Accutane (Isotretinoin)

What is Accutane?

Accutane is an oral acne medicine containing isotretinoin, a retinoid. It is used for severe nodular acne that has not improved adequately with conventional treatment, including antibiotics. Deep, painful breakouts and repeated inflammation can damage the skin, making effective treatment particularly important when acne is leaving scars.

Unlike a cream applied to individual areas, isotretinoin works throughout the body. It reduces the activity of oil glands, helps prevent blocked pores and reduces inflammation. Less oil also changes the conditions in which acne-related bacteria thrive. These effects address several causes of acne together.

We assess your acne and treatment history before prescribing Accutane. Bring the names of medicines you have tried, how long you used them and any side effects you experienced. We also review your general health and current medicines so the treatment decision reflects your circumstances.

How your skin may improve

Improvement develops over the course of treatment. Breakouts may initially become worse before they settle, and dryness can appear before you notice clearer skin. A flare does not automatically mean the medicine is failing, but painful or rapidly worsening acne needs a review with us.

As treatment progresses, new breakouts may become less frequent and existing inflammation can settle. Many people achieve prolonged improvement after a course. Acne can return, however, and some patients need further treatment. We review your response rather than promise clear skin by a particular date.

Accutane treats active acne. It does not remove established acne scars. Reducing further breakouts can help limit additional scarring, while any remaining scars need a separate assessment. We discuss those concerns as your skin settles and advise when other treatments may be appropriate.

Accutane strengths and capsules

Accutane is supplied as oral capsules in 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg and 40 mg strengths. The strength printed on a capsule is not necessarily your total daily dose. We choose your prescription according to your treatment needs and explain exactly how to take it.

Accutane and other isotretinoin products share an active ingredient, but their formulations and food instructions can differ. We confirm the prescribed product before you start. If the pharmacy proposes a different formulation, contact us to check the change and its directions.

• 10 mg
• 20 mg
• 30 mg
• 40 mg

Accutane price and purchase

We help you obtain Accutane after your assessment, required tests and prescribing checks are complete. Your prescription identifies the medicine, capsule strength, dose and quantity for your next supply. We coordinate dispensing with an iPLEDGE-participating pharmacy so you can purchase the prescribed treatment.

Isotretinoin starts at $57.00 for 20mg 30 caps. The listed price covers medication only and doesn't include the cost of doctor visit. Other strengths and quantities may have different prices. We confirm your medication cost and explain any testing charges before you proceed.

If cost is a concern, tell us during your consultation. We can review whether another appropriate isotretinoin product is an option and clarify any change before prescribing. Do not switch formulations or change your dose to reduce cost on your own.

Each supply must meet the prescription and iPLEDGE dispensing requirements. We arrange follow-up care and any required checks before another prescription is issued. If a pharmacy cannot supply your medicine, contact our team so we can review the prescription, authorization or availability issue with you.

Getting your prescription through our clinic

Your online consultation begins with a review of your skin, previous acne treatment and medical history. Clear photographs help us assess affected areas. We discuss your symptoms, concerns about scarring and what you want to achieve with treatment. If an in-person examination is needed, we arrange the next step.

When isotretinoin is appropriate, we arrange the necessary tests and review the results before prescribing. We explain iPLEDGE enrollment, your treatment plan and how your prescription will be dispensed. You receive instructions for taking the medicine and a plan for your next review.

If you already take isotretinoin, we can review continuing treatment. Have your current product, dose, treatment dates, recent test results and iPLEDGE details ready. We check those records and confirm what is needed before continuing your prescription.

How to take Accutane

Take Accutane with food, following the directions on your prescription. Swallow capsules whole with a full glass of liquid. If you miss a dose, skip it and take the next dose at the usual time. Do not double the dose.

Your dose and course length are individual. We consider your weight, acne severity, progress and tolerance, then review the plan during treatment. A course generally lasts several months. A lower dose is not something to choose from the capsule list yourself, and changing the dose can also change how long treatment takes.

Keep capsules in their original packaging, follow the storage directions and keep them away from children. Do not share your medicine or restart leftover capsules after a break without a review. Contact us if the instructions on the supplied product differ from the plan we discussed.

Tests and follow-up

Before prescribing, we review your health history, including liver or lipid problems and your mental wellbeing. Blood tests check liver function and blood lipids. Pregnancy testing is required for patients who can become pregnant. We explain which tests you need and review the results with you.

During treatment, we assess acne improvement alongside side effects and any changes in your health. Follow-up testing depends on your results, risk factors and treatment plan. Tell us about new symptoms between appointments rather than waiting for your next scheduled review.

We also review medicines and supplements you start during the course. If a result or symptom needs further investigation, we explain the next step and whether your dose or prescription needs to change.

Pregnancy prevention and iPLEDGE

Isotretinoin causes severe birth defects and must not be taken during pregnancy. All patients need to meet iPLEDGE REMS requirements, and prescriptions must be issued and dispensed through participating prescribers and pharmacies. We explain the requirements that apply to you before treatment begins.

Patients who can become pregnant must follow the required pregnancy testing and pregnancy-prevention measures before treatment, throughout the course and for one month afterward. This includes two accepted forms of contraception or continuous abstinence, as applicable. We arrange pretreatment pregnancy testing in a medical setting and explain the permitted arrangements for later tests.

Stop isotretinoin and contact us immediately if you think you may be pregnant or pregnancy prevention fails. Do not breastfeed during treatment or for one month after the last dose. Do not donate blood while taking isotretinoin or for one month afterward.

Side effects and everyday skin care

Dry lips, dry skin, dry eyes and nasal irritation are common. Some people develop nosebleeds or find contact lenses uncomfortable. Use a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, lip balm and sun protection. We can review your usual routine and help you manage dryness without adding products that irritate your skin.

Isotretinoin can make skin more sensitive to sunlight and more vulnerable to irritation from exfoliating products. Check with us before using other acne treatments, waxing or arranging laser treatment or dermabrasion. Tell us about persistent discomfort, changes in vision, or muscle and joint pain so we can assess them.

Serious reactions are less common but need prompt attention. Stop the medicine and seek urgent medical advice for severe headache with visual changes, severe abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, yellowing skin or eyes, or a significant change in mood or behavior. Breathing difficulty, facial or throat swelling, or a severe blistering rash requires emergency care.

Medicines and supplements to review

Tell us about all prescription medicines, nonprescription products and supplements you use. Vitamin A supplements and tetracycline antibiotics, including doxycycline and minocycline, can create important risks with isotretinoin. We review your existing acne treatment before you start.

We also check contraception, herbal products such as St. John's wort and your alcohol use. Do not add a supplement or restart another acne medicine without checking with us. A complete medication list helps us identify interactions before they affect your treatment.

Accutane questions