Acne: Should I Take Isotretinoin for Severe Acne
What is a Decision Point?
Acne: Should I Take Isotretinoin for Severe Acne?You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them. Acne: Should I Take Isotretinoin for Severe Acne? Get the facts Your options
Key points to remember
FAQs What is isotretinoin?Isotretinoin (Amnesteem, Claravis, or Sotret) is a powerful medicine for severe acne that cannot be cleared up with other medicines. It is related to vitamin A. Most people need to take it for 3 to 6 months. This medicine unclogs skin pores and shrinks oil glands. It can reduce the scars and emotional pain of severe acne. But this medicine can have severe side effects. What are the risks of taking this medicine?Isotretinoin can cause side effects. The most serious side effects occur in women who are pregnant or get pregnant while taking it. They may have a miscarriage, or their infant may be born with severe birth defects. Other serious side effects are rare. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that this medicine has been linked with depression, psychosis, and, in rare cases, suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts. The link between this medicine and depression is not clear, and it is being watched very closely. Talk with your doctor to decide if this medicine is right for you or your child. See your doctor if you or your child takes isotretinoin and has signs of depression. Most people who take this medicine have some of the less serious side effects. These include dry skin, dry mouth, chapped lips, nosebleeds, dry eyes, and trouble wearing contact lenses. These side effects usually are not a big problem and can be treated with moisturizers, artificial tears, and other products. If you have dry eyes while taking this medicine, you may have to wear glasses instead of contact lenses. Your skin also could sunburn more easily, so make sure to use sunscreen. This medicine can raise the level of certain fats (triglycerides) in your blood. So you may be more likely to get health problems such as heart disease. For this reason, you need to have your triglyceride levels checked before you start this medicine and every 4 to 6 weeks while you are taking it. You also need blood tests to make sure that the medicine isn't harming your liver. Headaches and muscle or joint pain are less common side effects that most people can treat with over-the-counter pain medicine. Muscle and joint pain are more common in people who exercise often. Why might your doctor recommend this medicine?Your doctor might recommend this medicine if:
Compare your options Compare
Take isotretinoin
Take isotretinoin
Don't take isotretinoin
Don't take isotretinoin
Personal stories Are you interested in what others decided to do? Many people have faced this decision. These personal stories may help you decide. Personal stories about taking isotretinoin (such as Amnesteem, Claravis, or Sotret) for acneThese stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions. I didn't think I needed to worry too much about my acne. So far it is mostly whiteheads and blackheads. But my dad has bad acne scars. I figure I am heading the same way if I don't do something about it, so I'm going to talk to my doctor about taking medicine. Jason, age 16 My doctor said that it would be reasonable for me to try a medicine like Sotret for my acne. But my husband and I are thinking of having kids, and taking the medicine would mean putting that off for about 6 months or so. I'm going to take some time to think it over and talk to my husband, then decide. Anne, age 24 I have had bad acne ever since I was 13. It was really embarrassing, and it was hard to make friends. It was like people only saw my acne. A couple years ago, my doctor put me on isotretinoin. It has changed my life. My acne is so much better and I don't feel so self-conscious. I am more outgoing, and I have made some really good friends. I even have a girlfriend. When I see old pictures of myself, it's like looking at a different person. Steve, age 18 I've noticed that my daughter has become a lot more withdrawn and shy since she became a teenager. I think it might be related to her acne. She has quite a few pimples, and sometimes she gets a really severe one. I know that it bothers her, because she has asked me several times if she will outgrow it soon. I'm going to ask her if she wants to read up on isotretinoin and then we can see what the doctor says. Barb, age 37 What matters most to you? Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements. Reasons to take isotretinoin Reasons not to take isotretinoin I want to do everything I can to treat my acne. I want to take medicines that are not as strong as isotretinoin for my acne. More important Equally important More important I don't mind using two forms of birth control while I'm taking this medicine (women only). I'm not willing to use two forms of birth control (women only). More important Equally important More important I'm not concerned about the side effects of this medicine. I'm very concerned about the side effects of this medicine. More important Equally important More important I feel bad about how I look because of my acne. I don't feel bad about how I look because of my acne. More important Equally important More important My other important reasons: My other important reasons: More important Equally important More important Where are you leaning now? Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now. Taking isotretinoin NOT taking isotretinoin Leaning toward Undecided Leaning toward What else do you need to make your decision? Check the facts 1.
How bad does your acne have to be before you consider taking isotretinoin?
2.
Which of the following are side effects of isotretinoin?
3.
How long does a woman have to use two forms of birth control if she takes isotretinoin?
Decide what's next 1.
Do you understand the options available to you? 2.
Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you? 3.
Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice? Certainty 1.
How sure do you feel right now about your decision? Not sure at all Somewhat sure Very sure 2.
Check what you need to do before you make this decision. 3.
Use the following space to list questions, concerns, and next steps. Your Summary Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision. Your decisionNext steps Which way you're leaning How sure you are Your comments Your knowledge of the factsKey concepts that you understood Key concepts that may need review Getting ready to actPatient choices CreditsCredits
You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them. Acne: Should I Take Isotretinoin for Severe Acne?Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.
