Details :
- Isotretinoin capsules are a very effective treatment for severe acne(spots).
- This medicine can have serious side effects, however, so it must be prescribed and supervised by a doctor.
Key facts :
- Isotretinoin capsules start to work after a week to 10 days.
- Isotretinoin capsules work very well - 4 out of 5 people who use them have clear skin after 4 months.
- Your skin may become very dry and sensitive to sunlight during treatment. Using lip balm and moisturisers will help.
- If you're a woman, it's very important not to become pregnant while using isotretinoin capsules and for at least 1 month after stopping. This is because isotretinoin can harm an unborn baby.
- Isotretinoin capsules are also called by the brand names Roaccutane and Rizuderm.
Who can and can't take isotretinoin capsules :
- Isotretinoin capsules are for teenagers and adults with severe acne.
- Don't give isotretinoin capsules to children under the age of 12 years or before puberty.
- Isotretinoin capsules aren't suitable for some people.
Don't take isotretinoin capsules if you :
- Have had an allergic reaction to isotretinoin, soya (the capsules contain soya) or any other medicines in the past
- Have an inherited digestive disorder called fructose intolerance (the capsules contain sorbitol)
To make sure isotretinoin capsules are safe for you, tell your doctor if you :
- Have had a mental health illness like depression
- Are pregnant or think you could be, or you're breastfeeding
- Have ever had an allergic reaction to isotretinoin or any other medicine
- Have liver or kidney disease
- Have high levels of cholesterol or other fats in your blood
- Have high levels of vitamin A
- Have Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
- If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before beginning treatment with isotretinoin capsules. You may need extra monitoring while you take isotretinoin capsules as this medicine can cause a rise in blood sugar levels.
Side effects :
- Like all medicines, isotretinoin capsules can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Side effects will usually go away when you stop treatment.
- Dry skin and lips are very common side effects. For safety, don't have any waxing, dermabrasion, or laser skin treatment while you're taking this medicine and for at least 6 months after you stop, as this could cause scarring or skin irritation.
Common side effects :
- The common side effects of isotretinoin capsules happen in more than 1 in 10 people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects bother you or don’t go away:
- Skin becoming more sensitive to sunlight
- Dry eyes
- Dry throat
- Dry nose and nosebleeds
- Headaches and general aches and pains
Serious side effects : Serious side effects are rare and happen in less than 1 in 1,000 people.
Stop taking isotretinoin capsules and tell a doctor straight away if you get :
- Anxiety, aggression and violence, changes in mood, or suicidal thoughts - these can be signs of depression or other mental health problems
- Severe pain in your tummy with or without bloody diarrhoea, feeling sick, and vomiting - these can be signs of a serious problem called pancreatitis
- A serious skin rash that peels or has blisters - the skin rash may come with eye infections, ulcers, a fever, and headaches
- Difficulty moving your arms or legs, and painful, swollen or bruised areas of the body, or dark pee - these can be signs of muscle weakness
- Yellow skin or eyes, difficulty peeing, or feeling very tired - these are signs of liver or kidney problems
- A bad headache that doesn't go away and makes you feel sick or vomit
- Sudden changes in eyesight, including not seeing as well at night
- It's very rare, but isotretinoin capsules can sometimes cause depression or make it worse, and even make people feel suicidal.