About isotretinoin
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 in one or two doses, adjusted by a specialist.
Common side effects
- Dry lips, skin, and eyes
- Nosebleeds
- Muscle or joint aches
- Raised liver enzymes or blood fats
Important warnings
- Causes severe birth defects; strict pregnancy prevention and testing are required.
- Do not donate blood during treatment or for one month afterward.
- Avoid vitamin A supplements and limit sun exposure.
- Mood changes, severe headache, vision problems, or abdominal pain need prompt assessment.
Pregnancy
Must not be used during pregnancy; it can cause severe birth defects.
Breastfeeding
Avoid during breastfeeding; safety is uncertain and infant harm is possible.
Interactions
- Vitamin A supplements may increase toxicity.
- Tetracycline antibiotics increase risk of raised pressure in the brain.
- Avoid combining with other acne medicines that irritate or dry the skin.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.