Accutane

Accutane (isotretinoin) is a retinoid medication usually prescribed for patients that failed to achieve success treating their acne with other treatments available. This is a serious medicine taken only by those in need of this kind of treatment. Taking Accutane can be associated with a number of side effects and reactions that need to be avoided. Pregnancy is a contraindication for using Accutane. This drug can cause severe and possibly life-threatening effects in unborn and newborn babies if taken by their mothers. A woman using Accutane is supposed to use at least 2 reliable contraception methods one month before the treatment, during it and a month after the treatment is over. If you get pregnant anyway, stop using this medicine and call your heath care provider to learn about the options you have. Men taking Accutane must also be careful when taking this medicine, as small amounts of it can be present in the semen. If a woman becomes pregnant after having sexual intercourse with a man that has taken Accutane, this needs to be reported to a qualified health care professional. Before you are prescribed this medicine, your health care provider will need to know about your family history of any of the following medical conditions that may affect the dose you are prescribed and your treatment in general: depression, anorexia nervosa, high triglyceride levels, mental illness, asthma, heart or liver disease, osteoporosis, and diabetes. Accutane is usually taken for up to 20 weeks, most commonly – for 15 weeks. Make sure you take it only for as long as prescribed. Your cholesterol levels and your liver may need to be checked regularly while using Accutane. Make sure you show up for all of your doctor’s appointments. Stop using this drug in vase you develop any of the following serious side effects of Accutane: difficulty hearing, diarrhea, seizures, nosebleeds, vomiting, dark colored urine, blurred vision, new or worsening heartburn, chest pain, weakness or numbness, stomach pain, frequent urination, vision problems, rectal bleeding, muscle weakness, fast or pounding heartbeat, dizziness, joint or muscle pain, or fever. However, in most cases this medicine is likely to cause just a few mild side effects, such as cracked, and sore lips, tiredness, flushing, cold symptoms, bleeding, unwanted hair growth, hair loss, peeling skin, fainting, dry skin, eyes, mouth, or nose, voice changes, swollen gums, sweating, and changes in skin color. These are not supposed to be reported right away, as in most cases they go away. However, let your doctor know if they change in intensity or get bothersome. The following medications must be reported to your health care provider before you start taking Accutane, or if you are going to take them while on Accutane: oxytetracycline, tetracycline, dexamethasone, demeclocycline, methylprednisolone, prednisone, doxycycline, phenytoin, vitamin A supplements, minocycline, and any other prescription and over-the-counter drugs.