Isotretinoin
Also sold as: Roaccutane, Isotroin
Prescription neededSkin medicines
Comes as:Capsule
Usual adult dose
Only for severe acne, prescribed and followed by a skin specialist. Dose is set by your doctor by body weight, taken with food for about 4 to 6 months. Women must not become pregnant during treatment and for 1 month after; pregnancy tests and reliable contraception are needed.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- very dry lips and skin
- dry eyes
- nosebleeds
- muscle and joint pain
- skin burns easily in the sun
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- severe birth defects if taken in pregnancy
- depression or thoughts of suicide
- severe headache with blurred vision
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Pregnancy, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding
- Liver disease
- Very high blood fats
- Taking tetracycline or doxycycline
- Taking vitamin A supplements
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Serious3 medicinesDo not take these together unless your doctor says so.
- Doxycycline
Together they can raise pressure inside the skull (severe headache, vision problems); do not combine.
- Retinol