Accutane (Generic) Drug Information | Usage | Interactions and Side Effects

Accutane (Generic) Drug Information | Usage | Interactions and Side Effects

About
Generic Accutane (Isotretinoin) is used primarily in the treatment and prevention of severe nodular (cystic) acne. Made with vitamin A, Isotretinoin acts to diminish the size and production of oil glands in the face, resulting in clearer, more beautiful skin. 95% of patients who have completed a full cycle of Accutane reported partial to full acne removal. Start living acne-free and experience clearer looking skin with Generic Accutane!

Generic Accutane may also be marketed as: Isotrentinoin, Accutane, Amnesteem, Claravis, Sotret.

*Accutane® is manufactured by Roche Laboratories.

Uses
Generic Accutane is made to treat and prevent severe nodular (cystic) acne. Generic Accutane belongs to a class of medication called retinoid, which is chemically related to Vitamin A. Generic Accutane works to reduce the size and appearance of oil glands in the face, unclogging pores and removing unsightly pimples. About 95% of patients who have used a full cycle of Accutane report partial to full removal of facial acne. Generic Accutane may also be used to treat skin diseases not associated with acne. Always consult a medical professional before using Generic Accutane for both traditional and alternative uses.

How to Take
Always follow your doctor’s instructions and the directions on your prescription label when taking Generic Accutane. Never crush or chew this medication. Swallow Generic Accutane whole with a full glass of water. It is recommended to take this medication with food, as it helps absorb the medication into the bloodstream. Refrain from lying down for 10 minutes after taking Generic Accutane. Generally, this medicine is prescribed for a duration lasting between 15 to 20 weeks.

Long-term application of Isotretinoin is not recommended by its manufacturer.

Side Effects
Always read the ingredients on the label before taking this or any other medication to ensure that there are no elements that may elicit an allergic reaction. Stop taking this medication and consult a doctor if you experience symptoms associated with allergies. The most common side effects associated with Generic Accutane are skin irritations including: chapped lips, mouth, nose, rashes, altered appearance in your finger or toe nails, and cracked or peeling skin. Other common side effects include: pain in the joints of back, lack of coordination including, dizziness, fatigue, and nervousness.

Stop taking Generic Accutane and immediately contact a medical professional if you experience a sudden change in mood or behavior, including: depression, loss of concentration, sleep anxiety, hallucinations, crying spells, sudden increase in aggressive behavior, agitation, thoughts or suicide or hurting yourself.

Administration of this medication should be halted immediately and a doctor be notified if these serious side effects occur: blurred vision, sever and sudden headache, suddenly overcome with a numb or weak feeling (especially if skewed towards one side of the body), loss of hearing or ringing in your ears, agitated heart rate, sharp pain in your upper back or stomach, stiffness in the joints, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes, severe blistering, peeling or skin rashes, nausea, vomiting, severe diarrhea or rectal bleeding, discolored stool or urine.

Note that this is not an all-inclusive list of side effects. Consult a doctor for an extended understanding of the possible risks involved with taking Generic Accutane.

Precaution
Do not take Generic Accutane if you are pregnant, breast feeding, or plan on becoming pregnant during treatment. Commonly, women are required to provide two negative pregnancy tests before treatment begins. Strict employment of birth control must be observed during the treatment plan, as Isotretinoin may cause birth defects (teratogenicity). Stop taking Generic Accutane and contact your doctor if you have unprotected sex, stop taking birth control, if your period is delayed, or if there is a change you might be pregnant.

Do not take Generic Accutane if you are allergic to Isotretinoin or Parabens. Notify your doctor if you have soy or peanut allergies, as they may be provoked by possible inactive ingredients found in Generic Accutane.

Before taking Generic Accutane, consult a doctor if you have a personal or familiar history of the following diseases: depression, mental illness, heart problems, liver disease, high cholesterol or triglycerides, osteoporosis or other bone ailments, ulcerative colitis, intestinal disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, diabetes, asthma, anorexia, bulimia or any additional eating disorders.

Those taking Generic Accutane are highly discouraged from donating blood until after a month of halting treatment. Avoid taking vitamin supplements containing Vitamin A while taking this medication.

Take extra caution while driving or operating heavy machinery while taking Generic Accutane.

Drug Interactions
Inform your doctor of all prescription and herbal medications that you are taking before starting to use Generic Accutane. One should be particularly open about the following medications: retinoids/tetracyclines (i.e. minocycline, achromycin), vitamin A supplements (Isotretinoin is related to Vitamin A, leading to side effects specific to vitamin A toxicity), progestin-only contraceptives, drugs similar to vitamin A (i.e. acitretin, bexarotene), and anti-seizure drugs (like phenytoin) or any drugs that might cause bone loss.

Missed Dose
Do not take more than your recommended dosage of Generic Accutane. Regularly scheduled doses should be skipped and not made up for at a later date.

Storage
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep away from children and pets.