noun
- a powerful prescription medication derived from vitamin A, used to treat severe acne that has not responded to other treatments
Usage: medical/pharmaceutical term; often referred to by brand name Accutane; requires strict monitoring due to potential side effects
Examples
- The dermatologist prescribed isotretinoin for the patient's severe cystic acne.
- Isotretinoin is known to be highly effective but requires regular blood tests during treatment.
- Women of childbearing age taking isotretinoin must use reliable contraception due to birth defect risks.
- After six months on isotretinoin, most patients experience significant clearing of their acne.
- The medication isotretinoin works by reducing sebum production in the skin.