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What is Accutane
IsotretinoinThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryIsotretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A used to treat severe and resistant acne. It was previously sold under the brand name Accutane, but this brand has been discontinued. Isotretinoin is a very powerful drug with serious risks if taken during pregnancy, so it must be obtained through the iPLEDGE program in the United States. It was first approved by the FDA in 1982.
Accutaneis the brand name
Accutane Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Accutane
Isotretinoin
1982
78
Effectiveness
How Accutane Affects PatientsThe exact way isotretinoin works is not fully understood.
How Accutane works in the bodyIsotretinoin works to clear up acne by altering the cell cycle and cell differentiation, causing cell death and reducing sebum production. It also reduces the formation of comedones, which are small bumps on the skin, by an unknown mechanism. Isotretinoin doesn't kill bacteria directly, but it does make the environment less hospitable for them. It may also help the immune system fight off the bacteria and reduce inflammation. Studies suggest that isotretinoin may interact with a protein called FoxO1, which could explain many of its effects.
When to interrupt dosage
The measure of Accutane is contingent upon the determined affliction, like Acne conglobata, Acne Vulgaris and Pregnancy. The amount also deviates per the delivery approach (e.g. Capsule - Oral or Capsule) featured in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Sezary Syndrome
, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 0.05 %, 25.0 mg, 35.0 mg, 8.0 mg, 24.0 mg, 28.0 mg, 16.0 mg, 32.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Topical, Gel, Gel - Topical
refractory Acne vulgaris
, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 0.05 %, 25.0 mg, 35.0 mg, 8.0 mg, 24.0 mg, 28.0 mg, 16.0 mg, 32.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Topical, Gel, Gel - Topical
Rosacea
, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 0.05 %, 25.0 mg, 35.0 mg, 8.0 mg, 24.0 mg, 28.0 mg, 16.0 mg, 32.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Topical, Gel, Gel - Topical
Acne Vulgaris
, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 0.05 %, 25.0 mg, 35.0 mg, 8.0 mg, 24.0 mg, 28.0 mg, 16.0 mg, 32.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Topical, Gel, Gel - Topical
early Mycosis Fungoides (MF)
, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 0.05 %, 25.0 mg, 35.0 mg, 8.0 mg, 24.0 mg, 28.0 mg, 16.0 mg, 32.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Topical, Gel, Gel - Topical
Neuroblastoma (NB)
, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 0.05 %, 25.0 mg, 35.0 mg, 8.0 mg, 24.0 mg, 28.0 mg, 16.0 mg, 32.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Topical, Gel, Gel - Topical
Acne Conglobata
, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 0.05 %, 25.0 mg, 35.0 mg, 8.0 mg, 24.0 mg, 28.0 mg, 16.0 mg, 32.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Topical, Gel, Gel - Topical
Warnings
Accutane ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
history of basal cell carcinoma
Do Not Combine
Squamous cell carcinoma
Do Not Combine
history of squamous cell
Do Not Combine
family history of basal cell carcinoma
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Isotretinoin may interact with Pulse Frequency
Common Accutane Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Clomocycline
Major
The risk or severity of pseudotumor cerebri can be increased when Isotretinoin is combined with Clomocycline.
Demeclocycline
Major
The risk or severity of pseudotumor cerebri can be increased when Isotretinoin is combined with Demeclocycline.
Doxycycline
Major
The risk or severity of pseudotumor cerebri can be increased when Isotretinoin is combined with Doxycycline.
Eravacycline
Major
The risk or severity of pseudotumor cerebri can be increased when Isotretinoin is combined with Eravacycline.
Metacycline
Major
The risk or severity of pseudotumor cerebri can be increased when Isotretinoin is combined with Metacycline.
Accutane Toxicity & Overdose RiskOverdosing on isotretinoin may result in vomiting, flushed skin, cracked lips, stomach pain, headache, dizziness, and lack of coordination. Generally, no treatment is needed for these overdoses. In children, the lowest dose that causes toxic effects is 30mg/kg/21W, in men it is 24mg/kg/4W, and in women it is 56mg/kg/8W. The toxic dose for rats is 901mg/kg when taken orally and 3389mg/kg when taken intraperitoneally. Isotretinoin has been linked to major birth defects, miscarriages
Accutane Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Accutane?
65 active investigations are assessing the potential of Accutane to ameliorate Rosacea, Neuroblastoma (NB) and Acne conglobata.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Acne Vulgaris
0 Actively Recruiting
Acne Conglobata
0 Actively Recruiting
refractory Acne vulgaris
0 Actively Recruiting
early Mycosis Fungoides (MF)
0 Actively Recruiting
Rosacea
8 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Early Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 4
Sezary Syndrome
18 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 1
Neuroblastoma (NB)
1 Actively Recruiting
Early Phase 1
Accutane Reviews: What are patients saying about Accutane?
5Patient Review
7/25/2021 Accutane was a life-changing experience for me. After 12 years of struggling with cystic acne, I finally found something that worked. Not only did it clear up my skin, but it also boosted my confidence immensely. There were a few minor side effects like temporary achy joints/bones and stiff muscles, and of course dry lips, but they were 100% worth it! My only regret is not taking it sooner.
5Patient Review
9/19/2022 I took this medication for three months and it cleared up my acne, which I had been struggling with for four years. I'm 19 years old, I bodybuild, and have a healthy diet. Good luck!
4.3Patient Review
9/1/2022 This was one of the best decisions I've ever made. My self-confidence took a severe hit when my acne started, but after just six months on Accutane, my face was completely clear! And it's been seven years now with no sign of the acne returning.
3.3Patient Review
12/16/2021 The medicine is great, but the side effects can be tough to handle when taking 3 40 mg pills a day.
3Patient Review
7/2/2022 I would urge you to avoid this medication. My son developed psychotic symptoms shortly after completing the treatment, and these effects have been irreversible. I don't understand how this medication is still on the market when there are so many documented cases of mental side effects.
1Patient Review
1/17/2022 I took this drug for only 17 days and I had to stop because of the incredibly annoying ringing in my ears it caused. 2 years later and the problem still persists. Avoid this drug if you can; the risks far outweigh any potential benefits.
Patient Q&A Section about accutane
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.Why is Accutane harmful?
"Accutane is a drug used to treat severe acne that is difficult to control. Side effects of the drug can include dry skin, chapped lips, vision problems, and joint pain. More serious side effects of the drug include birth defects, mental health problems, and stomach problems."
Answered by AI
What are side effects from Accutane?
"Symptoms of dry air may include: dry, cracking, or peeling skin; dry or inflamed eyes; chapped lips; a dry nose, perhaps with nosebleeds; headaches; aches and pains."
Answered by AI
Does Accutane make you fat?
"Accutane is not typically used as a weight-loss drug, though weight loss is not listed as a side effect. It is sometimes used to treat other skin conditions or forms of cancer."
Answered by AI
What does Accutane do permanently?
"This medication is taken for four to five months. The acne will start to clear up in one to two months for most people. The majority of people taking this medication will see a permanent reduction in acne of 80 percent."
Answered by AI
What does Accutane do?
"This medication is used to treat severe cystic acne that has not responded to other treatments. It belongs to a class of drugs known as retinoids."
Answered by AI