Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them. Get the Compare Your Your Quiz Your Summary Isotretinoin (Amnesteem, Claravis, or Sotret) is a powerful medicine for severe acne that cannot be cleared up with other medicines. It is related to vitamin A. Most people need to take it for 3 to 6 months. This medicine unclogs skin pores and shrinks oil glands. It can reduce the scars and emotional pain of severe acne. But this medicine can have severe side effects. Isotretinoin can cause side effects. The most serious side effects occur in women who are pregnant or get pregnant while taking it. They may have a miscarriage, or their infant may be born with severe birth defects. Other serious side effects are rare. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that this medicine has been linked with depression, psychosis, and, in rare cases, suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts. The link between this medicine and depression is not clear, and it is being watched very closely. Talk with your doctor to decide if this medicine is right for you or your child. See your doctor if you or your child takes isotretinoin and has signs of depression. Most people who take this medicine have some of the less serious side effects. These include dry skin, dry mouth, chapped lips, nosebleeds, dry eyes, and trouble wearing contact lenses. These side effects usually are not a big problem and can be treated with moisturizers, artificial tears, and other products. If you have dry eyes while taking this medicine, you may have to wear glasses instead of contact lenses. Your skin also could sunburn more easily, so protect your skin from the sun when you're outside. This medicine can raise the level of certain fats (triglycerides) in your blood. So you may be more likely to get health problems such as heart disease. For this reason, you need to have your triglyceride levels checked before you start this medicine and every 4 to 6 weeks while you are taking it. You also need blood tests to make sure that the medicine isn't harming your liver. Some reports state that taking this medicine may increase the risk of getting inflammatory bowel disease. But experts don't have enough information to know if this is true. Headaches and muscle or joint pain are less common side effects that most people can treat with over-the-counter pain medicine. Muscle and joint pain are more common in people who exercise often. Your doctor might recommend this medicine if: Compare What is usually involved? What are the benefits? What are the risks and side effects? These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions. I didn't think I needed to worry too much about my acne. So far it is mostly whiteheads and blackheads. But my dad has bad acne scars. I figure I am heading the same way if I don't do something about it, so I'm going to talk to my doctor about taking medicine. Jason, age 16 My doctor said that it would be reasonable for me to try a medicine like Sotret for my acne. But my husband and I are thinking of having kids, and taking the medicine would mean putting that off for about 6 months or so. I'm going to take some time to think it over and talk to my husband, then decide. Anne, age 24 I have had bad acne ever since I was 13. It was really embarrassing, and it was hard to make friends. It was like people only saw my acne. A couple years ago, my doctor put me on isotretinoin. It has changed my life. My acne is so much better and I don't feel so self-conscious. I am more outgoing, and I have made some really good friends. I even have a girlfriend. When I see old pictures of myself, it's like looking at a different person. Steve, age 18 I've noticed that my daughter has become a lot more withdrawn and shy since she became a teenager. I think it might be related to her acne. She has quite a few pimples, and sometimes she gets a really severe one. I know that it bothers her, because she has asked me several times if she will outgrow it soon. I'm going to ask her if she wants to read up on isotretinoin and then we can see what the doctor says. Barb, age 37 Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements. Reasons to take isotretinoin Reasons not to take isotretinoin I want to do everything I can to treat my acne. I want to take medicines that are not as strong as isotretinoin for my acne. I don't mind avoiding sex or using two forms of birth control while I'm taking this medicine (women only). I'm not willing to avoid sex or to use two forms of birth control (women only). I'm not concerned about the side effects of this medicine. I'm very concerned about the side effects of this medicine. I feel bad about how I look because of my acne. I don't feel bad about how I look because of my acne. My other important reasons: My other important reasons: Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now. Taking isotretinoin NOT taking isotretinoin Check the facts Decide what's next Certainty 1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision? Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision. Isotretinoin (Amnesteem, Claravis, or Sotret) is a powerful medicine for severe acne that cannot be cleared up with other medicines. It is related to vitamin A. Most people need to take it for 3 to 6 months. This medicine unclogs skin pores and shrinks oil glands. It can reduce the scars and emotional pain of severe acne. But this medicine can have severe side effects. Isotretinoin can cause side effects. The most serious side effects occur in women who are pregnant or get pregnant while taking it. They may have a miscarriage, or their infant may be born with severe birth defects. Other serious side effects are rare. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that this medicine has been linked with depression, psychosis, and, in rare cases, suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts. The link between this medicine and depression is not clear, and it is being watched very closely. Talk with your doctor to decide if this medicine is right for you or your child. See your doctor if you or your child takes isotretinoin and has signs of depression. Most people who take this medicine have some of the less serious side effects. These include dry skin, dry mouth, chapped lips, nosebleeds, dry eyes, and trouble wearing contact lenses. These side effects usually are not a big problem and can be treated with moisturizers, artificial tears, and other products. If you have dry eyes while taking this medicine, you may have to wear glasses instead of contact lenses. Your skin also could sunburn more easily, so protect your skin from the sun when you're outside. This medicine can raise the level of certain fats (triglycerides) in your blood. So you may be