isotretinoin and peptides FAQ

If you or someone else has used too much isotretinoin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

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Isotretinoin decreases excess oil and changes how your skin cells grow and shed so they do not clog pores or form acne. It also helps decrease redness and swelling that happens with acne.

Isotretinoin should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Isotretinoin is used to treat a certain type of severe acne vulgaris (nodular acne) that has not responded to other treatments. Isotretinoin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if isotretinoin is right for you. In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the normal time. Do not take double or extra doses.

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use isotretinoin.

Do not take isotretinoin unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed. Do not share isotretinoin with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them. Keep isotretinoin out of the reach of children. Isotretinoin can make it more difficult to see at night. Do not drive at night until you know how isotretinoin affects you. Isotretinoin may make it harder to use contact lenses. You should not donate blood while taking isotretinoin or for one month after stopping isotretinoin. Isotretinoin can increase the risk of scarring after some procedures that are used to smooth the skin, such as waxing, dermabrasion, and laser resurfacing. Avoid these procedures while taking isotretinoin. Isotretinoin can make your skin more sensitive to light from the sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. This is called photosensitivity. Exposure to this light can cause severe sunburns, blisters, and swelling. If you need to be in sunlight, wear sunscreen, a hat, and clothing that covers your skin. Isotretinoin can cause serious harm to a fetus. To reduce the risk of this happening, isotretinoin is only available through a restricted program called iPLEDGE. As part of this program, people who can become pregnant must have two negative pregnancy tests before starting isotretinoin. In order to continue taking isotretinoin, people who can become pregnant must commit to using two forms of birth control and also take a pregnancy test each month.

The most common side effects of isotretinoin are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There are no known interactions between isotretinoin and foods or drinks. Isotretinoin should always be taken with a full glass of liquid. Certain isotretinoin products should be taken with food. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you are unsure if you should take your isotretinoin with or without food. It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect isotretinoin.

While less common, the most serious side effects of isotretinoin are described below, along with what to do if they happen. Bone Growth Changes. In people who are still growing, such as adolescents, isotretinoin may cause some bones to stop growing earlier than normal. Hearing Changes. Isotretinoin can cause hearing loss and ringing in the ears (tinnitus). Call your health care provider right away if you experience any hearing changes. High Triglycerides. Isotretinoin may increase the levels of a certain blood fat (lipid), called triglycerides. If you take isotretinoin, your health care provider will monitor your triglyceride levels. Increased Pressure Around the Brain. Isotretinoin can increase the pressure around the brain, a serious condition called pseudotumor cerebri. Stop taking isotretinoin and call your health care provider right away if you experience any of the following symptoms.

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking isotretinoin.