Accutane (isotretinoin) is a medicine used to treat severe nodular acne and available by prescription. It must not be used by people who did not obtain a prescription from their health care provider as there are a number of potentially dangerous side effects. iPLEDGE is a special program for women of child-bearing potential that requires every participant to use a combination of hormonal and non-hormonal methods of birth control to prevent the patient from getting pregnant. Make sure you discuss your contraception method with the doctor to make sure it will be efficient. For instance, isotretinoin has been reported to interfere with the efficiency of microdosed progestin oral contraceptives called minipills. There are other hormonal methods of birth control that may also interfere with this drug, so it’s best to talk to your health care provider in advance. If you are taking a hormonal contraceptive you also must not use St. John’s wort as it reduces the efficiency of Accutane.
Every man using Accutane also needs to be aware of the fact this medicine can pass into semen in small amount. It is not known for sure whether the amount that small can harm an unborn fetus of this man’s partner in case they were having unprotected sex. It’s very important that you use a condom every time when having sex to make sure your partner’s health is not affected. If you are currently taking seizure medications, oral steroids, antibiotics (doxycycline, demeclocycline, minocycline or tetracycline), vitamin A supplements and some other medications you should tell your health care provider about it. Some time is required for you to notice the first effects of isotretinoin. Make sure you continue taking this drug as directed by your health care provider as otherwise the progress may not become obvious.
Brand names: Accutane, Amnesteem, Claravis, Sotret, Accutane Roche, Amnesteem (Mylan), Claravis (Barr), Decutan (Actavis), Isotane (Pacific Pharmaceuticals), Sotret (Ranbaxy), Oratane (Genepharm Australasia) or Roaccutane (Roche), Izotek
Generic names: Isotretinoin
