Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Isotretinoin comes with a patient information form and Medication Guide. It is very important that you read and understand this information. Be sure to carefully follow these instructions and ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Women of reproductive age must sign up for a pregnancy risk program called iPLEDGE™ in order to receive their isotretinoin prescription each month.

  • Patients who cannot become pregnant: You should understand the risks and benefits of this medicine, follow the iPLEDGE™ program, and sign a patient consent form before using it.
  • Patients who can become pregnant: You should not use this if you are or may be pregnant.
  • Patients who are not pregnant but can become pregnant: You should understand the risks and benefits of this medicine, follow the iPLEDGE™ program, and sign a patient consent form before using it. You should also use effective birth control and check for pregnancy every month.

Be sure to ask your doctor if you have any questions about this program. It is very important that you understand and follow all of the requirements. You will not get another prescription unless you follow the instructions for the program.

Swallow the capsule whole with a full glass (8 ounces) of water or other liquid. Accutane® and its generic products should be taken with food. Absorica® may be taken with or without food. Do not crush, break, chew, or suck the capsule.

It is very important that you take isotretinoin only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

It is very important that you not share this medicine with anyone else because of the risk of birth defects and other serious side effects.

Absorica® capsules should not be substituted with other forms of isotretinoin (eg, Absorica LD®, Accutane®). Different brands may not work the same way. If you refill your medicine and it looks different, check with your pharmacist.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage form (capsules):
    • For acne:
      • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor.
        • Absorica® and Accutane®: The dose is usually 0.5 to 1 milligram (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day, taken as 2 divided doses for 15 to 20 weeks. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
        • Absorica LD®: The dose is usually 0.4 to 0.8 milligram (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day, taken as 2 divided doses for 15 to 20 weeks. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Children younger than 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

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Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2024

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