Description
About Tretiva 20 mg Soft Capsule
Tretiva 20 mg is a prescription soft capsule containing 20 mg of isotretinoin, made by Intas Pharmaceuticals, used to treat severe acne such as nodular, cystic or scarring acne. It is one of the most frequently prescribed isotretinoin strengths because 20 mg fits neatly into weight-based doses for many teenagers and adults.
How does it work?
Oral isotretinoin switches off much of the skin’s oil production by shrinking the sebaceous glands. It also normalizes how skin cells line the pores, lowers the numbers of acne bacteria and reduces redness and swelling. No other acne treatment acts on all of these at once, which is why it is kept for the most serious cases.
How much do people take?
The dose is calculated from body weight. Standard courses start at about 0.5 mg/kg a day and may increase to 1 mg/kg a day. The table shows typical daily ranges for illustration only; your dermatologist sets your own dose.
| Body weight | 0.5 mg/kg a day | 1 mg/kg a day |
|---|---|---|
| 50 kg | 25 mg | 50 mg |
| 60 kg | 30 mg | 60 mg |
| 70 kg | 35 mg | 70 mg |
| 80 kg | 40 mg | 80 mg |
How to take Tretiva 20 mg
- Swallow each capsule whole with food, once or twice daily.
- Continue for the full course, usually 16–24 weeks; stopping early raises the chance of relapse.
- Attend every review so your dose and blood results can be checked.
Isotretinoin and pregnancy
Even a short exposure in pregnancy can cause serious malformations of the baby’s brain, heart and face, as well as miscarriage. Women and girls who could conceive need a formal pregnancy prevention plan (UK Pregnancy Prevention Program; iPLEDGE in the US), normally with two contraceptive methods and negative pregnancy tests before starting, each month and after finishing. Contraception continues for one month after the final capsule.
What are the side effects?
Almost everyone gets dry lips, and many notice dry skin, dry eyes, nosebleeds and aching joints. Some people have headaches, hair thinning or a short-lived flare of spots early on. Raised triglycerides and liver enzymes are picked up on blood tests. Contact your doctor straight away if you feel low, anxious or have thoughts of harming yourself, or if you develop a severe headache, blurred vision, intense stomach pain or a blistering rash.
Who should not take it?
It must not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or by people with serious liver disease, uncontrolled high blood fats or high vitamin A levels. Tetracycline antibiotics and vitamin A supplements must be avoided. Do not give blood while on treatment or for a month after, and postpone waxing, laser or peels for six months.
Pack sizes
Strips of 10 soft capsules, sold in packs of 30, 60 or 90, from $60. Store in the original pack, away from heat, light and children.
Frequently asked questions
Does 20 mg work better than 10 mg?
What matters is the right total dose for your weight, not the capsule size. Two Tretiva 10 mg capsules equal one 20 mg capsule.
Is there another 20 mg brand?
Yes, Tretizen 20 mg. Stay on one brand unless your prescriber advises a change.
Where can I see all acne treatments?
In our acne category.
For information only. Tretiva 20 mg is a prescription medicine; it should only be taken under the care of a dermatologist.
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