 Isotretinoin (brands: Accutane, Dercutane, Isotroin, Isotret,
Isdiben and Roaccutane) are retinoids, (vitamin A derivatives).
Isotretinoin oral and topical gel decreases the size and activity
of the sebaceous glands in the skin reducing the amount of
sebum produced, stopping the glands becoming blocked, more..
Ordering options for Isotretinoin including Accutane and Isotret are below.
No prescription is needed, but the pharmacies will require a consultation via questionnaire to
enable their staff physician to issue a prescription (this is a free consultation).
Isotretinoin is used for severe forms of acne and can have serious side effects: See Details
Additional information and cautions about Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin (brands: Isotroin, Isotret, Isotrex, Isdiben, Accutane, Dercutane and Roaccutane)
belong to a group of medicines known as retinoids, (derivatives of vitamin A). Isotretinoin oral
and topical gel works by reducing the production of the skins natural oil (sebum). Nodulocystic
Acne (also referred to as Cystic Acne) occurs due to an excessive production of sebum from
over-active sebaceous glands in the skin and may consist of comedones and inflammatory
lesions, as well as deeper nodules and cysts. The bacteria associated with acne feed on the
sebum and produce waste products and fatty acids that irritate the sebaceous glands, making
them inflamed and causing spots. Isotretinoin decreases the size and activity of the sebaceous
glands which reduces the amount of sebum produced. This stops the glands becoming blocked.
Accutane is used to treat severe forms of acne only, possible severe side effects include:
birth defects, premature births, mental problems, fainting, convulsions, impaired vision,
abdominal pain and dry skin. Strictly not recommended for pregnant, lactating mothers,
people with allergies and children. Important Note: Pregnancy should be avoided for at least
one month after stopping isotretinoin treatment. Indeed, regular pregnancy tests (monthly)
should be undertaken while being treated with Isotretinoin.
Types of Acne that respond to treatment with Isotretinoin
Not all types of acne should be treated by Isotretinoin which is only approved to treat
Nodulocystic acne, although it is sometimes used by sufferers with scarring inflammatory acne.
Other types of acne vulgaris, namely comedonal acne and inflammatory acne are treated
by other medications. These include topical creams, such as Retina A, Adapalene and others.
Antibiotics, such as erythromycin treat both nodulocystic and inflammatory acne, while
Minocycline (along with Isotretinoin) is used for nodulocystic acne only (due to side effects).
All 3 types of acne can respond to hormone therapy *(women only) via oral contraceptives,
containing norgestimate such as Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Ortho-Cyclen, Desogen and Cilest.
See chart below to check the usual recommended treatment for the 3 types of acne vulgaris.
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