Description
About Tretizen 10 mg Soft Capsule
Tretizen 10 mg is a prescription soft gelatin capsule containing 10 mg of isotretinoin, made by Zenlabs Ethica, used to treat severe acne, including nodular, cystic and scarring acne that has not improved with antibiotics or topical medicines. It contains the same active ingredient as Roaccutane and Tretiva.
How does Tretizen work?
Isotretinoin is a vitamin A–related medicine taken by mouth. It shrinks the sebaceous glands so that far less oil reaches the skin, stops pores from blocking, lowers acne bacteria and quietens inflammation. These combined effects explain why it can produce lasting improvement where other treatments have only helped temporarily.
How to take Tretizen 10 mg
- Swallow the capsules whole with food, once or twice a day as prescribed.
- Doses are based on weight, commonly 0.5 mg/kg a day at first, increasing up to 1 mg/kg a day.
- Courses usually last 16–24 weeks.
- The 10 mg capsule is useful for starting doses, gradual increases and lighter patients.
Looking after your mental health
Low mood, anxiety, irritability and, rarely, suicidal thoughts have been reported with isotretinoin. It is not certain that the medicine causes them, since severe acne itself affects wellbeing, but the risk is taken seriously. Tell your doctor about any history of depression before starting. During treatment, stop the capsules and get help at once if you feel hopeless, withdrawn or have thoughts of self-harm, and let someone close to you know you are taking it so they can spot changes.
Pregnancy prevention
Isotretinoin causes severe birth defects. If you could become pregnant, you will need to follow a pregnancy prevention program (the Pregnancy Prevention Program in the UK or iPLEDGE in the US). This means two forms of effective contraception from one month before until one month after treatment, and pregnancy tests before, every month during and after the course.
What are the side effects?
Dry lips and skin, dry eyes, nosebleeds, joint or muscle aches and headache are the most common. Your doctor will check blood fats and liver function. Seek urgent help for a severe headache with blurred vision, severe stomach pain, yellowing of the skin or a blistering rash.
Everyday life on isotretinoin
- Sun: skin burns more easily, so use SPF 30+ daily.
- Hair removal: no waxing, laser or dermabrasion until six months after finishing.
- Blood donation: not allowed during treatment or for one month afterwards.
- Alcohol: keep it light to protect your liver and blood fats.
- Other medicines: avoid tetracycline antibiotics and vitamin A supplements.
Pack sizes
Tretizen 10 mg comes in strips of 10 soft capsules and is sold in packs of 30, 60 or 90, from $20. Store it in the original pack in a cool, dry place.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tretizen the same as Tretiva?
Both contain isotretinoin 10 mg; they are made by different companies. Tretiva 10 mg is the Intas version.
Is there a higher strength?
Yes, Tretizen 20 mg.
Where can I compare acne treatments?
In the acne category, which also includes topical options.
This content is general and not a substitute for specialist care. Tretizen 10 mg is a prescription medicine; take it only under a dermatologist’s supervision.