin wound while taking Accutane you should immediately consult your dermatologist. While stable hormone levels can play an important role in clearing acne-prone skin, the main purpose of Accutane is to shrink your oil glands, not disrupt your hormone levels.
Because of this I highly recommend trying a natural alternative before going straight to Accutane. As I wrote in my eBook, Unmasking Acne , having a clean, natural diet is one of the best ways to tackle acne symptoms and enjoy blemish-free skin.
If weight gain is hormonal, it is typically accompanied by other side effects such as heavy period, mood swings, low libido, night sweating, and thyroid issues. If you believe your hormones are out of balance, you should seek medical advice immediately. Weight and acne are indirectly related. If you have a diet high in sugar or inflammatory-causing foods, it could be causing both bloating and acne. By removing inflammatory foods from your diet, your acne should improve, and you could also lose weight due to eating a healthier diet.
Everything you need to get permanently clear skin, including:. These may include:. But recent studies have not been able to establish a causal relationship between isotretinoin and these gastrointestinal diseases. Tell a doctor if you notice any concerning gastrointestinal symptoms while taking isotretinoin. An allergic reaction to medication can be life threatening. If you experience these symptoms after taking medication, call , contact your local emergency services, or have someone take you to the nearest hospital.
It is possible to develop an allergy after repeated exposure to a medication. People in their childbearing years should take a pregnancy test before starting this medication.
An effective form of birth control, plus a backup method, should be used. People should not get pregnant for 4 weeks after this medication is stopped. If you do get pregnant, stop taking the medication and talk with a doctor right away. Taking isotretinoin during pregnancy can cause miscarriage, death of the fetus, or premature birth. It can also lead to severe birth defects such as:. It can also cause a buildup of fluid and pressure on the brain called hydrocephalus. Babies may be born with an underdeveloped brain and small head, which is called microcephaly.
This can lead to intellectual and developmental disabilities. People should not breastfeed while taking isotretinoin or for at least 8 days after their last dose. It is an FDA-approved restricted distribution program designed to tell people about the risks of birth defects and to prevent pregnancy while taking the drug.
While taking isotretinoin, your red and white blood cell counts may decrease. Symptoms may include feeling faint and having difficulty breathing.
Isotretinoin can also build up in your bloodstream. You may develop problems with blood sugar and blood fat levels. Some cases of sexual dysfunction linked to long-term isotretinoin use have been reported, but more detailed studies are needed to better explain these results.
Stop taking isotretinoin immediately and talk with a doctor if you experience any of the side effects or symptoms below.
They may potentially lead to longer-term problems, such as organ damage, if not addressed promptly. These symptoms can include:. Some people taking isotretinoin may go through mood changes , such as irritability or sadness. The potential for serious mental health problems, including depression, psychosis, and suicidal thoughts, has been reported with isotretinoin. Warning signs may include:. Some conflicting research exists related to the mental health side effects of taking isotretinoin.
Newer research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology has not found evidence of an increased risk for depression linked to isotretinoin treatment for acne.
A study also suggests the use of isotretinoin in patients with acne was linked with improved depression symptoms. More research is needed to fully understand the relationship between isotretinoin use and mental health side effects.
Most side effects from taking isotretinoin go away within a few days to a few weeks after treatment stops. But side effects may persist longer even after treatment ends. If left untreated, these side effects could result in permanent problems. In some cases, these may include conditions such as scarring or vision loss.
All information is observation-only. Our phase IV clinical studies alone cannot establish cause-effect relationship. Different individuals may respond to medication in different ways. Every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect.
The use of the eHealthMe site and its content is at your own risk. If you use this eHealthMe study on publication, please acknowledge it with a citation: study title, URL, accessed date. All rights reserved.
Use of this site constitutes acceptance of eHealthMe. Toggle navigation eHealth Me. Home Analysis Accutane Increased-appetite. Accutane and Increased appetite - a phase IV clinical study of FDA data Summary: Increased appetite is found among people who take Accutane, especially for people who are male, old, have been taking the drug for 1 - 6 months. What is Accutane?
Isotretinoin Accutane is a medication that doctors prescribe to treat severe acne. It is a retinoid, which is a class of drugs similar to vitamin A.
Accutane has a range of side effects, including severe ones. This article will examine some of the side effects of Accutane. Before taking Accutane, and at regular intervals afterward, people will undergo blood tests to check their liver and kidney function, as well as their levels of fats and cholesterol.
People taking Accutane may also have increased sensitivity to UV light, so they should use sun protection and avoid direct sunlight as much as possible. Current advice says that people taking Accutane should also avoid waxing or other carrying out cosmetic skin procedures while taking the drug and for 6 months afterward. This is to prevent scarring. However, one review found no evidence to support delaying cosmetic procedures after using Accutane or products containing isotretinoin.
