Isofair 10 mg

For a suitable patient isotretinoin offers treatment for severe acne that has not responded adequately to other medicines. The aim is to control active disease and reduce further damage from ongoing inflammation.

Treatment benefits include the following.

• Reducing excessive sebum production

• Reducing inflamed acne lesions

• Improving severe acne after unsuccessful standard treatment

• Limiting the ongoing acne activity that contributes to new scars

Improvement does not mean that old scars disappear. The outcome also differs between patients. Some people require further acne treatment after the course.

Sebaceous glands produce the skin's natural oil called sebum. Excess sebum and blocked follicles contribute to acne. Inflammation then causes redness and swollen lesions.

Isotretinoin reduces the activity of the sebaceous glands and lowers sebum production. It also helps reduce follicle blockage and inflammation. Changes in the follicle environment reduce conditions that support acne associated bacteria.

This action develops over time. The medicine is not an overnight spot treatment. Acne sometimes worsens briefly at the start before improvement becomes apparent.

The same effect on oil glands explains why dry lips and dry skin are common during treatment. Gentle skin care and regular follow up help manage those effects. Report a marked worsening of acne or severe irritation rather than changing the capsule dose yourself.

Take Isofair 10 mg exactly as prescribed. The strength on the pack identifies the amount in one capsule. It does not mean that everyone should take one capsule each day.

A common starting dose for conventional oral isotretinoin is 0.5 mg per kilogram of body weight daily. The usual treatment range is 0.5 mg to 1 mg per kilogram daily. Clinicians also use lower doses for selected patients according to tolerability and clinical needs. Do not calculate or change your dose yourself.

Conventional isotretinoin capsules are taken with food once or twice daily according to the prescription. Follow the directions for your supplied Isofair pack. Swallow the capsule whole with water. Do not chew it or open it.

Treatment commonly lasts several months. The duration depends on the response and the total treatment received. Do not extend the course or restart leftover capsules without another assessment.

Blood tests check liver function and blood fats before treatment and during the course. Your clinician sets the testing schedule. Pregnancy testing and prevention requirements also apply to patients who can become pregnant.

Keep follow up appointments and report new mood changes or sexual symptoms. These reviews are part of treatment even when the skin is improving.

If you miss a dose follow your leaflet or pharmacist's advice. Do not double the next dose. Seek urgent advice if you take more than prescribed. Do not share capsules or stop prescribed contraception when the acne improves.

Dry lips and dry skin are common isotretinoin effects. Dry eyes and nosebleeds also occur. Some patients develop muscle or joint discomfort. Blood tests detect changes such as raised triglycerides or liver enzymes. Use a gentle moisturiser and lip balm. Ask about lubricating eye drops if needed. Report persistent symptoms and avoid driving if vision is affected.

Stop treatment and seek urgent medical advice for a severe headache with nausea or vision changes. Severe abdominal pain or bloody diarrhoea also needs urgent assessment. Seek emergency care for breathing difficulty or facial swelling. Severe blistering or peeling skin requires urgent help. Report new depression or significant behavioural changes promptly. Thoughts of self harm need immediate help. Stop Isofair and contact your prescriber immediately if pregnancy occurs or is suspected.

Isotretinoin requires careful screening before use. Do not take it if any of the following applies.

• Pregnancy or plans for pregnancy during treatment or within one month after stopping

• Breastfeeding

• Inability to follow the required pregnancy prevention measures

• Allergy to isotretinoin or another capsule ingredient

• Liver impairment

• Excessively high blood fat levels

• Excess vitamin A in the body

• Current treatment with tetracycline antibiotics

If you can become pregnant use the effective contraception agreed with your clinician for one month before treatment. Continue throughout the course and for one month after the last dose. Attend the required pregnancy tests.

Tell your prescriber about a history of depression or other mental health concerns. This history needs assessment rather than automatically excluding treatment. Discuss kidney disease and any previous serious medicine reaction. Check the capsule ingredients if you have a food allergy because excipients differ between products.

Tell your clinician about all medicines and supplements before starting Isofair. Include skin products bought without a prescription.

Important products to discuss include the following.

• Tetracycline antibiotics including doxycycline and minocycline

• Vitamin A supplements

• Other retinoid medicines

• Exfoliating acne products and strong skin treatments

• Medicines and herbal products that affect contraception

• St John's wort

Do not combine isotretinoin with tetracyclines because of the risk of raised pressure inside the skull. Vitamin A supplements add to retinoid toxicity. Strong exfoliating products increase irritation.

Avoid alcohol or keep intake within the limit agreed with your clinician because treatment affects liver function and blood fats. Do not stop contraception or another prescribed medicine yourself. Ask your pharmacist to check any proposed supplement before use.

Follow the storage instructions printed on your supplied pack.

• Keep capsules in their original blister packaging until use

• Follow the temperature limit stated on the pack

• Protect the medicine from moisture and excessive heat

• Keep out of the reach and sight of children

• Check the expiry date before use

• Do not use capsules from damaged packaging

• Return unused capsules to a pharmacy for safe disposal