Acnotren is a medication prescribed for the treatment of severe acne, particularly when the acne does not respond to any previous treatments. Let's explore the uses and precautions when using Acnotren in the article below.
1. Uses of Acnotren
Acnotren contains the active ingredient isotretinoin 10mg. It is formulated in the form of soft capsules.
Isotretinoin is a form of vitamin A used to treat severe acne that does not respond to other acne treatments, including antibiotics. Isotretinoin works by reducing oil production in the skin, as excessive oil production can lead to severe acne. If left untreated, the patient may develop permanent scarring and a higher risk of bacterial superinfection.
Thanks to the active ingredient isotretinoin, Acnotren is indicated for the treatment of severe acne, especially acne conglobata.
2. How to Use and Dosage of Acnotren
Administration: It is recommended to take Acnotren with a full glass of water. It is important to note that the capsule should not be chewed or held in the mouth but should be swallowed whole to maintain the integrity of the formulation. Patients should take it with meals.
Dosage:
Initial dose: 0.5 to 1 mg/kg/day, divided into two doses over a period of 15 to 20 weeks. The maximum dosage is 2 mg/kg/day for severe acne, including acne on the chest or back.
Maintenance dose: 0.1 to 1 mg/kg/day. Treatment should be discontinued for approximately 2 months before reinitiating therapy.
Important Notes: Follow the prescribed duration of treatment. Initially, acne may worsen, but it will gradually improve over time. Therefore, patients should continue the treatment and not discontinue it halfway. It is essential to store the medication at room temperature, avoiding humid, hot, and light-exposed areas. Keep it out of reach of children and pets.
Overdose: An overdose of Acnotren can cause symptoms such as headache, dizziness, vomiting, stomach pain, a hot or tingling sensation on the face, swelling and severe dryness of the lips, imbalance, or loss of coordination. Patients should immediately inform their doctor if they believe they have taken more than the recommended dose.
3. Possible Side Effects of Acnotren
Like other medications, Acnotren may cause side effects ranging from mild to severe. Below are some potential side effects you may experience when using Acnotren:
- Serious side effects: You should go to the hospital immediately if you notice signs of a severe allergic reaction such as a rash, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or if you experience severe skin reactions along with symptoms like fever, sore throat, skin pain, red or purple skin rashes with blisters or peeling.
- Stop using Acnotren and inform your doctor immediately if you experience side effects such as:
- Vision problems or hearing changes
- Muscle pain or joint pain, bone pain, back pain
- Increased thirst, frequent urination
- Hallucinations
- Symptoms of depression, such as unusual mood changes, feelings of inferiority, loss of interest in things once enjoyed, sleep problems, or new thoughts of self-harm
- Signs of liver or pancreas problems such as loss of appetite, upper abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Stomach problems such as stomach pain, severe chest pain, painful swallowing, heartburn, blood in stools or coffee-colored stools
- Increased intracranial pressure causing severe headaches, tinnitus, dizziness, and nausea
- Common side effects: Dry skin, dry lips, dry eyes, or dry nose that may cause nosebleeds; vision problems; headaches, muscle or joint pain, common cold-like symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, sore throat.
If any of these side effects occur and cause concern, the patient should stop the medication and consult a doctor for timely advice and support.
4. Precautions When Using Acnotren
Vitamin A poses a risk to the fetus, which is why Acnotren can cause miscarriage, preterm birth, severe birth defects, or fetal death if used during conception or pregnancy. Even a single dose of isotretinoin can lead to major birth defects in the ears, eyes, face, skull, heart, and brain of the fetus. Therefore, it is essential not to use Acnotren if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. Your doctor may recommend a pregnancy test before starting Acnotren.
Additionally, when using Acnotren, patients will be guided on effective contraception methods to ensure that they do not become pregnant while on the medication and for at least 30 days after stopping it. If you are not fully aware of effective contraception methods, you should consult an obstetrician for helpful advice.
Stop using Acnotren immediately and contact your doctor if you have engaged in unprotected sexual intercourse, discontinued contraceptive methods, experienced a late period, or suspect that you may be pregnant. Your doctor will conduct an examination and provide appropriate counseling.
You should not use Acnotren if you have had an allergic reaction to the active ingredient or any excipients in the medication. This medication should not be used by children under 12 years old. Before using Acnotren, inform your doctor if you have a history of any of the following conditions:
- Depression or any mental health disorders
- Asthma
- Liver disease
- Diabetes
- Heart disease or high cholesterol
- Osteoporosis or low bone mineral density
- Anorexia
- Gastrointestinal disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease or ulcerative colitis
When using Acnotren, women should not breastfeed.
Some precautions to keep in mind when using Acnotren include:
- Do not take any vitamin or mineral supplements that contain vitamin A unless specifically prescribed by your doctor.
- Blood donation is not permitted while using Acnotren and for at least 30 days after discontinuation of the medication, as the donated blood may be used for pregnant women, potentially leading to birth defects if the blood contains any levels of isotretinoin.
- Acnotren may make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so avoid direct sunlight, wear protective clothing, and use sunscreen (with SPF 30 or higher) when outdoors.
- Avoid driving or engaging in hazardous activities, as some side effects may affect your ability to concentrate. It’s advised to refrain from such activities until you are sure Acnotren does not cause side effects that affect your performance.
Drug interactions can occur when taking Acnotren with other medications. Therefore, inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications. Some drugs that may interact with Acnotren include:
- Phenytoin (a vitamin or mineral supplement)
- Progestin-only contraceptives, as Acnotren may reduce the effectiveness of these contraceptives
- Steroids
- Antibiotics such as tetracycline, doxycycline, or minocycline
Acnotren is a medication prescribed for the treatment of severe acne, especially when other treatments have been ineffective. To ensure effective treatment and minimize unwanted side effects, patients should follow the doctor’s and pharmacist’s instructions carefully.
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