Isotretinoin
About Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin 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.
Isotretinoin 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 Isotretinoin as prescribed. Your doctor will advise you on how often you need to take Isotretinoin based on your medical condition. Some people may experience chapped lips, dryness of skin, eyes, nose, or lips. Most of these side effects of Isotretinoin 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 Isotretinoin or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Do not take Isotretinoin 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 Isotretinoin or after stopping treatment with Isotretinoin, please consult a doctor. Avoid sun exposure while using Isotretinoin 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 Isotretinoin
Medicinal Benefits
Isotretinoin is a synthetic form of vitamin A used to treat a severe form of acne. Isotretinoin 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, Isotretinoin reduces swelling in the skin.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Isotretinoin
Chapped lips
- Dryness of skin, eyes, nose or lips
Drug Warnings
Do not take Isotretinoin 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 Isotretinoin or after stopping treatment with Isotretinoin, please consult a doctor. Avoid sun exposure while using Isotretinoin 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 Isotretinoin and for a minimum of 6 months after stopping treatment with Isotretinoin 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 Isotretinoin.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Isotretinoin may interact with anticonvulsants (phenytoin), antibiotics (doxycycline, demeclocycline, minocycline, oxytetracycline, tetracycline, eravacycline), vitamins (vitamin A).
Drug-Food Interaction: Do not use Isotretinoin 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 Isotretinoin.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol with Isotretinoin as it may increase the risk of liver damage and cause a rise in cholesterol levels.
Pregnancy
unsafeIsotretinoin 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.
Breast Feeding
unsafeIsotretinoin may be excreted in breast milk and cause adverse effects in the baby. Please consult a doctor before using Isotretinoin while breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionIsotretinoin may cause reduced night vision in some patients. Therefore, drive only if you alert after taking Isotretinoin.
Liver
unsafeIsotretinoin is usually not recommended for patients with impaired liver function. If you have any concerns regarding the use of Isotretinoin in patients with liver problems, please consult a doctor.
Kidney
cautionIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Isotretinoin in patients with kidney problems, please consult a doctor.
Children
unsafeIsotretinoin is not recommended for children below 12 years of age.
Habit Forming
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 Isotretinoin 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 Isotretinoin to monitor liver functioning.
Do not donate blood while taking Isotretinoin and for one month after stopping Isotretinoin.
Do not squeeze, pop or pick spots as it may worsen them and cause permanent scarring.
Patients Concern
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.
FAQs
Isotretinoin is used to treat a severe form of acne known as nodular acne that cannot be cleared by any other treatments, including antibiotics.
Isotretinoin may cause decreased night vision temporarily or permanently in some patients. It is not necessary for everyone taking Isotretinoin to experience this side effect. Avoid driving after taking Isotretinoin 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.
Isotretinoin 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 Isotretinoin and for minimum 6 months after stopping treatment with Isotretinoin as it may increase the risk of scarring.
You are not recommended to take vitamin A supplements with Isotretinoin 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 Isotretinoin.
No, Isotretinoin 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 Isotretinoin and after 1 month of stopping treatment with Isotretinoin. However, please inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy or breastfeeding before taking Isotretinoin.
Isotretinoin is safe to use if prescribed by the doctor. Use Isotretinoin exactly as advised by the doctor as it is associated with adverse effects.
Isotretinoin 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 Isotretinoin treatment.
In most cases the effect of Isotretinoin is permanent. Isotretinoin is clinically effective anti-acne therapy that shows significant improvement in many patients.
Isotretinoin 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 Isotretinoin, even in low doses, has not been studied and is not recommended. Hence, long-term side effects of Isotretinoin have not been established.
Isotretinoin is not known to affect male fertility.
Isotretinoin might elevate liver enzymes. Therefore, regular liver function tests are advised.
Side effects of Isotretinoin 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.
