INFO-hi,m a 25 yr old male,I was taking acutret 20 (isotretinoin capsules usp) for last one month(one capsule everyday),and now will start taking tretiva 30 for one month.
Both are prescribed to me by the same dermatologist.
I never suffered from severe acne,I had few acne,and I need a clear face to get a job as a flight attendant.

QUESTION-ive read isotretinoin can cause future birth defects,is this really true?.
I am a male,does is affect men as well?, and I won't b having children till m at least 30.so does the side effect wear off till then?

Is tretiva 30 and isotretinoin one and the same thing?


Thank you

From my research, they are the same drug, also known as accutane, and is used to treat severe acne.

If you are sexually active it is imperative you use birth control, even though you are a man, because it is known to cause birth defects.

Thanks for the quick reply J_9.
Okay so I researched a little and yes both seem to be same(isotretinoin).
Don't know why I have been prescribed the same twice.

@j_9-Birth controls,obviously.
But I want to know whether if it does cause a side effect,will it be a life long side effect or does it wear off as years pass by?
Like I said not planning for kids soon,not even married yet.Just want to know so I will be sure in the future(after approx 5 yrs).

Thanks for your time,even the smallest of opinions will help.

Birth defects are not a permanent side effect.

Okay so,from my research,
Don't take isotretinoin 'if' u plan to get pregnant/are pregnant.

There are some severe side effects,but they are rare.

Different names for isotretinoin( Acutret from IPCA (Bionova), Isotretinoin - Isotane to Zitan | DrugsUpdate India (http://www.drugsupdate.com/brand/generic/Isotretinoin/1318/2) )

Some detailed info( Isotretinoin (oral) medical facts from Drugs.com (http://www.drugs.com/mtm/isotretinoin.html) )

Will continue to take isotretinoin for one more month.:)

Well,hope this helps many.

Good luck to you. Where I live it is rarely, or no longer prescribed due to some of the side effects, such as bowel disease and increased risk of suicide. It should NEVER be prescribed for mild acne.