Get an isotretinoin (Accutane) prescription online

✅ Board-certified dermatologist
✅ $59 per consultation
✅ Full treatment is managed online
✅ Regular and low-dose regimes

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image of a white box labeled "Isotretinoin Rx only". In front of the box lies a silver blister pack containing ten oval-shaped capsules.

Medically reviewed by:
Dr. Ryan M. Trowbridge
Dermatologist

What is Accutane (isotretinoin)?

Accutane (isotretinoin) is the most effective FDA-approved option for treating severe acne, especially nodular or cystic acne that hasn’t improved with other therapies. Research shows it greatly reduces acne (in some cases eliminating it completely) in up to 85% of patients after just one course¹ ² ³.

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When is Accutane (isotretinoin) prescribed?

Isotretinoin (often referred to as Accutane) is only prescribed when strict safety guidelines are followed due to its potential risks. You may be a good candidate if you meet all of the following:

Your acne is severe enough to cause scarring
You’ve had persistent acne for several years
Your acne hasn’t responded to oral antibiotics, topical retinoids, or other standard treatments.

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Choose a dermatologist licensed in your state to request Accutane (isotretinoin) treatment

Dr. Ryan Trowbridge

Online Dermatologist

MD, MS, MA, FAAD

Medical licenses in the US:
Dr. Trowbridge is licensed in CA, CT, NE, IL.

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$59/mo*

*If you and your dermatologist agree that isotretinoin (Accutane) is appropriate for you, treatment will typically last 4–7 months. The monthly fee covers the dermatologist’s consultation fees. Medication, lab tests, and at-home pregnancy tests are not included. If isotretinoin isn’t suitable, your dermatologist may recommend an alternative prescription treatment.

Dr. Anna Chacon

Online Dermatologist

MD, FAAD

Medical licenses in the US:
Dr. Anna Chacon is licensed in 50 US states.

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$59/mo*

Medical requirements to start Accutane treatment

There are several important steps patients must follow before starting Accutane:

Requirements for everyone during Accutane (isotretinoin) treatment

Accutane can potentially cause some serious side effects, that is why patients should be carefully monitored by a dermatologist.

A new prescription is needed each month—refills aren’t automatic (as per the iPledge & FDA requirements).
Blood donation is not allowed during treatment and for 30 days after stopping, to prevent risk to pregnant recipients.
At least 2 blood tests typically (separated by about 2 months) are required to check liver function and triglyceride levels.
A monthly virtual evaluation is required before filling each prescription (as per the iPledge & FDA requirements).

Requirements for women during Accutane (isotretinoin) treatment

Accutane can cause serious birth defects, strict pregnancy prevention is required. Anyone who can become pregnant must:

Take a pregnancy test every month before getting a refill.
Use two forms of birth control at the same time, such as:
– One hormonal method (like the pill, patch, injection, implant, or IUD)
– One barrier method (like a condom with spermicide or a diaphragm)

How to get Accutane (isotretinoin) online?

Do you need a prescription to buy Accutane?

Yes, you need a prescription to purchase Accutane or generic isotretinoin.

How to get an Accutane prescription online?

To get an Accutane prescription online, choose a dermatologist through Miiskin. If it’s medically appropriate for you, they will issue a digital prescription for you.

Where to buy Accutane?

Once you get your prescription, you have 7 days to buy your medication at the pharmacy you have selected.

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Mobile phone screen displaying a reviewed Accutane treatment plan from a dermatologist, including a prescription for 30 mg to treat severe acne, with pharmacy information shown below.

How to get an Accutane prescription via Miiskin

Select a dermatologist on this page to sign up.
Fill out the consultation form and take photos of your skin.
The dermatologist will evaluate your information and get back to you with recommendations and next steps (A video consultation may be required).
You may need blood tests and, if applicable, multiple pregnancy tests in a lab before starting treatment.
Once prescribed, you can buy your isotretinoin (Accutane) affordably from the pharmacy of your choice.

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How does Accutane work?

Clogged pores

✅ Yes

Normalizes keratinocyte differentiation, preventing comedone formation.

Increased sebum production

✅ Yes (main target)

Shrinks sebaceous glands by 70–90%, drastically reducing sebum production.

Cutibacterium acnes bacteria

✅ Yes

Indirectly reduces C. acnes by eliminating its lipid-rich environment (sebum).

Inflammatory mechanisms

✅ Yes

Lowers immune system overreaction, reducing inflammation in the skin.

Hormones

❌ No direct effect

Does not directly alter hormonal levels, but indirectly reduces acne by eliminating sebaceous gland activity.

Genetic & environmental influences

❌ No direct effect

Genetic predisposition remains, but long-term sebaceous gland suppression reduces relapse risk.

