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Accutane vs. Absorica

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Isotretinoin

(Accutane)

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Absorica

(isotretinoin)

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Summary for Accutane

Prescription only

Isotretinoin (Accutane) is a retinoid medication used to treat severe acne in people 12 years and older when other acne treatments, including antibiotics, haven't worked. You take a capsule by mouth twice a day, usually for about 4 to 5 months at a time. Common side effects include dry lips, dry skin, back pain, and dry eye. Because isotretinoin (Accutane) can cause serious birth defects, it's only available through the special safety program called iPLEDGE.

Indications for Accutane

  • Severe nodular acne that hasn’t improved with other acne treatments, including antibiotics

Pros and Cons for Accutane

Pros

  • Works very well to treat severe acne
  • Only need to take for 4 to 5 months for each treatment
  • Can provide long-lasting results
  • Available as a capsule you take by mouth

Cons

  • Not safe in pregnancy
  • Requires monthly monitoring and iPLEDGE participation
  • Commonly causes dry skin and lips
  • Can cause serious mental health changes

Common Side Effects for Accutane

  • Dry lips
  • Dry skin
  • Back pain
  • Dry eyes
  • Joint pain
  • Nose bleeds
  • Headache
  • Upper respiratory tract infection
  • Skin reactions
  • Muscle problems
  • Vision problems

Warnings for Accutane

  • Harm to unborn baby
  • Depression and thoughts of self-harm
  • Higher pressure in the brain
  • Serious skin reaction
  • Inflammation of the pancreas
  • High cholesterol and triglycerides
  • Hearing problems
  • Liver problems
  • Inflammation of the gut
  • Bone and muscle problems
  • Eye problems
  • Serious allergic reactions

Summary for Absorica

Prescription only

Absorica (isotretinoin) is a retinoid used to treat severe acne in people 12 years and older that can't be cleared up by other acne treatments, including antibiotics. It comes as a capsule that you take by mouth twice a day, typically for 4 to 5 months at a time. Absorica (isotretinoin) comes in both brand and generic versions, but it isn't interchangeable with the brand Accutane (isotretinoin). Common side effects include dry lips, dry skin, back pain, and dry eye.

Indications for Absorica

  • Severe nodular acne that hasn’t improved with other acne treatments, including antibiotics

Pros and Cons for Absorica

Pros

  • Works very well to treat severe acne
  • Only need to take for 4 to 5 months for each treatment
  • Can provide long-lasting results
  • Can be taken with or without food

Cons

  • Not safe in pregnancy
  • Requires monthly monitoring and iPLEDGE participation
  • Commonly causes dry skin and lips
  • Can cause serious mental health changes

Common Side Effects for Absorica

  • Dry lips
  • Dry skin
  • Back pain
  • Dry eyes
  • Joint pain
  • Nose bleeds
  • Headache
  • Upper respiratory tract infection
  • Skin reactions
  • Muscle problems
  • Vision problems

Warnings for Absorica

  • Harm to unborn baby
  • Depression and thoughts of self-harm
  • Higher pressure in the brain
  • Serious skin reaction
  • Inflammation of the pancreas
  • High cholesterol and triglycerides
  • Hearing problems
  • Liver problems
  • Inflammation of the gut
  • Bone and muscle problems
  • Eye problems
  • Serious allergic reactions

Prices with our coupons for Accutane vs. Absorica

Price Card Drug Icon
Isotretinoin30 capsules / 30mg
$57.46$218.52
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Price Card Drug Icon
Isotretinoin (Absorica)30 capsules / 40mg
$57.46$943.92
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