What are the common uses for accutane? 

Isotretinoin has been used to treat other skin disorders, including keratosis follicularis, pityriasis rubra pilaris, lamellar ichthyosis, keratosis palmaris et plantaris, rosacea, and leukoplakia. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to isotretinoin, parabens, or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially carbamazepine (Tegretol), demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycyline (Monodox, Vibramycin, and others), minocycline (Minocin), oxytetracycline (Uri-Tet), tetracycline (Achromycin V), vitamin A, and other vitamins and herbal products. Do not take any vitamin supplements that contain vitamin A to avoid possible harmful reactions.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes, liver disease, pancreatitis, a high amount of triglycerides (fats) in your blood, a family history of high triglycerides in the blood, or depression.
• plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Isotretinoin may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
• isotretinoin may cause intracranial hypertension, especially when it is taken with tetracycline. Intracranial hypertension is a condition caused when the pressure in the blood vessels of the brain increases or when the brain swells. Symptoms of intracranial hypertenstion include severe headache, upset stomach and vomiting, and changes in vision. If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
• be aware that this medicine may affect your night vision. Be cautious when driving or operating any machinery after dark.
• hair removal by waxing and laser procedures to the skin should be avoided while taking isotretinoin and for 6 months after stopping isotretinoin. These procedures may cause scarring.

• red, cracked, and sore lips
• red, itchy, dry, and inflamed eyes
• dry mouth and nose
• dry skin
• thinning of the hair
• fatigue

If you experience any of the following symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:

• bone or joint pain
• chest pain
• dizziness
• stomach pain
• headache
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• difficulty with vision
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• difficulty hearing
• ringing in your ears
• difficulty walking
• rectal bleeding
• severe diarrhea
• bruising or red patches of the skin
• muscle aches
• difficulty walking
• skin peeling
• skin infections
• depression
• seeing visions or hearing voices that do not exist
• thoughts of suicide

What storage conditions are needed for accutane? 

Keep the accutane in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What do I do in case of an emergency or accutane overdose? 

In case of an accutane overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

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What other information should I know about accutane?
 

When you begin taking isotretinoin, your acne may become worse before it starts to improve.

Do not donate blood while you are taking isotretinoin and for at least 1 month after you stop taking it. If you wear contact lenses, you may not tolerate them as well as usual while you take isotretinoin.Do not let anyone else take your medication, especially a woman who may become pregnant. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.