Guide · Acne medicine
Accutane in Singapore: how isotretinoin works, who it suits, the checks, and the side effects
Isotretinoin, first sold as Accutane, is the one acne medicine that acts on all four causes of acne. It is prescription-only, needs monitoring, and is not for everyone. Here is what to expect.
In short
- Accutane in Singapore means oral isotretinoin, a prescription-only medicine for severe, scarring or persistent acne; it cannot be bought over the counter.
- It shrinks oil glands, normalises clogged pores, reduces acne bacteria and calms inflammation; a course usually runs for several months, with the dose set by the doctor.
- Women who could become pregnant need a pregnancy test and reliable contraception before, during and for at least a month after the course, because isotretinoin causes serious birth defects. Blood tests are usually checked.
- Dr Sin Yong prescribes acne medicines, including isotretinoin where suitable, at SkinRev Lab, City Hall, after a consultation; pricing is given at consultation.
By Dr Sin Yong · Updated 9 November 2026
Dr Sin Yong, Global Key Opinion Leader
MBBS (Singapore) · MRCS (Edinburgh) · MSc Practical Dermatology (Cardiff) · MSc Aesthetic Medicine (University of London) · 15+ years in clinical practice
This guide is prepared for SkinRev Lab. Dr Sin Yong sees patients at SkinRev Lab, CityLink Mall, and IN Eternity Clinic, and has been appointed a Global Key Opinion Leader by device makers including CLASSYS, DEKA and HIRONIC; he trains doctors at their academies in Europe, Asia and South America. General information only, not medical advice. Your own suitability is assessed at consultation.
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Who it suits
Who isotretinoin suits
- Severe nodular or cystic acne.
- Acne that is scarring, even if it looks moderate.
- Acne that keeps coming back after proper courses of creams and antibiotics.
- Acne that is causing significant distress.
The 2024 American Academy of Dermatology guideline strongly recommends isotretinoin for acne that is severe, scarring, distressing or not responding to standard treatment, and a Cochrane review supports its use for severe acne while noting the need for monitoring. For the full range of options, see acne treatment in Singapore and cystic acne treatment.
A course
What an isotretinoin course involves
| Stage | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| Before | Consultation and examination; medical history, medicines and mood; pregnancy test and contraception plan for women who could become pregnant; baseline blood tests |
| First weeks | Dryness of the lips and skin begins; acne may flare briefly before improving |
| During | Reviews to adjust the dose and check side effects; blood tests as needed; continued contraception |
| After | Most people stay clear or much better; some need a second course or other maintenance; acne scars are treated once acne is controlled |
Side effects
Common side effects, and the ones to report
- Very common: dry, cracked lips, dry skin and eyes, nosebleeds; use lip balm, moisturiser and sunscreen.
- Common: sun sensitivity, muscle or joint aches with heavy exercise, raised blood fats or liver tests.
- Report promptly: low mood, anxiety or thoughts of self-harm; severe headache with blurred vision; severe stomach pain; any pregnancy.
Mood changes have long been a concern. A 2017 systematic review and meta-analysis did not find a higher risk of depression with isotretinoin, and depressive symptoms often improved as acne cleared, but any mood change should be reported straight away.
Rules
Pregnancy, alcohol, other medicines and treatments
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: isotretinoin must not be taken; see acne during pregnancy.
- Other medicines: avoid tetracycline antibiotics and vitamin A supplements with isotretinoin; tell your doctor about everything you take.
- Alcohol: keep it low, as both affect the liver and blood fats.
- Blood donation: not during the course and for a period afterwards.
- Waxing, lasers and peels: skin is fragile; ask your doctor before any facial, wax or laser during and soon after the course.
At SkinRev Lab
Isotretinoin at SkinRev Lab
Dr Sin Yong prescribes acne medicines in-house at SkinRev Lab, CityLink Mall, after assessing the type and severity of your acne, any scarring, your medicines and your plans. Isotretinoin is one option among several; hormonal treatment suits some women, see hormonal acne. Once acne is controlled, scars can be treated; see acne scars.
Sources
References & sources
- Layton A. The use of isotretinoin in acne. Dermatoendocrinol. 2009;1(3):162-169
- Reynolds RV, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2024;90(5):1006.e1-1006.e30
- Costa CS, et al. Oral isotretinoin for acne. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;11:CD009435
- Huang YC, Cheng YC. Isotretinoin treatment for acne and risk of depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017;76(6):1068-1076
Common questions
Your questions,
answered
Can I buy Accutane over the counter in Singapore?
No. Isotretinoin is a prescription-only medicine in Singapore and needs a doctor's assessment, monitoring and, for women who could become pregnant, a pregnancy prevention plan.
How long is an Accutane course?
Usually several months. The length and dose are set by the doctor according to your weight, response and side effects, and are reviewed during the course.
Is Accutane safe?
It is a well-studied medicine when prescribed and monitored by a doctor. Common side effects such as dryness are manageable; serious risks, especially birth defects, are why it needs a prescription and checks.
Does Accutane cause depression?
Large reviews have not shown a higher risk of depression overall, and mood often improves as acne clears. Because individual reactions can occur, any change in mood should be reported to your doctor straight away.
Will my acne come back after Accutane?
Many people stay clear for years after a course. Some relapse, more often after lower total doses or with hormonal acne, and may need a second course or other maintenance.
Can I get facials or laser treatment while on Accutane?
Ask your doctor first. Skin is more fragile during and soon after a course, so waxing, exfoliating facials, peels and some lasers are usually postponed.
Can women take Accutane?
Yes, if not pregnant or breastfeeding and with reliable contraception before, during and after the course, plus pregnancy tests as advised by the doctor.
Does SkinRev Lab prescribe isotretinoin?
Yes. Dr Sin Yong prescribes acne medicines, including isotretinoin where suitable, at SkinRev Lab, City Hall, after a consultation. Pricing is given at consultation.