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Zenatane Isotretinoin 20 mg Capsule, Gelatin Coated — NDC 55111-0136-81 package photo
Label image from the product's FDA listing (DailyMed) — may show a different pack size or an older label revision.

Zenatane Isotretinoin 20 mg Capsule, Gelatin Coated — NDC 55111-136-81 (Billing 55111-0136-81)

by Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Limited · 3 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON / 10 CAPSULE, GELATIN COATED in 1 BLISTER PACK

This is a package of Zenatane Isotretinoin 20 mg Capsule, Gelatin Coated from Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Limited, marketed since Mar 2013 and currently FDA-listed; retail pharmacies pay about $1.93 per unit (NADAC). It is this product's only package size.

NDC 55111-0136-81
🏷️ FDA NDC (as labeled) 55111-136-81 billing pads the product segment with a zero
Rx only Generic On market Non-controlled 🛡 REMS ⇄ Compare with another NDC
🗂️ FDA directory synced Oct 1, 2026 · this listing last changed Jul 24, 2026 · sources: openFDA · FDA label (DailyMed) · FDA Orange & Purple Book · First Databank · CMS NADAC, ASP, Medicare & Medicaid · RxNorm
📋 All sources & update times →

NDC database record

One package, one record: these facts belong to NDC 55111-136-81 alone.

Record
FDA NDC Directory package listing · Human prescription drug
Code segments
55111 labeler · 136 product · 81 package
Package marketed since
Mar 26, 2013
Sample package
No — commercial package
Listing certified through
Dec 31, 2026
Barcode (UPC-A, from the NDC)
3 5511113681 1
Medicaid fills, this package
4,973 prescriptions in the last four reported quarters
FDA record last changed
Jul 24, 2026
⚠️
Other active recalls for Isotretinoin (different manufacturers) — 5 · tap to view
These affect other manufacturers’ products for the same ingredient — not necessarily the exact NDC on this page.
Class II · Apr 6, 2026 — Failed Impurities/Degradation Specifications: Out of specification for specific impurity Tretinoin (Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc) · FDA recall D-0521-2026
Class II · Feb 24, 2026 — Failed Dissolution Specifications (MYLAN PHARMACEUTICALS INC) · FDA recall D-0399-2026
Class II · Jan 12, 2026 — Superpotent and Subpotent (Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc) · FDA recall D-0446-2026
Class II · Jan 12, 2026 — Superpotent and Subpotent (Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc) · FDA recall D-0445-2026
Class II · Mar 28, 2024 — Superpotent Drug: The 3-month stability result for assay was found to be above specification limit (Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc) · FDA recall D-0439-2024
Each entry is an official FDA enforcement report — look up any recall number in the FDA recall database ↗

Identity & classification

Regulatory identifiers FDA, NLM and CMS codes for this package

FDA NDC (as labeled) 55111-136-81
Product NDC 55111-136
11-digit billing NDC 55111013681
NCPDP billing unit EA — each (per item)
UNII EH28UP18IF
Application # ANDA202099
SPL Set ID 27b3cf26-f22e-5b70-1c24-009933b7c6ee
Established class (EPC) Retinoid
Chemical class Retinoids
DEA schedule Non-controlled
Marketing category ANDA
Marketing status On market
FDA listing status Listed (active directory)
Marketing start 2013-03-26
Route ORAL
Dosage form CAPSULE, GELATIN COATED
Substance ISOTRETINOIN
TE code (Orange Book) AB1 · RLD · RS

Drug-database identifiers Medi-Span GPI and First Databank GCN / HICL / AHFS classification

GPI-14 90050013000120
GPI class Zenatane
GCN Seq No 036046
GCN 59842
HICL code 002476
Ingredient (HICL) Isotretinoin
HIC1 code L
Therapeutic class — broad (HIC1) Skin/Subcutaneous Tissue
HIC2 code L1
Therapeutic class — intermediate (HIC2) Drugs To Treat Specific Top Diseases (Systemic)
HIC3 code L1B
Therapeutic class — specific (HIC3) Acne Agents,Systemic
AHFS code 84:28.00.00
AHFS class Keratolytic Agents
FDB label name ZENATANE 20 MG CAPSULE
FDB brand name Zenatane
Legend status F — Federal legend — prescription drug or device
Quick answers
  • GSN (GCN sequence number): 036046
  • GCN: 59842
  • GPI-14 (Medi-Span): 90050013000120
  • HICL (First Databank): 002476
  • AHFS class code: 84:28.00.00
  • RxCUI (RxNorm): 197843
Why two NDCs? The FDA registers this code as 55111-136-81 — a 5-3-2 layout, and that's what's printed on the package and shown on DailyMed. For insurance claims, every NDC is standardized to a uniform 11-digit 5-4-2 format by adding a zero to the product segment → 55111-0136-81. Same drug, same package — only the format differs.
Where does this data come from?
Identifiers from the FDA openFDA NDC Directory and Structured Product Labeling; RxCUI from RxNorm (NLM); GPI from Medi-Span; GCN / HIC / AHFS / legend from First Databank.

