What is Isotretinoin (Accufine)?

Isotretinoin (Accufine) is a form of vitamin A that is used to treat severe nodular acne that has not responded to other treatments, including antibiotics.

How should I take Isotretinoin (Accufine)?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Each prescription of Isotretinoin (Accufine) must be filled within 7 days of the date it was written by your doctor. You will receive no more than a 30-day supply of Isotretinoin (Accufine) at one time.

Always take Isotretinoin (Accufine) with a full glass of water. Do not chew or suck on the capsule. Swallow it whole.

Follow all directions about taking Isotretinoin (Accufine) with or without food.

Use Isotretinoin (Accufine) for the full prescribed length of time. Your acne may seem to get worse at first, but should then begin to improve.

You may need frequent blood tests.

Never share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you do.

Store the medicine at room temperature away from moisture, heat and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at regular time. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line. Overdose symptoms may include headache, dizziness, vomiting, stomach pain, warmth or tingling in your face, swollen or cracked lips, and loss of balance or coordination.

What should I avoid while taking Isotretinoin (Accufine)?

Do not take a vitamin or mineral supplement that contains vitamin A.

Do not donate blood while taking Isotretinoin (Accufine) and for at least 30 days after you stop taking it. Donated blood that is later given to a pregnant woman could lead to birth defects in her baby if the blood contains any level of Isotretinoin.

While you are taking Isotretinoin (Accufine) and for at least 6 months after your last dose, do not use wax hair removers or have dermabrasion or laser skin treatments. Scarring may result.

Isotretinoin (Accufine) could make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how Isotretinoin (Accufine) will affect you. Isotretinoin (Accufine) may impair your vision, especially at night.

Isotretinoin (Accufine) Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Stop using Isotretinoin (Accufine) and call your doctor at once if you have:

problems with your vision or hearing;

muscle or joint pain, bone pain, back pain;

increased thirst, increased urination;

hallucinations (see or hearing things that are not real);

symptoms of depression - unusual mood changes, crying spells, feelings of low self-worth, loss of interest in things you once enjoyed, new sleep problems, thoughts about hurting yourself;

signs of liver or pancreas problems - loss of appetite, upper stomach pain (that may spread to your back), nausea or vomiting, fast heart rate, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

severe stomach problems - severe stomach or chest pain, pain when swallowing, heartburn, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, bloody or tarry stools; or

increased pressure inside the skull - severe headaches, ringing in your ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind your eyes.

Common side effects may include:

dryness of your skin, lips, eyes, or nose (you may have nosebleeds);

vision problems;

headache, back pain, joint pain, muscle problems;

skin reactions; or

cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.