The active ingredient in Roaccutane is Isotretinoin. There are three drugs available in South Africa that contain Isotretinoin: Roaccutane, Oratane and Acnetane. These drugs are equally effective and it does not matter which one are prescribed.
Isotretinoin, is derived from Vitamin A. Many years ago, before Isotretinoin was discovered, dermatologists used high doses of Vitamin A to treat severe Acne. These high doses of Vitamin caused severe side-effects.
The side effects caused by Isotretinoin is much less severe than high doses Vitamin A. If patients are given the correct advise, before starting Isotretinoin, the side-effects are normally easy to control.
Roaccutane has received a lot of bad press regarding the side-effects, but this has been completely blown out of proportion in the media. Roaccutane, when used correctly, is the most effective drug to treat Acne and should be seriously considered in cases of severe Acne, scarring Acne and Acne that is not responding to other treatment option.
Hi, I was on oratane a year ago and pimples have resurfaced exactly a year later, they are not severe. what should i do to combat them?
Good day Celine
There are numerous treatment options for Acne. Please consult with the Dermatologist for appropriate treatment.
I’ve lived with acne for most of my teenage and now in my young adult days at the age of 28.
I’ve tried all the drugs out there from your scrubs, face wash and so on but nothing worked, i even went on a 6 month course using accutane, where my acne went away for atleast a year and a half there after it came back, went on antibiotics for a further year and a half but nothing worked, my question is can i go back on the accutane again and wont it create any complications in the long term?
Good day Sizophila
Accutane treatment can be repeated.
Hi there ! I’ve had acne for at least 3 years now and it’s really, really bad with dark marks, blemishes, cysts, pimples, a lot of redness and everything else together with the very oily skin. My self-esteem is really low. All of my friends have clear, beautiful faces. I’m the only one with severe acne. I can’t go to a dermatologist because I just can’t afford one. I’m really sensitive and insecure about my face appearance. I’ve tried everything from face washes, creams, lotions ..everything but nothing works and I just don’t know what to do anymore. A lot of people make fun of me and I really wanna know what helps with really severe acne and won’t cost me a lot of money ?? Please and thank-you 🙂
Dear M. Read the articles on the website about the treatment of Acne. Why do you not go to a dermatologist at Tygerberg or Groote Schuur, i.e. in the public sector. Your GP can refer you.