Isotretinoin for Acne
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Isotretinoin is a powerful and effective medicine derived from vitamin A (retinoid medicine). Doctors prescribe it to treat severe Reference acne Opens New Window only after other treatments have failed. Isotretinoin can cause some rare but serious side effects. Just one dose of isotretinoin can cause severe birth defects if a woman is pregnant when taking this medicine.Reference 1
Isotretinoin usually needs to be taken for 3 to 6 months.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: February 3, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology |
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