Isotretinoin, originally known for its brand name Accutane®, or Roaccutane® in parts of the world, was discovered in 1979 when it was first given to patients with severe acne, most of whom reacted with dramatic and permanent clearing of their acne symptoms. It is a vitamin A derivative (13-cis-retinoic acid) that is administered orally in pill form with a meal that contains an adequate amount of fat, normally for 15-20 weeks (3.5 – 4.5 months), although it is also sometimes prescribed at lower dosages for up to 6 months or longer. [1]

Accutane is an anti-cancer, chemotherapy drug. [2] The drug is also known as RoAccutane, Claravis, Sotret, Myorisan, Amnesteem, Absorica, or Isotretinoin.