Isotretinoin is a molecule and a byproduct (metabolite) of vitamin A, and in greater than normal amounts in pregnant women, it can cause fetal abnormalities including cleft lips, ear and eye defects, and mental retardation. Isotretinoin, also known as 13-cis-retinoic acid (and colloquially referred to by its former brand name Accutane or Roaccutane), is a medication primarily used to treat severe acne. Rarely, it is also used to prevent certain skin cancers ( squamous-cell carcinoma ), and in the treatment of other cancers. Isotretinoin is available in a variety of brand names, including Absorica, Amnesteem, Claravis, Myorisan, and Sotret. The original brand, Accutane, is no longer on the market. Millions of Americans took Accutane (isotretinoin) to treat severe acne. Roche withdrew the brand name drug from the United States market in 2003. Isotretinoin is marketed as Absorica, Claravis, Amnesteem, Myorisan, and Zenatane, and is sometimes referred to by its former brand name, Accutane. Isotretinoin is a prescription medication used. Accutane side effects have proven to be serious enough to lead to a discontinuation of the medication by maker Roche Pharmaceuticals. Generic versions are still available, but the original manufacturer found it to be more trouble than it was worth. Find patient medical information for Accutane Oral on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings and user ratings. Original uses (on-label) Severe acne unresponsive to conventional therapy. Newly discovered uses (off-label) Also, patients can order isotretinoin online to treat leukoplakia, oral lichen planus, prevention of recurrence of oral cancer. Isotretinoin, a retinoid, is available as Accutane in 10-mg, 20-mg and 40-mg soft gelatin capsules for oral administration. Each capsule contains beeswax, butylated hydroxyanisole, edetate disodium, hydrogenated soybean oil flakes, hydrogenated vegetable oil, and soybean oil. 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.