Can't Find Amnesteem? You Still Have Options

Being prescribed Amnesteem (Isotretinoin) for severe acne is a big step — so discovering your pharmacy doesn't have it in stock can be incredibly frustrating. The good news? Amnesteem isn't the only option. Several other brands and formulations of Isotretinoin are available, and one of them may be sitting on a pharmacy shelf near you right now.

In this guide, we'll explain what Amnesteem is, how it works, and walk you through your best alternatives so you can continue your treatment without unnecessary delays.

What Is Amnesteem?

Amnesteem is a brand name for Isotretinoin, a powerful oral retinoid used to treat severe recalcitrant nodular acne — the kind of deep, painful, cystic acne that doesn't respond to antibiotics, topical treatments, or other conventional therapies.

Manufactured by Mylan (now Viatris), Amnesteem comes in capsule form in strengths of 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg. A typical treatment course lasts 4 to 5 months, with most patients taking it twice daily with meals.

For a complete overview of this medication, visit our post: What Is Amnesteem? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know.

How Does Isotretinoin Work?

Isotretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A that targets acne at its root causes. Here's how it works:

• Shrinks oil glands — Isotretinoin dramatically reduces the size and activity of sebaceous glands, cutting sebum (oil) production by up to 90%
• Kills acne bacteria — With less oil to feed on, Cutibacterium acnes bacteria can't thrive
• Reduces inflammation — It has anti-inflammatory effects that calm the redness and swelling associated with severe acne
• Normalizes skin cell turnover — It prevents dead skin cells from clogging pores

This multi-pronged approach is why Isotretinoin is so effective — and why dermatologists consider it the gold standard for severe acne. To learn more, read: How Does Amnesteem Work? Mechanism of Action Explained.

Isotretinoin Brand Alternatives to Amnesteem

All of the following medications contain the same active ingredient — Isotretinoin. They work the same way, treat the same condition, and go through the same iPLEDGE REMS program. The main differences are manufacturer, price, and in one case, formulation technology.

1. Claravis

Claravis is one of the most widely prescribed Isotretinoin brands in the United States. Manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals, it's available in 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, and 40 mg capsules.

• How it compares: Claravis is therapeutically equivalent to Amnesteem. It contains the same active ingredient at the same doses.
• Cost: Similar to generic Isotretinoin pricing — typically $86 to $350 per month with a discount coupon
• Availability: Claravis is one of the more commonly stocked Isotretinoin products at major chain pharmacies

2. Absorica (and Absorica LD)

Absorica is a brand-name Isotretinoin made by Sun Pharma that uses a special LipidSoft technology. This means it's better absorbed even without a high-fat meal — which can be a real advantage for patients who have trouble taking it with food.

• How it compares: Same active ingredient, but the improved absorption means you may get more consistent blood levels
• Absorica LD: A lower-dose formulation designed to provide equivalent exposure at a lower mg dose
• Cost: Brand-name pricing is higher — often $400 to $1,000+ per month without insurance, though Sun Pharma offers a savings card for eligible commercially insured patients
• Availability: Generally available at specialty pharmacies

3. Myorisan

Myorisan is a generic Isotretinoin product manufactured by Aqua Pharmaceuticals (a subsidiary of Almirall). It's available in 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg capsules.

• How it compares: Therapeutically equivalent to Amnesteem
• Cost: Competitively priced with other generics, typically $90 to $350 per month with a coupon
• Availability: May be less commonly stocked than Claravis at some pharmacies

4. Zenatane

Zenatane is manufactured by Dr. Reddy's Laboratories and is another generic Isotretinoin option. Available in 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, and 40 mg capsules.

• How it compares: Same active ingredient, same effectiveness
• Cost: Similar to other generics — $90 to $400 per month depending on dose and pharmacy
• Availability: Available at many pharmacies, though stock varies by location

How to Switch to an Alternative

Switching from Amnesteem to another Isotretinoin brand is generally straightforward:

1. Talk to your dermatologist — Let them know Amnesteem is unavailable. They can write a new prescription for a different brand or for generic Isotretinoin.
2. Check with your pharmacist — In many states, pharmacists can automatically substitute a therapeutically equivalent generic unless your prescriber specifies "dispense as written."
3. Use Medfinder — Search for Isotretinoin (not just Amnesteem) on Medfinder to see which brands are in stock near you.
4. Update iPLEDGE if needed — Brand changes shouldn't require iPLEDGE re-enrollment, but confirm with your pharmacy that everything is in order.

What About Non-Isotretinoin Alternatives?

If Isotretinoin itself is completely unavailable or not appropriate for you, talk to your dermatologist about other severe acne treatments. These are not equivalent to Isotretinoin but may help manage your acne:

• Oral antibiotics (Doxycycline, Minocycline) — Effective for moderate inflammatory acne but not a long-term solution
• Hormonal therapy (Spironolactone, oral contraceptives) — For women with hormonal acne
• Biologic treatments — Newer options are being studied for severe acne

However, for truly severe nodular or cystic acne, Isotretinoin remains the most effective treatment available. If one brand is unavailable, the best first step is trying another brand — not switching to an entirely different medication class.

Final Thoughts

If you can't fill your Amnesteem prescription, don't panic — and don't stop treatment. Claravis, Myorisan, Zenatane, and Absorica all deliver the same active ingredient and can keep your acne treatment on track. Use Medfinder to find what's available near you, and talk to your dermatologist about which alternative is right for your situation.

For more help navigating Amnesteem availability, check out our guides on how to find Amnesteem in stock and saving money on Amnesteem.