Acne Treatment

An end to acne that keeps coming back.
Oral medication that treats acne at its source.

About isotretinoin
An oral option for acne that keeps returning
Isotretinoin is an oral medicine used to treat severe or persistent acne.
Since it was approved as an acne treatment by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1982, it has been used around the world for more than forty years, with a substantial treatment record.
High efficacy has been reported for moderate to severe acne, and it is an option for people who have not improved sufficiently with topical treatments or antibiotics.
In clinical research, improvement was reported in 97.4% of patients with severe acne.

※Source: Blasiak RC et al., “High-dose isotretinoin treatment and the rate of retrial, relapse, and adverse effects in patients with acne vulgaris” (2013)
※Results vary from person to person, and not everyone will experience the same effect.

Isotretinoin is provided as private (self-funded) treatment. Because there are side effects and precautions, the doctor assesses whether it is suitable after checking your health and medical history during the consultation.

If topical treatments haven't worked for you
Acne treatment is normally based on topical medicines and antibiotics.
However, if your acne does not improve despite continued treatment, or if it keeps coming back, oral treatment with isotretinoin may be suggested.
Because isotretinoin acts from within on sebum production and blocked pores, results can also be expected on areas that are difficult to treat topically, such as the back and chest, as well as the face.

CONCERNSDo any of these sound familiar?

Your acne keeps coming back
Topical and oral treatments haven't improved it
You are bothered by blocked pores and oily skin
You have acne over larger areas such as your back or chest
You are considering treating your acne at its source

How isotretinoin works

1. It reduces sebum production
By shrinking the sebaceous glands and curbing excess oil, it creates conditions in which the acne bacteria behind breakouts are less able to multiply.

2. It improves blocked pores
By correcting abnormal keratinisation, it makes pores less likely to become blocked, working towards skin on which new spots are less likely to form.

3. It calms inflammation
Its anti-inflammatory action can help improve red, swollen spots and reduce the appearance of inflammatory acne.

How to take it

Isotretinoin is taken once daily, after a meal.
The length of treatment depends on your symptoms, but it is generally continued for around four to six months.
Do not stop, increase or reduce the dose on your own judgment — please follow your doctor’s instructions.

●What to expect during treatment
・Start of treatment to 2 weeks
Acne may temporarily worsen, sometimes called a purging reaction. This is usually transient and settles gradually as treatment continues.

・1 to 3 months
Sebum production and inflammation begin to improve, and more people start to notice a change in their acne.

・4 to 6 months
This is the period in which results can be expected. To help prevent recurrence, it is important to continue treatment as directed by your doctor.

●Isotretinoin treatment at our clinic
Our doctors assess whether isotretinoin is suitable for you after reviewing the condition of your skin, your previous treatments, your medical history and any medicines you are taking.
We explain the side effects and precautions carefully, and support you so that you can continue treatment with confidence.
If you have any symptoms or concerns, please feel free to ask.

RECOMMENDEDDon't give up on acne that keeps coming back.

For anyone who hasn't improved with over-the-counter products or topical treatments.

A doctor will recommend a treatment that suits you, online.

PRICEPricing

Prescription medicine

Aknetrent 10 mg

10 mg (30 capsules)

1 month¥5,500
3 months¥15,000
6 months¥27,000

Aknetrent 20 mg

20 mg (30 capsules)

1 month¥6,500
3 months¥19,000
6 months¥35,000

※Shipping is charged separately at ¥550 (standard delivery, tax included).
※All prices include tax.
※We can prescribe and ship only to addresses within Japan. Consultations are available in English.

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ABOUTUses and Key Points

About the medicine we prescribe

Product name: Isotretinoin
[Dosage] Treatment generally starts at 20 mg once daily, and the dose is adjusted while monitoring your symptoms and progress.
[Side effects] Dryness of the skin and mucous membranes, muscle and joint pain, reduced liver function, raised blood cholesterol, blepharitis, conjunctivitis, hair loss, hearing or visual disturbance, psychiatric disorders, rash, dizziness, headache, nosebleeds, nausea and vomiting, among others
1. Regarding unapproved medicines: this medicine is not approved in Japan.
2. Supply route: purchased through a domestic pharmaceutical distributor.
3. Availability of an approved equivalent in Japan: there is no medicine approved in Japan with comparable indications and effects.
4. Safety information from other countries: it is approved in other countries, including by the U.S. FDA. Side effects including depression, psychiatric illness and harm to an unborn baby (teratogenicity) have also been reported.
5. Regarding the Relief System for Adverse Drug Reactions: in the unlikely event of a serious side effect, it would fall outside the scope of Japan’s national Relief System for Sufferers from Adverse Drug Reactions.

Side effects and precautions

While isotretinoin can be highly effective, it is a medicine that requires care regarding side effects.

Main side effects
Dry lips and skin
Dry eyes and nose
Dry mouth
Temporary worsening of acne (purging reaction)
Raised liver function values
Raised triglyceride and cholesterol levels

During treatment you will be reviewed regularly, with blood tests where necessary, so that treatment proceeds safely.

It cannot be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding

Isotretinoin is known to cause serious harm to an unborn baby (teratogenicity).

For this reason, it cannot be taken by anyone who is pregnant, breastfeeding, or hoping to become pregnant.

During treatment, and for a set period after treatment ends, you must use reliable contraception as directed by your doctor.

Please also refrain from donating blood during treatment and for a set period after it ends.

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Dispatched as early as the next day (no dispatch on weekends).

*Delivery may be delayed by stock levels, typhoons or other disasters.
Delivery

Discreetly packaged and delivered to your letterbox. The label describes the contents only as “お品物” (an item).