Why does isotretinoin (Accutane) need to be stored away from direct sunlight?

Question

aaronq · Answer

uv light in sunlight probably changes the structure of the molecule.

anonymous · Answer

Hmm. @aaronq would that also apply to artificial light, such as a lightbulb? Sunlight is a result of nuclear fusion, and a light bulb definitely does not fuse atoms inside of it, so would the two differ at all in effect on the molecule?

aaronq · Answer

well it has to do with the energy of the photons produced. Light from the sun has a large range of energy. Higher energy photons, like those in the UV range, can cause chemical bond breaking. A typical lightbulb doesn't produce photons with high enough energy to cause the rearrangements/decomposition of hydrocarbons that could occur with UV light.

anonymous · Answer

Thank you sir. That makes sense. :)

aaronq · Answer

no problem !