Accutane Dosage:

Accutane is taken daily twice a day with meals unless contraindicated. The capsule is swallowed whole.

Do not chew or crush the capsule. This medication is also taken with a full glass of water or milk. Follow instructions carefully.

The drug dosage may be adjusted according to response to treatment. If the response is good, Accutane is taken for shorter time.

In some cases, acne gets better even without the medication.

However, if the acne is still severe, a second course of the medication is done.


Drug Class and Mechanism:

Accutane is classified as a retinoid.

It reduces oil production in the skin and changes the characteristics of that oil to prevent abnormal skin hardening.

Missed Dose:
It is important to know that taking two doses at once is not good. If a dose of Accutane is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible, but if it is already time for the next dose, skip the previously missed dose then revert back to the dosing schedule.

Precautions and Warnings:
Do not take Accutane if you are allergic to Accutane. Also, do not take Accutane if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, breast-feeding, or became pregnant during the course therapy.

Important:

• Do not do anything that requires alertness until the side effects of the medication are known.


• Drinking alcoholic beverages should be avoided.


• Accutane causes photosensitivity. Avoid tanning booths, sunlamps, and over exposure to the sun until reaction to the medication is known. Sunscreen or any protective equipments must be worn.


• Some birth control pills such as progestin that does not contain estrogen may not be as effective when taking Accutane.


• Women that are sexually active and of childbearing age should use two forms of birth control at least a month prior to starting therapy, during, and one month after the medication had been stopped.

Accutane side effects:

Inform your health care provider if any of these side effects become bothersome:

• Flushing


• General body discomfort


• Headache


• Thinning of the hair


• Itchiness


• Excessive sweating


• Voice changes


• Nervousness


• Anergia

Medical Attention must be sought immediately for these severe side effects:

• Severe allergic reactions (tightness of the chest, difficulty of breathing, swelling of the tongue, mouth, lips, or face)


• Chest pain


• Difficulty or pain during swallowing


• Excessive thirst


• Fainting of black outs


• Fever


• Hearing problems; tinnitus


• Joint or back pain


• Muscle weakness


• Tachycardia


• Heartburn


• Severe diarrhea


• Severe headache