Diana C 20mg

Description

Diana C 20mg is a medication that contains Isotretinoin 20mg as its active ingredient. Isotretinoin is a potent retinoid (a derivative of Vitamin A) primarily used for the treatment of severe and recalcitrant forms of acne.

Product Overview

Isotretinoin works by significantly reducing the size and activity of sebaceous glands, leading to a drastic decrease in sebum (oil) production on the skin. Excess sebum is a major contributing factor to acne. Additionally, it helps to:

• Regulate cell proliferation and differentiation: This prevents the clogging of pores, which in turn reduces the formation of blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples.
• Reduce inflammation: It has anti-inflammatory effects that help to calm the redness and swelling associated with severe acne.

Diana C 20mg is indicated for the treatment of:

• Severe nodular acne: This refers to severe forms of acne characterized by large, painful, solid lesions (nodules) under the skin.
• Acne that has been unresponsive to other conventional therapies, including systemic antibiotics.

It is a very powerful medication and is considered a last resort for acne treatment after other options have failed.

Usage

Directions for Use:

Diana C 20mg is a powerful medication and must be taken exactly as prescribed by a licensed doctor or dermatologist. The dosage is highly individualized and is based on your body weight and the severity of your condition.

• Administration: It is typically taken orally, usually as a capsule.
• With Food: It should generally be swallowed whole with a full glass of water and taken with food, as food can improve its absorption.
• Frequency: The dose is often divided and taken twice daily, but your doctor will specify the exact regimen.
• Duration: Treatment courses usually last for 15-20 weeks, but can be extended up to 2 mg/kg/day for very severe cases with scarring or body acne. It’s crucial to complete the full prescribed course, even if your acne improves before the end of the treatment.

Crucial Precautions and Warnings:

Isotretinoin (Diana C) has significant side effects and strict precautions, especially concerning pregnancy.

• Teratogenicity (Severe Birth Defects): This is the most critical warning. Isotretinoin is highly teratogenic, meaning even a single dose can cause severe birth defects (e.g., of the ears, eyes, face, skull, heart, and brain) or death of a baby if taken during pregnancy or even shortly before conception.
  • For females of childbearing potential: You must have a negative pregnancy test before starting treatment, regularly during treatment, and after stopping treatment.
  • You must use two reliable forms of contraception starting 30 days before, during, and for at least 30 days after stopping isotretinoin.
  • You cannot donate blood during therapy and for at least one month after stopping the drug due to the risk of exposing a pregnant recipient.
• Mental Health: Isotretinoin has been associated with psychiatric side effects, including depression, mood changes, aggression, anxiety, and, rarely, suicidal ideation or attempts. If you have a history of mental health problems or experience any new or worsening psychiatric symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
• Dryness: Expect significant dryness of the skin, lips, eyes, and nasal passages. Use high-quality moisturizers, lip balms, and eye drops.
• Sun Sensitivity: Your skin will be much more sensitive to the sun. Use high-SPF sunscreen daily and wear protective clothing. Avoid sunbeds and prolonged sun exposure.
• No Cosmetic Procedures: Avoid waxing, dermabrasion, laser treatments, or other skin resurfacing procedures during treatment and for at least 6 months after stopping, as it can lead to severe scarring.
• Blood Tests: Regular blood tests are required to monitor liver function, lipid (cholesterol and triglyceride) levels, and blood counts, as isotretinoin can affect these.
• Vision Changes: May impair night vision, which can be permanent in rare cases. Be cautious when driving at night.
• Joint and Muscle Pain: Back pain, joint pain, and muscle aches are common side effects.
• Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol consumption should be limited or avoided during treatment, as both alcohol and isotretinoin can affect the liver and lipid levels.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, especially tetracycline antibiotics (increased risk of pseudotumor cerebri), Vitamin A supplements (increased toxicity), and microdosed progesterone-only birth control pills (may be less effective).

Side Effects

Isotretinoin has a wide range of potential side effects, many of which are dose-dependent and reversible upon discontinuation.

Very Common Side Effects (affecting more than 1 in 10 people):

• Dryness: Very dry lips (cheilitis), dry skin (xerosis), dry nose (leading to nosebleeds/epistaxis), dry eyes (conjunctivitis, irritation).
• Headache
• Back pain, joint pain, muscle pain (especially in adolescents/children)
• Increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
• Elevated blood triglycerides and cholesterol levels (requires monitoring)
• Decreased HDL (good cholesterol)
• Anemia
• Skin fragility, peeling, itching (pruritus)
• Hair thinning (which can be persistent in rare instances)
• Inflammation of eyelids (blepharitis)

Common Side Effects (affecting up to 1 in 10 people):

• Nasal dryness, sore throat (nasopharyngitis)
• Increase in blood glucose levels
• Blood in urine (hematuria), protein in urine (proteinuria)
• Inflammation of the skin (dermatitis), rash, redness (erythema)
• Localised peeling of skin
• Increased sweating

Uncommon to Rare but Serious Side Effects:

• Mental Health Issues: Depression (new onset or worsening), anxiety, mood changes, aggressive tendencies, psychotic symptoms, suicidal ideation or attempts.
• Benign intracranial hypertension (Pseudotumor Cerebri): Severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances (e.g., blurred vision, double vision, papilledema). Requires immediate medical attention.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Severe abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, severe diarrhea (colitis, ileitis).
• Pancreatitis: Severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting.
• Liver problems: Hepatitis, elevated liver enzymes.
• Bone changes: Premature fusion of epiphyses (in children/adolescents), reduced bone density, calcification, tendonitis.
• Allergic reactions: Swelling, hives, severe rash.
• Severe skin reactions: Erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis (rare but life-threatening).
• Hearing impairment: May be temporary or permanent.
• Vision problems: Decreased night vision (can be permanent), cataracts, color blindness, corneal opacities.

If you experience any severe or concerning side effects, contact your doctor immediately.

Prescription

Diana C 20mg (Isotretinoin) is a prescription-only medication (Rx) in Nepal and globally due to its severe potential side effects, particularly its teratogenic effects.

• Strict Doctor Supervision: It must be prescribed and monitored by a dermatologist or a physician experienced in using retinoids.
• Pregnancy Prevention Program: In many countries, isotretinoin is subject to strict pregnancy prevention programs (like iPLEDGE in the US) that require multiple negative pregnancy tests and the use of two forms of birth control. While Nepal might not have an identical centralized program, doctors will enforce similar precautions due to the serious risks.
• You cannot buy Diana C 20mg without a valid prescription.