Description
About Tretiva 25 mg Soft Capsule
Tretiva 25 mg is a prescription soft gelatin capsule containing 25 mg of isotretinoin, made by Intas Pharmaceuticals, used to treat severe acne that has not responded to antibiotics and topical therapy. The 25 mg strength is less common than 20 mg or 30 mg. It suits people whose weight-based dose lands between those capsules, such as a 50 kg patient on 0.5 mg/kg a day, who can take one capsule instead of several.
How does isotretinoin clear acne?
Isotretinoin is an oral retinoid. It reduces the output of the sebaceous glands by up to about 90% during treatment, prevents blocked pores, reduces the bacteria that inflame spots and dampens the immune reaction around cysts. Many people remain clear for years after a completed course.
How to take Tretiva 25 mg
- Take with a meal and a glass of water, swallowing the capsule whole.
- Most prescribers use 0.5–1 mg/kg a day, once daily or split into two doses.
- Keep to the same routine each day, for example with breakfast or dinner.
- Do not take extra capsules to make up for a missed one.
How long does a course last?
Dermatologists often plan treatment around a total, or cumulative, dose of about 120–150 mg per kg of body weight, since reaching this range is linked with lower relapse rates. For a 70 kg adult that is roughly 8,400–10,500 mg in total. At 50 mg a day this takes about 24–30 weeks, whereas at lower daily doses the course runs longer. Your prescriber tracks this and decides when to stop.
Pregnancy and contraception
Because isotretinoin causes severe birth defects, it is only prescribed to someone who could become pregnant within a pregnancy prevention program (the UK Pregnancy Prevention Program or US iPLEDGE). This involves two effective forms of contraception from a month before the first dose until a month after the last, and a pregnancy test before, monthly throughout and after treatment. Never share your capsules.
What are the side effects?
- Dry, peeling lips and skin, dry eyes and nose, and occasional nosebleeds.
- Back pain or joint aches, especially with vigorous exercise.
- Temporary worsening of acne at the start, and sensitivity to sunlight.
- Changes in blood fats and liver tests, monitored by your doctor.
Urgent: stop and seek medical advice for depression, mood swings or suicidal thoughts, a persistent severe headache with sight problems, severe abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, yellowing skin or a severe rash.
Cautions
Avoid taking tetracyclines such as doxycycline or minocycline, or vitamin A supplements, during the course. Tell your doctor about liver disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, depression or a soya or peanut allergy. Blood donation is not allowed during treatment and for one month after. Hair removal by waxing, and laser or dermabrasion, should wait until six months after your final dose.
Pack sizes
Supplied in strips of 10, in packs of 30, 60 or 90 capsules, from $70. Keep the strip in its carton, dry and below 86°F (30°C).
Frequently asked questions
Can I split a 25 mg capsule?
No. Soft capsules cannot be divided; lower strengths such as Tretiva 20 mg exist for that reason.
What if I need more than 25 mg?
Your doctor may combine capsules or prescribe Tretiva 30 mg.
Are there other acne options?
See the full acne range.
General educational content, not a prescription. Tretiva 25 mg is a prescription medicine; take it only as your dermatologist directs.