Acne Home > Accutane

What Is Accutane?

Accutane^® (isotretinoin) is a prescription medication approved to treat severe nodular acne that has not responded to other treatments. It can be quite effective, with long-lasting effects after a single 15- or 20-week course. However, this acne medication is extremely dangerous for pregnant women, and there are strict rules and regulations for prescribing and dispensing it.

 

 

Who Makes It?

Accutane was manufactured by Roche Laboratories, Inc. However, the manufacturer decided to stop making this medication. Generic versions (sold under the names Amnesteem™, Claravis™, and Sotret^®) are still available.

 

How Does It Work?

Accutane is a retinoid, which means that it is similar to vitamin A. It works by affecting the sebaceous glands. These glands produce sebum (an oily substance), and Accutane works by reducing the size of the sebaceous glands and decreasing sebum production. The medication also corrects abnormal keratinization (which causes a buildup of cells within hair follicles), a problem that contributes to acne. It is not entirely clear as to why Accutane causes such long-lasting, anti-acne effects.