Accutane
(isotretinoin)
Treats severe acne.
Our bottom line
Accutane (isotretinoin) works well against severe acne but has a lot of serious side effects. You will need to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
- Drug class: Dermatologic
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Upsides
- Works well to clear your skin when other medicines have not worked for you.
- Most people experience clear skin after just one course of treatment. Clear skin can last for some time even after you've stopped taking Accutane (isotretinoin).
- You only have to take Accutane (isotretinoin) once or twice a day.
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What to expect from Accutane, on one page
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101Downsides
- Accutane (isotretinoin) can raise your blood sugar levels. Your doctor may have to monitor your sugar levels more frequently.
- If you play sports a lot, you may be at higher risk of bone fractures.
- You'll have to see your doctor every time to get a refill of Accutane (isotretinoin) because of the high risk of birth defects.
- Can cause serious bowel problems. Talk to your doctor if you experience loose stools, blood in the stools, or bad belly pain.
- Can damage your liver. Your doctor will do regular blood tests to make sure it's healthy.
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What to expect from Accutane, on one page
Download Fact SheetAccutane (isotretinoin) is a medicine for severe acne that works by making oil glands in the skin smaller and produce less oil. It also keeps cells under the skin's surface from becoming tough.
- Drug class: Dermatologic
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Used for
- Acne (severe)
- Acne (moderate)
- Neuroblastoma, high risk
Dosage forms
- Pill
Prices and coupons
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What to expect when you take Accutane (isotretinoin) for Severe acne
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonthsLong term
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonthsLong term
- Possible side effects
- Back pain
- Dry/chapped lips
- Blurry vision
- Irritability
- Joint pain
- Depression
Side effect rates for Accutane (isotretinoin)
Risks and Warnings for Accutane (isotretinoin)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.Accutane (isotretinoin) can cause harmful effects on unborn babies. Due to this risk, Accutane (isotretinoin) is only available through a special program that you, your doctor and your pharmacy must sign up for. You can sign up for this program after discussing the risks and benefits with your doctor. Women of child-bearing age must use 2 reliable forms of contraception for 1 month before therapy, during therapy, and for 1 month after therapy. You'll also need to have regular pregnancy tests while taking Accutane (isotretinoin).
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Common concerns from people taking Accutane (isotretinoin)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Can damage your liver. Your doctor will do regular blood tests to make sure it's healthy.
- Accutane (isotretinoin) can cause muscle weakness, joint and bone pain, back pain, weakened bones, and bone fractures. The risk is higher if you are elderly, currently have bone or joint problems, or are taking other medicines that can weaken your bones. Talk to your doctor about ways to stop bone fractures.