Amnesteem Capsules (Isotretinoin): Uses, Dosage, Side ... - RxList

What Is Amnesteem?

Amnesteem (isotretinoin capsules) is a retinoid indicated for the treatment of severe recalcitrant nodular acne.

What Are Side Effects of Amnesteem?

Amnesteem may cause serious side effects including:

• hives,
• difficulty breathing,
• swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat,
• fever,
• sore throat,
• burning eyes,
• skin pain,
• red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling,
• difficulty hearing,
• problems with your vision,
• muscle or joint pain,
• bone pain,
• back pain,
• increased thirst,
• increased urination,
• hallucinations,
• unusual mood changes,
• crying spells,
• feelings of low self-worth,
• loss of interest in things you once enjoyed,
• new sleep problems,
• thoughts about self-harm,
• loss of appetite,
• upper stomach pain (that may spread to your back),
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• fast heart rate,
• dark urine,
• yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice),
• severe stomach pain,
• chest pain or pressure,
• pain when you swallow,
• heartburn,
• diarrhea,
• rectal bleeding,
• bloody or tarry stools,
• severe headaches,
• ringing in your ears,
• dizziness,
• nausea, and
• pain behind your eyes

Get medical help right away, if you have any of the symptoms listed above.

Common side effects of Amnesteem include:

• dry skin,
• chapped lips,
• dry eyes, and
• dry nose that may lead to nosebleeds.

Tell your doctor if you have serious side effects of Amnesteem including:

• increased brain pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, seizures, or stroke);
• a rash with a fever,
• blisters on legs, arms or face and/or sores in your mouth, throat, nose, eyes, or if your skin begins to peel;
• severe stomach, chest, or bowel pain;
• trouble swallowing or painful swallowing,
• new or worsening heartburn,
• diarrhea,
• rectal bleeding,
• yellowing of your skin or eyes,
• dark urine,
• back pain,
• joint pain,
• broken bones,
• hearing problems,
• vision problems, and
• blood sugar problems.

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
• Serious heart symptoms such as fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in your chest; shortness of breath; and sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out;
• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors.

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

Dosage for Amnesteem

The recommended dosage range for Amnesteem is 0.5 to 1 mg/kg/day given in two divided doses with food for 15 to 20 weeks.

What Drugs, Substances, or Supplements Interact with Amnesteem?

Amnesteem may interact with vitamin A, tetracycline antibiotics, hormonal contraceptives, St. John's Wort, phenytoin, and corticosteroids. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

Amnesteem During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding

Amnesteem is not recommended for use during pregnancy; it may cause birth defects. Women must receive a negative pregnancy test before taking Amnesteem, and patients will be counseled to avoid pregnancy by using two forms of contraception simultaneously and continuously one month before, during and one month after Amnesteem therapy, unless the patient commits to continuous abstinence. It is unknown if Amnesteem passes into breast milk. Because of the potential for unwanted effects on nursing infants, breastfeeding is not recommended while using Amnesteem and for one month after stopping treatment.

Additional Information

Our Amnesteem (isotretinoin capsules) Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.