Treating acne with micronised isotretinoin found to be more effective with less 

Isotretinoin is a popular and effective treatment for severe acne, often clearing it completely for long periods. The traditional isotretinoin can cause side effects and difficulties for users. 

Side Effects 

Common side effects include dry skin, eyes and lips. Less common side effects include lipid and musculoskeletal abnormalities and elevated liver enzymes. Depression, suicidal ideation and bowel disease have also been associated as unproven side effects.  

People with acne taking traditional isotretinoin should take it with a high-fat meal. This meal should have at least 800 to 1,000 calories. It should also contain 50 grams of fat to help the body absorb the medication properly. A diet this high in fat can cause medical issues.  

Teenagers often eat at odd times and in varying amounts, which can impact their treatment. 

New Research 

Researchers at Touro University Nevada have found that micronised isotretinoin works at low strengths. People taking microsnised isotretinoin can do so at a lower dose and so they don’t need to eat a high-fat meal when taking the medication. This helps people taking isotretinoin for their acne to comply with their treatment plans and see better long-term outcomes not impacted by other health challenges to do with high-fat diets.  

The new micronised formulation has a reduced drug particle size and lipid-based carrier system. This means the medication can be absorbed without a high-fat meal. It also means people with acne don’t need to take as strong a dose for it to have the same effect on their acne.  

Micronised isotretinoin wasn’t the only new formulation studied. The researchers also reviewed lidose-isotretinoin. They found the effectiveness of micronised Isotretinoin was nearly double that of lidose-Isotretinoin, and more effective than any other formulation.  

What Our Expert Says 

All About Acne Expert, Dr JoAnn See, confirms the effectiveness of micronised isotretinoin at 20 percent lower than the traditional isotretinoin formulation will help those taking it to stick with their treatment plan and see better long-term results.  

Reference: Del Rosso JQ. Rationale for Use of Micronized Isotretinoin for Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: Practical Considerations and Therapeutic Advantages. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol 2023;16(9):20-24. [published Online First: 2023/09/18]