Accutane

Accutane (isotretinoin) can be used by people suffering from severe nodular acne. It is supposed to be taken regularly and works by reducing the amount of oil produced by oil glands. This medicine is very dangerous for the health of an unborn baby as it can cause severe and life-threatening birth defects if taken by an expectant mother. You must agree in writing to use two specific forms of birth control beginning 30 days before you start taking Accutane and ending 30 days after you stop taking it. The primary and secondary forms of birth control must be used together. The following health conditions may require additional tests or a dose adjustment to make sure your treatment is safe: triglycerides, diabetes, liver disease, eating disorder, a history of mental illness, bone disorders, asthma, a personal history of depression, high cholesterol, and heart disease. Although this medicine is not expected to cause serious side effects, they are still possible in some people. The following serious side effects are sometimes possible: yellowing of the skin or eyes, easy bruising, rectal bleeding, tarry stools, body aches, fever, chills, severe diarrhea, flu symptoms, and dark urine. Since these side effects are unlikely to get better on their own, you will be expected to report them directly to your health care provider to make sure they are dealt with properly. In most cases, however, less serious side effects are likely to occur, such as back pain, joint pain, nervousness, peeling skin, dizziness, itching, rash, dry mouth or lips, dry skin, and drowsiness. The mild side effects mentioned are most likely to go away on their own – and there is no need for you to interfere and start treating them. When discussing your treatment with your health care provider you will also need to make sure he knows you are currently taking any of the following medications: minocycline, seizure medication, doxycycline, steroids, tetracycline, and demeclocycline. The drugs mentioned have been reported to cause interference with Accutane, and this is why you are supposed to combine them only if your health care provider thinks it is safe or has adjusted your dose. Never share this medicine with other people to whom it was not prescribed, as the effects cannot be predicted. Keep Accutane out of the reach of children in some cool dry place to make sure its properties stay the same.