| Isotretinoin (eye" soe tret' i noyn) Capsules, for oral use |
|
Important: ABSORICA LD is not the same as isotretinoin capsules or other isotretinoin products. Do not change between ABSORICA LD and isotretinoin capsules or other isotretinoin products.
Read the Medication Guide that comes with isotretinoin capsules before you start taking it and each time you get a prescription. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your medical condition or your treatment.
|
|
What is the most important information I should know about isotretinoin capsules?
Isotretinoin capsules can cause serious side effects, including:
-
Isotretinoin capsules can harm your unborn baby, including birth defects (deformed babies), loss of a baby before birth (miscarriage), death of the baby, and early (premature) births.
Patients who are pregnant or who plan to become pregnant must not take isotretinoin capsules.
- Because of the risk of birth defects, isotretinoin capsules are only available through a special program called the iPLEDGE Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS).
- Your healthcare provider must be enrolled in the iPLEDGE REMS for you to be prescribed isotretinoin capsules.
- Before you start treatment with isotretinoin capsules, you must enroll in the iPLEDGE REMS.
- You must understand and agree to do everything required in the iPLEDGE REMS.
-
Patients must not get pregnant:
- for 1 month before starting isotretinoin capsules
- during treatment with isotretinoin capsules
- for 1 month after stopping isotretinoin capsules
If you get pregnant during treatment with isotretinoin capsules, stop taking it right away and tell your healthcare provider. Healthcare providers and patients should report all cases of pregnancy that happen during treatment or 1 month after stopping treatment to:
- FDA MedWatch at 1-800-FDA-1088, and
- the iPLEDGE® Pregnancy Registry at 1-866-495-0654 or www.ipledgeprogram.com
If you have any questions about the iPLEDGE REMS, ask your healthcare provider, or go to www.ipledgeprogram.com, or call 1-866-495-0654.
-
Serious mental health problems, including:
-
depression
-
psychosis (seeing or hearing things that are not real)
-
suicide. Some patients taking isotretinoin capsules have had thoughts about hurting themselves or putting an end to their own lives (suicidal thoughts). Some people tried to end their own lives. Some people have ended their own lives.
Stop taking isotretinoin capsules and tell your healthcare provider right away if you or a family member notices that you get any of the following signs and symptoms of depression or psychosis: |
- start to feel sad or have crying spells
- lose interest in activities you once enjoyed
- sleep too much or have trouble sleeping
- become more irritable, angry, or aggressive than usual (for example, temper outbursts, thoughts of violence)
- have a change in your appetite or body weight
- suicide attempts
|
- have trouble concentrating
- withdraw from your friends or family
- feel like you have no energy
- have feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- start having thoughts about hurting yourself or taking your own life (suicidal thoughts)
- start acting on dangerous impulses
- start seeing or hearing things that are not real
|
|
Your healthcare provider may tell you to see a mental healthcare professional if you get any of these symptoms.
See “What are the possible side effects of isotretinoin capsules?” for more information about side effects.
|
|
What are isotretinoin capsules?
Isotretinoin capsules are prescription medicines used in patients 12 years of age and older, who are not pregnant, for the treatment of severe acne (nodular acne) that cannot be cleared up by any other acne treatments, including antibiotics. Isotretinoin capsules can cause serious side effects (see “What is the most important information I should know about isotretinoin capsules?”).
Isotretinoin capsules can only be:
- prescribed by healthcare providers that are enrolled in the iPLEDGE REMS.
- dispensed by a pharmacy that is enrolled in the iPLEDGE REMS.
- given to patients who are enrolled in the iPLEDGE REMS and agree to do everything required in the program.
It is not known if isotretinoin capsules are safe and effective in children less than 12 years of age.. |
| Who should not take isotretinoin capsules?
Do not take isotretinoin capsules if you:
-
are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or become pregnant during isotretinoin capsules treatment. Isotretinoin capsules can cause life-threatening birth defects. See “What is the most important information I should know about isotretinoin capsules?”
-
are allergic to isotretinoin, vitamin A, or any of the ingredients in isotretinoin capsules. See the end of this Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients in isotretinoin capsules.
|
Before taking isotretinoin capsules, tell your healthcare provider if you or a family member has any of the following health conditions:
- mental health problems
- asthma
- liver problems
- diabetes
- heart disease
- increased blood fat levels (cholesterol and triglycerides)
- bone loss (osteoporosis), weak bones or any other bone problems
- an eating problem called anorexia nervosa (where people eat too little)
- bowel or digestion problems
- food or medicine allergies, including aspirin or FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine)
Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed during treatment or for at least 8 days after the last dose of isotretinoin capsules.
Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements, including St. John’s wort. Isotretinoin capsules and certain other medicines can affect each other, sometimes causing serious side effects.
