Accufine 5 mg

For an appropriately selected patient isotretinoin supports these treatment goals.

• Reduced excess oil production

• Fewer deep inflammatory acne lesions

• Better control of severe acne after other treatment has failed

• Reduced risk of further scarring through control of active breakouts

The 5 mg strength gives the prescriber flexibility when selecting an individual dose. A lower capsule strength does not remove the need for monitoring or pregnancy precautions.

Some people have prolonged improvement after treatment. Acne recurrence is also possible. Your dermatologist decides whether maintenance treatment is needed. Do not restart leftover capsules without review.

Isotretinoin reduces activity in the sebaceous glands. These glands make sebum which is the skin's natural oil. Less excess sebum helps reduce the conditions that contribute to acne.

The medicine also helps reduce follicle blockage and inflammation. Less sebum creates a less favourable environment for acne associated bacteria. This action differs from the antibacterial action of an antibiotic.

Improvement develops during treatment. An early flare is possible. Report marked worsening to your dermatologist instead of changing the dose yourself.

Take Accufine 5 mg in the dose and schedule selected by your dermatologist. Body weight and treatment response guide the plan alongside tolerability and other health factors.

Standard oral isotretinoin guidance describes a starting dose around 0.5 mg per kg daily. Many patients receive 0.5 mg to 1 mg per kg daily. Lower doses are used when clinically appropriate. These figures explain general practice and should not be used to calculate your own prescription.

One 5 mg capsule a day is not a universal starting dose. Ask your pharmacist to confirm the total daily dose if your prescription includes different strengths. Do not combine packs without checking the instructions.

Conventional isotretinoin capsules are taken with food. Follow the supplied Accufine leaflet and prescription. Swallow the capsule whole with water. Do not chew or open it. Check instructions after a change of formulation.

Treatment generally lasts several months. The duration depends on your clinical response and treatment plan. Keep review appointments instead of extending the course yourself.

If you miss a scheduled dose take it when remembered unless the next one is nearly due. Skip it if the next dose is nearly due. Never double the dose. Seek prompt medical advice if you take more than prescribed.

Liver function and blood lipids need checking before treatment and during the course. Pregnancy testing is required when relevant. Clinical reviews also cover mental health and sexual function concerns. Improving skin does not remove the need for these checks.

Common Side Effects: Dry lips and dry skin are common with isotretinoin. Other reported effects include dry eyes and nasal dryness. Nosebleeds and muscle or joint discomfort also occur. Use a gentle cleanser and suitable moisturiser. Lip balm and sun protection help manage dryness and sun sensitivity. Ask about lubricating eye drops if needed. Report troublesome symptoms and avoid exfoliating products without advice.

Serious Side Effects: Stop taking isotretinoin and seek urgent medical advice for a severe persistent headache with vomiting or visual changes. Severe abdominal pain or bloody diarrhoea also requires urgent assessment. Get emergency help for breathing difficulty or swelling of the face or throat. Report new depression or major mood changes promptly. Stop treatment and seek urgent help for severe mental health symptoms. Discuss new sexual function symptoms with your clinician. If pregnancy is suspected then stop taking isotretinoin and contact your prescriber immediately.

Do not take isotretinoin in the following situations.

• You are pregnant or trying to become pregnant

• You are breastfeeding

• You can become pregnant but cannot meet the required pregnancy prevention conditions

• You have liver insufficiency

• Your blood lipid levels are excessively elevated

• You have excess vitamin A in the body

• You are taking a tetracycline antibiotic

• You are allergic to isotretinoin or an ingredient in the capsule

Check excipients if you have food allergies. Capsule ingredients differ between manufacturers. Ask the pharmacist to review the actual Accufine pack instead of assuming its ingredients match another brand.

If pregnancy is possible follow the clinician's pregnancy prevention programme. Effective contraception is needed for at least one month before treatment and throughout treatment. Continue it for at least one month after the last dose. The clinician explains the required method or combination of methods and pregnancy testing schedule.

Stop isotretinoin and contact the prescriber immediately if pregnancy is suspected. Do not donate blood during treatment or for one month after stopping. Never share capsules.

Give your dermatologist a complete medicine list. Include supplements and skincare products. The following need particular attention.

• Tetracycline antibiotics such as doxycycline and minocycline

• Vitamin A supplements

• Other oral retinoids

• Exfoliating or irritating acne treatments

• Medicines or herbal products that interfere with contraception

Tetracyclines must not be combined with isotretinoin because of the risk of raised pressure inside the skull. Vitamin A supplements add to retinoid toxicity. Check multivitamins rather than assuming they contain no vitamin A.

Ask before continuing topical retinoids or strong exfoliants. These products add to skin irritation during treatment. Do not introduce a new acne routine without discussing it.

Discuss alcohol with your prescriber because isotretinoin affects liver tests and blood fats. Avoid waxing and arrange advice before laser treatments or dermabrasion. Follow the product leaflet and dermatologist's instructions about procedure timing during and after treatment.

• Follow the storage temperature printed on the supplied carton

• Keep capsules in their original packaging

• Protect the pack from excessive heat and moisture

• Keep it out of sight and reach of children

• Check the expiry date before use

• Do not use damaged or leaking capsules

• Return unused capsules to a pharmacy for disposal

Keep the leaflet. Never share capsules.