Product Details: Accutane (Isotretinoin)

Please note we are only able to supply isotretinoin to male patients. This is because the recommended guidelines to manage the dispensing of this drug to females cannot be adequately undertaken by an online pharmacy.

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is a retinoid used to treat severe acne. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

If you have any questions regarding isotretinoin, consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking the medication. Swallow capsules whole. Do not crush or chew them. Isotretinoin is generally taken for 15-20 weeks, twice daily with food or as directed by your doctor. Food helps increase absorption of this medication into your bloodstream. Take this with a full glass of water, and do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking it. Your acne may worsen during the first few days of taking this drug, and it may take up to 1-2 months before you notice the full benefit of this medication. If severe acne returns, a second course of treatment may be started after you have been off the drug for 2 months. The manufacturer does not recommend long-term use of isotretinoin. Do not take more than the recommended dose.

Cautions

Please note If you are pregnant or become pregnant while on Isotretinoin there is a high risk that your baby will be severely deformed. You must have two negative pregnancy tests before starting this medication. You must have a monthly pregnancy test during treatment with isotretinoin. If the test is positive, you must stop taking this medication and consult your doctor immediately. This drug must not be used during pregnancy or by those who may become pregnant during treatment. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Due to the potential risks to the infant, do not breast-feed while using this medication. Before using this drug, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, including: diabetes, family or personal history of high blood fats (triglycerides), family or personal history of psychiatric disorders (including depression), liver disease, pancreatitis, bone loss conditions (e.g., osteoporosis/osteomalacia, decreased bone density), any allergies. Do not donate blood while you are taking isotretinoin and for at least 1 month after you stop taking it. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths and sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Isotretinoin can affect your night vision. Be cautious when driving or operating any machinery after dark. If you wear contact lenses, you may not tolerate them as well as usual while using this medication. Do not have cosmetic procedures to smooth your skin (e.g., waxing, laser, or dermabrasion) during and for six months after isotretinoin therapy. Skin scarring may occur. Avoid the use of alcohol while taking this medication as it may worsen drug side effects (e.g., pancreatitis risk). Limited information suggests isotretinoin may cause some bone loss effects. Therefore, playing impact sports (e.g., football) may result in bone problems, including an increased risk of fractures. Limited information also suggests isotretinoin may stop normal growth in some children (epiphyseal plate closure). Consult your doctor for more details. Caution is advised when using this drug in children because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially back/joint/muscle pain.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include dry lips and mouth, minor swelling of the eyelids or lips, crusty skin, nosebleeds, upset stomach, or thinning of hair may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water, or use a saliva substitute. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects: mental/mood changes (e.g., depression, aggressive or violent behavior, and in rare cases, thoughts of suicide), tingling feeling in the skin, quick/severe sunburn (sun sensitivity), back/joint/muscle pain, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), painful swallowing, peeling skin on palms/soles. Isotretinoin may infrequently cause disease of the pancreas (pancreatitis) that may rarely be fatal. Stop taking this medication and tell your doctor immediately if you develop: severe stomach pain, severe or persistent nausea/vomiting. Stop taking this medication and tell your doctor immediately if you develop these unlikely but very serious side effects: severe headache, vision changes, ringing in the ears, hearing loss, chest pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, severe diarrhea, rectal bleeding. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Isotretinoin