Comprehensive medication guide to Absorica including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$10–$75/month
Estimated Cash Pricing
$58–$1,600/month
Medfinder Findability Score
58/100
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Absorica is a brand-name prescription medication containing Isotretinoin, a powerful retinoid (vitamin A derivative) used to treat severe recalcitrant nodular acne that has not responded to other treatments, including antibiotics. It is manufactured by Sun Pharma and was approved by the FDA as a formulation that can be taken with or without food — unlike older isotretinoin formulations that required a high-fat meal for proper absorption.
Absorica is typically prescribed as a course lasting 15 to 20 weeks, and many patients achieve long-lasting clearance of severe acne after a single treatment course. Due to the risk of serious side effects, especially birth defects, all patients must be enrolled in the iPLEDGE REMS program before starting treatment.
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Absorica capsules
10mg, 20mg, 25mg, 30mg, 35mg, 40mg
Absorica LD (low-dose micronized) capsules
8mg, 16mg, 20mg, 24mg, 28mg, 32mg
Absorica (Isotretinoin) is a powerful medication and most patients experience some side effects during treatment:
Serious side effects (rare but important):
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Generic Isotretinoin
(Claravis, Amnesteem, Myorisan, Zenatane) — Same active ingredient, often significantly cheaper and more widely stocked
Absorica LD
A lower-dose micronized formulation of isotretinoin by the same manufacturer, designed for improved absorption at lower doses
Topical Retinoids
(Tretinoin, Adapalene, Tazarotene) — For less severe acne; applied directly to the skin
Oral Antibiotics
(Doxycycline, Minocycline) — Often tried before isotretinoin for moderate-to-severe inflammatory acne
Hormonal Therapies
(Spironolactone, oral contraceptives) — For hormonal acne in women
Arazlo (Tazarotene lotion)
A newer topical retinoid option for moderate acne
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Vitamin A supplements
moderateDo not take additional vitamin A, as isotretinoin is a vitamin A derivative and excess can cause toxicity
Tetracycline antibiotics
moderate(Doxycycline, Minocycline, Tetracycline) — Concurrent use increases the risk of pseudotumor cerebri (increased intracranial pressure), which can cause severe headaches and vision problems
Systemic corticosteroids
moderateMay have an interactive effect on bone loss when used with isotretinoin
Phenytoin
moderateIsotretinoin may weaken bones; combined use with phenytoin (which also affects bone density) requires monitoring
St. John's Wort
moderateMay reduce effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives, which are critical during isotretinoin treatment
Progestin-only birth control ("mini-pills")
moderateMay not be reliable enough during isotretinoin treatment; two forms of contraception are required
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Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
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