Roaccutane. Instructions for use, side effects. How to use pills for acne, analogues, price

Roaccutane is a drug that allows you to get rid of severe forms of acne. The instructions for use describe all the features, precautions and nuances of using the medicine.

Composition

Components of the drug:

• the main substance is isotretinoin;
• soybean oil (fully and partially hydrogenated);
• beekeeping product - wax.

The shell consists of:

• glycerol;
• gelatin;
• sorbitol;
• mannitol;
• hydrolyzed potato starch;
• titanium dioxide;
• the coloring component is red iron oxide.

Ink is applied to the shell. They consist of a dye - black iron oxide and shellac. Sometimes a ready-made pigment is used - Opacode Black S-1-27794.

Release forms and cost

Roaccutane (instructions for use indicate that the drug is available in the form of capsules) has 2 forms of release, based on the concentration of the main substance:

1. The capsules are oval in terracotta color, have an inscription on the shell of black dye. The content of isotretinoin is 10 mg. The inside contains a homogeneous powder, the tone of which varies from yellow to dark yellow.
2. The capsule is split in half into 2 colors: terracotta and white. The design remains the same, the presence of isotretinoin changes - 20 mg.

Roaccutane is dispensed in blister packs, which are inserted into cardboard boxes.

Price range - 2000 to 4000 rubles. The cost depends on the pharmacies and the region.

pharmachologic effect

Roaccutane has a list of actions inherent in pharmacology:

• anti-inflammatory;
• anti-seborrheic;
• antibacterial;
• restorative
• exfoliative;
• regenerating.

The medicine is actively used to treat acne.

Indications for use

The drug is prescribed for the following forms of acne:

• nodular cystic;
• with the threat of scarring;
• conglobate.

Roaccutane is prescribed in isolated cases when acne cannot be cured by other means.

Contraindications

Roaccutane (instructions for use enclosed in the package describes a number of contraindications) is prohibited in the following cases:

1. Lactation period.
2. Carrying a baby.
3. Children under 12 years old.
4. Allergic reaction to the components of the drug.
5. Elevated blood lipids.
6. Excessive intake of vitamin A.
7. Treatment with an antibiotic from the tetracyclines group.
8. Disorders in the functioning of the liver.

Take with caution when:

• diabetes mellitus;
• the use of alcoholic beverages;
• being overweight;
• depressive disorders;
• violations in the production and breakdown of fats in the liver and adipose tissue.

When treating with Roaccutane, ultraviolet irradiation therapy is contraindicated.

Side effects

The occurrence of side effects depends on the dosage. They disappear after dose adjustment or discontinuation of the medication. Sometimes, unpleasant symptoms remain after therapy.

List of possible side effects:

1. Pain in the head.
2. Nausea and vomiting.
3. Fear of light.
4. Visual impairment.
5. Decreased hearing.
6. Frequent loose stools.
7. Inflammation of the pancreas.
8. Bleeding from the mucous membranes of the nose.
9. Decrease in hemoglobin concentration.
10. Reduction of red bodies, leukocytes, neutrophilic granulocytes in the blood.
11. Bronchospastic syndrome (usually in people with bronchial asthma).
12. Muscle pain, inflammation in the joints, ligaments.
13. Inflammation and degeneration of tendon tissue.
14. Increased growth of bone tissue in excess form.
15. Hives, itching.
16. Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating.
17. Hair loss.
18. Pathological changes in the nail plates.
19. Inflammation of the nail fold.
20. Excessive hair growth in women, inherent in men.
21. Special sensitivity of the skin and mucous membranes to ultraviolet radiation, the sun.
22. Dry skin and mucous membranes.
23. Various allergic reactions.

Scientific studies have shown that most often after the use of Roaccutane, facial dermatitis and cheilitis appear - an inflammatory process that affects the skin, mucous membranes and the red border of the lips.

Overdose

Taking the medicine in larger doses than recommended by the doctor can lead to symptoms of hypervitaminosis A. In case of an overdose, it is recommended to flush the stomach for several hours.

How the drug works

Roaccutane belongs to the vitamin A group.

The instructions for use indicate that Roaccutane has the following spectrum of actions:

1. Suppresses the activity of the sebaceous glands.
2. Relieves inflammation.
3. Reduces stratum corneum.
4. Increases microcirculation.
5. Eliminates seborrhea.
6. Destroys bacteria.
7. Cleans the skin.
8. Shrinks pores.
9. Removes acne without leaving marks.
10. Prevents the reappearance of acne.
11. Inhibits the formation of horny plugs.