1. Get the factsYour options
Key points to remember
FAQs What is isotretinoin?Isotretinoin (Amnesteem, Claravis, or Sotret) is a powerful medicine for severe acne that cannot be cleared up with other medicines. It is related to vitamin A. Most people need to take it for 3 to 6 months. This medicine unclogs skin pores and shrinks oil glands. It can reduce the scars and emotional pain of severe acne. But this medicine can have severe side effects. What are the risks of taking this medicine?Isotretinoin can cause side effects. The most serious side effects occur in women who are pregnant or get pregnant while taking it. They may have a miscarriage, or their infant may be born with severe birth defects. Other serious side effects are rare. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that this medicine has been linked with depression, psychosis, and, in rare cases, suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts. The link between this medicine and depression is not clear, and it is being watched very closely. Talk with your doctor to decide if this medicine is right for you or your child. See your doctor if you or your child takes isotretinoin and has signs of depression. Most people who take this medicine have some of the less serious side effects. These include dry skin, dry mouth, chapped lips, nosebleeds, dry eyes, and trouble wearing contact lenses. These side effects usually are not a big problem and can be treated with moisturizers, artificial tears, and other products. If you have dry eyes while taking this medicine, you may have to wear glasses instead of contact lenses. Your skin also could sunburn more easily, so make sure to use sunscreen. This medicine can raise the level of certain fats (triglycerides) in your blood. So you may be more likely to get health problems such as heart disease. For this reason, you need to have your triglyceride levels checked before you start this medicine and every 4 to 6 weeks while you are taking it. You also need blood tests to make sure that the medicine isn't harming your liver. Headaches and muscle or joint pain are less common side effects that most people can treat with over-the-counter pain medicine. Muscle and joint pain are more common in people who exercise often. Why might your doctor recommend this medicine?Your doctor might recommend this medicine if:
2. Compare your options
Personal storiesAre you interested in what others decided to do? Many people have faced this decision. These personal stories may help you decide. Personal stories about taking isotretinoin (such as Amnesteem, Claravis, or Sotret) for acneThese stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions. "I didn't think I needed to worry too much about my acne. So far it is mostly whiteheads and blackheads. But my dad has bad acne scars. I figure I am heading the same way if I don't do something about it, so I'm going to talk to my doctor about taking medicine." — Jason, age 16 "My doctor said that it would be reasonable for me to try a medicine like Sotret for my acne. But my husband and I are thinking of having kids, and taking the medicine would mean putting that off for about 6 months or so. I'm going to take some time to think it over and talk to my husband, then decide." — Anne, age 24 "I have had bad acne ever since I was 13. It was really embarrassing, and it was hard to make friends. It was like people only saw my acne. A couple years ago, my doctor put me on isotretinoin. It has changed my life. My acne is so much better and I don't feel so self-conscious. I am more outgoing, and I have made some really good friends. I even have a girlfriend. When I see old pictures of myself, it's like looking at a different person." — Steve, age 18 "I've noticed that my daughter has become a lot more withdrawn and shy since she became a teenager. I think it might be related to her acne. She has quite a few pimples, and sometimes she gets a really severe one. I know that it bothers her, because she has asked me several times if she will outgrow it soon. I'm going to ask her if she wants to read up on isotretinoin and then we can see what the doctor says." — Barb, age 37 "My son is 13, and he has had acne for a year. He keeps asking me if he can go on isotretinoin, but I just think he's too young. I'm not sure that he would remember to take it every day, and I keep hoping that he will outgrow the acne as he gets a little older." — Hakim, age 38 3. What matters most to you?Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements. Reasons to take isotretinoin Reasons not to take isotretinoin I want to do everything I can to treat my acne. I want to take medicines that are not as strong as isotretinoin for my acne. More important Equally important More important I don't mind using two forms of birth control while I'm taking this medicine (women only). I'm not willing to use two forms of birth control (women only). More important Equally important More important I'm not concerned about the side effects of this medicine. I'm very concerned about the side effects of this medicine. More important Equally important More important I feel bad about how I look because of my acne. I don't feel bad about how I look because of my acne. More important Equally important More important My other important reasons: My other important reasons: More important Equally important More important 4. Where are you leaning now?Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now. Taking isotretinoin NOT taking isotretinoin Leaning toward Undecided Leaning toward 5. What else do you need to make your decision?Check the facts1. How bad does your acne have to be before you consider taking isotretinoin?
That's right. Isotretinoin is a strong medicine that is recommended only for severe acne that can't be cleared up with other medicines. 2. Which of the following are side effects of isotretinoin?
That's right. Isotretinoin can cause birth defects and miscarriage. It also can cause dry skin, dry eyes, nosebleeds, and chapped lips. And it has been linked to depression. 3. How long does a woman have to use two forms of birth control if she takes isotretinoin?
That's right. Women who take isotretinoin must use two forms of birth control while they are taking the medicine and for at least 1 month after they stop taking it. Decide what's next1. Do you understand the options available to you? 2. Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you? 3. Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice? Certainty1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision? Not sure at all Somewhat sure Very sure 2. Check what you need to do before you make this decision.
3. Use the following space to list questions, concerns, and next steps. Credits
Note: The "printer friendly" document will not contain all the information available in the online document some Information (e.g. cross-references to other topics, definitions or medical illustrations) is only available in the online version. Last Revised: February 3, 2011 Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology eMedicineHealth Medical Reference from Healthwise 
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions. To learn more visit Healthwise.org © 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. |
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