Isotretinoin (RoAccutane)
Roche Products
Description
Retinoid. Isotretinoin is a stereoisomer of all-trans retinoic acid (tretinoin). The exact mechanism of action of isotretinoin has not yet been elucidated in detail, but it has been established that the improvement observed in the clinical picture of severe acne is associated with suppression of sebaceous gland activity and a histologically demonstrated reduction in the size of the sebaceous glands. Furthermore, a dermal anti-inflammatory effect of isotretinoin has been established
Indications
Severe forms of acne (such as nodular or conglobate acne or acne at risk of permanent scarring) resistant to adequate courses of standard therapy with systemic anti-bacterials and topical therapy. In patients under 18 years of age, two independent prescribers must agree that there is no other appropriate effective treatment before initiation of isotretinoin therapy. See the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) for further detail.
Price
30 capsules: 10mg, £14.54; 20mg, £20.02
More on: Systemic acne treatments