Roaccutane
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Reviewed on May 07, 2023. by Dr Daniel Atkinson GP Clinical Lead Registered with GMC (No. 4624794) Next review due on May 08, 2026.
Dr Daniel Atkinson

Last updated on May 07, 2023.

Product info

  • Roaccutane is an effective soft-capsule treatment for severe acne.

  • It works by unblocking pores so your skin can start to heal.
  • The usual dose is one capsule once or twice a day.

Roaccutane Isotretinoin

What is Roaccutane?

Roaccutane is a soft-capsule treatment for severe acne, which you take once or twice a day. It’s a powerful treatment, which means it can provide effective results for most people, but it does have an increased risk of side effects which need close monitoring.

Because Roaccutane is quite a strong treatment, it’s only used for severe cases of acne where other treatments (such as antibiotics or topical medicines) haven’t worked to improve your acne. Treatment with Roaccutane should also be supervised by a dermatologist.

How does Roaccutane work?

Acne is often caused by an overproduction of sebum, which is an oily substance produced by your skin’s sebaceous glands. Sebum-rich skin tends to be ideal conditions for bacteria to grow and thrive in, which causes your pores to become blocked and acne to appear. Isotretinoin, the active ingredient in Roaccutane, works by inhibiting the production of sebum, which unblocks your pores and treats acne.

It typically takes around a week to ten days for Roaccutane to start working, and your skin may become worse before it gets better during this initial week.

What doses of Roaccutane are there?

Roaccutane comes in two doses: 10mg and 20mg. The usual starting dose is 0.5 mg per kilogram that you weigh, each day. So if you weigh 60kg, the starting dose will be 30mg a day. After a few weeks, this dosage may then be adjusted depending on how you’re getting on with it. For most people, this can go up to a dosage of 1mg per kilogram of body weight, each day. (So 60mg per day if you weigh 60kg, which will be the equivalent of three 20mg tablets a day.)

treated.com This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
Dr Daniel Atkinson 312
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Daniel Atkinson on May 08, 2023. Next review due on May 08, 2026.

How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

Roaccutane Isotretinoin

How to take Roaccutane

You should always follow the instructions of your prescriber when taking Roaccutane. Take your capsules once or twice a day, on a full stomach. To take them, swallow your capsules whole, with water, after food or a meal. (The treatment is better absorbed into your body and works more effectively if taken after a fatty meal, such as your evening meal.)

If you’re already taking a tetracycline antibiotic for your acne (like Minocin), then your clinician will recommend that you stop taking this when you start taking Roaccutane.

How long does it take Roaccutane to work?

It usually takes around 7-10 days for Roaccutane to start working, and during the first weeks it’s common for your acne to get worse. This is normal, and doesn’t mean that the treatment isn’t going to work for you. If your acne doesn’t seem to be improving after a month of treatment, let your clinician know.

The average length of treatment is for 20 weeks, but this may be shorter or longer according to your response to treatment. If you are already taking Minocin or another tetracycline antibiotic, your doctor will ask you to discontinue this when you start isotretinoin or shortly afterwards (within 1 to 2 weeks.) The treatment is to be taken with a fatty meal such as your evening meal as this helps it to absorb into the body and work more effectively.

Your acne may continue to improve for up to eight weeks after your treatment course has finished, so if you need to take another course of treatment, you’ll usually be advised to wait until these eight weeks have passed.

What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Roaccutane?

If you miss your dose of Roaccutane, take it as soon as you remember — unless it’s nearly time for your next dose. If it is, simply skip the missed dose and carry on as normal. Don’t take a double dose to make up for the missed one.

If you’ve taken more Roaccutane than you should’ve done, seek medical help straight away.

treated.com This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
Dr Daniel Atkinson 312
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Daniel Atkinson on May 08, 2023. Next review due on May 08, 2026.

How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

Roaccutane Isotretinoin

Roaccutane isn’t suitable for everyone, and there are some things that you need to be aware of when taking it.

Here’s all the official info on it. If anything is unclear, let our clinician know, and they can talk with you about it.

Roaccutane Isotretinoin

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Dr Daniel Atkinson

GP Clinical Lead
Dr-Daniel-Atkinson

Registered with GMC (No. 4624794)

Meet Daniel  

Ms Sanjeda Chowdhury

Superintendent Pharmacist + Independent Prescriber
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Registered with GPhC (No. 2202465)

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Registered with GPhC (No. 2070724)

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