Accutane (isotretinoin)

What is isotretinoin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?

• Isotretinoin is an oral drug used for the treatment and prevention of severe acne. Acne is caused by inflammation of the skin. It primarily affects teenagers, but it also affects adults. Severe acne causes permanent scarring of the skin. The inflammation is caused in part by an increased secretion of sebum (oily substance) from glands in the skin (sebaceous glands). The sebum provokes inflammation, and the inflammation resolves (heals) with the formation of a scar (keratinization). The exact mechanism of action of isotretinoin is not known; however, it may reduce acne by reducing the secretion of sebum. If less sebum is secreted it is likely that there will be less inflammation and keratinization.
• The Food and Drug Administration approved isotretinoin in May 1982.

What brand names are available for isotretinoin?

Claravis, Amnesteem, Absorica, Myorisan, Zenatane, Sotret

Is isotretinoin available as a generic drug?

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

Do I need a prescription for isotretinoin?

Yes

What are the uses for isotretinoin?

• Isotretinoin is used to treat severe acne that is resistant to more conservative treatments such as creams, drying agents, and topical or oral antibiotics. Complete remission or prolonged improvement is seen in many patients after one course of 15 to 20 weeks of isotretinoin. Because of its serious side effects, isotretinoin should be used only for severe resistant acne.
• Because isotretinoin causes birth defects, isotretinoin is sold only under a special program approved by the Food and Drug Administration called iPLEDGE. Isotretinoin can only be prescribed by healthcare providers and dispensed by pharmacies registered in iPLEDGE.

What are the side effects of isotretinoin?

The most common side effects of isotretinoin are:

• Dry skin,
• Itching,
• Dry nose,
• Nosebleeds (epistaxis),
• Cracks in the corners of the mouth (chilitis),
• Dry mouth,
• Inflammation of the whites of the eyes.

Joint aches also are common. Patients may develop an increase in blood cholesterol and triglycerides. Psychiatric problems such as depression, hallucinations and suicidal behavior have been reported.
Other side effects include:

• Joint aches
• Increased cholesterol
• Increased triglycerides
• Increased glucose
• Headache
• Ringing in the ears
• Insomnia
• Abnormal periods
• Edema

Serious side effects include:

• Skin infections
• Peeling
• Sun-sensitivity to drugs
• Hearing impairment
• Hepatitis

Rarely, isotretinoin can cause brain swelling (pseudotumor cerebri or intracranial hypertension), which produces nausea, vomiting, headache, and changes in vision.
Erythema multiforme and severe skin reactions (for example, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis) have been associated with isotretinoin use. These events may be serious and result in life-threatening events or death, hospitalization, or disability. Patients should be monitored closely for severe skin reactions, and isotretinoin discontinued if necessary.

What is the dosage for isotretinoin?

• The recommended dose of isotretinoin is 0.5 to 2 mg per kg of body weight daily.
• The daily dose usually is administered in two divided doses for 15-20 weeks.
• Isotretinoin should be taken with food in order to improve its absorption.

Which drugs or supplements interact with isotretinoin?

• Isotretinoin is closely related to vitamin A. Therefore, the use of both vitamin A and isotretinoin at the same time may lead to vitamin A side effects.
• Treatment with tetracycline (Achromycin) and isotretinoin should not be given at the same time since the combination has been associated with brain swelling. (See side effects below.)

Is isotretinoin safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

• Isotretinoin is harmful to the fetus and therefore should not be used during pregnancy. Women of childbearing age must have two negative pregnancy test results before therapy is started, and a pregnancy test must be conducted during each month of therapy. Two effective forms of birth control must be used during therapy, and pregnancy should be avoided one month before, during, and at least one month after stopping isotretinoin.
• It is not known whether isotretinoin is secreted in breast milk, but because of its potentially serious side effects, it should not be used by nursing mothers.

What else should I know about isotretinoin?

What preparations of isotretinoin are available?

capsules: 10, 20, 30 and 40 mg

How should I keep isotretinoin stored?

Store at room temperature 15-30 C (59-86 F) and protect from light

Summary

Isotretinoin (Claravis, Amnesteem, Absorica, Myorisan, Zenatane, Sotret, Accutane) is a drug prescribed for the treatment and prevention of severe acne. Side effects include:

• Dry nose
• Nosebleeds
• Dry Mouth
• Dry Skin
• Itching

Drug interactions, warnings and precautions, and pregnancy and breastfeeding safety information should be reviewed prior to taking any drug.