more likely to get health problems such as heart disease. For this reason, you need to have your triglyceride levels checked before you start this medicine and every 4 to 6 weeks while you are taking it. You also need blood tests to make sure that the medicine isn't harming your liver. Some reports state that taking this medicine may increase the risk of getting inflammatory bowel disease. But experts don't have enough information to know if this is true. Headaches and muscle or joint pain are less common side effects that most people can treat with over-the-counter pain medicine. Muscle and joint pain are more common in people who exercise often. Your doctor might recommend this medicine if: These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions. "I didn't think I needed to worry too much about my acne. So far it is mostly whiteheads and blackheads. But my dad has bad acne scars. I figure I am heading the same way if I don't do something about it, so I'm going to talk to my doctor about taking medicine." — Jason, age 16 "My doctor said that it would be reasonable for me to try a medicine like Sotret for my acne. But my husband and I are thinking of having kids, and taking the medicine would mean putting that off for about 6 months or so. I'm going to take some time to think it over and talk to my husband, then decide." — Anne, age 24 "I have had bad acne ever since I was 13. It was really embarrassing, and it was hard to make friends. It was like people only saw my acne. A couple years ago, my doctor put me on isotretinoin. It has changed my life. My acne is so much better and I don't feel so self-conscious. I am more outgoing, and I have made some really good friends. I even have a girlfriend. When I see old pictures of myself, it's like looking at a different person." — Steve, age 18 "I've noticed that my daughter has become a lot more withdrawn and shy since she became a teenager. I think it might be related to her acne. She has quite a few pimples, and sometimes she gets a really severe one. I know that it bothers her, because she has asked me several times if she will outgrow it soon. I'm going to ask her if she wants to read up on isotretinoin and then we can see what the doctor says." — Barb, age 37 "My son is 13, and he has had acne for a year. He keeps asking me if he can go on isotretinoin, but I just think he's too young. I'm not sure that he would remember to take it every day, and I keep hoping that he will outgrow the acne as he gets a little older." — Hakim, age 38 Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements. Reasons to take isotretinoin Reasons not to take isotretinoin I want to do everything I can to treat my acne. I want to take medicines that are not as strong as isotretinoin for my acne. I don't mind avoiding sex or using two forms of birth control while I'm taking this medicine (women only). I'm not willing to avoid sex or to use two forms of birth control (women only). I'm not concerned about the side effects of this medicine. I'm very concerned about the side effects of this medicine. I feel bad about how I look because of my acne. I don't feel bad about how I look because of my acne. My other important reasons: My other important reasons: Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now. Taking isotretinoin NOT taking isotretinoin 1.
How bad does your acne have to be before you consider taking isotretinoin? 2.
Which of the following are side effects of isotretinoin? 3.
Does a woman need to avoid getting pregnant while taking this medicine? 1.
Do you understand the options available to you? 2.
Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you? 3.
Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice? 1.
How sure do you feel right now about your decision? 2.
Check what you need to do before you make this decision. Current as of: November 16, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review BoardAcne: Should I Take Isotretinoin for Severe Acne?
Acne: Should I Take Isotretinoin for Severe Acne?
1
Facts2
Options3
Feelings4
Decision5
Yourself6
Get the facts
Your options
Key points to remember
What is isotretinoin?
What are the risks of taking this medicine?
Why might your doctor recommend this medicine?
Compare your options
Personal stories about taking isotretinoin (such as Amnesteem, Claravis, or Sotret) for acne
What matters most to you?
Where are you leaning now?
What else do you need to make your decision?
Your Summary
Your decision
Next steps
Which way you're leaning
How sure you are
Your comments
Your knowledge of the facts
Key concepts that you understood
Key concepts that may need review
Getting ready to act
Patient choices
Credits
Author Healthwise Staff Clinical Review Board Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.Acne: Should I Take Isotretinoin for Severe Acne?
1. Get the Facts
Your options
Key points to remember
What is isotretinoin?
What are the risks of taking this medicine?
Why might your doctor recommend this medicine?
2. Compare your options
Take isotretinoin Don't take isotretinoin What is usually involved? What are the benefits? What are the risks and side effects? Personal stories
Personal stories about taking isotretinoin (such as Amnesteem, Claravis, or Sotret) for acne
3. What matters most to you?
4. Where are you leaning now?
5. What else do you need to make your decision?
Check the facts
Decide what's next
Certainty
By Healthwise Staff Clinical Review Board Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Note: The "printer friendly" document will not contain all the information available in the online document some Information (e.g. cross-references to other topics, definitions or medical illustrations) is only available in the online version.
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
FAQs
Take isotretinoin Take isotretinoin
Don't take isotretinoin Don't take isotretinoin
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You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.
Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.
FAQs
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Equally important
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That's right. Isotretinoin is a strong medicine that is recommended only for severe acne that can't be cleared up with other medicines.
That's right. Isotretinoin can cause birth defects and miscarriage. It also can cause dry skin, dry eyes, nosebleeds, and chapped lips. And it has been linked to depression.
That's right. Because the medicine can cause birth defects or miscarriage, women need to avoid getting pregnant. If you are a woman, this means you must agree to not have sex or to use two forms of birth control while taking this medicine.
Not sure at all
Somewhat sure
Very sure
Credits