Accutane

Other names used:

• Roaccutane®

Active Ingredients:

• Isotretionin

How does Accutane work and what pharmaceutical group does it belong to?

Isotretionin the active ingredient of Accutane belongs to a group of drugs called retinoids, which are used mainly in treatment of skin disorders. The exact mechanism of Accutane is not currently known however it is clinically determined that the drug exerts dose-dependent suppressive effect on the sebaceous glands activity and decreases their size. The drug also expresses anti-inflammatory effect on skin as well as inhibits the formation of comedones. The effects of the drug are temporary however the acne remissions may be controlled.

Which conditions are treated with Isotretinoin?

The drug is indicated in treatment of:

• Severe cystic acne vulgaris
• Acne rosacea
• Hidradenitis suppurativa

What should a patient know before using Accutane?

The Isotretinoin should not be used in cases of:

• Known hypersensitivity to any components of the preparation or to other retinoids
• Pregnancy
• Liver or renal failure
• Vitamin A hypervitaminosis
• Severe hyperlipidemia

Tell your doctor about the following if any apply to you:

• You have relatives with increased levels of lipids in blood and are predisposed to hyperlipidemia
• You or your relatives suffer from diabetes
• You are suffering from Alcoholism
• You are treating a depression

Which adverse effects may manifest when using the medication?

The side effects of Accutane include:

• Vitamin A hypervitaminosis manifested in the following: dry skin and mucous membranes, haemorrhage in the nasal cavity, hoarseness, conjunctivitis and etc.
• Skin problems: rash, itching, facial dermatitis, sweatiness, hyperpigmentation, reversible allopecia and etc.
• Locomotor system: muscle pain, joint pain, hyperostosis, tendonitis
• CNS: behavior changes, depression, headache, increased intracranial pressure, seizures
• Sensory organs: decreased vision acuity, photosensibilisation, cataract, decreased hearing , keratitis
• Gastrointestinal tract: nausea, colitis, GI hemorrhage, rarely hepatitis.
• Respiratory organs: bronchospasm
• Haemopoietic system: decreased leukocyte and erythrocyte levels, increase or decrease of thrombocyte levels
• Immune system: local or systemic infections caused be gram-positive bacteria
• Other: Hematuria, pancreatitis, vasculitis, lymphadenopathy

It is not necessary that the side effects will manifest in an individual but the possibility still exist. For more information please consult your health care provider.

Which groups of drugs or specific preparations may interact with Isotretinoin?

The drug is affected by the following:

• Vitamin A supplements
• Corticosteroids
• Tetracycline antibiotics
• Epilepsy treatment
• Oral contraceptives
• St.John's worth

Tell your doctor about all the herbal preparations as well as prescription drugs that you are currently taking even if they are not on the list.

Important information for the patient: Accutane is supplied for individual use. Do not use it to treat other conditions not listed in the leaflet. Keep the product out of children reach. Do not reuse any disposable materials if supplied with the preparation.