Isotretinoin
Introduction To Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin belongs to a group of medicines called retinoids (vitamin A derivative). It is used to treat severe acne that has not responded to other treatments.
Isotretinoin should be used in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Take it with food, preferably at the same time each day to avoid a missed dose. It may take several weeks for your symptoms to improve but keep taking the medicine regularly to get the most benefit. If you notice no improvement after a few weeks, see your doctor again.
The most common side effects include dry skin, rash, and increased liver enzymes. They are not usually serious and often disappear after getting used to the medicine but if they bother you or do not go away, tell your doctor.
Isotretinoin may make you more sensitive to sunlight so you should limit your exposure to the sun. It may also make your skin more fragile. Avoid any waxing (hair removal), or laser treatments during treatment. Additionally, it may cause dryness of the mouth, lips, and eyes so drink plenty of water and use a moisturizer. This medicine may lead to birth defects, do consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
Uses of Isotretinoin
- Treatment of Acne
Benefits of Isotretinoin
Treatment of Acne
Isotretinoin helps treat acne by reducing the production of sebum (a natural
substance) that causes acne. This kills acne-causing bacteria and prevents
spots or pimples from appearing. It usually takes a few weeks to have a
noticeable effect so keep taking it even if it appears not to be working.
Sometimes acne may get worse before it gets better, however, with proper use,
your skin will get clearer. This medicine will help improve your mood and
uplift your confidence as your skin becomes acne-free.
Side effects of Isotretinoin
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Unrival
- Dry skin
- Increased liver enzymes
- Rash
How to use Isotretinoin
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Isotretinoin is to be taken with food.
How Isotretinoin works
Isotretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A. It acts on glands (sebaceous) to reduce the production of a natural substance (sebum) that causes acne. Also, the controlled sebum production kills acne-causing bacteria. It also works as an anti-inflammatory to decrease inflammation (redness and swelling).
Quick tips
- You have been prescribed Isotretinoin for the treatment of severe acne.
- Take it with food.
- Avoid exposure to sunlight while using Isotretinoin. Use protective measures such as sun-cream or protective clothing.
- Avoid face waxing and laser treatment while using this medicine as it makes your skin more fragile.
- It may cause dryness of mouth, lips, and eyes. Drink plenty of water, use moisturiser and avoid wearing contact lenses. Inform your doctor if it bothers you.
- Do not take Isotretinoin if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Safety Advice
PregnancyUNSAFE
Can I take Isotretinoin if I’m pregnant?
Isotretinoin is highly unsafe to use during pregnancy. Seek your doctor's advice as studies on pregnant women and animals have shown significant harmful effects to the developing baby.
BreastfeedingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Isotretinoin if I’m breastfeeding?
Isotretinoin is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
AlcoholCAUTION
Is drinking alcohol while taking Isotretinoin safe?
Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Isotretinoin. Please consult your doctor.
DrivingUNSAFE
Can I drive after taking Isotretinoin?
Isotretinoin may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive. Your night vision may get worse during your treatment. This can happen suddenly. Drowsiness and dizziness have been reported very rarely. This may affect your driving ability.
KidneySAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Isotretinoin if I have/had kidney diseases?
Isotretinoin is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Isotretinoin may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor. If you experience excessive tiredness, puffy eyes and difficulty in urination while taking this medicine, inform your doctor and stop the therapy.
LiverUNSAFE
Can I take Isotretinoin if I have/had liver diseases?
Isotretinoin is probably unsafe to use in patients with liver disease and should be avoided. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is Isotretinoin safe to use?
Isotretinoin should be used with care since it is associated with significant adverse reactions. It should be used only for patients with severe nodular acne who are unresponsive to conventional therapy, including systemic antibiotics. In addition, Isotretinoin should not be used by pregnant women because it can cause severe birth defects.
Q. Is Isotretinoin a steroid?
No, Isotretinoin is a retinoid (vitamin A) which is used to treat severe types of acne.
Q. What are the recommended tests during Isotretinoin therapy?
Your liver enzymes and serum lipids will be checked before the treatment is started. These levels will also be monitored 1 month after the start of treatment and subsequently at 3 monthly intervals unless more frequent monitoring is clinically indicated.
Q. Is the effect of Isotretinoin permanent?
It has been observed in many patients that a single 15-20-week course effectively cures the condition and prevents it from coming back. If at all a second course is required, one should wait for at least 8 weeks after completion of the first course. This is because experience with Isotretinoin has shown that the symptoms in the patients with acne may continue to improve following treatment with Isotretinoin.
Q. Why is Isotretinoin so dangerous during pregnancy?
If pregnancy occurs during treatment with Isotretinoin then, there is an extremely high risk that the baby may be born with severe birth defects.
Q. Can Isotretinoin cause cancer?
No, there are no reports of Isotretinoin causing cancer. In fact, it may be useful in some forms of head, skin, and neck cancers.
Q. What are the long-term side effects of Isotretinoin?
A normal course of treatment of Isotretinoin is 15–20 weeks. Therefore, the long-term effects of low doses have not been studied. However, it may have some effect on bone mineral density. It may decrease bone mineral density in some patients, resulting in osteoporosis or fractures.
Q. Does Isotretinoin affect male fertility?
No, Isotretinoin does not affect the fertility of male patients. No significant effects were seen on ejaculate volume, sperm count, total sperm motility, morphology, or seminal plasma fructose.
Q. Does Isotretinoin damage your liver?
There may be a transient increase in liver enzymes with Isotretinoin use. Therefore, regular laboratory tests are required. These values generally return to normal after some time. If the levels remain elevated for a long time, your doctor may discontinue the use of Isotretinoin.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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