---
title: "Accutane"
url: "https://bhskin.com/medical/accutane/"
updated: "2025-12-02"
---

# Accutane

If you have moderate to severe acne, Accutane treatments may be the best option for you. Accutane, also known as Isotretinoin, is a potent derivative of Vitamin A. Patients that have exhausted all other treatment options typically seek Accutane as a last resort. Known as the drug that has “revolutionized the treatment of acne”, Accutane is able to tackle some of the most complex cases.

## Revolutionary Acne Treatment in LA

If you have moderate to severe acne, Accutane treatments may be the best option for you. Accutane, also known as Isotretinoin, is a potent derivative of Vitamin A. Patients that have exhausted all other treatment options typically seek Accutane as a last resort. Known as the drug that has “revolutionized the treatment of acne”, Accutane is able to tackle some of the most complex cases.

## How Does Accutane Work?

Accutane works by [reducing facial oil](https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-6661/accutane-oral/details) production. Large amounts of facial oil, or sebum, production can lead to severe cases of acne. The medication is taken in capsule form and dosage depends on the severity of the acne being treated. Overall, you can expect treatment to last anywhere from 4 to 6 months.

Patients who are pregnant or might become pregnant are advised not to receive this treatment, as there is a big risk of birth effects.

![Woman with accutane on her face.](https://bhskin.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/accutane-.jpg)

## What Are the Side Effects of Accutane?

The most common side effects for Accutane include:

- Dry mouth/lips
- Eyelid or lip swelling
- Crusty skin
- Nosebleeds
- Hair thinning
- Upset stomach
- Muscle/joint/back pain
- Mental/mood changes

Your Accutane dermatologist will discuss any other side effects that you should be aware of.

![Young man with accutane on his face.](https://bhskin.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Accutane-.jpg)

## Working with an Accutane Dermatologist

At BHSkin Dermatology, an experienced Accutane dermatologist will guide you through the process of receiving the medication.

We dispense Accutane according to the iPledge Program. iPledge is a government-regulated prescription program, which requires that very specific instructions are followed in order to receive your medication. At our clinics in Glendale and Encino, you can obtain Accutane by:

- Working with your Accutane dermatologist and signing consent forms
- Performing all initial blood work
- Completing registration in iPledge. Female patients will need to be on two forms of birth control that must match what your physician’s office will put in on their end.
- Waiting 28 days and then taking a second pregnancy test (females only).

Picking-up your medication *after* getting confirmation from BHSkin Dermatology and receiving your iPledge card.

![Before and after the dermatological treatment treatment](https://bhskin.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/iStock-1140164353-1.jpg)