Accutane

Accutane (isotretinoin) is a prescription topical medicine that relieves the symptoms of acne by reducing the amount of oil released by oil glands. Pregnancy testing is required by iPLEDGE program aimed at preventing pregnant women from taking this medication. You will need to have a negative pregnancy test 30 days before starting the treatment, each time you get a refill of this medication and 30 days after taking the last dose of Accutane. Throughout this period you will also be required to use two reliable forms of birth protection discussed with your health care provider to avoid getting pregnant. This all has to do with the fact Accutane can cause severe birth defects and affect your baby’s skull, eyes, heart and brain if taken in minimal amounts. if you happened to get pregnant, stop taking Accutane and report this fact to your health care provider, as the birth defects mentioned are life-threatening. Make sure your health care provider is aware of any health conditions you have or used to have before prescribing Accutane. The following ones are very important to mention: some eating disorder, liver disease, a personal history of depression, high cholesterol, bone disorders, heart disease, diabetes, high triglycerides, asthma, and a history of mental illness. These health conditions may require your dose to be adjusted or some additional tests will be necessary to make sure your treatment is efficient and no side effects are going to take place. Take this medicine exactly as prescribed without exceeding the dose recommended. Accutane is supposed to be taken with a full glass of water to prevent it from melting in your esophagus, which can cause irritation. Swallow the capsule whole. If this medicine upsets your stomach, you can take it with some food or milk. Make sure you always take the right amount of Accutane in order to avoid an overdose and such symptoms as problems with coordination, warmth or tingling under your skin, loss of balance, headache, vomiting, dizziness, swelling of the lips, and stomach pain. Any cases of overdose are supposed to be reported directly to your local emergency center to make sure the symptoms do not get worse. If you think Accutane is not efficient for you – talk to your doctor, but do not take more of it to get better effects, as this is not going to happen. Never share Accutane with other patients, especially females that may potentially get pregnant.