Accutane (Generic)

Generic Accutane is a retinoid used to treat severe resistant acne. It contains beeswax, hydrogenated soybean oil flakes, soybean oil and other ingredients that reduce the size of oil glands in the face and inhibit their differentiation (the primary source of skin inflammation), as well as help prevent keratinization (appearance of scars). In a dedicated research, 95% of patients were able to cure acne completely or achieve partial improvement. The medication can also be used in treatment of other skin conditions, not related to acne. A medical specialist should always be consulted prior to taking the medication.

Generic Accutane is a potent medication which should always be taken in strict compliance with your doctor's instructions and the prescription. Swallow the pill without chewing and wash it down with a glass of water. It is recommended to take Generic Accutane during meals, as food will facilitate faster absorption into your bloodstream.

After taking Generic Accutane, it is advisable to maintain vertical body position for at least 10 minutes. In most cases, the medication is prescribed for the period of 4-5 months. Longer use is not recommended.

ALWAYS review the ingredients before taking a certain medication, including Generic Accutane, to make sure none of them will cause an allergic reaction. If you start having one of the allergy symptoms such as heavy breathing, hives or itching, stop taking the medication immediately and seek medical attention. The most common side effects of Generic Accutane include skin irritations such as rashes or peeling skin, sun sensitivity, cracks in the mouth corners, dry mouth, changes in the appearance of hand and toenails, joint pain, dizziness, nosebleeds, inflammation of the whites of the eyes, irritation and fatigue.

Non-common side effects include sudden mood swings, depression, hallucinations, aggressiveness, suicidal thoughts, reduced concentration and anxiety. If you experience any of the above, stop taking the medication and consult a professional immediately.

Other side effects that require urgent medical attention are severe headache, body weakness or numbness (especially one-sided), impaired hearing or ringing in the ears, increased heart rate, back or stomach ache, lost appetite, change of skin color, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea and rectal bleeding.

Note that this list is not complete. Consult your doctor to clarify what possible risks taking Generic Accutane might entail in your individual case.

Generic Accutane is not recommended for pregnant and breast-feeding women or those who plan pregnancy, as Isotretinoin might cause birth defects. For the same reason, it is important to adhere to strict birth control practices while taking the medication. It is commonly required to provide two negative pregnancy tests before a woman can be prescribed the medication. If you happened to have unprotected sex or missed your birth control pill, or if you experience other signs of possible pregnancy (late on your period), stop taking Generic Accutane and contact your doctor.

Alert your doctor of any allergies you might have, especially if you are allergic to Isotretinoin or parabens. Those allergic to peanuts or soy should also consult a doctor before taking Generic Accutane as its ingredients can provoke similar allergic reactions.

Make sure to notify your doctor if you have or had diabetes (or family history of), high triglycerides levels, psychiatric disorders (e.g. depressions), heart problems, liver diseases, obesity problems, eating disorders, osteoporosis or other bone conditions, intestinal disorders or asthma.

Generic Accutane can make you extra-sensitive to the effect of sunrays. While taking the medication, avoid sun exposure, use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing.

Refrain from donating blood while taking the medication and for at least 1 month after.

Before you start using Generic Accutane, provide your doctor with a full list of prescribed and non-prescribed medications you have been taking. If you have been using supplements containing vitamin A, it might lead to the increased content of this vitamin in your body (Isotretinoin is also related to vitamin A) with the related consequences. Make sure to notify your doctor if you have been using retinoids/tetracyclines, progestin-only contraceptives or drugs to fight off seizures such as phenytoin.

Avoid the use of alcohol while taking the drug as it might increase the possibility of certain side effects.

If you have missed your dose of Generic Accutane, make sure to take it as soon as possible. However, two doses should never be taken at the same time, so if the time for the next dose has almost come, DO NOT take the dose you have missed.

Generic Accutane should be stored at room temperature between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C), away from sunlight and moisture (do not store in the bathroom cabinet). Keep out of reach of children.