Isotretinoin

(eye soe TRET i noyn)

What key warnings do I need to know about before giving this drug to my child?

• This drug is only for patients in the iPLEDGE program.
• Sometimes drugs are not safe when your child takes them with other drugs. Taking them together can cause bad side effects. This is one of those drugs. Be sure to talk to your child’s doctor about all the drugs your child takes.
• This drug comes with an extra patient fact sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it with care. Read it again each time this drug is refilled.

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• Not if your child has an allergy to isotretinoin, vitamin A, or any other part of this drug.
• Be sure to let the doctor know if your child has any allergies or side effects to drugs, foods, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs your child had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.

Why does my child need this drug?

• It is used to treat pimples (acne).
• It is used to treat cancer in the nerve cells.

How is this drug given?

• Give this drug with food.
• Have your child swallow capsule whole. Do not let your child chew, break, or crush.
• Give this drug with a full glass of water.
• A liquid may be made if your child cannot swallow capsules.
• Have your child follow the diet and workout plan your child's doctor told you about.
• Absorbica™:
• Give this drug with or without food. Give with food if it causes an upset stomach.

How long does this drug take to work?

• It may take a few months to see the full effect.

What do I do if my child misses a dose?

• Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your child's next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child's normal time.
• Do not give 2 doses or extra doses.
• Do not change the dose or stop your child's drug. Talk with your child's doctor.

What safety measures do I need to take when my child is using this drug?

• If your child has high blood sugar (diabetes), talk with the doctor.
• If your child has an eating problem, talk with the doctor.
• If your child has mental illness, talk with the doctor.
• Have your child's blood work checked. Talk with your child's doctor.
• Check all drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.
• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Avoid other sources of vitamin A.
• Your child may get sunburned more easily. Avoid lots of sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen and dress your child in clothing and eyewear that protects him/her from the sun.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• Low mood (depression).
• Belly pain.
• Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals and good mouth care may help. Older children may suck hard, sugar-free candy.
• Dry mouth. Good mouth care may help. Older children may suck hard, sugar-free candy. Have your child see a dentist often.
• Mouth irritation or sores. Using a soft toothbrush or cotton swabs and rinsing the mouth may help. Do not use mouth rinses that have alcohol in them.
• Nose irritation.
• Skin irritation.
• Eye irritation.
• Lowered night eyesight. Have your child use care when doing tasks that call for clear eyesight. Keep work space well lit.
• Sunburn.
• Weak bones.

When do I need to call my child's doctor?

• If any of this news causes you to be worried, any of the unwanted side effects happen, or if your child is not better after taking this drug.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room (ER) right away.http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room (ER) right away.
• If your child shows signs of a very bad reaction, call your child's doctor or the ER right away. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child is not acting normal.
• If your child shows signs of low mood (depression), thoughts of killing him/herself, nervousness, emotional ups and downs, thinking that is not normal, anxiety, or lack of interest in life.
• If your child has mean actions or thoughts of fighting.
• If your child has very bad dizziness or passing out.
• If your child has a very bad headache.
• If your child has a very bad upset stomach or is throwing up.
• If your child has very bad belly pain or bloody loose stools.
• If your child has very bad skin irritation.
• If your child has trouble swallowing.
• If your child's seizures are new or worse after starting this drug.
• If your child has a change in hearing.
• If your child has more trips to the bathroom, more thirst, or weight loss.
• If your child is not able to eat.
• If your child has very bad muscle pain or weakness.
• If your child has a sudden change in eyesight, eye pain, or irritation.
• If your child has dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.
• If your child gets a rash.
• If your child’s health problem does not get better or if you believe your child’s health problem is worse.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store at room temperature.
• Protect from light.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.

General drug facts

• If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she needs to wear an allergy ID at all times.
• You may get this drug by drug order only. If there are refills, call your pharmacy. If your child does not have refills left, you may need to call your child's doctor.
• Get rid of this drug when your child no longer needs it or if the drug is outdated.
• If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.
• Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
• Talk with the doctor before giving your child any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only your healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for you. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your healthcare provider. You must talk with your healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

All content copyright © 1978-2013 Lexi-Comp Inc. or its respective owners. All Rights Reserved.