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Acnotin 20 (Isotretinoin) is a powerful drug used in the treatment of acne. Four to five months of isotretinoin treatment usually leads to clearing of acne for one year or more after the medicine is stopped. Most other acne – controlling medicines are antibacterial agents, which are effective only if the medicine is used daily.

Isotretinoin has significant side effects: (percentages are the ratio of people who received the side effects). Chapped lips 90%, dry skin and itching 80% – the use of daily alpha hydroxacids will help prevent this side effect. Dryness of nose, mild nosebleed 80%, Irritation of the eyelids and eyes 40% – Vitamin E 400 IU each day may lessen this side effect. Joint and muscle pains 15%, Temporary hair thinning 10%, Rash 7%, Intestinal symptoms 5%, Headache 5%, Increased sensitivity to sunburn 5%, Decreased night vision 1%, Depression, thoughts of suicide 1% Isotretinoin may increase the level of blood fats, sometimes to risky levels. Occasionally it may affect the liver. That’s why regular blood tests are necessary when you are taking isotretinoin; These tests must be done when you have fasted for 12 hours (No Breakfast), so that the blood fat determinations are reliable. A baseline blood chemistry test is established before patients start isotretinoin.

The most damaging side effect of isotretinoin is serious birth defects if taken during pregnancy.

It is critically important for women not to take isotretinoin while pregnant, and not to become pregnant while taking it. Women who are, or expect to be sexually active while taking isotretinoin must use an effective method of birth control such as a condoms for the male partner. A women who does get pregnant while on isotretinoin must be prepared to have an abortion and must state this in writing before many physicians will prescribe isotretinoin for her. Isotretinoin may cause birth defects as long as two months after it is stopped. After that time, its safe to become pregnant. Because the birth defects caused by isotretinoin are so serious, it’s important not to share the pills with others. We don’t know whether isotretinoin taken by men can cause birth defects, so it’s best not to get a woman pregnant while taking isotretinoin. If she is not using birth control, the man should use a condom. There are a few reports of patients having decreased night vision after using isotretinoin. One patient still had problems six months after the drug was stopped. If you experience trouble with your vision while on isotretinoin call the Doctor right away.