No matter which camp you fall into, you’ll find all the info you need here.
Illustration by Tim Liedtke for Verywell Health
What Is Accutane?
Accutane is a former brand name of isotretinoina prescription medication used to treatsevereornodular acne.
Illustration by Tim Liedtke for Verywell Health
Isotretinoin belongs to the family of medicines called retinoids.
It works by reducing sebum (oil) production, clogged pores, the skin bacteriaP.
acnes, and inflammationall of which can lead to breakouts.
Is Isotretinoin Safe?
Isotretinoin (formerly sold under the brand name Accutane) is a very effective treatment for severe acne.
What are Isotretinoin Alternatives?
They’re just sold under different brand names.
Generic versionsof Accutane have been available since 2002 and have the same active ingredient as the original.
They include formulations marketed under the brand names Absorica, Amnesteem, Claravis, Sotret, and others.
Registration in theiPledge programis also required of anyone taking isotretinoin.
Just like with Accutane, these medications are not right for everyone.
But, in the right situations, these options are great substitutes for the now non-existent Accutane brand.
For some people, though, isotretinoin medication isn’t an option.
In this case, there are still plenty of treatment alternatives for people with stubborninflammatory acneorsevere acnebreakouts.
Topical retinoids do some of the same things for your skin that isotretinoin can.
They exfoliate the skin, reduce oiliness, help keep the pores clear, and prevent breakouts from forming.
As with isotretinoin, retinoid medications require a prescription.
Oral Antibiotics
Oral antibioticsare another option for treating severe acne.
Since acne is caused, in part, by bacteria, oral antibiotics can help get breakouts under control.
Hormonal Treatments
Spironolactone (aldactone) is another effective medication that is for adult women only.
Certain oral contraceptive pills can also be beneficial.
A healthcare professional injects the corticosteroid directly into the blemish.
This punch in of treatment can flatten the majority of nodules and cysts within 48 to 72 hours.
Acne Removal
Physically removing blemishes is another treatment method that can help with some forms of acne.
Acne extraction may be performed when acne treatments fail to clear blackheads and whiteheads.
During this procedure, a healthcare professional uses sterile tools to carefully clear clogged or compacted pores.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Isotretinoin: Overview.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Isotretinoin capsule information.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Isotretinoin: The truth about side effects.
2016;74(5):945-73.e33.
doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.12.037
American Academy of Dermatology Association.What can clear severe acne?
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Pimple popping: Why a dermatologist should only do it.
Baldwin HE.Pharmacologic treatment options in mild, moderate, and severe acne vulgaris.Semin Cutan Med Surg.
2015;34(5 Suppl):S82-5.
doi:10.12788/j.sder.2015.0162
Webster GF.Isotretinoin: Mechanism of action and patient selection.Semin Cutan Med Surg.
2015;34(5 Suppl):S86-8.
