Sometimes most beautiful and charming personalities seem almost dull and gloomy because of their ugly enemies called as ‘Acnes’ which can be noticed on various body parts like nose, cheeks, neck, even some sensitive areas etc. Acne is caused by inflammation of the skin. It can be defined as a skin condition that causes inflamed red lesions like cysts, papules, pustules etc. It also causes whiteheads and blackheads which are commonly known as ‘pimples’ or ‘zits’. The root reason of why acne occurs is, when the pores of the skin get clogged. When the oil glands which are present in the skin produce more oil than required result in the blockage of the pores where bacteria’s, debris and dirt gets accumulated.

To treat this severe condition of the acne, Accutane soft gel is used. Accutane i.e. Isotretinoin is an oral drug which belongs to the class of drugs known as retinoid. It used for the treatment and prevention of severe acne. 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 1982.

Try to take Isotretinoin exactly as directed by your doctor. 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, milk etc.

The most common side effects of Isotretinoin are dry skin, itching, dry nose, nosebleeds, epistaxis, cracks in the corners of the mouth, cheilitis, thinning of hair, red/sore/cracked lips, dry mouth and inflammation in the whites of the eyes, red/dry/inflamed/itchy 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. Rare side effects include skin infections, peeling, sun sensitivity, hearing impairment and hepatitis. Rarely Isotretinoin can cause brain swelling, pseudotumor cerebri or intracranial hypertension which produces nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headache and changes in vision.
If any of these symptoms appear severe and bothersome, contact your doctor immediately and get treated accordingly.

Inform your doctor about any other medication that you may be consuming in any other form. 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. Also inform your doctor if you are allergic to the formulation of this medication or any other medication in any other form and avoid them accordingly.

In case of overdose call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
If the suffering patient has collapsed or is not breathing call local emergency services at 911. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using Isotretinoin for your condition and also consult about if you need to make any dietary changes.

There is a risk of losing the pregnancy or the baby may be born early and have some birth defects or may die shortly after birth, so Isotretinoin must not be taken if you are pregnant or may become pregnant.

Avoid alcohol and alcohol containing beverages during the complete and do not donate blood whilst taking this medicine. Contact your doctor for more information and keep your doctor informed at all times about your improving conditions and any side effects that you may experience.

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. And, if it is almost the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue to your regular dosing. Do not double your doses in any case. Consult your doctor for the missed dosage.

Accutane soft gel i.e. Isotretinoin is used to treat severe acne that is resistant to more conservative treatments such as creams drying agents, 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.

The medication may be prescribed for other uses also, so ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information about the Accutane soft gel medication.

Isotretinoin should be stored at room temperature between 59 – 86 degrees F and 15-30 degrees C, in a tight light resistant container. Check Expiry date without fail. Keep all medicines away from women, newborns, children and pets. Also, keep it away from heat and direct light. Moisture or Heat may cause the break down of the medicine. In any case, do not store the Accutane capsules and gels in the bathroom.

Following precautions must be taken during consuming generic Accutane:

1. Acknowledge your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes, a high amount of triglycerides fats in your blood, a family history of high cholesterol or triglycerides in the blood, depression, other bone disorders, Pancreatitis, weight problem, anorexia nervosa or an eating disorder, back pain, hearing problems, if you drink alcohol-containing beverages, inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, low white blood cell count, mental problems/a family history of mental problems, osteoporosis/osteomalacia, liver disease, Pancreatitis etc.

2. Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking especially carbamazepine Tegretol, demeclocycline Declomycin, doxycyline Monodox, Vibramycin and others, minocycline Minocin, oxytetracycline Uri-Tet, tetracycline Achromycin V, vitamin A and other vitamins and herbal products. Do not take any vitamin supplements that contain vitamin A to avoid possible harmful reactions.

3. If you are allergic to Isotretinoin parabens or any other drugs, tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy.

4. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast feeding before taking Accutane medication. Also inform your doctor immediately if you plan to conceive, or become pregnant during the course.

5. Avoid Alcohol and alcoholic beverages during the course.

6. If you need to undergo any kind of surgery, or need an x-ray procedure that uses contrast agents, inform your doctor you are taking this medicine.

7. Accutane can affect blood glucose i.e. sugar levels, consult your diabetic doctor if it persists.

8. Accutane may cause blurred vision, weakness and dry eyes, so consult your doctor if it is bothersome.

9. Do not share the drug with others unless they are prescribed by the doctor themselves.

10. Please, take the medicine in the prescribed amount and do not overdose it or use it for the longer period of time.

11. Do not discontinue on your own. Consult your doctor before doing so.

12. Try to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing sunglasses and sunscreen. Isotretinoin may make your skin sensitive to the sunlight.

13. Isotretinoin may cause intracranial hypertension especially when it is taken with tetracycline. Intracranial hypertension is a condition caused when the pressure in the blood vessels of the brain increases or when the brain swells. Symptoms of intracranial hypertension includes, severe headache, upset stomach, vomiting and changes in vision. If you notice or have any of these symptoms call your doctor immediately.

14. Be aware that this medicine may affect your night vision. Be cautious when driving or operating any machinery after dark.

15. Hair removal by waxing and laser procedures to the skin should be avoided while taking Isotretinoin and for 6 months after stopping Isotretinoin. These procedures may cause scarring.