Common side effects

• Dry eye
• Ocular irritation
• Upper respiratory infection
• Dry nose
• Xerostomia
• Cheilitis
• Skin and skin structure infection
• Skin photosensitivity
• Abnormal desquamation
• Alopecia
• Dry skin
• Arthralgia
• Back pain
• Bone tenderness
• Skin rash
• Headache disorder
• Epistaxis
• Cheilosis
• Pharyngitis
• Musculoskeletal pain

If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly

• Dry lips and mouth
• Minor swelling of the eyelids or lips
• Crusty skin
• Nosebleeds
• Upset stomach
• Thinning of hair

Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects

• Mental/mood changes
• Tingling feeling in the skin
• Back/joint/muscle pain
• Signs of infection
• Painful swallowing
• Peeling skin on palms/soles

Isotretinoin may rarely cause disease of the pancreas that may rarely be fatal. Stop taking this medication and tell your doctor right away if you develop

• Severe stomach pain
• Severe or persistent nausea/vomiting

Stop taking this medication and tell your doctor right away if you develop these unlikely but very serious side effects

• Severe headache
• Vision changes
• Ringing in the ears
• Hearing loss
• Chest pain
• Yellowing eyes/skin
• Dark urine
• Severe diarrhea
• Rectal bleeding

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including

• Rash
• Itching/swelling
• Severe dizziness
• Trouble breathing

Other things to note

• To relieve dry mouth, suck on hard candy or ice chips, chew gum, drink water, or use a saliva substitute.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you've had:

• Diabetes
• Family or personal history of high blood fats (triglycerides)
• Family or personal history of psychiatric disorders (including depression)
• Liver disease
• Obesity
• Eating disorders (e.g., anorexia nervosa)
• Alcohol abuse
• Pancreatitis
• Bone loss conditions (e.g., osteoporosis/osteomalacia, decreased bone density)

Products that may interact with this drug include:

• Tetracyclines (e.g., minocycline, tetracycline)
• Vitamin A-type drugs (e.g., acitretin, bexarotene)
• Vitamin A
• Drugs that cause bone loss (e.g., anti-seizure drugs such as phenytoin, corticosteroids such as prednisone)

• Avoid pregnancy, causing pregnancy or nursing.
• Avoid pregnancy. Use male and female birth control.
• Before use, important to read the Medication Guide
• Do not share medicine
• Do not chew or crush
• Swallow capsules whole.
• Immediately report to MD any thoughts of suicide.
• Do not donate blood while on this medicine
• Protect skin from sunlight
• Avoid sunlamps

This medication is used to treat severe cystic acne (also known as nodular acne) that has not responded to other treatment (such as benzoyl peroxide or clindamycin applied to the skin or tetracycline or minocycline taken by mouth).

May Treat: Severe recalcitrant nodular acne

Alternate Brand Names: Absorica · Absorica LD · Amnesteem · Claravis · Sotret

Drug Class: Acne Therapy Systemic - Retinoids and Derivatives

Availability: Prescription Required

Pregnancy: Do not use. This medication may be harmful to an unborn child.

Lactation: This drug should not be given to breastfeeding mothers

Alcohol: Limit intake while taking this medication

Driving: May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution

Manufacturer: ROCHE LABS.