Description
About Isotroin 10 mg Soft Capsules
Isotroin 10 mg is a prescription soft gelatin capsule containing 10 mg of isotretinoin, made by Cipla Limited, used to treat severe acne, including nodular, cystic and scarring acne, and acne that keeps returning after antibiotics. It is a popular strength for starting a course and for lighter patients, as it allows the dose to be increased in small steps.
How does isotretinoin work?
Isotretinoin cuts the activity of the skin’s sebaceous glands so sharply that the skin becomes far less oily within weeks. At the same time it prevents pores from becoming plugged and dampens inflammation. Together, these actions stop new spots forming and let existing cysts heal.
How to take Isotroin 10 mg
Take each capsule with a meal, swallowed whole. Your dermatologist calculates the daily dose from your weight, starting at about 0.5 mg/kg and possibly increasing to 1 mg/kg, taken once daily or in two divided doses. For someone weighing 50 kg, 0.5 mg/kg a day comes to 25 mg; with 10 mg capsules, the doctor may prescribe 20 or 30 mg, or add a 5 mg capsule. Most courses last 16–24 weeks.
What to expect week by week
- Weeks 1–2: lips start to dry and skin feels less greasy.
- Weeks 3–6: some people have a flare of spots; keep going unless your doctor advises otherwise.
- Weeks 6–12: fewer new spots appear, and cysts begin to flatten.
- Weeks 12–24: skin is usually much clearer; marks fade gradually over the following months.
Pregnancy prevention
Isotretinoin causes a high rate of serious birth defects if taken during pregnancy. If you are able to become pregnant, you will need to follow a pregnancy prevention program (UK Pregnancy Prevention Program or US iPLEDGE). This involves two effective forms of contraception for one month before, during, and one month after treatment, and pregnancy tests before you start, each month and after you finish. Do not breastfeed while taking Isotroin.
What are the side effects?
Dry, cracked lips appear early in almost all patients. Dry skin, dry eyes, nosebleeds, headache, aching joints and sunburn are also common. Blood tests look for rises in triglycerides, cholesterol and liver enzymes. Seek urgent help for depression, sudden mood changes or suicidal thoughts, a persistent severe headache with blurred vision or vomiting, severe abdominal pain, or a blistering rash.
Who should not take it?
- People who are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Anyone with significant liver disease, very high blood fats or excess vitamin A.
- Anyone on tetracycline antibiotics or vitamin A supplements.
- People with an allergy to isotretinoin or to soya.
Avoid donating blood while on treatment and for a month after, and do not have waxing, laser or dermabrasion until six months after finishing.
Pack sizes and storage
Supplied in strips of 10 soft gelatin capsules, sold in packs of 30, 60 or 90, from $42. Keep in the original pack below 86°F (30°C), protected from light.
Frequently asked questions
Could two 5 mg capsules replace one 10 mg?
Two Isotroin 5 mg capsules give the same dose, but one 10 mg capsule is simpler.
What is the next strength up?
Isotroin 20 mg, which halves the number of capsules at higher doses.
Are there other brands of isotretinoin 10 mg?
Yes, including Accufine 10 mg. All options are in the acne category.
For general information only. Isotroin 10 mg is a prescription medicine; take it only under the supervision of a dermatologist.