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ISOtretinoin (Systemic)

Generic name: ISOtretinoin (systemic) [ eye-soe-TRET-i-noyn ]
Brand names: Absorica, Absorica LD, Amnesteem, Claravis, Myorisan, Zenatane
Drug classes: Miscellaneous antineoplastics, Miscellaneous uncategorized agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.

Warning

  • Do not take if you are pregnant or if you may get pregnant. The risk of very bad and sometimes deadly birth defects is very high if you take ISOtretinoin (systemic) at any time while you are pregnant. Any unborn baby can be harmed. There is no good way to tell if an unborn baby has been harmed. The risk of losing an unborn baby is also raised, and premature births have happened. Your doctor will talk about the bad effects before starting you on ISOtretinoin (systemic). If you get pregnant while taking ISOtretinoin (systemic) or within 1 month after you stop taking it, call your doctor right away. If you know all the facts and can follow how to take ISOtretinoin (systemic) you must sign a patient fact/consent form. Do not sign the form and do not take ISOtretinoin (systemic) if you do not know everything on the form.
  • You must have 2 pregnancy tests that show you are NOT pregnant before starting ISOtretinoin (systemic). You must have pregnancy tests done while taking ISOtretinoin (systemic). Talk with your doctor.
  • Use 2 kinds of birth control 1 month before starting ISOtretinoin (systemic), during treatment, and for at least 1 month after the last dose.

Uses of ISOtretinoin:

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take ISOtretinoin?

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with ISOtretinoin (systemic).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take ISOtretinoin (systemic) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take ISOtretinoin?

How is this medicine (ISOtretinoin) best taken?

Use ISOtretinoin (systemic) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

What are some other side effects of ISOtretinoin?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

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.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out ISOtretinoin?

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

Frequently asked questions

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Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.