How to get Accutane?
Dr. Ryan Trowbridge, board-certified dermatologist, tells you how to safely secure an Accutane prescription via Miiskin.
Table of Content:
How to get Accutane? | How to get an Accutane prescription online? | How much does it cost? | How long does it last? | How fast can I get it? | What dose will I get prescribed?
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If you’re struggling with moderate to severe acne that hasn’t improved despite trying other treatments—like oral antibiotics, spironolactone, or prescription topical retinoids—Accutane (isotretinoin) may be the next step. It’s considered the most powerful acne medication available and is often a game-changer for people whose acne hasn’t responded to anything else.
In this guide, Dr. Trowbridge will explain how you can safely and conveniently get a prescription for Accutane through a consultation with an independent board-certified dermatologist—all from the comfort of your own home using the Miiskin platform. We’ll walk you through what to expect, how the process works, and what you need to know to get started.
How to get Accutane (isotretinoin) prescribed?
Dr. Trowbridge says that Accutane (isotretinoin) is prescribed for acne cases where specific safety measures can be strictly followed, due to the potential for serious side effects. You may be considered a suitable candidate if all of the following apply to you:
- Your acne is severe enough to cause or risk permanent scarring
- You’ve been dealing with persistent breakouts for several years
- You haven’t seen improvement with oral antibiotics, topical retinoids, or other conventional treatments.
Because of the risks involved, Accutane is only available through a tightly controlled, FDA-regulated program called iPLEDGE. This system ensures that patients, healthcare providers, and pharmacies all adhere to strict safety guidelines throughout treatment.
Accutane (isotretinoin): A dermatologist’s guide for patients
This comprehensive Accutane guide by expert dermatologist Dr. Trowbridge covers everything you need to know about using it to treat severe acne.
How to get an Accutane (isotretinoin) prescription online?
To get started, you can connect with a board-certified dermatologist through Miiskin. If the treatment is appropriate for you, the dermatologist will send your prescription electronically to your chosen local or online pharmacy—making it easy for you to access your medication at a competitive price.
*Patients who qualify may receive either the brand-name Accutane or a comparable generic version of isotretinoin, based on the pharmacy’s inventory, the patient’s insurance plan, and the pharmacy’s selection.
How to get an Accutane prescription through Miiskin?
- Choose a dermatologist from the Miiskin platform and sign up.
- Complete a detailed consultation form and upload clear photos of your skin.
- The dermatologist will review your case and provide a personalized treatment plan (a video consult may be required).
- Lab work, including blood tests and pregnancy testing (if applicable), may be needed before you begin treatment.
- Once your prescription is issued, you can buy Accutane at your preferred pharmacy
How much does it cost to get an Accutane prescription?
The monthly consultation price to get Accutane treatment with an independent dermatologist through the Miiskin app is $59. This fee covers the consultation only and you then need to pay for the medication at a pharmacy of your choice.
How long does an Accutane prescription last?
Because of iPLEDGE requirements isotretinoin is only prescribed one month at a time. Isotretinoin treatment requires careful supervision, so you’ll need to check in with your dermatologist each month to continue the medication. You’ll also need to follow additional requirements from iPLEDGE, which for women include using two forms of birth control and completing monthly pregnancy tests, due to the high risk of birth defects.
How quickly can you get an Accutane prescription?
Once you submit your consultation request for isotretinoin through one of the dermatologists listed on Miiskin, the timeline for receiving a prescription depends on how quickly you complete all required steps, such as submitting photos, lab tests, and the video consultation (if needed in your state). Most users can get started within a few days if everything is in order.
What Accutane dose will I be prescribed?
It depends on your individual circumstances and the severity of your acne, your dermatologist will also take into consideration how your body responds to the medication.
Dr. Trowbridge says that for someone weighing between 150 and 200 pounds the usual Accutane dose prescribed ranges from 40 to 80 mg per day, based on the standard AAD recommended dosing of approximately 1 mg per kg of body weight per day1.
Can I get a prescription for a low dose of Accutane?
Dr. Trowbridge explains that a low-dose Accutane regimen—usually about half the typical full dose based on weight—can significantly reduce acne breakouts, though there’s a higher chance of relapse over time compared to standard dosing.
Nevertheless he says it can be a good option for patients who want to limit side effects. For someone weighing between 150 to 200 pounds, daily low-dose Accutane typically ranges from 20 to 30 mg per day, providing more stable blood levels and working well for moderate acne or those sensitive to side effects. Alternatively, an intermittent dosing schedule—40 mg every 2 to 3 days—can help reduce the total amount of medication in your system while still managing oil production and breakouts. Once acne is under control, a maintenance regimen of 5 to 10 mg taken 1 to 3 times per week may help keep your skin clear with minimal side effects.
*Patients who qualify may receive either the brand-name Accutane or a comparable generic version of isotretinoin, based on the pharmacy’s inventory, the patient’s insurance plan, and the pharmacy’s selection.
Research references:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jvc2.154
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