Isotretinoin is a form of vitamin A. It reduces the amount of oil released by oil glands in your skin, and helps your skin renew itself more quickly.

Isotretinoin is used to treat severe nodular acne that has not responded to other treatments, including antibiotics.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to isotretinoin or to parabens, or if you are pregnant or may become pregnant.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take isotretinoin:

·         a personal or family history of depression or mental illness;

·         heart disease, high cholesterol or triglycerides;

·         osteoporosis or other bone disorders;

·         diabetes;

·         asthma;

·         an eating disorder (anorexia nervosa); or

·          liver disease.

Isotretinoin can cause severe, life-threatening birth defects if the mother takes the medication during pregnancy. Even one dose of isotretinoin can cause major birth defects of the baby's ears, eyes, face, skull, heart, and brain. Never use isotretinoin if you are pregnant.

For Women: Unless you have had your uterus and ovaries removed (total hysterectomy) or have been in menopause for at least 12 months in a row, you are considered to be of child-bearing potential.

Even women who have had their tubes tied are required to use birth control while taking isotretinoin.

Always take isotretinoin with a full glass of water to prevent the capsule from melting in your esophagus (food pipe), causing irritation. Do not chew or suck on the capsule. Swallow it as quickly as possible. Take isotretinoin with food or milk. Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your acne may seem to get worse at first, but should then begin to improve.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking isotretinoin?

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.

Isotretinoin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using isotretinoin and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

·         depressed mood, trouble concentrating, sleep problems, crying spells, aggression or agitation, changes in behavior, hallucinations, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;

·         sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;

·         blurred vision, sudden and severe headache or pain behind your eyes, sometimes with vomiting;

·         hearing problems, hearing loss, or ringing in your ears;

·         seizure (convulsions);

·         severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate;

·         loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

·         severe diarrhea, rectal bleeding, black, bloody, or tarry stools;

·         fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, purple spots under your skin, easy bruising or bleeding; or

·         joint stiffness, bone pain or fracture.

Less serious side effects may include:

·         joint pain, back pain;

·         feeling dizzy, drowsy, or nervous;

·         dryness of the lips, mouth, nose, or skin; or

·         cracking or peeling skin, itching, rash, changes in your fingernails or toenails.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.