Isotretinoin

Brand names:

• Absorica®, Accutane®, Amnesteem®, Claravis®, Myorisan®, Sotret®, ZenataneTM

What is it?

• Isotretinoin is a prescription medicine for severe acne.

Does it work?

• YES. It works very well. 80% of treated patients never experience acne again.
• Attacks all 4 causes of acne: oil production, clogged pores, bacteria, and inflammation.
• 80% of patients see permanently clear skin after one course of treatment with isotretinoin. One course of treatment takes approximately 5 months. Some patients may require a second course.

Acne Before and After Treatment:

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Things to do during treatment with isotretinoin:

• Enroll in iPLEDGETM (a program from FDA).
• Sign forms that state you know the risks of taking isotretinoin
• Do not share your pills with anyone else
• For female patients:
  • Use two forms of birth control
  • Take a required pregnancy test before and while taking isotretinoin
  • Avoid getting pregnant
• Do not wax to remove hair (threading and plucking is ok)
• Protect your skin from the sun (wear sunscreen, UVA/UVB SPF 30 or greater) and do not use a tanning bed, sun lamp or any other indoor tanning device
• Do not donate blood while taking isotretinoin and for 30 days after you take your last pill
• See your dermatologist every month for follow-up visits.

How do I use isotetinoin?

• Medicine comes in a pill form. You may take one or two pills a day, as your dermatologist prescribes.
• Take isotretinoin with food. It works better if you take it with fatty food.

Side effects:

• Dry skin, dry eyes, chapped lips, dry nose.
• If you get pregnant while on isotretinoin the baby could be born with severe birth defects
• Joint aches
• Elevation of triglycerides
• Very rare chance of depression (however studies show that it is more likely for your mood to improve while on isotretinoin)

Learn more at the American Academy of Dermatology:
AAD Isotretinoin: Treatment for severe acne.