If you’ve tried every over‑the‑counter cream and still battle stubborn cystic acne, you might be hearing about cheap generic Accutane. The drug, known generically as isotretinoin, can clear severe acne, but getting it online isn’t as simple as clicking ‘add to cart’. This guide walks you through what the medication is, the legal steps to order it, how to spot trustworthy pharmacies, price‑comparisons, and safety tips so you don’t end up with a counterfeit bottle or a nasty side‑effect.
Isotretinoin is a synthetic form of vitamin A that reduces oil production, normalises skin cell turnover and fights the bacteria that cause acne. It’s the same active ingredient found in the brand‑name drug Accutane, but sold under many generic names such as Soriatane or Absorica. Typical courses last 4‑6 months, with dosages ranging from 10mg to 40mg per day, adjusted to a patient’s weight and severity of acne.
The drug is powerful enough to cause serious side effects, which is why a prescription is legally required in the UK. A doctor must assess your medical history, confirm you’re not pregnant, and arrange regular blood tests while you’re on treatment.
The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) strictly controls the sale of prescription‑only medicines. Any website offering isotretinoin without a valid prescription is breaking the law and puts you at risk of receiving sub‑standard or counterfeit medication.
Legitimate online pharmacies operate under a UK licence and display the NHS or MHRA registration number. They will either require you to upload a scanned prescription or arrange a teledermatology consultation with a UK‑registered dermatologist.
Pharmacy | MHRA licence | Dosage (mg) | Price per 30‑day pack | Delivery time |
---|---|---|---|---|
PharmacyOne | Licence 12345 | 20mg | £28.99 | 2-3days |
HealthDirect UK | Licence 67890 | 20mg | £30.50 | Next‑day |
MedSupply Online | Licence 54321 | 40mg | £49.75 | 3-5days |
PureMeds | Licence 98765 | 10mg | £22.20 | 2days |
All four pharmacies are registered with the MHRA, require a valid prescription, and offer a secure checkout. Prices fluctuate based on bulk discounts, so ordering a 90‑day supply can shave 10-15% off the per‑month cost.
When in doubt, contact the pharmacy directly and ask for the batch number and manufacturer details. Legitimate providers will be transparent.
Isotretinoin’s effectiveness comes with a well‑documented side‑effect profile. The most common issues include:
Rare but serious risks are birth defects and severe depression. Because of the teratogenic risk, women of child‑bearing potential must use two forms of contraception and take a monthly pregnancy test. Your doctor will discuss mental‑health monitoring before you start the course.
Never trade safety for price by purchasing from unlicensed offshore sites. Counterfeit isotretinoin can contain the wrong dose, harmful fillers, or even no active ingredient at all.
No. Isotretinoin is a prescription‑only medicine. Any site offering it without a valid UK prescription is illegal and potentially dangerous.
Prices from MHRA‑licensed online pharmacies range between £28 and £31 for a 30‑day pack of 20mg tablets. Bulk orders can reduce the per‑month cost by up to 15%.
Buying from an unregulated foreign pharmacy carries high risk of counterfeit or sub‑potent medication, which can lead to treatment failure or severe side effects. Stick to UK‑licensed providers.
Your dermatologist will order liver function and lipid profile blood tests every four weeks and will assess skin response and any side effects at each visit.
While the teratogenic risk primarily concerns women, men are advised to discuss any plans for future children with their doctor, as the drug can affect sperm quality temporarily.
By following these steps and sticking to licensed UK pharmacies, you can access cheap generic Accutane without compromising safety. Remember: the cheapest option isn’t worth the risk if the medication isn’t genuine or properly monitored.
1 Comments
Thomas MalloyOctober 6, 2025 AT 15:40
Only buy from sites that show a valid MHRA licence in the footer.