Isotretinoin (Tretiva) 20 Mg capsule is a vitamin A-derived synthetic retinoid used in extreme nodular recalcitrant acne that has not reacted to other therapies. Each capsule contains 20 mg of Isotretinoin as its active ingredient.
Drug = Isotretinoin
Strength = 20 mg
How to take
Take it together with food or immediately after a meal. Swallow it whole with a glass of water. Do not break, chew, or suck the capsule.
Try to take it at the same time each day. It must be taken regularly for it to be effective.
Take exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Dosage of Isotretinoin (Tretiva) 20 mg Capsule
Adult: Initially, 0.5 mg/kg daily in single or two divided doses, increased to 1 mg/kg daily if necessary. The usual duration of treatment is 16-24 weeks. May repeat treatment course after at least eight weeks if relapse after the first course.
Missed Dose of Isotretinoin (Tretiva) 20 mg Capsule
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your usual dosing schedule.
Do not double a dose under any circumstances.
Overdose of Isotretinoin (Tretiva) 20 mg Capsule
If you think you may have used Isotretinoin more than the usual dose, please seek medical help immediately.
Symptoms of overdose may include the following:
- Vomiting
- Facial flushing
- Cheilosis
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Ataxia
- Major congenital malformations
- Spontaneous abortion
- Premature birth
Contraindications
People with the following medical conditions should not take Isotretinoin:
- Hypervitaminosis A
- Hyperlipidemia
- Hepatic impairment
- Pregnancy
- Lactation
Side Effects
Isotretinoin may have the following side effects:
- Erythema
- Skin exfoliation
- Stinging sensation
- Pruritus
- Irritation
- Tenderness
- Dry skin
- Hirsutism
- Photosensitivity
- Skin pigmentation
- Paronychia
- Nail dystrophy
- Pyogenic granuloma
- Increased sweating
- Corneal opacities
- Visual disturbances
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Arthralgia
- Myalgia
- Back pain
- Intracranial hypertension
- Hyperostosis
- Calcinosis
- Elevation of serum triglycerides, liver function test, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and blood glucose
- Mood changes
- Psychotic symptoms
- Depression
- Suicidal behaviour
Potentially Fatal:
- Hemorrhagic pancreatitis
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis
Warnings
Do not take Isotretinoin with the following medicines:
- Vitamin A or its derivatives
- Microdosed progesterone
- Anti-acne agents
- Benzoyl peroxide
Potentially Fatal:
- Tetracycline
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Isotretinoin.
How Does It Work?
Isotretinoin produces its effects by reducing the size of sebum ducts and sebum production, thereby preventing the blockage of pores and the growth of acne-causing bacteria. It regulates the cell proliferation and differentiation and apoptosis. It also strengthens the immune system to minimize inflammation and improves monocyte chemotaxis.
Uses
Isotretinoin is used to treat the following conditions:
- Acne
Special Precautions and Connected Warnings
Take special precautions if you have the following conditions:
- Women of childbearing potential
- Anorexia nervosa
- History of photoallergy
- Depression
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Obesity
- Increased alcohol intake
- Genetic predisposition for age-related osteoporosis
- History of childhood osteoporosis
- Osteomalacia or other bone metabolism disorders
- Not intended for the treatment of prepubertal acne
- Severe renal impairment
Storage Conditions
- Store between 20-25°C and protected from light.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
- Do not use Isotretinoin that is expired or out of date.