Instructions for use for acne

Side effects and the effect of the drug depend on the individual characteristics of the person and the prescribed dosage. Roaccutane is taken with meals, 1-2 times a day.

Several dosage options are available:

• initial - 0.5 mg per 1 kg of weight (daily maximum rate);
• medium - from 0.5 to 1 mg;
• high - 2 mg (for especially severe cases of the disease).

It has been established that the duration of therapy depends on the prescribed dosage. Treatment is extended for patients who do not tolerate the drug well, but the dose is reduced.

According to statistics, Roaccutane helps after 1 course of treatment. When acne reappears, repeated therapy with a similar regimen is indicated.

After treatment, Roaccutane has a beneficial effect on the skin for 8 weeks, therefore it is recommended to repeat the course at the end of this period. If a person has impaired all renal functions, the minimum daily dosage is 10 mg per day. The dose is slowly increased to 1 mg per 1 kg of body weight.

Keratinization disorders

Roaccutane (the instruction for use says that it is possible to take it in case of keratinization disorders) is taken according to the scheme. Keratosis of the skin is treated with a course, its duration is 4 months. The maximum dosage is 4 mg per 1 kg of body weight. With improvements, the amount of substance taken is reduced.

Application during pregnancy and lactation

Based on the studies carried out, it has been established that the use of Roaccutane during pregnancy and lactation is strictly prohibited. The main substance, isotretinoin, damages the embryo, which leads to the development of defects in the child. The likelihood of such an outcome is very high.

Roaccutane is prescribed based on specific nuances:

• the woman has a complex degree of acne, which is beyond the control of other treatments. Usually it is nodular cystic acne with the threat of scarring or a conglobate form;
• it is important to strictly comply with all admission requirements;
• the doctor must explain all the danger in case of possible conception during treatment with Roaccutane;
• during treatment, it is necessary to take responsibility for protection. It is recommended to choose at least 2 options: pills + condoms or female diaphragms;
• it is worth paying attention to the reaction in the community with other drugs, which will be indicated below;
• protection should be continuous for 4 weeks before treatment, during the entire period of treatment and for 4 weeks after completion of therapy;
• the test for hCG is done 11 days before the start of taking Roaccutane in order to exclude the risk of fertilization. The possibility of pregnancy will have to be checked every month during therapy and after the end after 5 weeks;
• a doctor is required to visit monthly;
• it is recommended to start taking Roaccutane on days 2-3 of the next normal monthly cycle;
• there is a chance of relapse, so it is important to properly and systemically protect yourself;
• women who have had their uterus removed do not have a monthly cycle (amenorrhea) or have no sex life, there is no need to take contraceptives.

The doctor is responsible for the patient's health, so he must be sure that:

1. The pregnancy check procedure did not give a positive result.
2. The woman exactly complies with the requirements and recommendations.
3. The patient uses several effective methods of contraception, as recommended in 2 variations.
4. The form of acne is one of the most difficult (nodular cystic, with the threat of scarring or conglobata).

Conception check is carried out in the first 72 hours of the monthly cycle:

1. 4 weeks before therapy - a test is performed to exclude a possible pregnancy. The physician must record all results. If a woman has a broken "lunar" cycle, then a pregnancy check is done 21 days after sexual intercourse. Checking the level of hCG is carried out on the day of appointment or 3 days before visiting a doctor. Roaccutane is prescribed for patients who have used contraceptives 4 weeks before starting the medication.
2. During the period of treatment, the doctor must be visited monthly. Testing is carried out on the day of admission or 3 days before the consultation.
3. After treatment - 5 weeks after the end of the Roaccutane intake, a second pregnancy test is done. The prescription for the drug is issued for 30 days. To obtain a new admission permit, a second check is made for the possibility of conception. It is advisable to test, write a prescription and buy the drug in 1 day.

Roaccutane can be purchased within a week from the date of prescription. When pregnancy occurs, the medication is stopped.

