Accutane (also known as Isotretinoin), or Roaccutane as is also known 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) which is administered orally in pill form, normally for 15-20 weeks (3.5-4.5 months). It was originally prescribed for people with severe acne that did not respond to other treatments,1 but has gained in popularity in the past 25 years and is prescribed more and more frequently for less severe acne.2-3 This practice is controversial because Accutane is a serious medication and causes side effects which can be as devastating as they are widespread.