Isotretinoin
About Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin belongs to a class of drugs called retinoids, primarily used to treat a severe form of acne known as nodular acne that has not responded to other treatments, including antibiotics.
Isotretinoin contains 'isotretinoin', which works by stopping the sebaceous glands from producing too much sebum and slowing the production of certain natural substances that can cause acne.
In some cases, Isotretinoin may cause side effects like dry skin, headache, cold symptoms, and vision problems. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Do not take Isotretinoin if you are allergic to any of its components, are pregnant or breastfeeding. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen while going out to protect your skin from sunburn.
Uses of Isotretinoin
• Treatment for nodular acne: Isotretinoin reduces acne lesions and promotes clear skin to treat severe nodular acne that is not responding to other treatments.
• Sebaceous Gland Reduction: Isotretinoin prevents acne by reducing oil production, avoiding the growth of acne, and shrinking sebaceous glands.
• Rosacea management: Isotretinoin lessens the appearance of acne-like pimples and face redness.
• Enhancement of Skin Texture: By encouraging the removal of dead skin cells and avoiding clogged pores, Isotretinoin helps to improve skin texture.
• Treatment for Psoriasis: Isotretinoin is sometimes utilized off-label to treat severe psoriasis by lowering inflammation and skin cell turnover.
Medicinal Benefits
- Isotretinoin used to treat severe nodular acne, especially when other treatments (like antibiotics) have failed.
- It reduces oil (sebum) production by shrinking the sebaceous glands, helping to prevent clogged pores.
- Isotretinoin reduces the buildup of dead skin cells and bacteria in pores. Thereby, prevents the formation of new acne.
- Helps reduce redness, swelling, and tenderness of acne lesions.
- By controlling severe breakouts, it helps reduce the risk of permanent scarring.
- It often provides sustained acne clearance even after treatment ends.
Directions for Use
- Take Isotretinoin with food or as advised by your doctor.
- It is advised to take Isotretinoin twice a day; however, follow your doctor’s recommendation regarding the dosage and duration.
- Swallow Isotretinoin as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Isotretinoin
- Dry skin
- Headache
- Vision problems
- Cold symptoms
Drug Warnings
- Do not take Isotretinoin if you are allergic to any of its components, are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- 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.
- If you have depression or any suicidal thoughts while taking Isotretinoin or after stopping treatment with Isotretinoin, please consult your doctor.
- 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.
- Stop taking Isotretinoin and call your doctor right away if you think you are pregnant, miss a menstrual period, or have had sex without using two forms of birth control.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Isotretinoin may interact with anticonvulsants (phenytoin), antibiotics (doxycycline, demeclocycline, minocycline, oxytetracycline, tetracycline, eravacycline), and 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 to become pregnant.
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 reduce night vision in some patients. Therefore, drive only if you are 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
consult your doctorIf 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.
- Regular hair washing is also recommended, and hair contact with the face should be avoided.
- Remove the makeup 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.
- 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.
- Use reliable birth control during treatment and for a month after the treatment.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Nodular acne: It is severe acne that occurs due to excessive oil production 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 the 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 body. If they are left untreated, they 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 a minimum of 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 a 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. 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.