The list of possible fetal defects when using Roaccutane:

• dropsy of the brain - a disease in which fluid accumulates in certain parts of the brain;
• reduction of the skull and brain to a significant extent;
• disorders in the formation of the cerebellum - Joubert, Payne, Arnold-Chiari, Gillespie (which is characterized by loss of coordination, mental retardation and uncontrolled muscle hypertonicity);
• narrowed or missing ear canal;
• a decrease in the size of the auricle, its deformation or complete absence;
• reduction in the size of the eyes and cornea;
• "Blue" heart disease - the right heart develops incorrectly. With the disease, the right stomach, interventricular septum, and pulmonary valve are abnormally formed. In such children, the mucous membranes and skin have a bluish tint;
• transposition of the main arteries - the aorta departs from the right ventricle, the pulmonary artery from the left. The central vessels do not properly depart from the heart, which leads to impaired blood circulation in the body, and oxygen begins to poorly flow to the tissues;
• cleft palate (cleft palate) - a gap in the middle of the palate;
• abnormalities in the development of the thymus;
• disorders associated with the parathyroid glands.

Each patient is required to sign a written informed consent, as Roaccutane is dangerous for an unborn child.

Interaction with other medicinal products

Roaccutane (instructions for use describe with which agents the drug is not compatible) should not be taken with:

• Retinol, since Roaccutane is a retinoid drug, overdose is possible;
• antibiotics from the tetracyclines group - they increase the pressure in the cranial cavity and possibly increase the body's sensitivity to ultraviolet and visible radiation;
• contraceptives with progesterone in the composition - isotretinoin weakens the effect of such drugs;
• drugs that soften and dissolve the stratum corneum;
• peels for deep cleansing of the skin - irritation is possible.

The effectiveness of the drug

When the required course dose is reached, the stability of the treatment result and the absence of relapse can be achieved. In patients with acne conglobata (rashes on the face and trunk), after 8 months of treatment, the efficacy reached 92%. In 6% of people in the group, the disease recurred.

Based on clinical studies, the following results are collected:

• reduction of signs of seborrhea after 1-2 weeks of treatment;
• a decrease in the number of abscesses, nodules and inflammatory processes after 3-4 weeks;
• reduction in the number of subcutaneous acne after 1-2 months of therapy.

In 91% of patients, after the treatment, the disease resumed. Within 1 week of treatment, 50% of patients developed a side effect - cheilitis, which was temporary.

Subject to the recommendations and correct use of the drug, it is possible to completely recover in 16-24 weeks. Roaccutane has a prolonged anti-acne effect, so 1 course of treatment is usually enough.

Roaccutane's analogs

Similar in composition and effect are:

1. Retasol - a preparation of Indian production, the main component is isotretinoin propylene glycol. Average price - 500 rubles. It is taken orally, rectally and applied to the skin in a thin layer.
2. Will erase - Indian counterpart. It costs up to 2000 rubles. The main component is isotretinoin.
3. Acnecutane - a drug produced in Croatia, at a price close to Roaccutane. The capsules contain isotretinoin.
4. Dermoretin - a Russian drug produced in the form of capsules and rectal suppositories. The main component is isotretinoin. The price starts from 120 rubles.
5. Retinoic ointment - domestic remedy. Available in tubes of 10 grams. It costs about 250 rubles. The ointment works topically to relieve inflammation and heal wounds.
6. Verocutane Is a Russian drug produced in the form of capsules. Costs from 760 rubles. Has a similar active ingredient.
7. Isotrexin - produced in the union of Ireland, Great Britain, Ukraine. It is produced in aluminum tubes in the form of cream and gel. It costs from 100 to 300 rubles. per packing. In the composition isotretinoin and erythromycin.

special instructions

Only a narrow-profile specialist - a dermatologist can prescribe treatment with Roaccutane. To prevent the drug from getting into the blood of other people, you cannot become a donor during the treatment period.

• To prevent the development of other diseases, it is necessary to constantly check the condition of the kidneys, liver and the whole body, taking a blood test.
• To minimize the appearance of dryness on the mucous membranes and skin of the lips, it is necessary to use products with a moisturizing effect: creams, balms.
• While taking Roaccutane, people involved in active sports may experience muscle and joint pain.
• During the period of taking the medication, it is advisable to avoid direct sun exposure and protect the skin with a cream with a high protection factor.
• In some patients, an exacerbation of acne begins, which disappears after a week without changing the dosage.
• So that the mucous membranes of the eyes do not suffer from dryness, a moisturizing gel is purchased, for example, Korneregel or Systane Ultra drops, Hilokomod.
• Sometimes at the time of taking Roaccutane, it is advisable to use glasses, giving up the optical device - lenses.

A modern and potent remedy - Roaccutane is sold only after providing a prescription form. The instructions for use contain all the necessary information. The drug should be stored in a cool dark place at a temperature not exceeding 25 ° C. Expires within 36 months.

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