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Accutane This page contains recent news articles, when available, and an overview of Accutane (isotretinoin) but does not offer medical advice. You should contact your physician with regard to any health issues or concerns. Why is Accutane prescribed? [MedMaster Patient Drug Information database] Isotretinoin is used to treat severe recalcitrant nodular acne (a certain type of severe acne) that has not been helped by other treatments, such as antibiotics. Isotretinoin is in a class of medications called retinoids. It works by slowing the production of certain natural substances that can cause pimples to form. Recent news articles mentioning Accutane Cholestech Corporation Launches New Dermatology Kit for In-office ...  -  Feb 12, 2007 Drug Newswire (press release), The need for accurate, real-time cholesterol and liver testing in Accutane patients is underscored by a recent study released by the University of Cholestech Corporation Launches New Dermatology Kit for In-office ...  -  Feb 8, 2007 PR Newswire (press release), The study concluded that abnormalities in cholesterol and liver enzymes in Accutane patients are even more prevalent than anticipated. Britton Plans Next Blood Drive  -  Feb 7, 2007 Marshall County Journal, Antibiotics for acne are OK unless it is Accutane (Accutane has a one-month waiting period). Any questions call United Blood Services toll free Why Acne Treatments Don’t Work  -  Feb 8, 2007 American Chronicle, It is noteworthy that medical adherence was greater for isotretinoin therapy (also sold under the name Accutane) and for first time usage of isotretinoin. Banishing Breakouts  -  Feb 19, 2007 WHOI, If the antibiotics aren’t effective enough, or if the child has scarring or a severe case of acne, a drug called isotretinoin (ACCUTANE®) may be prescribed. More than kid stuff  -  Jan 30, 2007 Reading Eagle, He was eventually prescribed Accutane, which cleared him up completely. Five months later, however, the whiteheads resurfaced. Skin care simplified  -  Feb 15, 2007 Charlotte Observer, Prescription medications like Accutane for acne and over-the-counter drugs like sunscreen ingredients must undergo rigorous clinical testing before they Critics blast FDA culture  -  Feb 14, 2007 Monsters and Critics.com, On Tuesday he said a variety of other drugs, including acetaminophen, Rezulin, Lotrinex, and the acne drug Accutane, were inappropriately handled by FDA. Valentine’s tips to love on a budget  -  Feb 11, 2007 Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Threading works for everyone and is an excellent option for those who use Retin-A, Accutane and similar products. Call salons in your area to find a good MediaSyndicate --- Free Press Release, PR, IR, News Post & Media ...  -  Feb 11, 2007 MediaSyndicate (press release) The firm has worked on numerous cases involving dangerous pharmaceuticals, including PPA, Propulsid, Accutane, Bextra/Celebrex, Seroquel and Vioxx. Spice up your health  -  Feb 1, 2007 Regina Leader-Post, ..."It's the same reason Accutane or other drugs high in Vitamin A and used to treat acne can be a problem during pregnancy." Acne treatments  -  Jan 30, 2007 Reading Eagle, Accutane is prescribed for cystic acne. Most of these treatments cause acne to worsen before it gets better. Exfoliants: Serums and peels containing Partnering with the private insurance industry is not the way to ...  -  Jan 24, 2007 Tapped, That's why recently discovered underwriting documents show they'll deny coverage for everything from taking the acne medication Accutane (you take How should Accutane be used? [MedMaster Patient Drug Information database] Isotretinoin comes as a capsule to take by mouth. Isotretinoin is usually taken twice a day with meals. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take isotretinoin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the capsules whole with a full glass of liquid. Do not chew or suck on the capsules. Your doctor will probably start you on an average dose of isotretinoin and increase or decrease your dose depending on how well you respond to the medication and the side effects you experience. Follow these directions carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure how much isotretinoin you should take. It may take several weeks or longer for you to feel the full benefit of isotretinoin. Your acne may get worse during the beginning of your treatment with isotretinoin. This is normal and does not mean that the medication is not working. Other uses for Accutane [MedMaster Patient Drug Information database] Before taking amprenavir, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to