Accutane contains the active ingredient isotretinoin, a derivate of vitamin A. Accutane is used to treat severe acne resistant to other treatments including antibiotics. Accutane can cause serious side effects including birth defects and mental disorders. All patients must sign the informed consent form prior to initiating therapy. Accutane may interact with low-dose contraceptives, antibiotics, corticosteroids, phenytoin and St. John’s Wort.
Accutane should not be used:
During pregnancy
While breast feeding
During tetracyclines therapy
With vitamin A supplements
If the patient has liver or kidney disease
If the patient has high blood lipids
If the patient is sensitive to retinoids, hydrogenated soybean or parabens
Important warnings/counselling tips for female patients
You must avoid becoming pregnant while on Accutane and at least one month after the termination of therapy
If you become pregnant during Accutane therapy, stop taking the drug and contact your doctor immediately
You must use effective birth control:
- For at least one month before starting Accutane
- While you are on Accutane
- For at least one month after you stop taking Accutane
You must have two negative pregnancy tests, one of them must be done in a lab, before you start taking Accutane
You must have a monthly pregnancy test while on Accutane and one month after you stop taking the medication
Important precautions during Accutane therapy
Do not give blood
Do not have skin smoothing procedures such as waxing and dermabrasion and at least 6 months after termination of therapy
Avoid tanning
Protect skin from excessive exposure to sunlight; use sunscreen.
Do not share Accutane with other people
Do not take vitamin A
Do not take antibiotics unless recommended by a healthcare professional
FREE EE practice questions at www.cpepreponline.com Check Free Pharmacy Resources section.
Accutane should not be used:
During pregnancy
While breast feeding
During tetracyclines therapy
With vitamin A supplements
If the patient has liver or kidney disease
If the patient has high blood lipids
If the patient is sensitive to retinoids, hydrogenated soybean or parabens
Important warnings/counselling tips for female patients
You must avoid becoming pregnant while on Accutane and at least one month after the termination of therapy
If you become pregnant during Accutane therapy, stop taking the drug and contact your doctor immediately
You must use effective birth control:
- For at least one month before starting Accutane
- While you are on Accutane
- For at least one month after you stop taking Accutane
You must have two negative pregnancy tests, one of them must be done in a lab, before you start taking Accutane
You must have a monthly pregnancy test while on Accutane and one month after you stop taking the medication
Important precautions during Accutane therapy
Do not give blood
Do not have skin smoothing procedures such as waxing and dermabrasion and at least 6 months after termination of therapy
Avoid tanning
Protect skin from excessive exposure to sunlight; use sunscreen.
Do not share Accutane with other people
Do not take vitamin A
Do not take antibiotics unless recommended by a healthcare professional
FREE EE practice questions at www.cpepreponline.com Check Free Pharmacy Resources section.
