Accutane - I'm taking Acnotin 20 and have got many more pimples recently. Is this normal?
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on April 7, 2025.
My face now has more pimples than before. Not sure whether Acnotin 20 is suitable for me?
Accutane and Acnotin are both brand names of Isotretinoin, a potent form of Vitamin A used to treat severe acne. One in five people on Isotretinoin experience a worsening of their acne about three to four weeks into the treatment. It usually only lasts for several days and is not a sign of treatment failure. Real improvement in acne is generally not evident until six weeks into the treatment, when it usually begins on the upper face and then gradually proceeds downward.
People with severe acne over the trunk may expect to be on treatment for 6-9 months whereas those with just severe facial acne will usually only need 6 months treatment. The treatment duration is obviously dependent on the dose of the drug which the patient can take.
To learn more about Accutane and other peoples experiences see:
https://www.drugs.com/accutane.html
Read next
Can Accutane cause permanent liver damage?
No reports of permanent liver damage associated with Accutane (isotretinoin) could be found in the literature but temporary increases in liver test abnormalities are estimated to occur in up to 15% of people taking isotretinoin. Significant increases, such as those more than three times the upper limit of normal (ULN) or increases that require people to stop taking Accutane are exceedingly rare and occur in less than 1% of people taking Accutane. Continue reading
Is Absorica the same as Accutane?
Absorica and Accutane both contain isotretinoin, a medicine used to treat very severe acne, but Absorica is more easily absorbed into your body and, unlike Accutane, does not have to be taken with food. Continue reading
How long does Absorica take to work?
Absorica starts to work within 4 weeks but may take up to 20 weeks (5 months) for the full effects to be seen. Within four weeks of taking Absorica, a more than 33% reduction in the overall number of acne lesions was reported. Over 70% of people with severe nodular acne achieved a 90% reduction in the number of their nodular acne lesions after 20 weeks with Absorica. A single course of Absorica for 20 weeks has been shown to result in complete and prolonged remission of acne in many patients. Continue reading
See also:
Aimovig
Learn about Aimovig (erenumab-aooe) a once-monthly, injectable medication that can be ...
Botox
Botox is used for cosmetic purposes and to treat overactive bladder symptoms, urinary incontinence ...
Ozempic
Learn about Ozempic (semaglutide) for type 2 diabetes treatment, weight management, cardiovascular ...
Nurtec ODT
Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) is used to treat acute migraines and prevent episodic migraines, by ...
Emgality
Emgality (galcanezumab-gnlm) is a CGRP antagonist for the preventive treatment of migraine and for ...
Inderal
Inderal (propranolol) is used to treat angina, high blood pressure and heart rhythm disorders ...
Ajovy
Ajovy (fremanezumab-vfrm) is a preventive migraine treatment. Includes Ajovy side effects ...
Vyepti
Vyepti (eptinezumab-jjmr) is used for the preventive treatment of migraine. Includes Vyepti ...
Botox Cosmetic
Botox Cosmetic is a prescription treatment for fine lines and wrinkles. It temporarily improves the ...
Fremanezumab
Fremanezumab is used for chronic migraine, headache, migraine, migraine prevention
Related medical questions
- How long does Accutane stay in your system when stopping?
- Isotretinoin - Does accutane help to remove scars from old pimples?
- What are the most common skin conditions? (with photos)
- What is Maskne? How can I stop it from developing?
- Should doxycycline be taken with food?
- Does doxycycline work for acne?
- Does Doxycycline make you tired?
- Can Soolantra be used for acne?
- Can Kyleena cause acne?
- Winlevi vs Spironolactone: How do they compare?
- Does Winlevi need to be refrigerated?
- Nonprescription treatments for acne – so many choices!
- How long does Winlevi take to work for acne?
- How much does Finacea cost without insurance?
- What is the difference between Altreno and other topical tretinoin acne formulations?
- What are the different brands of tazarotene?
- Tazorac Cream vs Gel: What's the difference?
- Is acne a side effect of Suboxone?
- Can Tazorac and Differin be used together?
- Can halobetasol be used on the face / for acne?
- Does Biktarvy cause acne?
- Troubled by Acne? You're not Alone
- What type of acne is Seysara (sarecycline) used to treat?
- Can Mononessa cause acne?
- Do I have Mpox?
Drug information
- Accutane Information for Consumers
- Accutane prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Accutane (detailed)
- Accutane user reviews (657)