Not medical advice. This site is general information only. In an emergency call your local emergency number. For advice about your own health, speak to a doctor, pharmacist or other qualified health professional.
Isotretinoin
About Isotretinoin
A powerful oral retinoid for severe cystic acne. Isotretinoin or Accutane treats nodular acne that has not responded to other treatments. It often produces long lasting remission of acne. Isotretinoin is highly teratogenic, causing severe birth defects. In the US, the iPLEDGE program requires pregnancy testing and contraception for patients who can become pregnant. The drug can cause dry skin, mood changes, and elevated liver enzymes. Despite risks, isotretinoin is transformative for severe acne, changing lives of patients with disfiguring cystic acne.
Related Medications
Penicillin
Discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928 when mold contaminated his petri dish. Penicillin revolutionized medic...
Amoxicillin
A semisynthetic penicillin antibiotic that is widely prescribed for children and adults. Amoxicillin is absorb...
Azithromycin
A macrolide antibiotic with a long half life that permits infrequent dosing and short treatment courses. The Z...
Doxycycline
A tetracycline antibiotic used for a remarkably wide range of conditions. Doxycycline treats acne, Lyme diseas...