Isotretinoin (Roaccutane) Cost in 2026: Protocol, Side Effects and Monitoring, by an IOD Faculty Physician

Isotretinoin (brand names include Roaccutane, Aurum, Sotret, Acnetane) is an effective treatment for severe acne, but it must be prescribed and monitored by a specialist doctor only. It should not be bought online or from a pharmacy on your own, because it has side effects that need monitoring and important contraindications. In this article, Dr. Patara Voravutinon, a faculty physician at the Institute of Dermatology (IOD), explains how the drug is used, its side effects and the monitoring tests.

Treatment protocol

The dose and duration of treatment are adjusted to the severity of the acne and the patient's body weight, and are set by the doctor.

• Dose: The standard dose is 0.5-1 mg/kg/day, usually taken continuously for about 6-9 months.

• Cumulative dose: The target cumulative dose is 120-150 mg/kg, which can reduce relapse by about 80%.

• Low-dose: A dose of 0.25-0.5 mg/kg/day suits acne that is not severe and where there is no urgency.

• How to take it: Take it with a meal containing fat for good absorption.

Side effects and monitoring

Isotretinoin has common side effects that require close monitoring.

• Dry skin, lips and eyes: Dryness of the skin, lips and eyes occurs in up to 95% of patients and can be managed with an emollient and lip balm.

• Blood lipids: High blood lipid levels occur in 20-30% of patients, so lipids should be checked every 4-8 weeks.

• Liver values (LFT): Abnormal liver function occurs in about 15% of patients, so LFT must be checked periodically.

• Contraindication in pregnancy: The drug causes birth defects (teratogenic), so pregnancy is not allowed during treatment and for 1 month after stopping.

• Mood: Mood should be watched and monitored during treatment.

• Joint and muscle pain: Joint or muscle pain occurs in 15-30% of patients.

Isotretinoin cost in 2026

The cost of treatment depends on the type of drug and the blood tests. Approximate prices are as follows.

• Generic drugs: Generic drugs (Acnetane, Aurum, Sotret), 20 mg, 30 capsules, cost about 1,200-2,000 baht per month.

• Brand drug: Brand-name Roaccutane costs about 3,500-5,000 baht per month.

• Blood tests: Blood tests cost about 1,500-2,500 baht per visit.

• Total for 6 months: The total cost over 6 months is about 25,000-40,000 baht.

Frequently asked questions

Can I buy isotretinoin and take it on my own? No. This drug must be prescribed and monitored by a specialist doctor only, because it has side effects that need monitoring and important contraindications. It should not be bought online or from a pharmacy.

What tests are needed while taking it? Your doctor will schedule blood tests to check blood lipid levels and liver function (LFT) periodically, about every 4-8 weeks, along with monitoring your mood and other side effects.

What should women using this drug be especially careful about? The drug causes birth defects, so pregnancy is not allowed during treatment and for 1 month after stopping. Women of childbearing age should use strict contraception as advised by their doctor.

Isotretinoin must be prescribed by a specialist doctor and cannot be bought online or from a pharmacy. Consult a dermatologist at Siam Dermatology, call +66 61 448 7000 or LINE @siamderm to book a consultation with Dr. Patara.

Written by Dr. Patara Voravutinon, Dermatologist · Last reviewed July 16, 2026