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While isotretinoin (Accutane) is an incredibly effective acne medication, the intense side effects lead some patients to microdose the medication off-label.
Isotretinoin is a very concentrated form of vitamin A that shrinks the sebaceous glands, reducing oil production, and is most often prescribed for acne, explained Raman Madan, MD, a dermatologist with Northwell Health in Glen Cove, New York, in an interview with MedPage Today in which a press person was also present.
The medication also boosts collagen and can help with anti-aging since reducing oil production helps prevent the skin from sagging. It's similar to the topical cream tretinoin, but Madan noted that isotretinoin works better due to its systemic nature and most patients' persistent acne woes are solved with the oral drug.
A person's target isotretinoin dose depends on their weight, and usually falls in the range of 120 to 150 mg/kg of body weight. Depending on how a patient responds, they may need a higher or lower dose.