Do not take the following medicines during treatment with isotretinoin capsules:
- vitamin A supplements
- tetracycline antibiotics
Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show to your healthcare provider and pharmacist. Do not take any new medicine without talking with your healthcare provider. |
|
You will not be prescribed isotretinoin capsules if you cannot agree to or follow all the instructions of the iPLEDGE REMS.
You will get no more than a 30-day supply of isotretinoin capsules at a time. This is to make sure you are following the isotretinoin capsules iPLEDGE REMS. |
|
How should I take isotretinoin capsules?
You must take isotretinoin capsules exactly as prescribed. You must also follow all the instructions of the iPLEDGE REMS. Before prescribing isotretinoin capsules, your healthcare provider will:
- explain the iPLEDGE REMS to you.
- have you sign the Patient Informed Consent form (for all patients). Patients who can get pregnant must also sign another consent form.
- give you pregnancy tests to make sure you are not pregnant before you start isotretinoin capsules. You will receive 2 pregnancy tests at least 30 days apart before starting treatment.
- The amount of isotretinoin capsules you take has been specially chosen for you. It is based on your body weight and may change during treatment.
- Take isotretinoin capsules 2 times a day with or without meals, unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise.
-
Swallow isotretinoin capsules whole with a full glass of liquid. Do not split, crush, chew, or suck on the capsules. Isotretinoin capsules can hurt the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach (esophagus) if not swallowed whole.
- Your healthcare provider will tell you how long you will receive treatment with isotretinoin capsules.
- If you miss a dose, just skip that dose. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.
- If you take too much isotretinoin capsules, call your healthcare provider or Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 right away.
- Your acne may get worse when you first start taking isotretinoin capsules. This should last only a short while. Talk with your healthcare provider if this is a concern for you. Your acne may continue to improve after treatment.
- You must return to your healthcare provider as directed to make sure you don’t have signs of serious side effects. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests to check for serious side effects from isotretinoin capsules and may stop treatment if you get certain side effects.
- Patients who can get pregnant will get a pregnancy test before each prescription is given during treatment with isotretinoin capsules, when you stop treatment, and 1 month after you stop treatment.
- You must get your prescription within 7 days of receiving your pregnancy test.
- Patients who can get pregnant must:
- Talk about birth control options with your healthcare provider or go for a free visit to talk about birth control with another healthcare provider or family planning expert. Your healthcare provider can arrange this free visit, which will be paid for by the company that makes isotretinoin capsules.
- Use your chosen pregnancy prevention methods. You must choose to use 2 separate forms of birth control at the same time or commit to not having sexual contact with a partner that could result in pregnancy for at least 1 month before treatment, during treatment, and for 1 month after treatment with isotretinoin capsules.
-
Access the iPLEDGE REMS system to answer questions about the REMS requirements and enter your chosen pregnancy prevention methods (2 separate forms of birth control or commitment to not having sexual contact with a partner that could result in pregnancy). To access the iPLEDGE REMS system, go to www.ipledgeprogram.com or call 1-866-495-0654.
If you have sex at any time without using 2 forms of birth control 1 month before, during, or 1 month after treatment, get pregnant, or miss your expected period, stop taking isotretinoin capsules and tell your healthcare provider right away.
|
| What should I avoid while taking isotretinoin capsules?
Do not share isotretinoin capsules with other people. Isotretinoin capsules can cause life-threatening birth defects and other serious health problems. |
|
What are the possible side effects of isotretinoin capsules?
Isotretinoin capsules can cause serious side effects, including:
- See “What is the most important information I should know about isotretinoin capsules?”
-
increased pressure in the brain (intracranial hypertension). Isotretinoin capsules can increase the pressure in your brain. This can lead to permanent loss of eyesight, and in rare cases, death. Stop taking isotretinoin capsules and tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any of these signs of increased brain pressure:
|
- bad headache
- blurred vision or other vision problems
- dizziness
|
- nausea or vomiting
- seizures (convulsions)
- stroke
|
-
serious skin problems. Skin rash can happen in patients taking isotretinoin capsules. Sometimes rash can be severe and may be life-threatening and lead to hospitalization or death. Stop taking isotretinoin capsules and tell your healthcare provider right away if you get:
|
- conjunctivitis (red or inflamed eyes, like “pink eye”)
- rash with fever
- blisters on legs, arms, or face
|
- sores in your mouth, throat, nose or eyes
- peeling of your skin
|
-
inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis) can happen in patients who take isotretinoin capsules and can lead to death. Stop taking isotretinoin capsules and tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms of pancreatitis:
|
- severe upper stomach (abdomen) pain
- swelling of your stomach
|
- nausea and vomiting
- fever
|
-
increased blood fat (lipid) levels. Isotretinoin capsules can raise blood fat levels (cholesterol and triglycerides). Your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check your lipids before and during treatment. These problems usually go away when isotretinoin capsules treatment is finished.
