Accutane (isotretinoin)

Accutane (isotretinoin), the oral prescription medication for the treatment of severe acne, will no longer be available.

The pharmaceutical manufacturer of Accutane, Roche, stopped delivering the medication to pharmacies in June 2009.

Other brands of isotretinoin (the active ingredient of Accutane) remain available for acne treatment, including Amnesteem and Sotret.

Isotretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A and is in a class of medications called "retinoids". It remains an important medication for the treatment of a variety of skin conditions. It continues to be prescribed for the treatment of severe acne that has not responded to other acne medications. Isotretinoin works by shrinking the oil glands and reducing the sebum production that is one of the underlying causes of acne.

Isotretinoin can lead to a wide variety of side effects, including dry skin and chapped lips, sun sensitivity, and birth defects in children who are born to mothers taking the medication. Isotretinoin is available by prescription-only in accordance with the iPledge program which is designed to prevent pregnancy among patients who are taking isotretinoin. 

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© 2010 Vivacare.
Last updated July 6, 2010.

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