Who can take isotretinoin capsules
Isotretinoin capsules are for children and adults with severe acne. Do not give isotretinoin capsules to children under the age of 12 years or before puberty.
If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before beginning treatment with isotretinoin capsules. You may need extra monitoring while you take this medicine because it can cause your blood sugar levels to rise.
Who may not be able to take isotretinoin capsules
Isotretinoin capsules are not suitable for some people. To make sure they're safe for you, tell your doctor if you:
- have ever had an allergic reaction to isotretinoin, peanut or soya (the capsules contain soya bean oil) or any other medicine
- have had a mental health condition, like depression, psychosis, aggressive behaviour or thoughts about suicide
- have ever had problems that affect your sex life such as erectile dysfunction (impotence), low sex drive (loss of libido), vaginal dryness, loss of feeling in your genitals or difficulty reaching orgasm
- are trying for a baby, pregnant, think you may be pregnant or you're breastfeeding
- have liver or kidney disease
- have high levels of cholesterol or other fats in your blood
- have high levels of vitamin A in your body
- have inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis