Drug Uses
Accutane is a retinoid that treats severe acne for those who badly respond to other medications.

How Taken
Coming in capsule form, Accutane is taken with meal. You should not break, chew, crush and suck the drug before swallowing.

Missed Dose
Do not take a double dosage. If one dose is skipped and if you remember in time, you can take it. And if it is time for the next dosage, better skip the missed one.

More Information
Accutane can cause sunburn and so it is preferable to avoid sun, tanning booths and sunlamps. Always use some sunscreen before going out. Well, some birth control pills, which do not contain estrogen, may not be effective while taking Accutane. During the first stages of the therapy, acne can worsen but do not think that the drug has failed. Continue and see the difference.

Warnings/Precautions
Always discuss with your doctor all your medical conditions like allergies and other medications if taking. You should have to tell the physician if you have diabetes, high triglyceride levels, psychiatric disorders, liver disease, osteoporosis, pancreatitis, severe diarrhea, rectal bleeding, eating disorder, hearing problems and stomach ache.

It is preferable not to get pregnant while using Accutane as it can cause miscarriage, early birth or even death of fetus. If you think getting pregnant or missing your menstrual periods, better stop taking Accutane and consult the physician.

Breast-feeding should be avoided when taking Accutane as the drug is excreted in breast milk. You should also avoid breast-feeding for a month after stopping Accutane. Some medicines do not go along with Accutane. So it is better to tell the doctor what medicines you are currently using. Children below 12 years of age should not be given Accutane.

Coming to the use of cosmetics, it is preferable not to go for dermabrasion, waxing and laser procedures when you are using Accutane.  You soul also not go for these cosmetic procedures for at least six months after stopping the drug.
Well, Accutane should not also be mixed with alcohol.

Possible Side Effects
Some of the side effects that come with Accutane are abnormal hair growth; redness swelling and bleeding of the gums; abnormal skin sensations; changes in menstrual periods; chapped lips, dry eyes and mouth; nosebleeds; dry/peeling skin, dizziness, fatigue, headache, flushing, energy loss, nervousness, sweating and sleeplessness.

Well, other side effects that needs immediate attention are allergic reactions (rash, itching, difficulty in breathing), aggressive/ violent behavior, slurred speech, depression, bowel pain, excessive thirst, urination, dark urine, difficult swallowing, moving difficulty, fast heartbeat, fever, hearing problems, nausea, muscle weakness, rectal bleeding, seizures; diarrhea, sun sensitivity, swollen glands, swelling of pancreas, vision changes and vomiting.