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Isotretinoin

Acne treatment

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  2. Acne treatment (isotretinoin)

Who this is for

  • Acne that keeps coming back
  • Topical and oral treatments have not improved it
  • Blocked pores and oily skin bother you
  • Acne over larger areas such as the back or chest
  • You want to treat acne at its source

FEATURES

About the treatment

What isotretinoin is

Isotretinoin is an oral medicine used to treat severe or persistent acne.
Since it was approved as an acne treatment by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1982, it has been used around the world for more than forty years, with a substantial treatment record.
High efficacy has been reported for moderate to severe acne, and it is an option for people who have not improved sufficiently with topical treatments or antibiotics.
In clinical research, improvement was reported in 97.4% of patients with severe acne.

* Source: Blasiak RC et al., “High-dose isotretinoin treatment and the rate of retrial, relapse, and adverse effects in patients with acne vulgaris” (2013)
* Results vary from person to person, and not everyone will see the same effect.
* Isotretinoin is private (self-funded) treatment. Because there are side effects and precautions, the doctor checks your health and medical history at the consultation before deciding whether it is suitable for you.

Acne treatment with isotretinoin

If topical treatments have not worked

Acne treatment is normally based on topical medicines and antibiotics.
If your acne does not improve despite continued treatment, or keeps coming back, oral treatment with isotretinoin may be an option we can suggest.
Because isotretinoin acts from within on sebum production and blocked pores, it can also help acne on areas that are hard to treat topically, such as the back and chest, as well as the face.

Isotretinoin (Aknetrent 20 mg)

How isotretinoin works

It reduces sebum production
By shrinking the sebaceous glands and curbing excess oil, it creates conditions in which the acne bacteria behind breakouts are less able to multiply.
It improves blocked pores
By correcting abnormal keratinisation, it makes pores less likely to become blocked, working towards skin on which new spots are less likely to form.
It calms inflammation
Its anti-inflammatory action can help improve red, swollen spots and reduce the appearance of inflammatory acne.

How it is taken, and what to expect

Isotretinoin is taken once daily, after a meal.
The length of treatment depends on your symptoms, but it is generally continued for around four to six months.
Do not stop, increase or reduce the dose on your own — please follow your doctor’s instructions.

  • First 2 weeksAcne may temporarily get worse — sometimes called a purging reaction. This is usually transient and settles gradually as treatment continues.
  • 1 to 3 monthsSebum production and inflammation begin to improve, and more people start to notice a change in their acne.
  • 4 to 6 monthsThis is the period in which results can be expected. To help prevent recurrence, it is important to continue treatment as directed by your doctor.

Isotretinoin treatment at our clinic

The doctor assesses whether isotretinoin is suitable for you after reviewing the condition of your skin, your previous treatments, your medical history and any medicines you are taking.
We explain the side effects and precautions carefully, and support you so that you can continue treatment with confidence.
If you have any symptoms or concerns, please feel free to ask.

The medicine we use

Product
Isotretinoin (Aknetrent 10 mg / 20 mg)
How it is taken
Treatment generally starts at 20 mg once daily, and the dose is adjusted while monitoring your symptoms and progress.
Side effects
Dryness of the skin and mucous membranes, muscle and joint pain, reduced liver function, raised blood cholesterol, blepharitis, conjunctivitis, hair loss, hearing or visual disturbance, psychiatric disorders, rash, dizziness, headache, nosebleeds, nausea and vomiting, among others

Side effects and precautions

While isotretinoin can be highly effective, it is a medicine that requires care regarding side effects.

  • Dry lips and skin
  • Dry eyes and nose
  • Dry mouth
  • Temporary worsening of acne (purging)
  • Raised liver function values
  • Raised triglyceride and cholesterol levels

During treatment you will be reviewed regularly, with blood tests where necessary, so that treatment proceeds safely.

Not to be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding

  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • You are hoping to become pregnant

Isotretinoin is known to cause serious harm to an unborn baby (teratogenicity). For this reason, it cannot be taken by anyone who is pregnant, breastfeeding, or hoping to become pregnant.
During treatment, and for a set period after it ends, you must use reliable contraception as directed by your doctor.
Please also refrain from donating blood during treatment and for a set period after it ends.

About unapproved medicines

This is an unapproved medicine
Isotretinoin is not approved in Japan.
Where it comes from
Purchased through a domestic pharmaceutical distributor in Japan.
Approved alternatives in Japan
There is no medicine approved in Japan with comparable indications and effects.
Safety information from abroad
It is approved in other countries, including by the U.S. FDA. Side effects including depression, psychiatric illness and harm to an unborn baby (teratogenicity) have also been reported.
The national relief system for adverse drug reactions
Should a serious adverse reaction occur, it would fall outside Japan’s national relief system for adverse drug reactions.

FLOW

How a visit works

Arrival

Come in at your appointment time. Filling in the online medical form beforehand makes check-in quicker, and first-time visitors are always welcome.

01

Consultation

Your doctor asks what is bothering you and what you would like to change, then examines the area. You will hear what the treatment involves, what it can realistically do and what to watch for — and nothing goes ahead until you are comfortable.

02

Treatment

The treatment is carried out as agreed, adjusted to you rather than to a set formula. How long it takes depends on the procedure; either way, we keep it as easy on you as we can.

03

Going home

Before you leave, we go through how to look after the area over the next few days. If anything worries you afterwards, get in touch — at any point.

04

AFTERCARE

Aftercare

Looking after you afterward

Our care does not end when you leave the clinic. If you have a question or something does not feel right, call us or message our official LINE account and we will help. We would rather hear from you early than have you wonder.

PRICE

Fees

Isotretinoin (prescription)

Dose1 month30 capsules3 months90 capsules6 months180 capsules
10 mg¥5,500¥15,000¥27,000
20 mg¥6,500¥19,000¥35,000

* All prices include tax.
* Taken once a day, so 30 capsules is roughly one month.
* The price per month falls the more you buy at once.

DOCUMENTS

Paperwork in English

English medical documents (paid service)

For patients who need to continue their treatment abroad, we can issue an English summary of your prescription and a medication certificate for a fee.

Just ask at your consultation and we will issue them the same day.
* Fee: ¥3,300 (tax included)
* Please bring your passport if you would like these documents.
* Documents are issued only to the extent the doctor considers medically necessary.
* Whether medicines may be brought into another country depends on that country’s laws. The clinic cannot guarantee customs clearance.

Reserve-Bookings & questions-