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Laboratory Tests: Sometimes the patient may be asked to have blood tests done. These establish a baseline for the liver function, blood lipids, and for females can also confirm that the patient is not pregnant. Advise the patient to follow the doctor's advice before having blood taken.
Skin Care: While taking Oratane the patient will have to take a little extra care of the skin as Oratane will make the skin drier and more fragile. The information in this section will help to look after the skin and keep the side effects of Oratane under control. It is a good idea to follow the skin care advice given in this section even before starting to notice any of the side effects related to Oratane. Prevention is always better than cure.
What not to do while taking Oratane: It is important to follow this list of things not to do so that the skin remains in good condition.
Do not squeeze any pimples. This can make the pimples worse and can damage the skin, resulting in skin infections.
Do not remove any scaly or peeling skin. Since the skin is fragile it can damage the skin by trying to remove scaly and peeling skin, this could lead to skin infections.
Do not have facials. Because the skin is fragile the potentially harsh treatments involved in a facial can cause damage to the skin.
Do not have waxes. Waxing while the skin is fragile can actually remove skin as well as hair.
Do not use other acne medication. Oratane is a strong medication and should not use any other medication unless the doctor has specifically told the patient to do so.
Do not have any part of the body pierced. There can be a serious risk of infection of any new piercing while on Oratane.
Do not have electrolysis. Because the skin is fragile, electrolysis has the potential to damage the skin.
Do not use hair colouring containing peroxide and do not have a perm or use hair rollers. If the patient wants to get hair permed it is best to do so at least two weeks before starting Oratane. While taking Oratane the patient's scalp will be more sensitive and hair will be more fragile, because of this it is important to avoid harsh hair treatments such as colours and perms.
Do not use solariums and sunbeds. Solariums and sunbeds can burn the skin just like the sun, the skin is more sensitive to the sun while taking Oratane and it is also too sensitive to use a solarium and sun bed.
Do not have overly hot showers. Very hot showers can irritate the skin.
Easing the side effects: The most common side effect of Oratane, dryness, is relatively easy to treat. The following section contains a list of products that can be used to relieve dryness. If the patient notices anything unusual about the skin or anything that concerns the patient, advise the patient to talk to a doctor or pharmacist about it. It is a good idea to write down anything the patient notices or any questions have for the doctor.
Products to use to ease the side effects: Dry Skin: Dry skin is the most common side effect of Oratane treatment. The patient can expect the skin to become drier all over the body. To help protect the skin it is best to keep the showers shorter than two minutes if possible and use luke warm water rather than hot water.
Face Cleansers: The patient should only use cleansers that are intended for use on sensitive skin.
Body Cleansers: Body cleansers should not be used on the face. It is better for the skin if the patient tries to avoid soaps and use one of the body cleansers recommended by the doctors.
Face Moisturisers: Using a moisturiser on the face regularly will help keep the dryness that may be seen with Oratane treatment under control. The best type of moisturiser is an oil free face moisturiser for sensitive skin, avoid greasy moisturisers.
Body Moisturisers: Body moisturisers should not be used on the face, unless they are also included in the face moisturisers section. To keep the skin in good condition the patient should use a moisturising lotion on the whole body, even if the patient doesn't seem to have any dryness, prevention is always better than cure. For extremely dry areas use a cream, rather than a lotion.
Dry Lips: Lips are particularly sensitive to the drying effects of Oratane. This makes it important to look after them well. This can be achieved very simply by applying a lip balm regularly. By applying a lip balm every one to two hours it can prevent the lips from becoming dry and cracked. Make sure the patient also pays attention to the corners of the mouth, this area is prone to racking. A lip balm that contains a sunscreen is best. The patient should carry a tube of lip balm during the day. Advise the patient should see a doctor if the lips become very cracked or begin bleeding.
Dry Nose: The inside of the nose can also become dry while taking Oratane. If this becomes severe it can result in nosebleeds. To keep the inside of the nose moist the patient should apply a small amount of petroleum jelly a few times a day using a cotton bud. If the patient suffers from persistent nose bleeds or the nose bleeds are difficult to stop, advise the patient that they will need to see a pharmacist or doctor. Severe nose bleeds can be treated with prescription products.
Dry Eyes: If the patients find that the eyes feel dry or sore then the patient may need to use eyedrops to keep them moist. Dry eyes can be a particular problem for people who wear contact lenses or people who work in air-conditioned areas. If the patient wears contact lenses and may find that the patient cannot wear contact lenses for as long as the patient did before starting on Oratane. For dry eyes, check with an optometrist to make sure that products are suitable.
Cosmetics: Makeup can sometimes aggravate the acne but if products are chosen carefully, the patient can still wear makeup if patient wants to.
Foundations: The patient will need to use an oil free foundation, preferably one with a sunscreen.
Powders: Most powders are suitable for use while taking Oratane.
Cover Sticks: The patient should use a medicated cover stick.
Lipsticks: All lipsticks are suitable for use while taking Oratane. The best lipsticks to use are those that contain sunscreens. It is also a good idea to wear a lip balm under lipstick, because this will provide better protection for the lips.
Lip Balms: A lip balm that contains a sunscreen is best. The patient should carry a tube of lip balm during the day.
Blushers: The patient should only use powder blushes while taking Oratane.
Dry Hair and Dandruff: If the patient finds that the scalp and hair are drier than usual the patient may need to use a mild shampoo designed for dry hair. The patient should use a conditioner to help protect the hair and scalp. The patient should avoid using hair dyes, especially dyes containing peroxide, as they may make the hair and scalp drier and can cause irritation. If dandruff becomes a problem, use a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo. The patient could try shampoo products for dry hair and dandruff.
Dry Vagina: The patient may find that the vagina is dry and this may cause pain during sexual intercourse. The patient can use Lubricating Gel to help relieve this problem.
Dry Anus: The patient may experience some dryness and irritation around the anus. The patient can help relieve and reduce this problem by applying petroleum jelly several times a day.
While taking Oratane the patient can do most things patients normally do unless have been told not to by the doctor or this monograph advises against it. Some minor changes may need to be made to the lifestyle to make it easier to deal with the effect the medication has on the patient. The patient will have to make sure to look after by eating properly and caring for the skin. Advise the patient that it is important to read and understand about all the potential side effects, but remember that the patient will not get all of them. Once the patient has finished the Oratane treatment life will be back to normal, only without acne.
Oratane dos and don'ts: There are some other important things the patient needs to be careful of while taking Oratane. Advise patient to: wear a sunscreen, 30+ is best; not to drink a lot of alcohol; not to donate blood until at least four weeks after the patient has stopped taking Oratane; not to take any Vitamin A supplements (check the patient's multivitamins).
