Accutane: Treatment for Severe Acne - Uses & Side Effects

Accutane is a prescription medication containing isotretinoin, which is used to treat severe acne. It belongs to a class of medications called retinoids.
Category
Drug
Where to get
Available with a doctor's prescription at pharmacies and healthcare centers.
Applicable for
Prepared by Nick Harper, reviewed by Dr. David James Simpson

Accutane FAQ


Image credit: acne.org

Does Accutane cause acne?

When first starting Accutane you may experience what is known as the Accutane Purge. This affects a small percentage of patients and describes what appears to be an acne flareup. This is a common response of retinoids and is related to the skin shedding abnormal skin cells. Within 4–6 weeks, your skin should clear; if not, see your care provider.

What is Accutane used for?

It reduces the amount of oil released by oil glands in your skin, and helps your skin renew itself more quickly. Accutane is used to treat severe nodular acne that has not responded to other treatments, including antibiotics. Accutane is available only from a certified pharmacy under a special program called iPLEDGE.

Does Accutane (isotretinoin) work?

Accutane® (Isotretinoin) is a type of retinoid medication that treats severe acne. A healthcare provider may prescribe this medication if other acne medications don’t work. You can take these capsules by mouth with a glass of water as directed. What is this medication? ISOTRETINOIN (eye soe TRET i noyn) treats severe acne.

Is Accutane worth it?

Whether Accutane is worth it is a decision that only you and your dermatologist can make together. On one hand, about 50% of people who complete a course of Accutane will never need acne treatment again. On the other, side effects are common, and your dose may need to be adjusted to reduce side effects while maintaining effectiveness.

What is Accutane (isotretinoin) used for?

Accutane (isotretinoin) is a medication used to treat severe or nodular acne that doesn't improve with other treatments. This drug is for people who've tried many other acne treatments without success, including oral antibiotics and multiple topical medications .

Is Accutane the same as isotretinoin?

Accutane is a powerful drug, but isotretinoin is also a naturally occurring component of vitamin A, an essential vitamin that you get from your diet. Large doses of vitamin A supplements can have the same effects as isotretinoin drugs—and that goes for the dangerous side effects as well as the positive effects.

Accutane References

If you want to know more about Accutane, consider exploring links below:

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