Isotretinoin Survival Guide

Isotretinoin Survival Guide

General Tips:

  • take with food: Take isotretinoin with a meal or snack to improve absorption and reduce stomach upset. Best with fatty foods like yogurt, milk, peanut butter, eggs, avocado, butter, or meat.
  • stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration
  • avoid vitamin a supplements: do not take additional vitamin A while on isotretinoin to avoid toxicity.
  • do not take Doxycycline while on isotretinoin 
  • use sunscreen: Isotretinoin increases sun sensitivity. Apply high-spf sunscreen and wear protective clothing outdoors.
  • be patient: Improvement may take weeks to months. Stick to your regimen.
  • follow up regularly: Attend all scheduled doctor appointments to monitor progress and side effects.

To Mitigate Side Effects:

  • reduce side effects & increase efficacy: add the following 
    • omega-3 fatty acid 1g/day 
    • loratadine 10mg/day
  • dry eyes: artificial tears (e.g., systane ultra)
  • dry nose: saline nasal spray
  • dry/cracked lips: vaseline, aquaphor, cerave ointment,  1%, hydrocortisone lip balm
  • dry skin: moisturizer (creams or ointments, glycerin-based or with lactic acid)

Recommended Products: (linked)

Gentle Cleansers

Vanicream Gentle Cleanser

La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

Avene Tolerance Cleanser

CeraVe Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

Moisturizers

Avene Tolerance Cream

Neutrogena Water Cream

Skinfix Skin Barrier Gel Cream

La Roche-Posay Double Repair Face Moisturizer

Skinbetter Trio Rebalancing Moisturizer

Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore

Skin Barrier Repair (Very Dry, Irritated Skin)

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm

Avene Cicalfate+ Restorative Cream

Elta MD Skin Recovery Night Mask

Dry, Cracked Lips

Aquaphor Healing Ointment
Dr. Dan Cortibalm
Weleda Skin Food Lip Butter

Dry Eyes

Systane Hydrating PF Eye Drops


1 comment

Always with the best recommendations. !!! Thank you Dr Cervantes

Lissy Alvarez

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