Absorica Ld

(Absorica ld) This medication is used to treat severe cystic acne (also known as nodular acne) that has not responded to other treatment (e.g., benzoyl peroxide or clindamycin applied to the skin or tetracycline or minocycline taken by mouth). It belongs to a class of drugs known as retinoids. It works by decreasing facial oil (sebum) production. High amounts of sebum can lead to severe acne. If left untreated, severe acne may cause permanent scarring.

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using isotretinoin and each time you get a refill. Read and sign a Patient Information/Informed Consent form before you start taking this medication. If you have any questions about isotretinoin, consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking the medication. Swallow capsules whole. Do not crush or chew them. Isotretinoin is usually taken twice daily for 15-20 weeks, or as directed by your doctor. Directions for most generic forms of isotretinoin state that it should be taken with meals. However, the FDA has indicated that the Absorica brand may be taken with or without food. Food helps increase absorption of this drug into your bloodstream. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Take this drug with a full glass of water, and do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking it. The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment. Your acne may worsen during the first few days of taking this drug, and it may take up to 1-2 months before you notice the full benefit of this medication. If severe acne returns, a second course of treatment may be started after you have stopped taking the drug for 2 months. The manufacturer does not recommend long-term use of isotretinoin. Do not take more than the recommended dose. Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the capsules.

Before taking isotretinoin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to vitamin A-related drugs (other retinoids such as tretinoin); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as soybean, parabens), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Some people who are allergic to peanuts may also be allergic to soy. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: diabetes, family or personal history of high blood fats (triglycerides), mental/mood problems (such as depression), liver disease, obesity, eating disorders (e.g., anorexia nervosa), alcohol abuse, pancreatitis, bone loss conditions (e.g., osteoporosis/osteomalacia, decreased bone density). Do not donate blood while you are taking isotretinoin and for at least 1 month after you stop taking it. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness. Isotretinoin can affect your night vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision after dark until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. If you wear contact lenses, you may not tolerate them as well as usual while using this medication. Contact your doctor for more information. Do not have cosmetic procedures to smooth your skin (e.g., waxing, laser, dermabrasion) during and for 6 months after isotretinoin therapy. Skin scarring may occur. Avoid the use of alcohol while taking this medication because it may increase the risk of certain side effects (e.g., pancreatitis). Limited information suggests isotretinoin may cause some bone loss effects. Therefore, playing contact or repetitive impact sports (e.g., football, basketball, soccer, tennis) may result in bone problems, including an increased risk of broken bones. Limited information also suggests isotretinoin may stop normal growth in some children (epiphyseal plate closure). Consult your doctor for more details. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially the effects on bones. Caution is advised when using this drug in children because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially back/joint/muscle pain. This drug must not be used during pregnancy or by those who may become pregnant during treatment. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor right away. See also Warning section. Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the capsules. You must have two negative pregnancy tests before starting this medication. You must have a monthly pregnancy test during treatment with isotretinoin. If the test is positive, you must stop taking this medication and consult your doctor right away. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. However, similar drugs pass into breast milk. Breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Ask your doctor when you can breast-feed after stopping treatment. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug are: tetracyclines (such as minocycline, tetracycline), vitamin A-type drugs (such as acitretin, bexarotene), vitamin A, drugs that cause bone loss (for example, anti-seizure drugs such as phenytoin, corticosteroids such as prednisone). Tell your doctor when you start any new drug, and discuss if you should use additional reliable birth control. Also tell your doctor if you have any new spotting or breakthrough bleeding, because these may be signs that your birth control is not working well. (See also Warning section.)

Women who are pregnant must not use isotretinoin. Women must avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medication. Serious (sometimes fatal) birth defects, miscarriages, and premature births have occurred when this drug has been used during pregnancy. For female patients, two effective forms of birth control (or complete avoidance of sexual intercourse) must be used for 1 month before starting isotretinoin, during use, and for 1 month after stopping this drug. You must also have monthly pregnancy-avoidance counseling from your doctor. Do not use "minipills" for birth control (non-estrogen-containing pills) since they may not work as well with isotretinoin. If you are late in having your period, or if you have sexual intercourse at any time without using two effective forms of birth control, stop taking this medication and contact your doctor right away. (See also the Precautions section.) Only patients enrolled in the iPLEDGE program may obtain and use isotretinoin. You will need to register with iPLEDGE and view a video at your doctor's office before receiving your prescription. Only physicians enrolled in iPLEDGE may prescribe isotretinoin, and only pharmacies enrolled in the program may dispense it. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details about the iPLEDGE program and for more information about the risks and benefits of using this medication. For female patients who are able to become pregnant (even if not sexually active), you will need to contact iPLEDGE every month, either through the internet or by telephone, and answer required questions every time you fill your prescription and 1 month after your last dose. These requirements apply in the United States. If you live in Canada or any other country, consult your doctor and pharmacist for your specific regulations.

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Dry lips and mouth, minor swelling of the eyelids or lips, crusty skin, nosebleeds, upset stomach, or thinning of hair may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water, or use a saliva substitute. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: mental/mood changes (such as depression, anxiety, thoughts of suicide), tingling feeling in the skin, back/joint/muscle pain, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), painful swallowing, peeling skin on palms/soles. Isotretinoin may rarely cause disease of the pancreas (pancreatitis) 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 (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications out of reach of children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.