Isotretinoin

Isotretinoin is a strong medication sometimes used to treat rosacea, a skin condition that leads to redness and bumps on the face. It works by reducing inflammation, which can help improve your symptoms. It's especially effective for severe cases, particularly when used alongside a corticosteroid.

It's made from Vitamin A and is a type of treatment known as a retinoid. Retinoids are typically used when antibiotics or other treatments haven't been successful. It's crucial to use effective contraception while taking Isotretinoin, as it can lead to serious birth defects in an unborn baby. Because of this, and other reasons, a dermatologist must closely monitor treatment with Isotretinoin.

Isotretinoin, a type of tretinoin used for acne, can also help with rosacea by lessening the redness and bumps on your face. It works by reducing the size of the oil glands in your skin and calming the inflammation that causes redness. This results in fewer breakouts and generally better-looking skin. While it may take a while to notice the full benefits, isotretinoin can be highly effective for rosacea when used as your doctor advises.

Isotretinoin is available in three different strengths: 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg. The 5mg capsules are a pale pink or cream colour, the 10mg capsules are light pink, and the 20mg capsules are a reddish-orange shade.

Mood changes are a very rare side effect of Isotretinoin, with only a 1 in 1000 chance of occurring. Despite this low risk, it's crucial for your clinician to keep a close eye on your treatment. More research is needed to fully understand the connection between isotretinoin and psychiatric side effects.

In reality, treatment with Isotretinoin is more likely to boost your mood. A study showed that most participants experienced better mental well-being, although a small number did notice a decline in their mood.

If you've experienced mood disorders in the past, be sure to inform your clinician before starting Isotretinoin.

As with all medicines, Isotretinoin may cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. Some common side effects are:

To see all possible side effects, have a look at the leaflet included with your medication.

There are treatments similar to Isotretinoin that also have anti-inflammatory effects. For instance, brimonidine and ivermectin can both help lessen the redness and swelling associated with rosacea.

Some people might assume tretinoin and isotretinoin are the same since they're both derived from vitamin A. Despite their similar names, they're actually prescribed for different purposes and used differently. Tretinoin is a topical treatment for mild to moderate acne. It works by speeding up the life cycle of skin cells, helping to keep pores clear. It can also be applied to the skin to treat wrinkles and sun damage, or taken orally, alongside other medicines, to treat leukaemia.

No, it's crucial not to become pregnant while on this medication because it can harm your unborn baby. It's known to be teratogenic, which means it can cause serious birth defects and may raise the risk of miscarriage. You should also avoid taking it if you're breastfeeding, as it can pass into the milk.

To stay safe, use a reliable form of contraception while you're on treatment and for a month after finishing it. It's important to take regular pregnancy tests, and if you think you might be pregnant at any time, stop the treatment immediately. Your clinician will keep a close eye on you throughout your treatment to ensure it's safe and appropriate for you.

Yes, you'll need a prescription to take Isotretinoin, as it's a strong medication. Your prescriber will review your medical history to make sure it's safe for you and to confirm that you've already tried other treatments for your rosacea.