Absorica and Accutane both contain isotretinoin, a medicine used to treat very severe acne, but Absorica is more easily absorbed into your body and, unlike Accutane, does not have to be taken with food. Isotretinoin, also known as 13-cis-retinoic acid and sold under the brand name Accutane among others, is a medication used to treat skin diseases like harlequin-type ichthyosis, lamellar ichthyosis, and severe cystic acne or moderate acne that is unresponsive to antibiotics. [5] Accutane® (Isotretinoin) is a type of retinoid medication that treats severe acne. A healthcare provider may prescribe this medication if other acne medications don’t work. Your skin may be very sensitive to light from the sun and devices that give off similar light, such as sunlamps and tanning beds, while you are taking certain drugs, including isotretinoin. Accutane (Isotretinoin) may treat acne, warnings, side effects, dosage, drug interactions, patient labeling, reviews, and related medications including drug comparison and health resources. Absorica® and Accutane®: The dose is usually 0.5 to 1 milligram (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day, taken as 2 divided doses for 15 to 20 weeks. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. Accutane (isotretinoin) is an oral medication for severe, hard-to-treat acne. It’s not clear exactly how Accutane works, but it shrinks oil glands, prevents pores from clogging, and reduces inflammation. What is Accutane? Accutane is a form of vitamin A. It reduces the amount of oil released by oil glands in your skin, and helps your skin renew itself more quickly. Accutane is used to treat severe nodular acne that has not responded to other treatments, including antibiotics. Isotretinoin, also called Accutane, is a powerful treatment for severe acne that doesn't respond to other therapies. It's effective, but it comes with significant side effects and risks, so discuss these with your dermatologist before you decide to use it. Accutane is a medicine taken by mouth to treat the most severe form of acne (nodular acne) that cannot be cleared up by any other acne treatments, including antibiotics.