How to use Isotretinoin Capsule

Read the Medication Guide provided by our pharmacist before you start using isotretinoin and each time you get a refill. Read and sign a Patient Information/Informed Consent form before you start taking this medication. If you have any questions about isotretinoin, consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking the medication.

Swallow capsules whole. Do not crush or chew them. Isotretinoin is usually taken twice daily for 15-20 weeks, or as directed by your doctor. Directions for most generic forms of isotretinoin state that it should be taken with meals. However, the FDA has indicated that the Absorica brand may be taken with or without food. Food helps increase absorption of this drug into your bloodstream. Ask your doctor or our pharmacist for more information. Take this drug with a full glass of water, and do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking it.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment.

Your acne may worsen during the first few days of taking this drug, and it may take up to 1-2 months before you notice the full benefit of this medication. If severe acne returns, a second course of treatment may be started after you have stopped taking the drug for 2 months. The manufacturer does not recommend long-term use of isotretinoin. Do not take more than the recommended dose.

Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the capsules.

Side Effects

Dry lips and mouth, minor swelling of the eyelids or lips, crusty skin, nosebleeds, upset stomach, or thinning of hair may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or our pharmacist promptly.

To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water, or use a saliva substitute.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor or our pharmacist right away if you have any serious side effects, including: mental/mood changes (such as depression, anxiety, thoughts of suicide), tingling feeling in the skin, back/joint/muscle pain, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), painful swallowing, peeling skin on palms/soles.

Isotretinoin may rarely cause disease of the pancreas (pancreatitis) that may rarely be fatal. Stop taking this medication and tell your doctor right away if you develop: severe stomach pain, severe or persistent nausea/vomiting.

Stop taking this medication and tell your doctor right away if you develop these unlikely but very serious side effects: severe headache, vision changes, ringing in the ears, hearing loss, chest pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, severe diarrhea, rectal bleeding.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or our pharmacist.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and our pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug are: tetracyclines (such as minocycline, tetracycline), vitamin A-type drugs (such as acitretin, bexarotene), vitamin A, drugs that cause bone loss (for example, anti-seizure drugs such as phenytoin, corticosteroids such as prednisone).

Tell your doctor when you start any new drug, and discuss if you should use additional reliable birth control. Also tell your doctor if you have any new spotting or breakthrough bleeding, because these may be signs that your birth control is not working well.

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 112. Otherwise, call pill doctor pharmacy Ghana right away at +233267000104.

Symptoms of overdose may include: vomiting, stomach pain, facial flushing, headache, loss of balance.

Notes

Do not allow anyone else to take this medication. It can cause birth defects and other serious health problems.

Laboratory and/or medical tests should be performed (e.g., pregnancy, blood cholesterol/triglyceride levels, liver function, white blood count, eye exams) to monitor for side effects.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications out of reach of children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult our pharmacist.