Benefits of Accutane (isotretinoin)

Highly effective

Up to 85% of patients achieve long-term results after 4 to 6 months⁴ ⁵.

Prevents scarring

By reducing severe breakouts, it helps prevent permanent acne scars.

Shrinks oil glands

Significantly reduces sebum production, making skin less oily.

Effective when other treatments don't work

Works when other treatments fail

Ideal for severe acne that hasn’t responded to other treatments⁶.

Reduces inflammation

Helps clear red, swollen, and painful acne lesions, improving skin texture.

May improve skin texture

Can make pores appear smaller and skin smoother over time.

Common Accutane (isotretinoin) dose

The Accutane dose prescribed depends on your weight, how severe your acne is, how well you handle the medication, and your treatment goals.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends starting with 0.5 to 1 mg per kg of body weight per day, usually split into two doses.

Some people may begin with lower doses to reduce the chance of potential side effects, while others might need higher doses to reach the recommended total.

The goal is typically a total dose of 120 to 150 mg per kg over the whole treatment. Your dermatologist will adjust your dose to find the right balance between results and side effects.

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Can you take a low dose of Accutane (isotretinoin)?

Low-dose Accutane (about half the usual amount based on your weight) can reduce breakouts a lot, but the acne is more likely to return compared to standard doses.

Taking Accutane only part of the time (like 1 week each month) may lead to acne coming back in 30–50% of cases. Taking it every day, at a low dose, has a lower chance of relapse (10–30%), but adding antibiotics like azithromycin or clindamycin may help prevent this.

Relapse rates after low-dose isotretinoin therapy vary but it may be a reasonable option to avoid the strong side effects a full-dose regime brings.

While some studies report rates under 6%, these are often with extended treatment durations or shorter follow-up. On average, relapse rates tend to be higher than with conventional dosing unless cumulative targets are matched⁷ ⁸ ⁹ ¹⁰.

Still, reaching a higher total amount over time (over 120-150 mg per kg of body weight) is still the most effective way to keep acne from returning.

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Accutane: Precautions and side effects

Precautions when taking Accutane (isotretinoin)

There are several important precautions to follow when taking Accutane. It’s highly teratogenic, meaning it can cause serious birth defects if taken during pregnancy, so strict birth control is required, and pregnancy termination is often recommended if exposure occurs. It should also be avoided while breastfeeding.

Some patients may experience mood changes like depression or anxiety, so mental health should be closely monitored. The medication increases sun sensitivity, so wear SPF 50 sunscreen and protective clothing. Avoid donating blood during treatment and for one month after stopping to prevent risk to pregnant recipients. Also, it’s best to skip alcohol to reduce stress on the liver and avoid raising cholesterol.

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Side effects of Accutane (isotretinoin)

Highly teratogenic (causes severe birth defects if taken while pregnant)¹¹ ¹²
Dry skin
Muscle or joint aches
Headaches
Abnormal menstrual bleeding
In very few cases it may cause depression and suicide risk, but it is highly unlikely¹³
May cause inflammatory bowel disease¹⁴ ¹⁵ ¹⁶

What is the Accutane (isotretinoin) purge?

An initial worsening of acne—often called the Accutane (isotretinoin) purge—is a temporary flare-up that some patients experience after starting treatment. Dr. Trowbridge notes that while this side effect is well-documented, it doesn’t affect everyone. Studies show that up to 32% of patients experience a flare during the first month. Factors such as age, gender, baseline acne severity, and dosage can all influence the likelihood and intensity of this reaction. Though frustrating, the purge is usually short-lived and often indicates that the treatment is beginning to work.

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Medications to avoid while taking Accutane (isotretinoin)

Other retinoids (tretinoin, tazarotene, adapalene, retinol)

Alpha and Beta hydroxy acids

Vitamin A supplements and retinoid products (risk of toxicity).

Tetracycline antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline, tetracycline) due to the risk of increased brain pressure.

St. John’s Wort, which can interfere with birth control effectiveness.

Progestin-only birth control pills, as they may be less effective while on Accutane.

Other things to avoid while taking Accutane (isotretinoin)

Getting pregnant (if female) or getting your partner pregnant (if male)
Alcohol
Medications that can irritate your liver like tylenol
Foods high in vitamin A (e.g., fish, dark leafy greens, carrots)
Prolonged sun exposure
Tanning beds
Cosmetic skin procedures (e.g., waxing, laser treatments, chemical peels) due to the risk of skin irritation and scarring.
Blood donation

Choose a dermatologist licensed in your state to request Accutane treatment

Dr. Ryan Trowbridge

Online Dermatologist

MD, MS, MA, FAAD

Medical licenses in the US:
Dr. Trowbridge is licensed in CA, CT, NE, IL.

