Other names: Accutane

Roaccutane Prescriptions Online - Through AccessMedNet Referrals

This drug is from a class of drugs called retinoids. Roaccutane is used to treat severe cystic and nodular acne. It is prescribed as a last resort if other topical and oral medications such as antibiotics have not been effective. It is not to be used for mild acne. Roaccutane works by shrinking the oil glands in the skin reducing their production of oil.

Roaccutane may be used to treat other conditions as directed by your doctor. It is non habit forming and available only by prescription. It is usually taken twice per day for 15 to 20 weeks. It may take several weeks to see improvement. Acne may get worse before it gets better.

There have been reports of this medication aggravating depression, so speak with your doctor immediately if you begin having abnormal mood swings. Roaccutane is unsafe to use during pregnancy, and may also decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Use effective barrier methods of contraception if you engage in intercourse while using this medication, consult your doctor for advice.

Roaccutane Side Effects

Common Side Effects: abnormal hair growth, bleeding gums, decreased night vision, decreased tolerance for contact lenses, delay in wound healing, drowsiness, dryness of eyes, lips, mouth, nails, nose and skin, headache, itching, sensitivity to sun, sexual dysfunction.

Adverse side effects: blood in urine, bruising, conjunctivitis, chest pain, depression, diarrhea, difficulty breathing or swallowing, dizziness, headache, hearing or vision problems, low blood pressure, pain in bones or joints, peeling or red patches, problems walking, rash, rectal bleeding, ringing in ears, seizure, skin infection, stomach pain, stroke, suicidal thoughts, swelling, upset stomach, vomiting, weight loss.

These adverse side effects should be reported to your doctor immediately, or medical advice sought if your doctor is not available. If they are serious, you will need to contact emergency personnel and seek treatment at once.

Any incidence of suicidal thought or deprpession needs to be brought up with your treating physician at once. In rare cases, this medication has been linked to a higher incidence of desperate acts, and this possibility must be taken seriously by those being treated with Roaccutane.

Cautions: This medication may not be suitable for everyone, and certain individuals may require dosage adjustments or more careful medical supervision. To ensure the maximum safety and effectiveness of treatment, discuss any current instances or medical history of the following:

• Allergies: Any allergic reaction to Roaccutane or any of the ingredients including parabens (preservatives) or vitamin A means that you should not use the drug again. Changes in vision or hearing should be reported to medical personnel at once. If you have an allergic reaction, abdominal pain, bleeding from rectum or severe diarrhea you should stop taking the medication immediately and contact your doctor. Inform your doctor of any food or dye allergies.
• Breastfeeding: Do not take Roaccutane if you are breastfeeding.
• Children: Roaccutane is usually not recommended for children. It may cause abnormal accelerated bone growth or increased side effects. Children should be carefully monitored by their doctors during treatment.
• Cholesterol: Patients with high cholesterol will need to be monitored during Roaccutane therapy, as this medication may effect your cholesterol levels.
• Contact Lenses: You may have decreased tolerance for wearing contact lenses while taking Roaccutane.
• Depression: If you have a history of depression or psychological problems, notify your doctor before starting Roaccutane treatment. While on this medication if you experience depression or suicidal thoughts, notify your doctor immediately.
• Diabetes: Do not take this medication if you have diabetes mellitus. Roaccutane effects how your body processes sugar and fats. Patients with diabetes will need to be closely monitored during therapy.
• Donating Blood: Do not donate blood while on this medication or within one month after your last dose.
• Kidney Problems: If you have kidney problems, notify your doctor before using Roaccutane.
• Liver Disease: A decreased dosage may be necessary. Discuss liver problems with your doctor.
• Other Medications: Any other prescription or over the counter medications that you take or may plan to take should be discussed with your prescribing physician and pharmacist.
• Pregnancy: Do not take Roaccutane if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Roaccutane causes high risk for birth defects. If you are a woman of childbearing age you will need to have monthly pregnancy tests before, during and after treatment. You will be required to sign a consent form and use two effective forms of birth control.
• Sun Sensitivity: Roaccutane may cause increased sensitivity to skin. Avoid mixing with other medications that may intensify this effect.

Roaccutane Prescriptions Online - Through AccessMedNet Referrals

The following medications or medical treatments may interact with your medication. They may require dosage adjustments, Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and over the counter medications you are taking, as well as any herbal supplements.

• Alcohol - Avoid alcohol during treatment. Roaccutane increases triglycerides in blood. Alcohol may intensify this effect.
• Birth control - It is possible that this drug interferes with some forms of birth control. Take extra precautions for birth control while using this drug.
• Hair removal - Avoid waxing and laser hair removal while taking Roaccutane and for six months after your last dose. These procedures may cause scarring.
• Herbal Supplements - Do not mix Roaccutane with herbal medicines including St. johns wort and medicinal yeast without consulting your doctor first.
• Minocycline - May cause increased risk of headache, visual changes and papilledema.
• Soriatane (Acitretin) - May increase side effects. Consult your doctor and pharmacist.
• Tegretol (carbamazepine) - Roaccutane may effect the therapeutic levels of Tegretol.
• Tetracycline - Combining Roaccutane with tetracycline may cause increased pressure in the skull, headaches, nausea, visual disturbance and swelling of the optic nerve.
• Triglyceride - Patients with high triglyceride levels will need to be monitored.
• Vesanoid (Tretinoin) - Increased side effects. Consult your doctor and pharmacist.
• Vitamin A- Do not take vitamin A supplements or multi vitamins containing vitamin A while taking Roaccutane. Roaccutane is related to vitamin A and can cause an overdose.

Roaccutane is available in 10 mg, 20 mg and 40 mg capsules usually taken twice per day. Your doctor will determine your dosage. Dosages usually start at .5 to 1 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight divided into two daily doses and may be increased to a maximum of 2 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day.

A second course of treatment is sometimes prescribed if acne is still a problem. There will be at least two months off the medication between courses.

Roaccutane Directions

For best results, take your medication at the same time every day. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take double doses, or change your dose without permission from your doctor.

Take Roaccutane with food or milk. Swallow capsules whole. Do not crush the capsules. May cause dizziness. Avoid driving and operating machinery until you know how Roaccutane effects you. May cause reduced night vision. Use caution while driving at night.

Store Roaccutane away from direct light and heat. Store in a dry location; avoid storing it in the bathroom, near sinks, or other areas where it may become damp. Do not use after the expiration date.

Keep Roaccutane away from children; both when storing it, and when discarding any unused medication.

Roaccutane and Pregnancy

Do not take Roaccutane if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Take extra birth control precautions while on this medications. Roaccutane causes a high risk of birth defects.

Roaccutane and Children

Roaccutane is usually not recommended for children. It may cause abnormal accelerated bone growth or increased side effects. Children should be carefully monitored by your doctor during treatment.

Roaccutane and Seniors

There have not been studies on whether Roaccutane effects older adults differently. Some seniors are more sensitive to medications and may require a dosage adjustment.

Roaccutane Prescriptions Online - Through AccessMedNet Referrals

Roaccutane is a trademark of Roche

Back to top

This document is provided for information only. It is not a substitute for consultation with a physician, either to diagnose symptoms or prescribe treatment. Any dosages mentioned are general guidelines only, please follow the directions of your doctor or pharmacist exactly when taking medication. We have made every effort to ensure that this information is accurate, but only your doctor can say if a medication, or drug combination, is safe for you. Information intended for US residents only.