Oratane Overview

What is Oratane?

Oratane capsules contain a medicine called isotretinoin. Isotretinoin is used to treat acne. It is a substance related to vitamin A, although its effects are very different.

Oratane works by reducing the amount of oily substance, or sebum, produced by the sebaceous glands. Excess sebum can combine with impurities and contribute to the development of acne.

Why has my doctor prescribed Oratane for me?

Your doctor may prescribe Oratane because other acne treatments have not produced satisfactory results.

Oratane may not have been prescribed to you previously because your doctor may have considered that other treatments could effectively manage your acne.

To ensure that your skin receives the best possible care while taking Oratane, it is important to follow all instructions provided by your doctor carefully, as well as the recommendations given on this website.

When can I stop taking Oratane?

The duration of Oratane treatment varies from person to person. Your doctor will advise you how long you should continue taking the medicine based on your individual condition.

In most cases, treatment lasts approximately 16 to 20 weeks, although it may continue for six months or longer. It is therefore important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.

In more than 80% of cases, acne may clear after one course of Oratane treatment. Oratane may also continue to have an effect after treatment has stopped. You should continue taking Oratane for as long as your doctor advises. Stopping treatment too early may reduce the overall benefit of the treatment.

If your acne has not fully cleared, your doctor may consider prescribing a second course of Oratane.

Are there any side effects?

Like all medicines, Oratane may cause side effects.

These may include dryness of certain parts of the body, tiredness, and bone or muscle discomfort.

For further information, please refer to the Side Effects section of this website.

Oratane may cause birth defects

Women who are pregnant, or who intend to become pregnant during treatment or within one month after completing treatment, must not take Oratane.

Before starting treatment, it is essential to confirm that there is no possibility of pregnancy. Strict contraception must be used for at least one month before starting Oratane, throughout the entire treatment period, and for one month after stopping treatment.

Pregnancy should only be planned after at least one month has passed since stopping Oratane.

For further information about Oratane and the potential risks to fetal development, please refer to the Pregnancy Information section of this website.

To date, Oratane has not been found to affect men who wish to father a child.

Who can take Oratane?

Oratane may be suitable for many patients with acne, regardless of sex or age.

However, it must not be taken by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or by people with certain medical conditions.

Please tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions or are taking any other medicines.