WHO GETS ACNE?
Acne is common. It affects most people during their teenage years. 80% of people have suffered from acne at some time in their lives. 5% of these people suffer from very severe acne.
Acne is not caused by junk food, eating chocolate or dirty skin. Acne is a skin disease and it should be treated as one.
WHAT IS ORATANE ?
Oratane capsules contain a medication known as isotretinoin. Isotretinoin is often a cure for acne. It is a similar substance to Vitamin A, but the action of isotretinoin is very different.
Oratane works by reducing the amount of oily substances produced by the oil making glands in your skin. This reduces the amount of bacteria in the skin.
These bacteria are the cause of the ‘pus’ and inflammation found with acne. Oratane may help reduce the inflammation of the skin.
WHY HAS ORATANE BEEN PRESCRIBED FOR ME?
Your doctor has probably prescribed Oratane for you because other treatments for your acne have been unsuccessful.
You probably haven’t been prescribed Oratane earlier because it is considered to be a good idea to try other treatments, such as creams and antibiotics, for your acne first.
While you are taking Oratane you will need to follow very carefully all the instructions given to you by your doctor. You should also follow the advice given to you in this booklet, as it will help you to look after your skin during your Oratane treatment.
WHEN WILL I STOP USING ORATANE?
The course of Oratane treatment will vary from patient to patient. Your doctor will advise you how long to take your Oratane. In most cases the treatment lasts for around 16 weeks, but could last up to six months or more.
In over 80% of cases Oratane will completely clear your acne by the end of one treatment. The healing process that is started with Oratane may continue after the treatment has ceased. You will need to keep taking your Oratane for as long as your doctor has told you to. If you stop sooner you may not get the full benefits of Oratane.
If your acne has not been completely cured, a second course of Oratane may be considered by your doctor.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
As with all medicines, there are side effects with Oratane. The side effects include dryness in several parts of the body, possible tiredness, and sometimes aching of the muscles and bones. More information on side effects can be found in the Side Effects section of this website.
Oratane should NEVER be used by women who intend to become pregnant, during pregnancy or for one month after treatment with Oratane is finished.
ORATANE AND POTENTIAL BIRTH DEFECTS
If you fall pregnant while taking Oratane capsules there is a high risk of having a baby that is deformed. All possibility of pregnancy MUST be ruled out before you start your Oratane treatment. Strict birth control methods should be used for one month before you start your Oratane, during your entire Oratane treatment and for one month after you stop taking Oratane.
One month after you have finished your Oratane, you can resume your normal practices. Further information about Oratane and birth defects can be found in the Contraception section of this website. There is no known risk to males who wish to father children.
WHO CAN TAKE ORATANE?
Oratane is suitable for almost everyone with acne, regardless of sex or age. People who can’t take Oratane include pregnant women or women who are breast feeding and people suffering from certain medical conditions. Please tell your doctor if you have any other conditions or
take any other medications.
LABORATORY TESTS
Sometimes you may be asked to have blood tests done. These establish a baseline for your liver function, blood lipids, and for females to confirm that you are not pregnant. Follow your doctor’s advice before having blood taken.