Start a consultation

$59/mo*

Dr. Anna Chacon

Online Dermatologist

MD, FAAD

Medical licenses in the US:
Dr. Anna Chacon is licensed in 50 US states.

Start a consultation

$59/mo*

Provider & Prescription Information

Miiskin connects patients with independent dermatologists who provide care through their own private practices. Miiskin does not employ dermatologists and does not sell or distribute medications. Any prescriptions issued by the dermatologists can be filled at third-party pharmacies of the patient’s choice.

What patients say about Miiskin

Very happy with this service. Quick and easy. With someone with not the greatest insurance and super busy. This was perfect. Got my prescription next day and great advice for my condition.

Marcus Liniarski,
Patient Review →

I had a great experience with Miiskin – I was able to get my prescription very quickly and their app is easy to use. It was very convenient and their team is very responsive. I highly recommend them and will likely use them in the future for other skin issues.

Susie Tse,
Patient Review →

What a technology! I was very impressed by the speed of communication with a doctor using the Miiskin app. Losing my hair has been my biggest concern, but I didn’t have the courage to reveal my bald spot to a doctor in person. Miiskin solved all my issues instantly. I just took a photo in my own room, uploaded it, and wrote about my concerns. That’s it. The best part is that without insurance, the consultation fee was much lower than any health insurance. I submitted my photo at midnight and received a prescription the very next morning. The doctor at Miiskin was very professional and empathetic, which really helped ease my emotional distress. Although I’m just at the beginning stage of my treatment and haven’t seen significant results yet, I feel reassured and supported. I will definitely upload my progress in 3 to 4 months to show my appreciation for the prescription from Miiskin.

Jiyeon Kang,
Patient Review →

My dermatologist was extremely quick, reviewed my consultation request within 2hrs and I had my Rx the next day! The Miiskin team also responds within minutes and are very polite and communicated concisely. I’ll never make a in person appointment again after experiencing this outstanding and affordable telehealth service!

Dion H,
Patient Review →

Quick response from the dermatologist — I wanted a fast turnaround for a skin concern that would be more immediate than going through health insurance, making an appointment, traveling to the doctor.

Timothy C.
Patient Review →

Got more questions about getting an Accutane prescription?

Is Accutane (isotretinoin) available over the counter?

No, Accutane (or generic isotretinoin) cannot be bought over-the-counter. It is only used for severe, nodular or cystic acne, therefore you need a doctor’s prescription and you can only use it with close medical supervision.

Who can prescribe Accutane?

Dr. Anna Chacon and Dr. Ryan Trowbridge can prescribe Accutane online via Miiskin. The monthly consultation price is $59. You need to pay for your medication, your lab tests and your pregnancy tests (if you are a woman) separately.

How much does it cost to get a prescription for Accutane?

A consultation via Miiskin for Accutane is $59 per month. You will pay this amount every month during the length of your treatment. However, the overall cost of your Accutane treatment will be less via Miiskin than visiting an in-person dermatology clinic every month as consultation prices tend to vary between $100 to $300 per month.

In addition to the consultation price, you also need to pay for your medication, lab test and monthly pregnancy tests (if you are a woman) separately.

How long does an Accutane prescription last?

Since Accutane requires the close monitoring of a dermatologist, you need monthly check-ups to get it renewed. Besides you need to use two birth control methods and take monthly pregnancy tests to avoid getting pregnant (if you are a woman) as it is highly teratogenic.

How/when will I get my Accutane?

Once you’ve completed the necessary tests and, if needed, a video consultation, and it’s confirmed that isotretinoin (Accutane) is appropriate for you, the dermatologist will issue a prescription to the pharmacy of your choice. They may also be able to recommend a pharmacy that offers isotretinoin at a more affordable price.

How to get Accutane prescribed?

Via Miiskin, Dr. Anna Chacon can prescribe Accutane to patients in all 50 states. Dr. Ryan Trowbridge can prescribe Accutane to patients in CA, CT, NE and IL.

How long does is take to get an Accutane prescription?

On average, it takes less than five minutes to complete your initial consultation request for Accutane. A dermatologist will review your information within two business days. If they determine that isotretinoin (Accutane) may be appropriate for you, it usually takes between one week and one month to complete the required tests before the prescription can be issued.

What is Miiskin?

Miiskin is a platform that connects patients with independent online dermatologists for convenient quality medical care for skin health issues.

References:
¹https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10365865/
²https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23013115/
³https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2835909/
⁴https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23013115/
⁵https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525949/
⁶https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16546586/
⁷https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21114478/
⁸https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24891681/
⁹https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30745980/
¹⁰https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30745980/
¹¹https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0301211523007856
¹²https://www.ogscience.org/upload/pdf/ogs-20373.pdf
¹³https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28291553/
¹⁴https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525949/
¹⁵https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36529376/
¹⁶https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36682724/