-
hearing problems. Stop taking isotretinoin capsules and tell your healthcare provider if your hearing gets worse or if you have ringing in your ears. Your hearing loss may be permanent.
-
liver problems, including hepatitis. Your healthcare provider will do tests to check your liver before and during treatment with isotretinoin capsules. Tell your healthcare provider if you get:
|
- yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes
- pain on the right side of your stomach area (abdomen)
|
- dark urine
- bleeding or bruising more easily than normal
|
- inflammation of your digestive tract (inflammatory bowel disease). Stop taking isotretinoin capsules and tell your healthcare provider right away if you get:
|
- severe stomach, chest or bowel pain
- nausea or vomiting
- trouble swallowing or painful swallowing
|
- new or worsening heartburn
- diarrhea
- rectal bleeding
|
-
bone and muscle problems.
-
bone problems including softening or thinning of bones which may lead to fractures. Isotretinoin capsules may stop long bone growth in teenagers who are still growing. Teenagers who participate in sports with hard physical activity and repeated actions during treatment with isotretinoin capsules may have a higher risk of bone fractures or injuries. Tell all your healthcare providers if you get:
- bone pain
- back pain
- a broken bone (fracture)
-
muscle problems. Stop taking isotretinoin capsules and tell your healthcare provider right away if you have muscle or joint pain or weakness. Muscle weakness with or without pain can be a sign of serious muscle damage.
-
vision problems. Stop taking isotretinoin capsules and tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any vision changes. Isotretinoin capsules may affect your ability to see in the dark. This usually goes away after you stop taking isotretinoin capsules, but it may be permanent. Some patients get dry eyes during treatment. If you wear contact lenses, you may have trouble wearing them during and after you stop treatment with isotretinoin capsules.
-
serious allergic reactions. Stop taking isotretinoin capsules and get emergency medical help right away if you get hives, a swollen face or mouth, or have trouble breathing. Stop taking isotretinoin capsules and tell your healthcare provider if you get a fever, rash, or red patches or bruises on your legs.
-
blood sugar problems, including diabetes. Tell your healthcare provider if you are very thirsty or urinate more than usual.
The most common side effects of isotretinoin capsules include: |
- dry lips
- dry skin
- back pain
- dry eyes
- joint pain
- nose bleeds
|
- headache
- upper respiratory tract infection (common cold)
- chapped lips or swelling of the lips
- skin reactions
- muscle problems
- eye problems, including decreased vision
|
|
These are not all of the possible side effects of isotretinoin capsules. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or Teva at 1-888-838-2872.
|
|
How should I store isotretinoin capsules?
- Store isotretinoin capsules at room temperature, 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). Protect from light.
Keep isotretinoin capsules and all medicines out of the reach of children.
|
| General information about the safe and effective use of isotretinoin capsules.
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use isotretinoin capsules for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give isotretinoin capsules to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about isotretinoin capsules that is written for health professionals.
You can also call iPLEDGE REMS at 1-866-495-0654 or visit www.ipledgeprogram.com. |
|
What are the ingredients in isotretinoin capsules?
Active ingredient: isotretinoin
Inactive ingredients: sorbitan monooleate, soybean oil, stearoyl polyoxyglycerides, and vitamin E.
The capsule shells contain the following:
- 10 mg - FD&C Blue No. 1, gelatin, and titanium dioxide
- 20 mg - FD&C Blue No. 1, gelatin, iron oxide yellow, and titanium dioxide
- 25 mg - D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Green No. 3, gelatin, and titanium dioxide
- 30 mg - FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Yellow No. 6, gelatin, sodium lauryl sulfate, and titanium dioxide
- 35 mg - FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Red No. 40, gelatin, and titanium dioxide
- 40 mg - FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Yellow No. 6, gelatin, sodium lauryl sulfate, and titanium dioxide
The black imprinting ink of the 10 mg and 20 mg capsules contain the following ingredients: ammonium hydroxide, iron oxide black, propylene glycol, and shellac.
The black imprinting ink of the 25 mg and 35 mg capsules contain the following ingredients: D&C Yellow No. 10 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Blue No. 1 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Blue No. 2 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Red No. 40 Aluminum Lake, iron oxide black, shellac and may contain propylene glycol.
The black imprinting ink of the 30 mg and 40 mg capsules contain the following ingredients: iron oxide black, propylene glycol, shellac, and may contain ammonium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide and strong ammonia solution.
Brands listed are the trademarks of their respective owners.
Manufactured For: Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc., Parsippany, NJ 07054
|