Isotretinoin capsules: how to take it safely
Roaccutane, Accutane
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Treats severe acne that has not responded to other treatments.
How to take it
- Prescription medicine: take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist told you.
- Swallow the capsule whole with water, with food.
- Use moisturiser and lip balm. You will need regular blood tests.
When to take it
Take it once or twice a day, with meals.
Take it with
With food.
What to avoid
- Pregnancy. It causes severe birth defects. Use strict contraception, from 1 month before until 1 month after treatment.
- Vitamin A supplements.
- Strong sunlight, waxing and harsh skin treatments.
- Alcohol.
- Giving blood during treatment and for 1 month after.
Possible side effects
Very dry lips, skin and eyes, nosebleeds, joint aches, low mood.
Get help if
Low mood, thoughts of harming yourself, severe headache, vision changes, yellow skin or eyes or severe stomach pain: get urgent help. A possible pregnancy: stop it and see a doctor straight away.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.