Absorica Capsule: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Absorica Capsule (isotretinoin) is a prescription retinoid used to treat severe nodular (cystic) acne in people 12 years and older whose acne has not improved with other treatments, including antibiotics. It works by reducing the amount of oil the skin's glands produce, which helps clear severe acne. Absorica carries serious warnings, including risks during pregnancy, and must be used exactly as directed by a doctor.

What is Absorica Capsule

Absorica is a prescription medicine made from a form of vitamin A. It is used to treat severe nodular (cystic) acne in people 12 years and older whose acne has not improved with other treatments, including antibiotics.

Absorica Capsule uses

• Treats severe nodular (cystic) acne that has not cleared up with other treatments such as antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, or clindamycin applied to the skin

Benefits of Absorica Capsule

• Can significantly reduce the number of acne nodules over a course of treatment
• A single course of treatment can lead to long-lasting remission of severe acne in many people

How Absorica Capsule works

Absorica works by reducing the amount of oil (sebum) the skin's oil glands produce. High amounts of sebum can lead to severe acne, so lowering it helps clear the skin.

Absorica Capsule dosage

Take exactly as directed by your doctor, usually twice a day for about 15 to 20 weeks. Swallow the capsule whole with a full glass of water; do not chew, crush, or suck on it. Some brands must be taken with meals, while others may be taken with or without food; food can help your body absorb the medicine better, so ask your doctor or pharmacist which applies to your product. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking a dose. Take it at the same times each day to help you remember.

Your acne may seem to get worse at first, and it can take one to two months before you notice real improvement. Do not take more than the recommended amount. Never share this medicine with anyone else.

If you miss a dose, just skip it and take your next dose at the regular time; do not take two doses at once. Women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle the capsules or breathe in dust from them, since the drug can be absorbed through skin and lungs.

Available forms and strengths

• Capsule (10 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, 30 mg, 35 mg, 40 mg for Absorica; 8 mg, 16 mg, 20 mg, 24 mg, 28 mg, 32 mg for Absorica LD)

Side effects of Absorica Capsule

Common

• Dry skin, lips, eyes, or nose (may cause nosebleeds)
• Vision problems
• Headache
• Back pain, joint pain, muscle problems
• Skin reactions
• Cold-like symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat
• Chapped or swollen lips
• Fatigue

Serious

• Signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of face or throat
• Severe skin reactions: fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple rash with blistering and peeling
• Vision or hearing problems, including ringing in the ears or hearing loss
• Increased pressure inside the skull: severe headaches, ringing in ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind the eyes
• Signs of depression or mental health changes: mood swings, crying spells, feelings of low self-worth, loss of interest in activities, new sleep problems, thoughts of self-harm
• Hallucinations or psychosis
• Signs of liver or pancreas problems: loss of appetite, upper stomach pain that may spread to the back, nausea or vomiting, fast heart rate, dark urine, yellowing of skin or eyes
• Severe stomach problems: severe stomach or chest pain, pain when swallowing, heartburn, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, bloody or tarry stools
• Increased thirst or urination (possible sign of blood sugar problems)
• Muscle weakness (possible sign of serious muscle damage)
• Bone problems such as pain, softening, or thinning that could lead to fractures

Warnings and precautions

• Absorica can cause life-threatening birth defects, miscarriage, or death of an unborn baby if taken during pregnancy, even for a short time or in a small amount.
• This medicine can cause serious mental health problems, including depression, psychosis, and thoughts of suicide. Stop the medicine and contact your doctor right away if you or a family member notices any warning signs.
• Absorica can increase pressure in the brain, which can cause permanent vision loss and, in rare cases, death.
• Serious, sometimes fatal, skin reactions can occur, including rash with fever, blistering, or peeling skin.
• Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) can occur and can be fatal.
• Do not donate blood while taking this medicine and for at least one month after stopping, because donated blood could be given to a pregnant person and cause birth defects.
• Avoid wax hair removal, dermabrasion, or laser skin treatments during treatment and for at least 6 months afterward, since these can cause scarring.
• This medicine can make your skin sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight and tanning beds, and use sunscreen and protective clothing.
• Do not take vitamin A supplements while on this medicine unless your doctor tells you to, since combining them can increase the risk of side effects.
• This medicine may affect bone growth in teenagers who are still growing and may increase the risk of bone loss or fractures, especially with repetitive-impact sports.
• Absorica must never be used during pregnancy. Even one dose can cause severe birth defects, miscarriage, premature birth, or death of the baby. Women who can become pregnant must have two negative pregnancy tests before starting, use two forms of birth control starting one month before treatment and continuing for one month after stopping, and have monthly pregnancy tests during treatment.
• Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking Absorica and for at least 8 days after your last dose, since it is not known if the drug passes into breast milk but similar drugs do.
• Tell your doctor if you have liver disease before starting this medicine. Your doctor will check your liver function with blood tests before and during treatment, since liver problems, including hepatitis, can occur.
• Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine, as it may increase the risk of certain side effects such as pancreatitis.
• This medicine can affect your eyesight, especially at night. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything requiring clear vision until you know how it affects you.

Storage

• Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light
• Do not store in the bathroom
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless told to do so; ask your pharmacist how to properly dispose of unused medicine

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency medical help right away if you have signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as hives, swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing.
• Stop taking the medicine and call your doctor immediately if you think you might be pregnant.
• Stop the medicine and get medical help right away if you have severe headache, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or seizures, which can be signs of increased pressure in the brain.
• Call your doctor right away if you notice mood changes, depression, anxiety, or thoughts of hurting yourself.
• Stop the medicine and seek care right away if you have severe stomach pain, ongoing nausea or vomiting, which could be signs of pancreatitis.
• Stop the medicine and call your doctor if you develop signs of liver problems, such as yellowing skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe stomach pain.
• Get medical help right away for signs of a serious allergic reaction, including rash, swelling of the face or tongue, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.

Alternatives

• Isotretinoin
• Minocycline
• Doxycycline