Isotretinoin 30 kaps

Isotretinoin is a powerful oral retinoid reserved for severe, nodulocystic acne that has not responded to adequate courses of standard therapy including oral antibiotics. It works by dramatically reducing sebum production, shrinking sebaceous glands, normalising follicular keratinisation, and reducing C. acnes colonisation. A typical four-to-six-month course can produce long-lasting remission or cure in the majority of patients.

How to Take Isotretinoin

Take isotretinoin capsules with food, ideally a fatty meal, as fat significantly improves absorption. Treatment usually lasts four to six months in total. Your prescriber will start you at a lower dose and adjust it based on how you respond and how well you tolerate it.

Pregnancy Prevention

Women who could become pregnant must use highly effective contraception for at least one month before starting, throughout treatment, and for one month after the last dose. Isotretinoin is severely harmful to an unborn baby. Pregnancy tests are required before, during, and after treatment as part of the mandatory Pregnancy Prevention Programme.

Start at 0.5 mg/kg/day, increasing to 1 mg/kg/day as tolerated. Aim for a cumulative dose of 120 to 150 mg/kg over the course. Duration: 4 to 6 months.

Common Side Effects

Most side effects are dose-related and improve after treatment ends:

• Dry lips and skin (almost everyone gets this, regular use of lip balm and moisturiser is important)
• Dry eyes (particularly if you wear contact lenses)
• Nosebleeds
• Muscle and joint aches
• Raised liver enzymes and blood fat levels
• An initial worsening of acne in the first few weeks

Serious Side Effects

Isotretinoin can affect mood in some people. Tell your doctor straight away if you notice changes in your mood, increased anxiety, or any thoughts of harming yourself. Very rarely, it can cause raised pressure in the skull (presenting as a severe persistent headache and visual disturbance).

Isotretinoin is a potent teratogen. Women of childbearing age must use two forms of effective contraception, have negative pregnancy tests before and during treatment, and avoid pregnancy for one month after stopping. Regular blood tests (liver function and lipids) are required. There are concerns about mood changes and depression, though a causal link is debated; monitor mental health throughout treatment.

Contraindicated in pregnancy, breastfeeding, hepatic insufficiency, hypervitaminosis A, severely elevated lipids, concurrent tetracycline use, and known hypersensitivity to isotretinoin.