That said, people should only perform such procedures with the advice of an experienced physician. People sometimes mention weight gain or weight loss when talking about Accutane. However, the FDA do not currently list weight change as a side effect of this drug. It is very important that anyone who is pregnant, who is planning to become pregnant, or who may become pregnant accidentally does not take Accutane. These effects are severe and not unusual. Different countries have introduced various regulatory procedures to prevent fetal exposure to this medication, including asking people to use two contraception methods during and after retinoid treatment and to take regular pregnancy tests.
One analysis reported that although the number of pregnancies, miscarriages, and fetal defects in people taking isotretinoin has decreased since then, they do still happen. Accutane may also increase the levels of blood cholesterol and fats in the body. Undergoing regular blood tests allows doctors to monitor these. Taking Accutane may lead to a reduction in the number of red and white blood cells. Anemia may affect more than 1 in 10 people taking Accutane. The following sections will discuss the potential long-term side effects of Accutane in more detail.
Accutane does not appear to affect fertility. However, scientists have found a link between Accutane and sexual side effects, such as:. These severe but rare side effects may also persist after a person stops taking Accutane, so follow-up care is essential. This could lead to permanent sight loss and, in rare cases, death.
Accutane may increase the levels of sugar in the blood and, rarely, lead to diabetes. People may experience a loss of night vision sometimes permanently and other severe eye problems from taking Accutane. This medication can also make it hard to wear contact lenses, and this difficulty may continue after treatment. As well as the more common, minor skin side effects, people have reported severe skin conditions with the use of Accutane. Some of the long-term side effects may persist after a person has stopped taking Accutane.
These may even cause permanent problems, such as scarring, vision loss, or internal organ damage. Some people had sexual side effects appear or become significantly worse after they had stopped treatment, according to one review. Meanwhile, a study found an increased risk of suicide for up to 6 months after Accutane treatment had stopped. However, the risk of attempting suicide was higher before treatment started. For this reason, it is not possible to confirm any additional risk due to Accutane.
People who are about to take Accutane should talk to their doctor about any other medications or herbal supplements they take. Likewise, taking St. People taking Accutane should see a doctor if any of the minor side effects persist and are causing them difficulty. If anyone notices these symptoms while taking Accutane, they should stop taking the medication immediately and call a doctor.
Also, anyone who breaks a bone should tell the doctor treating them that they are taking Accutane. Accutane is an effective treatment for severe acne, but it has some serious side effects, including mental health problems and risks associated with pregnancy. Anyone who is considering taking this medication should have a detailed conversation with their doctor about the risks and how to reduce them. Accutane, a drug that helps treat severe acne, contains isotretinoin.
Isotretinoin may cause side effects, including hair loss. Learn more about why…. Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are two common ingredients in acne medications. Learn about the benefits and side effects of each here. Cystic acne is an uncommon and severe form of acne. The skin condition results from blocked pores in the skin that cause infection and inflammation…. Back acne, or backne, is a common condition that occurs when oil and skin cells block pores.
Learn about its treatment and prevention here. The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cure New directions in dementia research Can psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?
Medical News Today. Health Conditions Discover Tools Connect. Human Biology. Nervous system Cardiovascular system Respiratory system Digestive system Immune system. What are the side effects of Accutane? Side effects Long-term After stopping Interactions Seeing a doctor Summary Isotretinoin Accutane is a medication that doctors prescribe to treat severe acne. Side effects of Accutane. Share on Pinterest Accutane has several potential side effects.
Long-term side effects. Side effects after stopping the drug. When to see a doctor. How we vetted this article: Sources. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations.
We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles.
You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Share this article. Latest news Pain nerves may help to maintain a healthy gut, study shows.
Skin and brain cancers: New discovery may help improve treatment. Will it be possible to treat inherited blindness in adults? Can where you live affect your PCOS symptoms? Related Coverage. What to know about hair loss and Accutane. Salicylic acid vs. Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, PharmD. Everything you need to know about cystic acne. Medically reviewed by University of Illinois.
localhost › health › accutane-side-e. Isotretinoin (Accutane) is a medication used to treat acne. angry, or aggressive than usual; changes in appetite or weight; lack of energy. Heh. Me too! Starving! Normally, I eat frequently throughout the day, but I've found that I get these intense hunger pains since starting. Isotretinoin (Accutane) is a medication used to treat acne. angry, or aggressive than usual; changes in appetite or weight; lack of energy. Check with your doctor right away if you have pain or tenderness in the upper stomach, pale stools, dark urine, loss of appetite, nausea. Back acne, or backne, is a common condition that occurs when oil and skin cells block pores. Meanwhile, a study found an increased risk of suicide for up to 6 months after Accutane treatment had stopped. Experts weigh in on understanding the reasons why kids cry and how to fix…. Before taking Accutane, and at regular intervals afterward, people will undergo blood tests to check their liver and kidney function, as well as their levels of fats and cholesterol. Human Biology. Your doctor can help you choose the right skin products to reduce skin dryness and irritation.Drug information provided by: IBM Micromedex. Isotretinoin is used to treat severe, disfiguring nodular acne. It should be used only after other acne medicines or antibiotics have been tried and have failed to help the acne. Isotretinoin may also be used to treat other skin diseases as determined by your doctor.
