Sotret (isotretinoin)

Sotret (isotretinoin) is an oral acne medicine used to treat severe nodular acne that has failed to respond to other acne treatments.

Acne nodules are inflammatory lesions that are 5 mm wide or or greater. “Severe acne”, by definition, means that there are many nodular lesions, not just a few.

Because of serious side effects associated with its use, isotretinoin is only prescribed for patients with severe nodular acne who are unresponsive to conventional therapy, including oral antibiotics (minocycline).

Amenesteem must not be used by female patients who are or may become pregnant. There is an extremely high risk that severe birth defects will result if pregnancy occurs while taking this medication in any amount, even for short periods of time. Potentially any fetus exposed during pregnancy can be affected. There are no accurate means of determining whether an exposed fetus has been affected.

Learn about the iPLEDGE Program designed to prevent pregnancies by patients taking medications with isotretinoin.

A single course of therapy for 15 to 20 weeks has been shown to result in complete and prolonged remission of acne in many patients.

If a second course of Amensteem therapy is needed, it may not be started until at least several weeks or months after completion of the first course, because experience has shown that patient’s acne may continue to improve while off isotretinoin.

Taking Sotret

Sotret is usually taken twice a day with meals. Swallow the capsules whole with a full glass of liquid. Do not chew or suck on the capsules.

Your doctor will probably start you on an average dose of Sotret and increase or decrease your dose depending on how well you respond to the medication and the side effects you experience.

It may take several weeks or longer to see the effects from using Sotret. Your acne may get worse during the beginning of your treatment with Amenesteem. This occurs commonly and does not mean that the medication is not working.

Take Sotret exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

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© 2010 Vivacare. Last updated June 3, 2010.

This information is for general educational uses only. It may not apply to you and your specific medical needs. This information should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation with or the advice of your physician or health care professional. Communicate promptly with your physician or other health care professional with any health-related questions or concerns.

Be sure to follow specific instructions given to you by your physician or health care professional.
 

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