Introduction
In this article, you'll learn everything about isotretinoin. What is it? What do you need to be aware of? Side effects, dosages, and everything else you absolutely need to know. I'm currently taking isotretinoin myself, and Part 2 will simply be my results and final experiences once I've finished taking it.
In this article, you'll learn everything about isotretinoin. What is it? What do you need to be aware of? Side effects, dosages, and everything else you absolutely need to know. I'm currently taking isotretinoin myself, and Part 2 will simply be my results and final experiences once I've finished taking it.
Isotretinoin is a highly effective medication for treating severe forms of acne, especially when other therapies such as creams or antibiotics are insufficient. It belongs to the retinoid class of drugs and is chemically related to vitamin A.
Isotretinoin works by targeting several crucial aspects of acne development. First it shrinks the sebaceous glands in the skin and significantly reduces sebum production. Since excess sebum plays a central role in the development of acne,this reduces the basis for clogged pores. At the same time, isotretinoin normalizes the keratinization of skin cells, making pores less prone to clogging. Another important effect is the inhibition of the bacterium Cutibacterium acnes, which promotes inflammation in the pores. Furthermore, the medication has anti-inflammatory properties, which helps existing skin inflammations subside more quickly.
Isotretinoin works by targeting several crucial aspects of acne development. First it shrinks the sebaceous glands in the skin and significantly reduces sebum production. Since excess sebum plays a central role in the development of acne,this reduces the basis for clogged pores. At the same time, isotretinoin normalizes the keratinization of skin cells, making pores less prone to clogging. Another important effect is the inhibition of the bacterium Cutibacterium acnes, which promotes inflammation in the pores. Furthermore, the medication has anti-inflammatory properties, which helps existing skin inflammations subside more quickly.
Isotretinoin is usually taken as a capsule. It is typically taken daily with a meal, ideally the fattiest meal of the day, as this improves absorption. The exact dosage depends on body weight and the severity of the acne. Treatment often begins with a lower dose to assess tolerability, which can then be gradually increased.
Isotretinoin is taken for several months, often around six months, sometimes longer. Crucially, it is not only the daily dose but also the total dose taken over the entire treatment period, as this is strongly correlated with long-term treatment success.
Example of a dose (for an 80 kg man)
Please bear in mind that these are only rough guidelines, the dosage may vary from person to person.
Isotretinoin is taken for several months, often around six months, sometimes longer. Crucially, it is not only the daily dose but also the total dose taken over the entire treatment period, as this is strongly correlated with long-term treatment success.
Example of a dose (for an 80 kg man)
| Low Dosage | Moderat Dosage | High Dosage |
| 10-20mg | 20-40mg | 40-80mg |
| 0,125-0,25mg/kg/per day | 0,25-0,5mg/kg/per day | 0,5-1mg/kg/per day |
Please bear in mind that these are only rough guidelines, the dosage may vary from person to person.
Not all side effects will necessarily occur, but it's only fair to mention them.
- Depression and effects on mental health
- Dry skin (especially on the lips and face, a very likely side effect): itching and flaking may also occur. The skin can become more fragile, you may bleed more easily, and wounds may take longer to heal. Aggressive skin treatments such as laser treatments or waxing must be avoided during therapy and for up to six months afterward, as they can otherwise lead to scarring or skin irritation.
- Muscle damage and joint pain
- Dry eyes and temporarily impaired vision
- Changes in hair, hair loss, but increased hair growth is also possible.
- Other side effects: Gastrointestinal disorders, liver inflammation, kidney damage, negative effects on lipid metabolism, anemia, diabetes, allergic reactions, nervous system disorders, impaired hearing, erectile dysfunction, and decreased libido.
Of course, all of this sounds very alarming at first, but just because these side effects are possible doesn't mean you'll get them. So far, I only have dry skin and my wounds heal more slowly.
- Depression and effects on mental health
- Dry skin (especially on the lips and face, a very likely side effect): itching and flaking may also occur. The skin can become more fragile, you may bleed more easily, and wounds may take longer to heal. Aggressive skin treatments such as laser treatments or waxing must be avoided during therapy and for up to six months afterward, as they can otherwise lead to scarring or skin irritation.
- Muscle damage and joint pain
- Dry eyes and temporarily impaired vision
- Changes in hair, hair loss, but increased hair growth is also possible.
- Other side effects: Gastrointestinal disorders, liver inflammation, kidney damage, negative effects on lipid metabolism, anemia, diabetes, allergic reactions, nervous system disorders, impaired hearing, erectile dysfunction, and decreased libido.
Of course, all of this sounds very alarming at first, but just because these side effects are possible doesn't mean you'll get them. So far, I only have dry skin and my wounds heal more slowly.
- in cases of serious pre-existing illnesses, for example, liver disease
- in cases of severely elevated blood lipid levels
- in cases of hypervitaminosis A - hypersensitivity to soy, peanut, or any components of isotretinoin
- when taking tetracycline antibiotics concurrently
- under no circumstances should isotretinoin be given to a pregnant woman, even a single tablet can cause severe disabilities in an unborn child
- in cases of severely elevated blood lipid levels
- in cases of hypervitaminosis A - hypersensitivity to soy, peanut, or any components of isotretinoin
- when taking tetracycline antibiotics concurrently
- under no circumstances should isotretinoin be given to a pregnant woman, even a single tablet can cause severe disabilities in an unborn child
- Do not donate blood for one month after finishing the course of medication.
- Do not take vitamin A supplements.
- Avoid cosmetic procedures.
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds, as UV sensitivity will be increased
- Do not take vitamin A supplements.
- Avoid cosmetic procedures.
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds, as UV sensitivity will be increased
Wash your face morning and evening with a mild face wash. The face wash should not contain any additional acne medication. After washing, apply a moisturizing cream. Again, avoid creams with acne medication. For your lips, use vaseline or a lip balm. When you go outside, apply a low-fat sunscreen with SPF 50 to your face. Before going to bed, reapply the cream and the vaseline or lip balm. It's also a good idea to always carry hand cream with you.
Do your own research and make an informed decision. I'm not responsible for any side effects or other issues that may arise while taking this medication. I used Google Translate for some parts of this guide because my English isn't very good. If you didn't understand something, just leave a comment. If you live in a country like mine with good healthcare, seek medical advice, believe me, it's worth it.
