The US FDA approved Isotretinoin in 1982 to treat severe acne. This medicine belongs to the medication class known as retinoids, similar to vitamin A.

Isotretinoinis used to treat severe forms of acne. Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells.

Isotretinoin can be consumed orally and is available in the strength of 20mg. Do not crush, chew, or open the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking Isotretinoin if your doctor advises you to stop.

Serious side effects such as difficulty in breathing, fever, coughing, dizziness, chest and abdominal pain, severe headache, signs of pancreatitis like severe stomach pain radiating to the back, dark skin markings, leg swelling, double vision, ringing in the ears with headaches, and sudden migraines. Common side effects include hair loss, irregular heartbeat, joint and bone pain, skin rashes, itching, redness, and inflammation, dryness of the skin, mouth, and nose, respiratory problems, excessive sweating, mood swings, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, constipation, and elevated levels of blood creatinine or blood fats.

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to Isotretinoin or any of the other substances of this medicine if you take other medicine like vitamin A, tetracyclines, or retinoids. f you have liver disease. Do not use this medicine if you have very high levels of blood fats (e.g., high cholesterol or triglycerides), very high levels of vitamin A in your body (hypervitaminosis A) or,  if you are receiving treatment with tetracyclines. Avoid taking peanuts and soya, as this medicine contains soya bean oil. Talk to your doctor if you have other health conditions or ever had or have mental health problems like depression, mood change, or aggressive behavior because taking this medicine may affect your mood. Avoid consuming this medicine if you have any liver condition.

Before taking this medicine, inform your healthcare professional if you plan to get pregnant or pregnant or breastfeeding as it is unsafe. Should not get pregnant even after stopping the medicine for one month. Use effective contraception. Notify your doctor if you are allergic or intolerant to some sugar, as this medicine contains sorbitol. This medicine should not be used to treat pubertal acne and not in children under 12 years of age Contact your doctor for more information. Report to your doctor immediately if you experience any side effects such as fever, chest or back pain, difficulty breathing, or fever.

Inform your doctor about the side effect you are experiencing; your doctor may change the dosage of Isotretinoin or give you some additional medicine to reduce the side effects. Even though you didn't notice a change in your mood and behavior, it is advised you inform your friends and family that this medicine could affect your mood and behaviour. Discuss with your doctor about effective contraception methods to avoid getting pregnant. Women should take pregnancy tests every four months while under treatment. Notify your doctor immediately if you become preganat while under treatment; your doctor will provide you with the right treatment. Do not consume other medications unless your doctor prescribes them.

1. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Dermatological pharmacology, 12th edition, 2011, 1812.
2. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Drugs acting on skin and mucous membranes, 7th edition, 2013, 894.
3. Roche Products Limited, Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [Revised on Fec 2022] [ Accessed on 23rd Sept 2023], Hreferralspctrackeden (medicines.org.uk)
4. Roche Laboratories Inc, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on June 2002] [ Accessed on 23rd Sept 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2002/18662s051lbl.pdf

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.