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Written By Veda Maddala , M Pharmacy
Reviewed By Dr Aneela Siddabathuni , MPharma., PhD
Last Updated Oct 9, 2024 | 12:40 PM IST
Acnex 20 Mg Capsule is used to treat a severe form of acne known as nodular acne that cannot be cleared by any other treatments, including antibiotics. It contains Isotretinoin, a form of vitamin A, which works by reducing sebum (skin's natural oil) production on the skin's surface by decreasing the activity and size of sebaceous glands. Thereby, unblocks pores and kills acne-causing bacteria. Some people may experience chapped lips, dryness of skin, eyes, nose, or lips. Before taking this medicine, you should tell your doctor if you are allergic to any of its components or if you are pregnant/breastfeeding, and about all the medications you are taking and pre-existing medical conditions.
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Prescription drug

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Prescription drug
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Composition

ISOTRETINOIN

Manufacturer/Marketer

Unichem International

Consume Type

ORAL

Return Policy

Not Returnable

Expires on or after

Jan-27

for this medicine

About Acnex 20 Mg Capsule

Acnex 20 Mg Capsule belongs to a class of drugs called retinoids (a synthetic form of vitamin A) primarily used to treat a severe form of acne known as nodular acne that cannot be cleared by any other treatments, including antibiotics. Nodular acne is severe acne that occurs due to excessive production of oil in the skin cells, causing swollen, red and tender lumps in the skin. Acne nodules are larger in size than typical pimples. 

Acnex 20 Mg Capsule contains 'isotretinoin', a form of vitamin A that works by reducing sebum (skin's natural oil) production on the skin's surface by decreasing the activity and size of sebaceous glands. Thereby unblocks pores and kills acne-causing bacteria.

Take Acnex 20 Mg Capsule as prescribed. Your doctor will advise you on how often you need to take Acnex 20 Mg Capsule based on your medical condition. Some people may experience chapped lips, dryness of skin, eyes, nose, or lips. Most of these side effects of Acnex 20 Mg Capsule do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.

If you are known to be allergic to Acnex 20 Mg Capsule or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Do not take Acnex 20 Mg Capsule if you are pregnant or breastfeeding as it may cause adverse effects on the baby. If you have depression or any suicidal thoughts while taking Acnex 20 Mg Capsule or after stopping treatment with Acnex 20 Mg Capsule, please consult a doctor. Avoid sun exposure while using Acnex 20 Mg Capsule as it may make the skin more sensitive to sunlight and cause sunburn. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen while going out to protect your skin from sunburn.

Uses of Acnex 20 Mg Capsule

Treatment of Nodular acne

Medicinal Benefits

Acnex 20 Mg Capsule is a synthetic form of vitamin A used to treat a severe form of acne. Acnex 20 Mg Capsule reduces sebum (skin's natural oil) production on the skin's surface by decreasing the activity and size of sebaceous glands. Thereby unblocking pores and killing acne-causing bacteria. Also, Acnex 20 Mg Capsule reduces swelling in the skin.

Directions for Use

Take Acnex 20 Mg Capsule with food or as advised by the doctor. Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water. Do not break, crush or chew it.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight

Side Effects of Acnex 20 Mg Capsule

  • Chapped lips

  • Dryness of skin, eyes, nose or lips

Drug Warnings

Do not take Acnex 20 Mg Capsule if you are pregnant or breastfeeding as it may cause adverse effects in the baby. If you have depression or any suicidal thoughts while taking Acnex 20 Mg Capsule or after stopping treatment with Acnex 20 Mg Capsule, please consult a doctor. Avoid sun exposure while using Acnex 20 Mg Capsule as it may make the skin more sensitive to sunlight and cause sunburn. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen while going out to protect your skin from sunburn. Do not undergo any cosmetic procedures while taking Acnex 20 Mg Capsule and for a minimum of 6 months after stopping treatment with Acnex 20 Mg Capsule as it may increase the risk of scarring. Inform your doctor if you have asthma, diabetes, hypervitaminosis A (high levels of vitamin A), liver or heart problems, weak bones, osteoporosis (bone loss), anorexia nervosa (an eating disorder where people eat too little), any mental problems such as psychosis (loss of contact with reality) or depression before taking Acnex 20 Mg Capsule.

Drug Interactions

Drug-Drug Interaction: Acnex 20 Mg Capsule may interact with anticonvulsants (phenytoin), antibiotics (doxycycline, demeclocycline, minocycline, oxytetracycline, tetracycline, eravacycline), vitamins (vitamin A).

Drug-Food Interaction: Do not use Acnex 20 Mg Capsule with St. John's Wort (a herbal supplement used to treat depression) as it may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptive pills, raising the risk of pregnancy.

Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have asthma, diabetes, liver or heart problems, hypervitaminosis A (high levels of vitamin A), weak bones, osteoporosis (bone loss), anorexia nervosa (an eating disorder where people eat too little), any mental problems such as psychosis (loss of contact with reality) or depression before taking Acnex 20 Mg Capsule.

Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List

  • PHENYTOIN
  • DOXYCYCLINE
  • TETRACYCLINE
  • DEMECLOCYCLINE
  • MINOCYCLINE
  • OXYTETRACYCLINE
  • ERAVACYCLINE
  • VITAMIN A

Habit Forming

No

Diet & Lifestyle Advise

  • Regular exercise can improve your mood and self-esteem though it doesn't clear acne. Take a shower immediately after finishing exercise as sweat may irritate acne.

