Important Safety Information
Isotretinoin is approved for the treatment of severe recalcitrant nodular acne in patients 12 years of age and older who are not pregnant. Because of its severe teratogenicity, it has been available only through a restricted distribution program since 2005 and was approved as the iPLEDGE REMS in 2010. All isotretinoin manufacturers, prescribers, pharmacies, and patients must be registered with iPLEDGE.
Patients who can become pregnant must use two forms of birth control or commit to not having sexual contact with a partner that could result in pregnancy for at least one month before treatment, during treatment, and for one month after treatment. Pregnancy tests must be performed before, during, and after treatment, and prescriptions must be obtained within seven days of a pregnancy test.
Important
Non-Medical Use
Isotretinoin is a prescription medicine that should only be taken under the close supervision of a healthcare professional and pharmacist. Buying isotretinoin without a prescription bypasses the iPLEDGE REMS procedures that ensure safe use. Self-medication is illegal and carries severe risks including birth defects, depression, and suicide.
Potential Adverse Effects
Teratogenicity: Isotretinoin causes severe, life-threatening birth defects. This is the most serious risk and the reason for the iPLEDGE REMS.
Mucocutaneous effects: Dry skin, chapped lips, dry eyes, photosensitivity, and skin fragility are common and dose-dependent.
Ocular effects: Dry eye disease, meibomian gland dysfunction, and rarely retinal alterations have been reported. Risk may be cumulative with long-term use.
Psychiatric effects: Depression, psychosis, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and aggressive or violent behavior have been reported. Patients should stop isotretinoin and contact a healthcare provider immediately if these symptoms develop.
Intracranial hypertension: Increased pressure in the brain can occur, leading to permanent vision loss and, in rare cases, death. Symptoms include bad headache, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and seizures.
Other effects: Night blindness, increased sunburn susceptibility, and changes in vision have been reported. Patients should avoid driving at night until they know how isotretinoin affects their vision.
Conditions Requiring Medical Evaluation
Isotretinoin should not be used by patients who are pregnant or may become pregnant. It is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to isotretinoin or any of its components. Patients with a history of psychiatric disorders, liver disease, or elevated lipids should be evaluated carefully before treatment.
Monitoring During Therapy
Medically supervised isotretinoin therapy requires regular follow-up. Blood tests may be performed to check for serious side effects, and treatment may be stopped if certain side effects occur. Patients who can become pregnant must have pregnancy tests before each prescription, when stopping treatment, and one month after stopping. Liver function and lipid levels should be monitored during treatment.
Product Care
Storage & Handling
Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) with excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F). Keep the product in its original packaging and out of the reach of children.
Further Safety Information