Description
About Tretiva 10 mg Soft Capsule
Tretiva 10 mg is a prescription soft capsule containing 10 mg of isotretinoin, made by Intas Pharmaceuticals, used for severe nodular or scarring acne and acne that has resisted antibiotics and topical treatment. The 10 mg strength is a common building block for a weight-based dose and is often used for the first weeks of a course, when doctors like to start gently.
Key facts
| Active ingredient | Isotretinoin 10 mg |
|---|---|
| Form | Soft gelatin capsule, 10 per strip |
| Usual daily dose | 0.5–1 mg per kg of body weight |
| Typical course | 16–24 weeks |
| Take with | Food |
| Supervision | Dermatologist, with blood tests |
How does Tretiva work?
Isotretinoin, a relative of vitamin A, reduces the size and activity of the skin’s oil glands. With much less sebum, pores stay clear, acne bacteria struggle to multiply and inflamed cysts settle. The effect continues after the course ends, which is why it can change the long-term outlook for severe acne rather than simply holding it back.
How to take Tretiva 10 mg
Take the capsules with a meal, swallowed whole with water, once or twice a day as prescribed. A 60 kg adult starting at 0.5 mg/kg would take 30 mg a day, for instance three 10 mg capsules or one 20 mg and one 10 mg. Your dermatologist adjusts the amount at each review according to response and side effects. If you miss a dose, skip it and carry on as normal; never double up.
Your first month
- Lips dry out within days: apply a thick lip balm many times a day.
- Use a gentle cleanser and a bland moisturizer, and stop other acne products unless told otherwise.
- Acne can flare briefly in weeks two to four before it starts to improve.
- Lubricating eye drops help if contact lenses become uncomfortable.
Pregnancy prevention
Isotretinoin is extremely harmful to an unborn baby. If you could become pregnant, you must be enrolled in a pregnancy prevention program, such as the UK Pregnancy Prevention Program or iPLEDGE in the US. Expect to use two reliable forms of contraception, starting a month before treatment and continuing a month after, with pregnancy tests before, monthly during and after the course. Stop the capsules and contact your prescriber at once if a period is missed.
Side effects and warning signs
Dryness of the lips, skin, nose and eyes is almost universal. Muscle or joint aches, headaches, nosebleeds and increased sun sensitivity are common. Your blood lipids and liver tests will be monitored. Seek help urgently for changes in mood, depression or suicidal thoughts, severe headache with blurred vision, severe abdominal pain, or a widespread rash with blisters.
Cautions and interactions
- Do not take tetracycline antibiotics or vitamin A supplements alongside it.
- Avoid blood donation during the course and for one month afterwards.
- Skip waxing, laser and skin resurfacing until six months after finishing.
- Keep alcohol low, as it adds to the strain on liver and blood fats.
Pack sizes
Supplied as 10 capsules per strip, in packs of 30, 60 or 90, from $50. Store in a cool, dry place in the original strip.
Frequently asked questions
Can I switch between brands mid-course?
Only with your prescriber’s agreement. Tretizen 10 mg contains the same ingredient but a different maker’s formulation.
What if 10 mg capsules mean taking many a day?
Your doctor may move you to Tretiva 20 mg for fewer capsules.
Where can I compare acne treatments?
Browse the acne range.
General information only. Tretiva 10 mg is a prescription medicine for use under specialist supervision; never start isotretinoin without a doctor.