The technical name for acne is “acne vulgaris” and almost 80% of teens and young adults between 11 and 30 get it. During adolescence, acne can be triggered by hormones called androgens that increase the amount of oil your skin produces. Because boys produce 10 times more androgens than girls, they get severe acne more often. Some adults also develop acne in later years.

If you have taken antibiotics or other treatments for your acne, you probably took them for a long time. You might have noticed that the longer you had acne, the more scarring you got. The good news is that after isotretinoin treatment, patients may see lasting results and no additional scarring. Isotretinoin is a medicine used to treat severe acne known in medical terms as severe recalcitrant nodular acne. When introduced, isotretinoin was the first of a new class of drugs called retinoids. Isotretinoin contains an ingredient related to Vitamin A. But taking large quantities of Vitamin A won’t have the same effects as taking isotretinoin. In fact, taking too much Vitamin A can make you very sick. Taking isotretinoin can expose you to certain risks and side effects. As with any treatment, it is important that you understand these risks and side effects.

This research study is being conducted to evaluate the efficiency and safety of a new investigational formulation of the drug isotretinoin compared to the marketed form of isotretinoin in people with severe acne.

If you qualify and before you begin the study, your doctor will review the study with you along with the possible benefits of isotretinoin and possible side effects to help you decide if the study drug isotretinoin is right for you. Prior to your entry into the study, you will be required to have a complete medical examination to assess your state of health and your eligibility to participate in the study.

This study is restricted to those patients who have what is termed severe nodular acne, as shown in the picture.