  • Avoid sun exposure while using Acnex 20 Mg Capsule as it may make the skin more sensitive to sunlight and cause sunburn. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen while going out to protect your skin from sunburn.

  • Do regular hair wash and avoid contact of hair with the face.

  • Remove the make-up completely before going to bed.

Special Advise

  • Regular blood tests are recommended before and while taking Acnex 20 Mg Capsule to monitor liver functioning.

  • Do not donate blood while taking Acnex 20 Mg Capsule and for one month after stopping Acnex 20 Mg Capsule.

  • Do not squeeze, pop or pick spots as it may worsen them and cause permanent scarring.

Disease/Condition Glossary

Nodular acne: It is severe acne that occurs due to excessive production of oil in the skin cells causing swollen, red and tender lumps in the skin which can be the size of pencil erasers or larger. The sebum inhibits sebaceous glands and stops oil from flowing out freely causing accumulation of sebum under the skin which increases the growth of acne-causing bacteria. Acne nodules are larger in size than typical pimples and affect the deeper layers of skin. Nodular acne can occur on the back, face and the body. If they are left untreated, it may cause permanent scars. The symptoms include long-lasting painful blemishes that feel like hard knots under the skin.

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Alcohol

Unsafe

Avoid consumption of alcohol with Acnex 20 Mg Capsule as it may increase the risk of liver damage and cause a rise in cholesterol levels.

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Pregnancy

Unsafe

Acnex 20 Mg Capsule is a Category X pregnancy drug and is considered unsafe for pregnant women as it may cause severe birth defects. Please consult a doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy.

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Breast Feeding

Unsafe

Acnex 20 Mg Capsule may be excreted in breast milk and cause adverse effects in the baby. Please consult a doctor before using Acnex 20 Mg Capsule while breastfeeding.

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Driving

Caution

Acnex 20 Mg Capsule may cause reduced night vision in some patients. Therefore, drive only if you alert after taking Acnex 20 Mg Capsule.

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Liver

Unsafe

Acnex 20 Mg Capsule is usually not recommended for patients with impaired liver function. If you have any concerns regarding the use of Acnex 20 Mg Capsule in patients with liver problems, please consult a doctor.

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Kidney

Caution

If you have any concerns regarding the use of Acnex 20 Mg Capsule in patients with kidney problems, please consult a doctor.

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Children

Unsafe

Acnex 20 Mg Capsule is not recommended for children below 12 years of age.

Country of origin

India

Manufacturer/Marketer address

Unichem Laboratories Ltd., Unichem Bhavan, Prabhat Estate, Off S.V.Road, Jogeshwari (West), Mumbai – 400 102
Other Info - ACN0046

Author Details

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FAQs

Acnex 20 Mg Capsule is used to treat a severe form of acne known as nodular acne that cannot be cleared by any other treatments, including antibiotics.
Acnex 20 Mg Capsule may cause decreased night vision temporarily or permanently in some patients. It is not necessary for everyone taking Acnex 20 Mg Capsule to experience this side effect. Avoid driving after taking Acnex 20 Mg Capsule if you are unable to see in the dark and consult a doctor if you notice any changes in vision or have painful or persistent dry eyes.
Acnex 20 Mg Capsule may increase the skin sensitivity to sunlight. Therefore, avoid or limit exposure to sunlight and sunlamps. You are advised to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing while going out to prevent sunburn.
No, you are not recommended to undergo any cosmetic procedures to smoothen your skin including waxing, laser procedures or dermabrasion (an exfoliating technique to remove outer layers of skin with a rotating instrument) while taking Acnex 20 Mg Capsule and for minimum 6 months after stopping treatment with Acnex 20 Mg Capsule as it may increase the risk of scarring.
You are not recommended to take vitamin A supplements with Acnex 20 Mg Capsule as it may cause hypervitaminosis A (excessive levels of vitamin A in the body) leading to an increased risk of adverse effects. However, please consult a doctor before taking other medicines or supplements with Acnex 20 Mg Capsule.
No, Acnex 20 Mg Capsule is not recommended for use during pregnancy as it may cause severe birth defects. Also, it is advised to use effective contraceptive measures before, while taking Acnex 20 Mg Capsule and after 1 month of stopping treatment with Acnex 20 Mg Capsule. However, please inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy or breastfeeding before taking Acnex 20 Mg Capsule.
Acnex 20 Mg Capsule is safe to use if prescribed by the doctor. Use Acnex 20 Mg Capsule exactly as advised by the doctor as it is associated with adverse effects.
Acnex 20 Mg Capsule is not a steroid. It is a retinoid used to treat severe nodular acne.
Pregnancy tests, lipid profile tests, liver function tests, blood glucose tests, and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) tests are recommended tests during Acnex 20 Mg Capsule treatment.
In most cases the effect of Acnex 20 Mg Capsule is permanent. Isotretinoin is clinically effective anti-acne therapy that shows significant improvement in many patients.
Acnex 20 Mg Capsule does not cause cancer. In fact, isotretinoin slows the growth of cancer cells by activating protein receptors in cells, including cancer cells.
Long-term use of Acnex 20 Mg Capsule, even in low doses, has not been studied and is not recommended. Hence, long-term side effects of Acnex 20 Mg Capsule have not been established.
Acnex 20 Mg Capsule is not known to affect male fertility.
Acnex 20 Mg Capsule might elevate liver enzymes. Therefore, regular liver function tests are advised.
Side effects of Acnex 20 Mg Capsule include chapped lips and dry skin, eyes, nose, or lips. Most of these side effects may not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.

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