Manufacturer: Zenlabs, India
Pharmaceutical name: Isotretinoin
Pack: 10 pills (10 mg)
Tretizen features Isotretinoin as its active ingredient. It is a retinoid utilized to treat severe acne, including nodular and cystic acne, which are characterized by large, deep, and painful cysts or nodules. These types of acne can manifest individually or simultaneously, known as nodulocystic acne. Treating severe acne can be quite challenging, and if untreated, it may lead to scarring.
Tretizen is prescribed specifically for severe nodular acne when previous acne treatments have not yielded improvements. Approximately 85% of patients experience enhancements after a single course of Isotretinoin therapy. Although the precise mechanism of Tretizen remains unknown, it is believed that the improvement in severe acne is linked to decreased oil production in the skin, modifications in the characteristics of skin oil, and the prevention of abnormal skin thickening.
A dermatologist will determine the exact dosage for each patient based on the severity of the condition, the patient's weight and age, and their response to treatment.
Tretizen is taken orally and should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water. It is taken with food to enhance drug absorption into the bloodstream, although some brands can be taken with or without food. Typically, Tretizen is administered twice daily for a period of 15 to 20 weeks. The standard adult dosage of Isotretinoin for severe recalcitrant nodular acne ranges from 0.5mg to 1mg/kg of body weight daily, divided into two doses. A higher dose of 2mg/kg per day may be required for severe acne accompanied by scarring or for severe acne located on the trunk. For pediatric patients aged 12 years and older, the typical Tretizen dosage is also between 0.5mg to 1mg/kg of body weight daily, taken in two divided doses.
Common side effects associated with Tretizen include headache, dizziness, drowsiness, chapped lips, dry eyes, mouth or skin, dry nose that may lead to nosebleeds, a temporary increase in acne severity, slight swelling of the eyelids or lips, flaky skin, upset stomach, and hair thinning. Utilizing a lip moisturizer may help to prevent lip cracking. If any of these side effects continue or worsen, it is advisable to consult the dermatologist.