About isotretinoi n
Oral retinoid acne medicine
Used for
- Severe acne that has not improved with other treatments
Usual adult dose
Usually 0.5–1 mg/kg daily, adjusted by a specialist; treatment commonly lasts 15–20 weeks.
Usual dose in children
Not usually used before puberty; specialist dosing may be considered for adolescents with severe acne.
Common side effects
- Dry, cracked lips and dry skin
- Dry eyes or nosebleeds
- Muscle or joint aches
- Raised liver enzymes or blood fats
Important warnings
- Causes severe birth defects; pregnancy must be avoided during treatment and for one month afterward.
- Requires pregnancy-prevention procedures and regular monitoring where pregnancy is possible.
- Can cause mood changes; report serious symptoms promptly.
- Avoid vitamin A supplements and blood donation during treatment and for one month afterward.
Pregnancy
Must not be used during pregnancy. Exposure can cause severe birth defects; strict pregnancy prevention and testing are required.
Breastfeeding
Avoid during breastfeeding because effects on a nursing infant are uncertain.
Interactions
- Vitamin A supplements may increase toxicity.
- Tetracycline antibiotics may raise pressure around the brain; avoid combination.
- Other acne medicines can worsen skin irritation.
- St. John’s wort may reduce hormonal contraceptive effectiveness.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.