Description
About Accufine 20 mg
Accufine 20 mg is a prescription soft capsule containing 20 mg of isotretinoin, made by Healing Pharma, India, used to treat severe acne, including deep nodules, cysts and acne that leaves scars. The 20 mg strength is widely used because one or two capsules match the daily dose many teenagers and adults need.
How does isotretinoin clear severe acne?
Acne develops when oily sebum and dead cells block hair follicles, bacteria multiply inside them and the body reacts with inflammation. Isotretinoin interrupts every stage: it shrinks the sebaceous glands, prevents the blockage, deprives bacteria of their food source and reduces the inflammatory response. Improvement usually becomes noticeable after one to two months.
How to take Accufine 20 mg
Take your capsules with food, because absorption falls considerably on an empty stomach. Swallow them whole with water. The daily amount is worked out from your weight, usually beginning around 0.5 mg/kg and adjusted up to 1 mg/kg a day, either as a single dose or split between two meals. A course generally lasts 16–24 weeks, and stopping early makes relapse more likely.
Common dose combinations with 20 mg capsules
| Daily dose | Possible combination |
|---|---|
| 20 mg | One Accufine 20 mg |
| 40 mg | Two 20 mg capsules |
| 50 mg | Two 20 mg plus one 10 mg |
| 60 mg | Three 20 mg, or one 40 mg plus one 20 mg |
This is only an illustration; your dermatologist decides your own dose and which strengths to use.
Monitoring during treatment
- Fasting cholesterol, triglycerides and liver tests before you begin and again after about a month.
- Further blood tests if results change or the dose rises.
- A check on mood, skin and side effects at each appointment.
- Monthly pregnancy tests for anyone who could become pregnant.
Isotretinoin and pregnancy
Taking isotretinoin during pregnancy carries a high risk of miscarriage and serious birth defects. For that reason, people who could conceive can only receive it through a pregnancy prevention program, such as the UK Pregnancy Prevention Program or iPLEDGE in America. Two reliable contraceptive methods are usually required from one month before to one month after treatment, with a negative test before starting, tests every month and a final test after the course. It is also unsuitable during breastfeeding.
What are the side effects?
The commonest effects are cracked lips, dry skin, dry eyes and a dry nose that can bleed. Some people have back or joint pain, headaches, temporary hair shedding or reduced night vision. Rarely, isotretinoin affects mood, the liver, the pancreas or pressure inside the skull. Seek urgent medical advice for feelings of depression or thoughts of self-harm, a severe headache with vomiting or blurred sight, severe abdominal pain, or a peeling or blistering rash.
Who should not take it?
Accufine 20 mg is not suitable in pregnancy or breastfeeding, or for people with severe liver problems, very high blood fats or hypervitaminosis A. Do not take it with tetracyclines or vitamin A products. Mention any peanut or soya allergy, as soft capsules can contain soya oil. You must not give blood while taking it or for a month afterwards, and waxing, laser and dermabrasion should wait until at least six months after the course.
Pack sizes
Supplied in strips of 10, in packs of 100, 200 or 300 soft capsules, from $70. Store below 86°F (30°C) in the original packaging, out of sight and reach of children.
Frequently asked questions
Is Accufine 20 mg stronger than two 10 mg capsules?
No. Two Accufine 10 mg capsules deliver the same 20 mg.
Does Cipla make a 20 mg version?
Yes, Isotroin 20 mg contains the same dose from a different manufacturer.
Can I keep using acne creams?
Usually not during the course, as they worsen dryness. Topical options in the acne range may be useful afterwards.
General information only, not personal medical advice. Accufine 20 mg is a prescription medicine that requires dermatologist supervision and regular monitoring.
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