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Absorica vs. Zenatane

Are Absorica and Zenatane the Same Thing?

Absorica (isotretinoin) and Zenatane (isotretinoin) are retinoids, a form of vitamin A, used to treat a severe form of acne called nodular acne.

Side effects of Absorica and Zenatane that are similar include fatigue, dry skin, eye inflammation (dry eyes burning, redness, itching), dry nose that can lead to nosebleeds, and inflammation of the lips (including chapping, scaling, redness, pain, burning).

Side effects of Absorica that are different from Zenatane include mental health problems (such as depression, psychosis, or thoughts of suicide), skin reactions such as infections or rash, bone or joint pain, difficulty moving, and abdominal pain.

Side effects of Zenatane that are different from Absorica include dry lips and mouth, crusty skin, upset stomach, thinning of hair, skin peeling, headache, and sun sensitivity.

Both Absorica and Zenatane may interact with vitamin supplements containing Vitamin A, tetracycline antibiotics, phenytoin, St. John's wort, systemic corticosteroids, and oral contraceptives.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Absorica?

Common side effects of Absorica include:

  • mental health problems (such as depression, psychosis, or thoughts of suicide),
  • fatigue,
  • skin reactions such as infections or rash,
  • dry skin,
  • bone or joint pain,
  • eye inflammation (dry eyes, burning, redness, itching),
  • difficulty moving,
  • dry nose that can lead to nosebleeds,
  • inflammation of the lips (including chapping, scaling, redness, pain, burning), and
  • abdominal pain

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience depression, thoughts of suicide, or psychosis while taking Absorica.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Zenatane?

Common side effects of Zenatane include:

  • dry lips and mouth,
  • minor swelling of the eyelids or lips,
  • crusty skin,
  • nosebleeds,
  • upset stomach,
  • thinning of hair,
  • skin peeling,
  • dry eyes,
  • dry skin,
  • headache,
  • fatigue, and
  • sun sensitivity

What Is Absorica?

Absorica (isotretinoin) is a retinoid, a form of vitamin A, used to treat a severe form of acne called nodular acne in patients 12 years of age and older who have not been helped by other acne treatments, including antibiotics.

What Is Zenatane?

Zenatane (isotretinoin) is a retinoid used to treat severe recalcitrant nodular acne.

What Drugs Interact With Absorica?

Absorica may interact with steroids, seizure medications, or tetracycline antibiotics.

Absorica may also interact with vitamin supplements containing Vitamin A, St. John's wort, and oral contraceptives.

What Drugs Interact With Zenatane?

Zenatane may interact with vitamin A, tetracyclines, progesterone, oral contraceptives, St. John's Wort, phenytoin, or corticosteroids. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. Do not use Zenatane if you are pregnant or may become pregnant.

How Should Absorica Be Taken?

Absorica is taken orally. The recommended dosage of 0.5 to 1 mg/kg/day is given in two divided doses for 15 to 20 weeks.

How Should Zenatane Be Taken?

The recommended dosage range for Zenatane is 0.5 to 1 mg/kg/day given in two divided doses with food for 15 to 20 weeks.

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