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Sotret
If you have a severe form of acne, you may benefit from using Sotret. This prescription medication is specifically designed to treat severe nodular acne that has not responded adequately to other treatments. Sotret comes in capsule form and is taken twice daily for 15 to 20 weeks. Side effects may include dry skin, hearing problems, and depression.
Sotret™ (isotretinoin) is a prescription acne medication that is taken by mouth. It is a generic version of Accutane®, a brand-name drug that is no longer manufactured.
Sotret is 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 drug can cause serious side effects and is extremely dangerous for pregnant women. As a result, there are strict rules and regulations for prescribing and dispensing it.
(Click What Is Sotret Used For? for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)
Just like any medicine, Sotret may cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. However, serious reactions are also possible.
Some of the possible side effects of Sotret include but are not limited to:
- Dry eyes, lips, nose, and skin
- Psychiatric problems, such as depression or suicidal thoughts
- High triglycerides
- Hearing problems.
(Click Sotret Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD



