Isotretinoin: what it is, what it serves for and side effects

Isotretinoin is a drug indicated for the treatment of severe forms of acne and acne conditions resistant to previous treatments, in which systemic antibiotics and topical medications have been used.

Isotretinoin can be purchased from a pharmacy, and you can choose the brand or generic and gel or capsules, which requires the presentation of a prescription to acquire one of the formulations.

  • The price of isotretinoin gel with 30 grams can vary between 16 and 39 reais and the price of boxes with 30 capsules of isotretinoin can vary between 47 and 172 reais.
  • Depending on the dose.
  • Isotretinoin is also available under the trade names Roacutan and Acnova.

O modo de uso da Isotretinoína depende da forma farmacêutica que o médico indicar:

Apply to the affected area once a day, preferably at night with washed and dry skin. The gel, once opened, should be used within 3 months.

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The dose of isotretinoin should be determined by your doctor. In general, treatment with isotretinoin is initiated with 0.5 mg /kg per day and, for most patients, the dose can vary between 0.5 and 1.0 mg / kg / day.

People with very serious diseases or acne in the trunk may need higher daily doses, up to 2.0 mg/kg. The duration of treatment varies depending on the daily dose and the complete reduction of symptoms or resolution of acne usually occurs between 16 and 24 weeks of treatment.

Isotretinoin is a substance derived from vitamin A, which is associated with a decrease in the activity of the sebum-producing glands, as well as a reduction in their size, contributing to the reduction of inflammation.

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Isotretinoin is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation, as well as in patients using tetracyclines and derivatives, who have very high cholesterol levels or are hypersensitive to isotretinoin or any substance contained in the capsule or gel.

This medicine should also not be used by people with hepatic impairment and soy allergic, as it contains soybean oils in the composition.

The most common side effects that may occur during treatment with isotretinoin capsules are anemia, increased or decreased platelets, high rate of sedimentation, inflammation at the edge of the eyelid, conjunctivitis, irritation and dry eyes, transient and reversible elevations of transaminases. liver disease, skin fragility, itchy skin, dry skin and lips, muscle and joint pain, increased triglycerides and serum cholesterol and decreased HDL.

Side effects that may occur when using the gel are itching, burns, irritation, rash and peeling of the skin in the area where the product is applied.

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