amprenavir, sulfa drugs, or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking in addition to those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, especially alprazolam (Xanax); amiodarone (Cordarone); antacids; anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); astemizole (Hismanal);atorvastatin (Lipitor); bepridil (Vascor); betamethasone (Celestone); bepridil (Vascor); birth control pills; carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Tegretol); cerivastatin (Baycol); cimetidine (Tagamet); cisapride (Propulsid); clorazepate (Tranxene); clozapine (Clozaril); cortisone acetate (Cortone); dapsone (Avlosulfon); delavirdine (Rescriptor); dexamethasone (Decadron, Hexadrol, others); diazepam (Valium); didanosine (Videx); dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal); diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor); efavirenz (Sustiva); ergonovine (Ergotrate); ergotamine (Cafergot, Ercaf, others); erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, PCE, others); flurazepam (Dalmane); hydrocortisone (Cortef, Cortenema, Hydrocortone); itraconazole (Sporanox); lidocaine (Xylocaine, LidoPen Auto-Injector, others); loratadine (Claritin); lovastatin (Mevacor); medications for depression such as amitriptyline (Elavil), amoxapine (Asendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin (Adapin, Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), protriptyline (Vivactil), and trimipramine (Surmontil); medications for diabetes; methylprednisolone (Depo-Medrol, others); midazolam (Versed); nevirapine (Viramune); nicardipine (Cardene); nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia); nimodipine (Nimotop); phenobarbital (Barbita); phenytoin (Dilantin, Diphenylan Sodium); pimozide (Orap); prednisolone (Delta-Cortef, Prelone); prednisone (Orasone, Deltasone, others); quinidine (Quinaglute, Cardioquin, Quinidex); rifabutin (Mycobutin); rifampin (Rifadin, Rifamate, Rifater, Rimactane); ritonavir (Norvir); sildenafil (Viagra); simvastatin (Zocor); steroid medications such as estrogen or progesterone; terfenadine (Seldane); triamcinolone (Aristocort, Kenacort); triazolam (Halcion); vitamin E and any other vitamins. take amprenavir 1 hour before or 1 hour after you take antacids or didanosine (Videx). tell your doctor and pharmacist what herbal products you are taking, especially St. John's wort or products containing St. John's wort. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver or kidney disease, diabetes, or hemophilia. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. Once you begin taking amprenavir, you should not plan to become pregnant or breast-feed. If you become pregnant while taking amprenavir capsules, call your doctor. if you are taking birth control pills, you should talk to your doctor about using another form of birth control because amprenavir may decrease the effectiveness of your birth control pills. if you are taking amprenavir liquid, you should avoid drinking alcohol. you should be aware that your body fat may increase or move to different areas of your body, such as your breasts and your upper back. What side effects can Accutane cause? [MedMaster Patient Drug Information database] Isotretinoin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: red, cracked, and sore lips dry skin, eyes, mouth, or nose nosebleeds changes in skin color peeling skin, especially on the palms and soles changes in the nails slowed healing of cuts or sores bleeding or swollen gums hair loss or unwanted hair growth sweating flushing voice changes tiredness cold symptoms Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately: headache blurred vision dizziness upset stomach vomiting seizures slow or difficult speech weakness or numbness of one part or side of the body stomach pain chest pain difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing new or worsening heartburn diarrhea rectal bleeding yellowing of the skin or eyes dark colored urine back, bone, joint or muscle pain muscle weakness difficulty hearing ringing in the ears vision problems painful or constant dryness of the eyes unusual thirst frequent urination trouble breathing fainting fast or pounding heartbeat fever rash red patches or bruises on the legs swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs Isotretinoin may cause the bones to stop growing too soon in teenagers. Talk to your child's doctor about the risks of giving this medication to your child. Isotretinoin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication. If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088]. Brand names for Accutane [MedMaster Patient Drug Information database] Accutane® Amnesteem®