Roaccutane
Not available
Reviewed on April 24, 2026. by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell Writer & Clinical Content Reviewer Registered with GPhC (No. 2241935) Next review due on Apr 24, 2029.
Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell

Last updated on April 24, 2026.

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 or another qualified specialist.

How does Roaccutane work?

Acne is often caused by an overproduction of sebum, 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 Alexandra Cristina Cowell 1218322
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on April 24, 2026. Next review due on April 24, 2029.

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 your clinician’s instructions 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) 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 around 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 one or two weeks before you start isotretinoin. 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 Alexandra Cristina Cowell 1218322
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on April 24, 2026. Next review due on April 24, 2029.

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

No FAQs data!

This is healthcare on your terms.

All from the comfort of your device. Get access to what you need, when you need it.

100% online

Ask questions and get expert recommendations, at the touch of a button.

Tailored choices

We'll narrow down some treatments for you to choose from based on your medical profile.

Express delivery

Receive your treatment by secure delivery, in discreet packaging.

Repeats made easy

Set your own delivery schedule and pause or make changes any time you like.

See how it works

Get to know our clinical team

They review our info and prescribe your treatments.

Dr Daniel Atkinson

GP Clinical Lead
Dr-Daniel-Atkinson

Registered with GMC (No. 4624794)

Meet Daniel  

Ms Sanjeda Chowdhury

Superintendent Pharmacist + Independent Prescriber
Ms-Sanjeda

Registered with GPhC (No. 2202465)

Meet Sanjeda  

Mr Craig Marsh

Independent Prescriber
Mr-Craig

Registered with GPhC (No. 2070724)

Meet Craig  

Here’s what you had to say

  • Service reviews
Treated
4.48

Average rating based on 2297 reviews.

Our verification process
551

Rapid is the increder

A
551

Works really well.

A
551

Easy to use. Received answer in a timely matter.

K
551

Professionelt og brugervenligt

A
551

Top service ! Fast & efficient !

E
See all our reviews 

Read more about Roaccutane

Further reading

Woman in a dark grey shirt in a well-lit white room smiling and looking to one side.

What if I take my weight loss pill at the wrong time?

When should you take your weight loss pill? And what happens if you’ve forgotten it? Everything yo…

October 09, 2026 Read more
Man smiling

Normal Ageing vs. Low Testosterone

Understand the difference between low testosterone levels and ageing. Find out the causes of low tes…

October 08, 2026 Read more
Woman smiling

What Could Be Causing My Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation can have many causes, including pregnancy, acne, and contraceptive pill use. Find …

September 22, 2026 Read more

Give us the inbox treatment

We're making healthcare more about you. Sign up to our newsletter for personalised health articles that make a difference.

Roaccutane isn’t available right now. But there is an alternative.
Try Differin
OR Notify me
Roaccutane isn’t available right now.
To get notified as soon as we have it, leave your name and email address below.
Get notified
Try Differin

Tell us about a problem

Accept the terms of use
I'm looking for
Popular searches:
Wegovy Viagra Finasteride Varenicline Mounjaro