Gel de isotretinoína para el acné

About isotretinoin gel

El acné es la causa común de las manchas. La mayoría de las personas con acné tienen entre 12 y 25 años, pero también las hay de más edad y más jóvenes. Las pequeñas glándulas sebáceas se encuentran justo debajo de la superficie de la piel y producen una grasa (sebo) que mantiene la piel flexible y suave. Los pequeños poros de la piel permiten que el sebo salga a la superficie. En el acné, algunos de estos poros se obstruyen, provocando pequeños granos, espinillas y puntos blancos (comedones).

Applying isotretinoin to the areas of your skin with acne will help to unblock pores and treat blackheads or whiteheads. It also has some effect on reducing inflammation. If your spots are inflamed, you may be prescribed a brand called Isotrexin® as this gel also contains an antibacterial agent called erythromycin.

Isotretinoin is also available as capsules for more severe forms of acne which have not got better by using rub-on skin treatments. There is a separate medicine leaflet which contains more information about this, called Isotretinoin capsules for acne.

Before using isotretinoin gel

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start using isotretinoin gel it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding. You must not use isotretinoin gel if you could be pregnant.

• Si tiene un problema cutáneo distinto del acné, como eccema o rosácea.

• Si usted o algún familiar cercano han padecido alguna vez cáncer de piel.

• Si toma o utiliza otros medicamentos. Esto incluye cualquier crema que esté utilizando y que pueda adquirirse sin receta.

• Si alguna vez ha tenido una reacción alérgica a un medicamento.
  

How to use isotretinoin gel

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about isotretinoin and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from using the gel.

• Apply isotretinoin gel exactly as your doctor tells you to. It is best if you wash and gently dry the affected areas of your skin before you apply isotretinoin. A general point is that you should apply it to all of the area where your spots occur and not just to each spot. It is usual to apply it once or twice a day at first, although your doctor may suggest you use it less than this once your skin has improved. You only need to apply a thin layer of gel. Remember to wash your hands after you have finished applying the gel.

• If you have recently been using a preparation for your acne that causes your skin to peel, allow your skin to recover for a few days before you start using isotretinoin gel.

• Do not use the gel on any areas of your skin which are sunburnt or sore. Also, try to avoid getting it on the sensitive areas of your skin in or around your nostrils, your eyes and your mouth. Try not to let it build up in the folds or creases of your skin.

Aproveche al máximo su tratamiento

• Se recomienda utilizar un jabón suave y agua tibia para lavarse, ya que el agua muy caliente o fría puede empeorar el acné. No se pueden limpiar los puntos negros. La punta negra de un punto negro es en realidad un pigmento de la piel y no se puede eliminar limpiando o restregando.

• Si la piel se reseca mucho, puede ser útil utilizar una crema hidratante (preferiblemente sin perfume y a base de agua). No utilices pomadas ni cremas ricas en aceite, ya que podrían volver a obstruirte los poros.

• You can use make-up and moisturisers, but do not apply them at the same time as you use isotretinoin gel. Try to avoid any skin products which exfoliate or dry your skin.

• Isotretinoin gel can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight than usual. A sun protection cream can help if you are out in the sun on bright days, even if it is cloudy. Do not use sunbeds.

• It is normal for isotretinoin treatment to take several weeks before there is a noticeable improvement in your skin. The most common reason for treatment failure is stopping treatment too soon thinking it is not working. If there is no improvement despite having used the gel for eight weeks, speak with your doctor again as there are other treatments which could be more suited to your condition.

• You should avoid getting pregnant while you are using isotretinoin as there is a slight risk of harm to unborn babies. If necessary, discuss with your doctor which types of contraception are suitable for you and your partner.

• Una vez que los granos han desaparecido, el acné suele reaparecer si se interrumpe el tratamiento. Para evitarlo, es habitual seguir con un tratamiento de mantenimiento después de que hayan desaparecido los granos. La dosis utilizada para prevenir la reaparición de los granos suele ser menor que la utilizada para tratar el acné. Es habitual necesitar un tratamiento de mantenimiento durante varios años para mantener el acné a raya.

Can isotretinoin gel cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with isotretinoin gel. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Si experimenta cualquier otro síntoma que considere que puede deberse a la isotretinoína, consulte a su médico o farmacéutico.

How to store isotretinoin gel

• Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y de la vista de los niños.

• Almacenar en un lugar fresco y seco, lejos del calor y la luz directos.
  

Información importante sobre todos los medicamentos