Isotrex: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

Functions & Usage

What is Isotrex for?

Isotrex is a medicine to treat acne. Doctors usually prescribe this drug as a last resort, when various acne therapies do not solve the patient's problem.

This drug contains the active compound Isotretinoin. Isotretinoin is a vitamin A derivative that is commonly used for acne nodules and cysts. These active compounds work by reducing oil production on facial skin. This medication can prevent blackheads from forming and loosen blackheads so that they are easier to remove. This medication can also help reduce inflammation in the skin due to acne.

How is Isotrex used?

It is important to understand that Isotrex is a strong drug. Therefore, this drug must be used carefully and under close supervision by a doctor.

Here are various rules for using Isotrex that you need to pay close attention to.

• This drug is available in two forms, capsule and gel. If the doctor prescribes a drug in capsule form, take the drug as a whole. Do not crush, crush, chew, or open the capsules.
• This medicine must be taken after meals.
• Before using topical drugs, you should first clean the area to be treated. Then wash your hands with clean water when you are finished using them.
• Avoid applying the medicine to areas of skin that are irritated, injured, or burned.
• Avoid exposure to direct sunlight when you are using the drug in gel form.
• Use a moisturizing cream if your skin is very dry during the use of the medicine.
• This medicine should not be taken continuously in the long term. Do not use this medication for longer than your doctor has prescribed.
• This medicine should not be used interchangeably with other people. Even if the person has the same symptoms as you. Because, the dosage of drugs for each person may vary.
• Do not add or reduce doses of medication without your doctor's knowledge. Taking medication that is not according to the rules can increase the risk of side effects.
• So as not to forget, use this medicine at the same time every day.
• If at any time you forget to take this medicine and the next time you take it is still far away, it is advisable to do so as soon as you remember. Meanwhile, if the time lag is near, ignore it and don't try to double the dose.
• You may be asked to have regular blood tests by your doctor. This is done to ensure that the drugs you consume do not have a negative effect on your body.

In principle, take this drug exactly as the doctor recommends. Follow all the instructions for using the medicine listed on the prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets carefully. Don't hesitate to ask a doctor if you don't really understand how to use it.

How is Isotrex stored?

This medication should be stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage of Isotrex for adults?

Isotretnoin dosage for severe nodular acne is 0.5-1 mg / kg orally 2 times a day.

The doctor will provide a drug dose based on age, overall health condition, and patient response to treatment. Please consult a doctor for more information.

What is the dosage of Isotrex for children?

There is no definite dosage requirement for children. This medicine can be dangerous for children. It is important to understand the safety of drugs before use. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

In what dosages is Isotrex available?

Isotrex dosage forms are capsules and gels.

Side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to Isotrex?

The most common side effects of the drug Isotrex are:

• Red rash
• Dry skin until peeling
• The skin feels itchy and hot as if it is burning
• Lips get chapped and bleed easily
• The skin appears darker than usual
• Dry eyes
• Nosebleed
• Swelling of the eyelids or lips
• Hair loss

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you are concerned about the side effects please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions & Warnings

What should be known before using Isotrex?

Some things you need to know before taking Isotrex include:

• Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to Isotretinoin or other acne medications.
• Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are regularly taking recently. Starting from prescription drugs, non-prescription, to herbs.
• Tell your doctor if you have a history of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, stroke, and so on.
• Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney damage.
• Tell your doctor if you have bone abnormalities.
• This drug is teratogenic, which is very toxic and can cause defects in the fetus if taken carelessly. Therefore, women who are pregnant and planning to become pregnant are not advised to take this drug.
• Avoid direct sun exposure and wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Because, this drug can make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
• This drug can affect psychological conditions and mood. Immediately notify your doctor if while taking this drug you suffer from constant anxiety, experience extreme mood swings, decreased appetite, and so on.
• This medication may cause dry eyes, making wearing contact lenses uncomfortable.
• While taking this medication, avoid hair pulling, laser skin treatments, and dermabrasion. Because, this drug makes your skin more sensitive, so these various treatments can have a negative effect on your body.

Is Isotrex safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category X according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) United States, or the equivalent of the Food and Drug Administration (BPOM) in Indonesia.

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = Maybe risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

There are not sufficient studies in women to find out the risk to the baby when the mother takes this drug during breastfeeding. Consider the potential benefits and potential risks before taking this medication during breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with Isotrex?

Interactions with other drugs can affect how the drug works and increase the risk of dangerous side effects. This article does not list all possible drug interactions. Record all medicinal products you use (including prescription, non-prescription and herbal medicines) and show them to your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's permission.

Some drugs that have the potential to cause interactions with Isotrex are:

• Carbamazepine
• Doxycycline
• Lymecycline
• Minocycline
• Oxytetracycline
• Resortcinol
• Retinol
• Sodium thiosulphate
• Tetracycline

Can food or alcohol interact with Isotrex?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with Isotrex?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Some conditions that can interact negatively with the drug Isotrex include:

• Diabetes or other metabolic disorders
• Mental problems such as depression
• Pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• Allergy to Isotretinoin or other acne medication
• Liver and kidney disease
• High cholesterol
• Vitamin A levels that are too high
• Crohn's disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Anorexia (eating disorder)

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.