Isotretinoin

Also known as:  13-Cis-Retinoic Acid;  Roaccutane

Isotretinoin is an Anti-Acne Pharmaceutical Drug derived from Vitamin A (a Retinoid).

Immune System

 Isotretinoin (administered orally) may be beneficial for the treatment of Basal Cell Carcinoma: 

 Clinical studies have demonstrated that approximately 50% of Basal Cell Carcinoma patients experience some benefits from Isotretinoin therapy and 9% experience total regression.

 Isotretinoin may facilitate the regression of Cervical Dysplasia.  ^[1]

 Isotretinoin may significantly shrink (and in some cases, totally eradicate) Leukoplakia (pre-malignant lesions in the Mouth).  ^[2]

 Isotretinoin may help to prevent Squamous Cell Carcinoma and inhibits the further growth of Squamous Cell Carcinoma.  ^[3]

Skin

 Isotretinoin is prescribed in (those 5% or so) cases of severe (chronic cystic, recalcitrant, scarring) Acne that do not respond to other Acne treatments:  ^[4]

 Clinical studies have demonstrated that a short course of four to five months of Isotretinoin usually totally alleviates Acne and prevents its recurrence for several months thereafter.

 Topically-applied Isotretinoin (Isotrex gel) is also effective for the treatment of Acne.

 Isotretinoin suppresses the production of Sebum by the Sebaceous Glands and decreases the size of the Sebaceous Glands.  ^[5]

 Isotretinoin (0.1% cream applied topically) may be an effective treatment for Actinic Keratosis.  ^[6]

 Isotretinoin (orally) may alleviate Grover's Disease.  ^[7]

 Isotretinoin (applied topically) may help to prevent Skin Papillomas.  ^[8]

 Isotretinoin may alleviate Psoriasis.  ^[9]

 Isotretinoin may alleviate some cases of Rosacea. 

 Isotretinoin (10 - 20 mg per day orally, three times per week;  or gel applied topically) may improve various aspects of Skin appearance:  ^[10]

 Isotretinoin (10 - 20 mg per day orally, three times per week;  or gel applied topically) may improve Skin color, Skin tone and Skin elasticity.  It may also reduce pigmented lesions in the Skin and may reduce mottled hyperpigmentation in the Skin.