ISONOT-10 SOFTGEL CAPSULE

Isonot-10 (Isotretinoin 10 mg) 

The medicine shown in your image is Isonot-10, containing isotretinoin 10 mg, manufactured or marketed under the Accott brand. It is a prescription medicine primarily used to treat severe acne, particularly acne that has not responded adequately to other treatments.

1. What is Isonot-10?

|
Detail

|

Information

|
| --- | --- |
|

Brand name

|

Isonot-10

|
|

Generic name

|

Isotretinoin

|
|

Strength

|

10 mg

|
|

Form

|

Softgel capsule

|
|

Route

|

Oral (by mouth)

|
|

Drug class

|

Oral retinoid (vitamin A derivative)

|
|

Packaging shown

|

10 × 10 capsules in the larger box

|
|

Prescription

|

Required

|

2. What is it used for?

Isotretinoin is mainly prescribed for severe nodular acne and acne that is resistant to standard treatments. Dermatologists may also use it for persistent acne that causes scarring or substantial distress.

Severe nodular or cystic acne

Deep, painful, inflamed acne lesions that may leave permanent scars.

Persistent inflammatory acne

Acne that continues despite appropriate treatments, such as topical medicines or oral antibiotics.

Acne associated with scarring

In selected patients, treatment can prevent further acne lesions and reduce the risk of additional scarring, although it does not remove existing scars.

3. How does isotretinoin work?

Isotretinoin targets several major causes of acne simultaneously.

• Reduces oil production: Shrinks sebaceous glands and significantly decreases sebum production.

• Prevents clogged pores: Helps normalize the shedding of skin cells inside hair follicles.

• Reduces acne-causing bacteria indirectly: Less sebum makes the environment less favorable for Cutibacterium acnes.

• Decreases inflammation: Reduces the inflammatory processes responsible for swollen, painful acne lesions.

Unlike treatments that control acne only while being used, isotretinoin can produce long-lasting remission after a completed course, although acne can recur.

4. Dosage and how to take it

The 10 mg printed on the box is the amount of isotretinoin in each capsule, not necessarily the correct daily dose for you.

Dermatologists determine the dose based on body weight, acne severity, treatment response and side effects. Treatment commonly lasts several months.

Take the capsules whole with food, preferably at the same time each day, following your prescription. Do not increase the dose yourself or double a missed dose.

nhs.uk

+1

5. Side effects

|
Common side effects

|

What may help

|
| --- | --- |
|

Dry, cracked lips

|

Apply petroleum jelly or lip balm frequently

|
|

Dry, peeling skin

|

Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer

|
|

Dry eyes

|

Ask about lubricating eye drops

|
|

Nose dryness or nosebleeds

|

Saline nasal spray

|
|

Increased sun sensitivity

|

SPF 30–50 sunscreen

|
|

Muscle or joint pain

|

Reduce strenuous exercise and inform your doctor

|

Some people experience an initial worsening of acne before improvement.

Important safety warning

Serious side effects

Stop taking the medicine and seek urgent medical advice for severe persistent headache with blurred vision, severe abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, a severe blistering rash, or significant mood changes, especially thoughts of self-harm.

nhs.uk

+1

6. Pregnancy warning

Critical

Isotretinoin can cause severe birth defects and miscarriage, even at a low dose such as 10 mg.

It must not be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Anyone who could become pregnant needs effective contraception for at least one month before treatment, throughout treatment and for one month afterward, together with pregnancy testing as directed by their prescriber.

If pregnancy occurs or is suspected during treatment, stop taking isotretinoin and contact your doctor immediately.

10556

+1

7. Tests required during treatment

Your dermatologist will generally arrange blood tests before starting treatment and at intervals afterward.

|
Test or assessment

|

Purpose

|
| --- | --- |
|

Liver function tests (LFT)

|

Check for liver-related effects

|
|

Lipid profile

|

Monitor cholesterol and triglycerides

|
|

Pregnancy tests, where applicable

|

Prevent exposure during pregnancy

|
|

Mental health assessment

|

Identify changes in mood or mental health

|

Testing frequency depends on your health, results and local prescribing requirements.

Dorset County Hospital

+1

8. What to avoid

Avoid vitamin A supplements and tetracycline antibiotics such as doxycycline unless your prescriber specifically advises otherwise. Limit or avoid alcohol because of possible effects on the liver and blood fats.

Avoid harsh exfoliants, waxing and certain cosmetic skin procedures during treatment unless your dermatologist approves them. Do not donate blood while taking isotretinoin or for one month after your last dose.

nhs.uk

+1

9. Daily skincare while taking Isonot-10

Morning: gentle cleanser

Wash with a mild, non-exfoliating cleanser and lukewarm water.

Morning and evening: moisturizer

Apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer to reduce dryness and irritation.

Daytime: sunscreen

Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, and reapply when outdoors.

Throughout the day: lip balm

Apply frequently, including before bed.

Bottom line: Isonot-10 can be an effective treatment for severe or treatment-resistant acne, but it is not an ordinary acne supplement or a medicine to start without medical supervision. The 10 mg strength does not eliminate its serious risks.

For further information, see the

NHS isotretinoin patient guide

and the

isotretinoin patient information leaflet

.