Is Roaccutane Available in Ireland?

Is Roaccutane Available in Ireland?

Yes. Roaccutane (isotretinoin) is authorised in Ireland as a prescription-only medicine for severe acne that has not responded to antibiotic tablets and topical treatment. It should be prescribed by doctors experienced in its use, with blood tests, mood checks and, for anyone who could become pregnant, a strict pregnancy prevention programme.

Roaccutane is a brand name for isotretinoin, an oral retinoid (a medicine related to vitamin A). It can work very well for severe acne, but it has important side effects and safety rules. This page explains who it may suit, who it is not suitable for, and what treatment involves.

Who may be considered for Roaccutane?

In Ireland, isotretinoin is authorised for severe acne, such as nodular or conglobate acne or acne at risk of permanent scarring, that has not improved with adequate courses of antibiotic tablets and topical treatment. The HSE acne guideline advises that people with nodular or cystic acne, or acne with scarring, should be referred to a suitably trained doctor for consideration of isotretinoin, and that it can be considered for moderate acne after two appropriate courses of antibiotic tablets have not worked.

It is not recommended for children under 12 and is not used for acne before puberty.

Who is Roaccutane not suitable for?

  • People who are pregnant
  • People who are breastfeeding
  • Anyone who could become pregnant, unless every condition of the Pregnancy Prevention Programme is met
  • People with liver insufficiency
  • People with markedly raised blood fats (lipids)
  • People with excessive vitamin A levels (hypervitaminosis A)
  • People taking tetracycline antibiotics
  • People allergic to isotretinoin or its ingredients, which include soya oil, so people with a soya or peanut allergy

Extra care is needed for anyone with a history of depression or other mental health difficulties.

What does a course involve?

Isotretinoin capsules are taken with food, once or twice a day. The dose is worked out individually, based on body weight and how well it is tolerated. The HSE says most people take it for 6 to 9 months, although the length of each course is decided individually. Acne can get worse for the first 7 to 10 days before it improves.

Roaccutane is a prescription-only medicine that cannot be repeated on the same prescription. For anyone who could become pregnant, each prescription should ideally cover no more than 30 days, and it must be dispensed by a pharmacy within 7 days of being written.

What monitoring is needed?

Liver tests and fasting blood fat tests are checked before treatment, one month after starting, and then every three months unless more frequent checks are clinically needed. Mood is checked before and throughout treatment. People who could become pregnant also need medically supervised pregnancy tests before, during and after treatment.

What are the main side effects?

The most commonly reported side effects are dry skin, dry lips, dryness inside the nose with nosebleeds, and dry or irritated eyes. Muscle and joint aches and changes in blood fats or liver tests can also occur. Rare but serious effects include severe skin reactions, pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease and raised pressure around the brain (benign intracranial hypertension). Isotretinoin can seriously harm an unborn baby.

Isotretinoin and mental health

Depression, anxiety, aggressive behaviour, mood changes, psychotic symptoms and, very rarely, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts and suicide have been reported in people taking isotretinoin. Regulators have not been able to establish that isotretinoin causes these problems, but all patients should be monitored.

Mental health warning: if you notice low mood, depression, anxiety, aggression, unusual changes in mood or behaviour, or any thoughts of self-harm or suicide while taking isotretinoin, contact your prescribing doctor straight away so this can be reviewed. If you feel unsafe or at immediate risk, call 999 or 112 or go to your nearest emergency department. It can help to tell a family member or friend that you are taking isotretinoin so they can tell you if they notice a change.

What should I avoid during treatment?

  • Vitamin A supplements
  • Tetracycline antibiotics
  • Waxing during treatment and for at least 6 months afterwards
  • Laser treatments and aggressive chemical skin resurfacing during treatment and for 5 to 6 months afterwards
  • Intense sun or sunbeds; use a sunscreen of at least SPF 15
  • Exfoliating or peeling acne products, unless your prescriber advises otherwise
  • Sharing your capsules with anyone
  • Donating blood during treatment and for 1 month after stopping

Frequently asked questions

Is Roaccutane the same as isotretinoin?

Roaccutane is a brand name. Isotretinoin is the active medicine.

Can I get Roaccutane without a prescription?

No. In Ireland it is a prescription-only medicine, supplied through pharmacies, and it should only be taken under the care of a prescribing doctor who can arrange the required monitoring.

Do I need to try other acne treatments first?

Usually, yes. It is authorised for severe acne that has not responded to adequate courses of antibiotic tablets and topical treatment. Your doctor will look at your acne, any scarring and the treatments you have already tried.

Can teenagers take Roaccutane?

It can be used in teenagers after puberty. It is not recommended for children under 12.

Will my acne come back after Roaccutane?

Acne can come back after a course. If it does, a further course may be considered, but not until at least 8 weeks after the previous course ends.

Can men take Roaccutane?

Yes. The pregnancy prevention rules apply to anyone who could become pregnant. Men should never share their capsules, particularly with women.

When should I see a doctor?

See a doctor if your acne is severe, painful, leaving marks or scars, or affecting your mood or confidence, or if treatments you have tried have not helped. If you are already taking isotretinoin, contact your prescribing doctor promptly about any new or worrying symptom. You can read more about when to talk to a doctor about your acne.

Related reading

Sources

Reviewed by Dr Tara Treacy, GP with a special interest in dermatology (IMC 411337). Last reviewed: 2 November 2026. General information only; it does not replace an individual medical assessment.