RxNorm drug class

This medicine belongs to the Retinoid class.

Pharmacologic class Retinoid
Drug family (ATC) Retinoids for topical use in acne, Retinoids for treatment of acne
Where does this data come from?
Therapeutic classes from RxNorm RxClass (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Established Pharmacologic Class (FDA), ATC drug family (WHO) and mechanism of action, matched by this product’s RxCUI.

Clinical

Label name ZENATANE 20 MG CAPSULE Ingredient Isotretinoin
📗 Our plain-language guide HelloPharmacist
  • Isotretinoin causes extremely serious birth defects — even one dose during pregnancy can cause devastating harm to a developing baby. Because of that risk, the FDA requires everyon...
  • Why is there so much paperwork and testing before I can even get this prescription filled?
  • For most brands — including Accutane, Amnesteem, Claravis, and generic isotretinoin — yes, taking it with food is essential. Studies show that a fatty meal more than doubles the am...
  • Do I really need to take this with food every time?
📖 Read our full Isotretinoin guide →
4
Nutrient depletion considerations

Isotretinoin may be associated with lower levels of 4 nutrients — worth a chat with your pharmacist, not a cause for alarm.

An association is not a deficiency. Educational only — don't start or stop anything without professional guidance.
Where does this data come from?
Plain-language summary from MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine); supplement & herbal interactions and nutrient depletion data from the Natural Medicines database; our full guide is HelloPharmacist editorial content.

Pricing

A drug doesn't have one price. Each row is a different public payment system, and none is what you'd pay at the counter — that depends on your insurance. The ⓘ on each row explains what it measures.

Price systemPer eaPer package
Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly $1.933 $57.98 / 30 capsules
Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo $2.43 $72.95 / 30 capsules
Medicare drug plans payPart D · Q2 2026 $3.72 $111.72 / 30 capsules
NADAC price history (per ea) — tap or hover for the price & month
Jan 2022 Aug 2022 Jan 2026 Sep 2026 $3.152 $1.783
▼ Down 27% over the last 24 months.
Where does this data come from?
NADAC (National Average Drug Acquisition Cost) is the CMS weekly pharmacy-acquisition-cost survey — what pharmacies pay. ASP (Average Sales Price) is the CMS Medicare Part B drug-payment file, published quarterly. Medicaid pays is computed by us from CMS State Drug Utilization Data (total reimbursed ÷ units, trailing 12 months) — gross of rebates and inclusive of dispensing fees, so it reflects what Medicaid paid, not an acquisition cost. Medicare drug plans pay is the median negotiated point-of-sale unit cost across plans listing this NDC in the CMS quarterly Prescription Drug Plan pricing files, before rebates. The VA pays is the federal contract price (FSS, and the statutory Big 4 ceiling where listed) from the VA National Acquisition Center pharmaceutical price file. All are free public government data; each measures a different payer, so the figures are not directly comparable.

Packaging — all sizes for this product

Package NDCDescription Marketing startMarketing endStatus
55111-0136-81 You're viewing this Main listing 3 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON / 10 CAPSULE, GELATIN COATED in 1 BLISTER PACK 2013-03-26 — Active

