โ Active Ingredient Overview Table:
| ๐ฌ Active Ingredient (Generic Name): | Isotretinoin |
|---|---|
| ๐ Indication: | Severe Recalcitrant Nodular Acne, Off-Label: Rosacea, Hidradenitis Suppurativa |
| ๐บ๐ธ US Brand: | Accutane, Claravis |
| ๐ญ Manufacturer: | Healing Pharma (Founded: 2010) |
| ๐ฆ Packaging: | 10 Capsules per Strip |
| ๐งช Strength: | 20 mg |
| ๐ Delivery Time: | 6โ15 days |
๐ฟ What is Isotretinoin 20 mg (Accufine)?
Accufine 20 mg provides a higher daily dose of isotretinoin, accelerating achievement of the cumulative therapeutic exposure (120โ150 mg/kg). This strength is ideal for patients who need higher-intensity treatment to induce rapid decreases in sebum production and inflammatory lesion counts.
Traditional dosing may require several months to reach target cumulative levels. Using 20 mg capsules enables patients to increase daily intake with fewer capsules, improving adherence. Clinical evidence shows that higher daily dosing shortens treatment duration while maintaining comparable safety when monitored closely.
๐งฌ Pharmacology & Mechanism of Action
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | C20H28O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 300.44 g/mol |
| Bioavailability | ~25% (increases with high-fat meals) |
| Metabolism | Hepatic (CYP2C8, CYP2C9) |
| Half-Life | 10โ20 hours |
Isotretinoin modulates gene expression via retinoic acid receptors, leading to reduced sebocyte proliferation, normalized keratinization, and anti-inflammatory effects.
๐ก Indications & Dosing
| Condition | Dose & Administration |
|---|---|
| Severe Nodular Acne | 20 mg once daily; titrate by body weight to achieve cumulative 120โ150 mg/kg over ~8โ12 weeks |
| Off-Label: Rosacea & Hidradenitis Suppurativa | 20 mg once daily for 3โ6 months, adjust per response |
Take Accufine with a meal to enhance absorption. Monitor weight to calculate cumulative dose and adjust duration accordingly.
โ ๏ธ Warnings & Side Effects
Common:
- Cheilitis, xerosis, skin fragility
- Photosensitivity, muscle aches
Serious:
- Teratogenicity; adherence to pregnancy prevention program mandatory
- Elevated triglycerides, hepatotoxicity
- Mood disturbances, rarely suicidal ideation
Female patients of childbearing potential must use two contraception methods and have monthly pregnancy tests. Perform monthly LFTs, lipid panels, and mood assessments.
๐ฅ Storage Instructions
Store Accufine 20 mg at 20โ25ยฐC in original blister pack. Protect from moisture and light. Keep out of reach of children.
๐ Availability & Purchasing
- USA: Prescription-only (Accutane); isotretinoin under strict REMS.
- UK & EU: iPLEDGE equivalents require monitoring.
- Australia: Schedule 4 medicine; pregnancy prevention required.
Importing from India may reduce costs; ensure compliance with local guidelines and pregnancy prevention protocols.
๐ Related Dermatologic Therapies
- Accufine 10 mg โ moderate-dose isotretinoin.
- Accufine 5 mgย โ low-dose isotretinoin.
- Adapalene Gel 0.1%ย โ topical retinoid.
- Azelaic Acid 20% gelย โ antimicrobial and comedolytic.
- Tazarotene 0.1% Creamย โ potent topical retinal.
๐ฅ Educational Video on High-Dose Isotretinoin Therapy
๐ฉโโ๏ธ Expert Insight: Dr. Anita Kapoor, Dermatologist
โHigh-dose isotretinoin like Accufine 20 mg can shorten treatment courses, but requires rigorous monitoring for lipid, hepatic, and mood changes to maintain safety.โ




