Get Informed: Isotretinoin
Active Ingredient(s)
Isotretinoin
What does it do?
This product is used in the treatment of severe recalcitrant nodular acne. Its exact mechanism of action is unknown, but it inhibits the normal sebum secretion of the pores.
- Last Text Update:
- 2010-Mar-17 7:32 PM
- Last Data Update:
- 2010-Mar-20 9:02 PM
Other Names
- Accutane
- Isotretinoin
- Claravis
- Sotret
- Amnesteem
- Roaccutane
- Isotrex
How Safe Is It?
- Your Risk Rating
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- Average Risk Rating
-
- Pregnancy Category:
- X
Black Box Warning
This product has a black box warning relating to it being a restricted med allowed to be prescribed by those who are in the iPLEDGE program due to severe fetal abnormalities and birth defects. Not to be used by anyone pregnant or who may become pregnant.
Facts & Figures
- Date Approved
- 07 May 1982
- Est US Patients*
- 265,000
- Generic Available
- Yes
- OTC Available
- No
User Age Distribution*
< 21
21-39
40-59
60+
Age (Years)
* Estimated number of US people currently taking Isotretinoin or its active ingredient based on population adjusted patient numbers registered with iGuard.org.
Isotretinoin Safety Report
Learn more about iGuard's risk ratings
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What is Isotretinoin used for?
iGuard is currently tracking more than 1,700 patients that use Isotretinoin (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)). Use the table below to learn why iGuard users take this product; click on any underlined condition to get information on other medications used for treatment.
| Disease / Condition | % | Average Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Acne | 100% | 
|
How well does Isotretinoin work?
iGuard regularly polls our more than 1,700 users taking Isotretinoin (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medications (TSQM) . This feedback is continuously updated in tables below for the benefit of the iGuard community. To request scores for specific patient subgroups, please contact research@iguard.org.
Average Satisfaction Score
(out of 10)
Average Effectiveness Score
(out of 10)
- 91%
- of patients are confident that the good things about Isotretinoin outweigh the bad things.
- 8%
- of patients wish they were told more before they started taking Isotretinoin.
Common Side Effects of Isotretinoin
iGuard regularly polls our more than 1,700 users taking Isotretinoin (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) to monitor the development and frequency of side-effects. This feedback is continuously updated in tables and graphs below for the benefit of the iGuard community.
67% of patients experience side-effects on Isotretinoin
8% of patients experience signifcant side-effects on Isotretinoin
Most Common Side Effects...
-
Dryness
-
Muscle Pain/Cramps
-
Mood/Behavior Changes
-
Weight Gain
-
Fatigue
-
Nose Bleeds
-
Itch/Rash
-
= 10%
Global Patient Feedback for Isotretinoin ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
I took accutane the first time at age 23. It truly is a miracle drug. I was almost completly acne free for many years afterwards. I can't tell you what an impact that can have at that (or younger ages). However, it is a harsh drug. The side effects can be intense (nose bleeds, cracked lips, extremely dry and irritated eyes, and worse) and fairly unpleasant. Be prepared and make sure to keep your monitoring appointments with your physician.
Now, at 41, and living in France I am taking CureAcne (essentially the same drug as Accutane) after a return of adult acne. I'm almost done with the course of treatment, again almost completely acne free. Now the treatment is done for a longer period of time (7-8 months) at a lower dosage. I'm also taking it while on an anti-statin drug (like Lipitor) to lower cholesterol. I've noted new side effects like intensely tender feet. Anyone seen this?
42 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-02-10 14:28:44
Question/Comment:
My 22yr old son was prescribed Accutane. After a couple of months he had severe headaches. He put it down to studying with being a college kid and eye strain. Finally he read the paperwork that comes with Accutane and as he had the first 8 side effects he immediately went to his PCP then dermatologist who prescribed the medicine. That same day he saw an opthamologist and neurologist and had an MRi of the brain. Result - slight brain swelling - side effect of the medication. He was prescribed medication to reduce the brain swelling and praise God he was alright. No permanent damage. So as a mom I encourage all parents to read all the fine print on the papers that come with Accutane and be aware of what this medication can do.
Female
52
53 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-01-02 16:31:31
Question/Comment:
Everyone needs to take caution before and during Accutane treatment. I developed severe panic attacks to the point of where I had to abruptly discontinue my course treatment with accutane. Remember if you tend to already be a nervous and anxious person, this drug holds the propensity for for some to develop severe panic attacks. I am not trying to harp on Accutane. The drug is a miracle worker for many people. I am simply reminding people of a possible side effect.
21 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2008-09-29 23:56:04
Question/Comment:
Are there any interactions between accutane and NSAIDS?
18 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2008-01-13 10:31:00
iGuard Answer/Reply:
There are no interactions identified for this product with ibuprofen or napoxen in our database. To check out other products, make sure your medication profile is up-to-date, and simply 'look up' each drug that you may wish to check for interactions.
Posted: 2008-01-15 12:45:28
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Comments may be either questions or answers to previously posted questions. Any iGuard.org user may post questions and reply.
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Patient Comments about
Isotretinoin