Isotretinoin must not be used to treat women who are able to bear children unless other forms of treatment have been tried first and have failed. Isotretinoin must not be taken during pregnancy because it causes birth defects in humans. If you are able to bear children, it is very important that you read, understand, and follow the pregnancy warnings for isotretinoin. In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do.
This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:. Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines.
Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully. Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of isotretinoin in children younger than 12 years of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established. This medicine should be used with caution in teenagers, especially those with bone problems or diseases.
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of isotretinoin in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have serious unwanted effects, which may require caution in patients receiving isotretinoin. There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines. Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur.
Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Using this medicine with any of the following is usually not recommended, but may be unavoidable in some cases.
If used together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use this medicine, or give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco. The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:. Isotretinoin comes with a patient information form and Medication Guide. It is very important that you read and understand this information.
Be sure to carefully follow these instructions and ask your doctor if you have any questions. Be sure to ask your doctor if you have any questions about this program. It is very important that you understand and follow all of the requirements. You will not get another prescription unless you follow the instructions for the program.
Swallow the capsule whole with a full glass 8 ounces of water or other liquid. Do not crush, break, chew, or suck the capsule. It is very important that you take isotretinoin only as directed by your doctor.
Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects. It is very important that you not share this medicine with anyone else because of the risk of birth defects and other serious side effects. Different brands may not work the same way. If you refill your medicine and it looks different, check with your pharmacist. The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients.
Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so. The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. It is very important that your doctor check your or your child's progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.
Isotretinoin causes birth defects in humans if taken during pregnancy. If you suspect that you may have become pregnant, check with your doctor right away. Using this medicine while you are pregnant can cause very serious birth defects.
Use two forms of effective birth control to keep from getting pregnant 1 month before beginning treatment, while you are using this medicine even if the medicine is temporarily stopped , and for at least 1 month after you stop taking the medicine.
The most effective forms of birth control are hormone birth control pills, patches, shots, vaginal rings, or implants, an IUD, or a vasectomy for men. One of these forms of birth control should be combined with a condom, a diaphragm, or a cervical cap. Isotretinoin must not be taken by women of reproductive age who may become pregnant unless 2 effective forms of birth control have been used for at least 1 month before the start of treatment.
Contraception must be continued during the period of treatment, which is up to 20 weeks, and for 1 month after isotretinoin is stopped. Be sure that you have discussed this information with your doctor. If you are a woman who is able to have children, you must have 2 pregnancy tests before beginning treatment with isotretinoin to make sure you are not pregnant. The second pregnancy test must be taken at least 19 days after the first test and during the first 5 days of the menstrual period immediately before beginning treatment.
In addition, you must have a pregnancy test each month while you are using this medicine and 1 month after treatment is completed. Do not take vitamin A or any vitamin supplement containing vitamin A while using this medicine, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. During the first 3 weeks you are taking isotretinoin, your skin may become irritated. Also, your acne may seem to get worse before it gets better. Check with your doctor if your skin condition does not improve within 1 to 2 months after starting this medicine or at any time your skin irritation becomes severe.
Full improvement continues after you stop using isotretinoin and may take up to 6 months. Your doctor can help you choose the right skin products to reduce skin dryness and irritation. You or your child should not donate blood to a blood bank while using isotretinoin or for 30 days after you stop using it. This is to prevent a pregnant patient from receiving blood that contains the medicine.
In some patients, isotretinoin may cause a decrease in night vision. This problem may occur suddenly. If it does occur, do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Also, check with your doctor. Isotretinoin may cause dryness of the eyes. If you or your child wear contact lenses, your eyes may be more sensitive to them during the time you are using isotretinoin and for up to 2 weeks after stopping it.
To help relieve dryness of the eyes, check with your doctor about using a lubricating solution, such as artificial tears. If eye inflammation occurs, check with your doctor right away. Isotretinoin may cause dryness of the mouth and nose. For temporary relief of mouth dryness, use sugarless candy or gum, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute.
However, if dry mouth continues for more than 2 weeks, check with your medical doctor or dentist. Continuing dryness of the mouth may increase the chance of dental disease, including tooth decay, gum disease, and fungus infections. Avoid overexposing your skin to sunlight, wind, or cold weather. Your skin will be more prone to sunburn, dryness, or irritation, especially during the first 2 or 3 weeks of treatment. However, you or your child should not stop using this medicine unless the skin irritation becomes too severe.
Do not use a sunlamp or tanning beds. To help isotretinoin to work properly, use sunscreen or sunblock lotions with a sun protection factor SPF of at least 15 on a regular basis. Also, wear protective clothing and hats. Isotretinoin may cause some people to be agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors.
No comments:
Post a Comment