User:Mr. Ibrahem/Isotretinoin

Isotretinoin, sold under the brand name Accutane among others, is a medication primarily used to treat severe acne. Specifically it is used for acne that is nodular and has not improved with other treatments. Other uses include psoriasis, ichthyosis, and certain cancers. It is taken by mouth or applied to the skin.

Common side effects include inflammed lips, high blood triglycerides, joint pain, and muscle pain. Other side effects may include sexual problems, increased susceptibility to sunburn, hair loss, and mental health problems. Isotretinoin is known to cause birth defects and effective birth control is required starting a month before beginning treatment. It is a retinoid, meaning it is related to vitamin A and tretinoin. It is believed to work via altering sebaceous gland function.

It was patented in 1969 and approved for medical use in 1982. While it remains avaliable under a number of generic names the original brand name was discontinued in 2009 due to a combination of low sales and multiple lawsuits over side effects. In the United States and United Kingdom special programs are in place to decrease the risk of women becoming pregnant while using the medication. In the United Kingdom 20 mg per day for a month costs the NHS about 17 pounds.