Acutane for Acne

What is Accutane?

Accutane is a form of vitamin A. It reduces the amount of oil released by oil glands of the skin, and helps renew your skin faster.

Accutane is used to treat severe nodular acne. It is usually given after other medicines against acne or antibiotics have been tried without successful treatment of symptoms.

Accutane can also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I know Accutane?

Accutane can cause severe life-threatening birth defects if the mother takes medication during pregnancy. Even one dose of Accutane can cause major congenital malformations of the child's ears, eyes, face, head, heart and brain. Do not use Accutane if you are pregnant.

Women of childbearing potential must agree in writing to use two specific forms of birth control and pregnancy tests scheduled before, during and after taking Accutane. Unless you have had a total hysterectomy or have been in menopause for at least a year considered to be of childbearing age.

Accutane is available only under a special program called iPLEDGE. You must be registered in the program and sign agreements to use birth control and pregnancy testing as required by the program. Read all prospectuses of programs and agreements carefully.

It is dangerous to try to buy Accutane over the Internet or from vendors outside of the United States. The sale and distribution of Accutane outside the iPLEDGE program violates the regulations of the Food and Drug Administration for the safe use of this medicine.

What should I discuss with my doctor before taking Accutane?

Accutane is available only in a special program called iPLEDGE. You must be registered in the program and sign documents stating that they understand the dangers of the drug, and you agree to use prevention program, if necessary. Read all program brochures and agreements iPLEDGE carefully. Ask your doctor or contact the manufacturer of the drug, if you have questions about the program or the written requirements.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to Accutane or parabens, or if you are pregnant or could become pregnant.

Before taking Accutane, tell your doctor if you are allergic to certain foods or medications, or if you have:

- A personal or family history of depression or mental illness;

Heart diease, high cholesterol or triglycerides -;

- Osteoporosis and other bone diseases;

- Diabetes;

- Asthma;

- Disroder eating disorders (anorexia nervosa);

- Or liver disease.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dosage or special tests to safely take Accutane.

Acutane for Acne Treatment

Accutane can cause severe, life-threatening birth defects if the mother takes the medication during pregnancy. Even one dose of Accutane can cause major birth defects of the baby's ears, eyes, face, skull, heart, and brain. Never use Accutane if you are pregnant.

For Women: Unless you have had your uterus and ovaries removed (total hysterectomy) or have been in menopause for at least 12 months in a row, you are considered to be of child-bearing potential.

Even women who have had their tubes tied are required to use birth control while taking Accutane.

You must have a negative pregnancy test 30 days before you start taking Accutane. A pregnancy test is also required before each prescription is refilled, right after you take your last dose of Accutane, and again 30 days later. All pregnancy testing is required by the iPLEDGE program.

You must agree in writing to use two specific forms of birth control beginning 30 days before you start taking Accutane and ending 30 days after you stop taking it. Both a primary and a secondary form of birth control must be used together.

Primary forms of birth control include:

 - tubal ligation (tubes tied);

 - vasectomy of the male sexual partner;

 - an IUD (intrauterine device);

 - estrogen-containing birth control pills (not mini-pills);

 - and hormonal birth control patches, implants, injections, or vaginal ring.

Secondary forms of birth control include:

 - a male latex condom plus spermicidal foam or gel;

 - a diaphragm plus spermicidal foam or gel;

 - a cervical cap plus spermicidal foam or gel; and

 - a vaginal sponge containing spermicide.

Do not take St. John's wort, an herbal supplement, if you are using any type of hormonal birth control, including pills, patches, implants, injections, or a vaginal ring. Breakthrough bleeding may occur.

Stop using Accutane and call your doctor at once if you have unprotected sex, if you quit using birth control, if your period is late, or if you think you might be pregnant.