Therapeutic equivalents

ProductLabelerPackNADAC/unitTEStatusPrice vs. this
Amnesteem 20 mg 00378-6612-93 Mylan 30 capsules $1.932 AB1 Availability likely —
Claravis 20 mg 00555-1055-56 Teva 10 capsules $1.932 AB1 Availability likely —
Isotretinoin 20 mg 00832-8302-30 Upsher-Smith 10 capsules $1.932 AB1 Availability likely —
Zenatane 20 mgthis 55111-0136-81 Dr. 10 capsules $1.932 AB1 Availability likely —
Zenatane 20 mg 68001-0653-17 BluePoint 10 capsules $1.932 AB1 Availability likely —
Isotretinoin 20 mg 68308-0782-30 Mayne 10 capsules $1.932 AB1 Availability likely —
Isotretinoin 20 mg 69238-1175-03 Amneal 10 capsules $1.932 AB1 Availability likely —
Isotretinoin 20 mg 00245-0571-01 Upsher-Smith 10 capsules $4.254 AB2 Availability likely +120%
Isotretinoin 20 mg 00591-2434-15 Actavis 30 capsules $4.254 AB2 Availability likely +120%
Isotretinoin 20 mg 57664-0021-97 Sun 30 capsules $4.254 AB2 Availability likely +120%
Isotretinoin 20 mg 59651-0632-03 Aurobindo 30 capsules $4.254 AB2 Availability likely +120%
Isotretinoin 20 mg 68308-0571-30 Mayne 10 capsules $4.254 AB2 Availability likely +120%
Isotretinoin 20 mg 70710-1575-08 Zydus 30 capsules $4.254 AB2 Availability likely +120%
Absorica 20 mg 10631-0116-31 Sun 30 capsules $35.744 AB2 Availability likely +1750%
Isotretinoin 20 mg 69238-1255-03 Amneal 30 capsules — — FDA listed —
Isotretinoin 20 mg 70710-1023-04 Zydus 100 capsules — AB1 FDA listed —
Isotretinoin 20 mg 70771-1558-04 Zydus 100 capsules — AB1 FDA listed —
Isotretinoin 20 mg 70771-1663-08 Zydus 30 capsules — AB2 FDA listed —
Accutane 20 mg 72143-0252-30 JG 10 capsules — AB1 FDA listed —
Isotretinoin 20 mg 84386-0009-03 Aurobindo 30 capsules — AB1 FDA listed —
About this product: this is a generic version of the medicine. FDA equivalence ratings are shown when available, and other versions are listed above, least expensive first.
Where does this data come from?
Equivalents are other NDCs of the same ingredient, form and route from the openFDA NDC Directory, ranked least-expensive-first by NADAC. Therapeutic-equivalence (AB) ratings come from the FDA Orange Book; biologics use the FDA Purple Book for biosimilar & interchangeable status.

Availability & generic status

🏛️
2013
On the market since
Mar 2013
📍
2026
Currently FDA-listed
13 years listed
🔓
·
Generic on the market
this product is a generic
✅This is a generic drug

This product is an FDA-approved generic. Other versions of the same drug are listed under Therapeutic equivalents, least expensive first.

Where does this data come from?
Patents and exclusivity from the FDA Orange Book (small-molecule drugs), refreshed from public FDA data. Generic launch timing is an estimate, not a guarantee.

What it looks like

Color Blue / Pink / Green / Red
ShapeOval
ImprintR1
Size5 mm
ScoringNot scored
One label can cover several strengths, so colors may be combined — always confirm a loose pill against the dispensed prescription label or a pharmacist.
Where does this data come from?
Physical description (imprint, shape, color, scoring, coating) from this product’s FDA Structured Product Labeling (SPL), mirrored from DailyMed / openFDA.

Inactive Ingredients / Excipients

Inactive ingredients, also called excipients, are components of the drug product other than the active ingredient. They may include fillers, dyes, coatings, preservatives, flavors, or other formulation ingredients.

Loading inactive ingredients from the official FDA label in the background. No external source is being called by this page request.
Where does this data come from?
Source: official FDA Structured Product Labeling (SPL) via DailyMed and the openFDA label index. Structured IACT rows and label-wide narrative are kept separate; availability and product-level specificity depend on the submitted label.

Inactive ingredient FAQ

Are inactive ingredients the same for every manufacturer?
No. Inactive ingredients can differ by manufacturer, dosage form, strength, and package / product version.
Why might an inactive ingredient be missing?
Some SPLs do not provide a complete structured inactive-ingredient list, and older or unusual labels may only include the information in narrative text.
Can inactive ingredients matter?
Yes. They can matter for allergies, intolerances, dyes, gluten / lactose concerns, preservatives, and formulation differences — but confirm with a pharmacist or the manufacturer when it’s clinically important.

Manufacturer & labeler

LabelerDr. Reddy's Laboratories Limited
Application holderDR REDDYS LABORATORIES LTD
FDA applicationANDA202099 (ANDA)
Labeler code55111
First marketedMar 2013
Product typeHuman Prescription Drug
Portfolio200 products on file
The labeler markets the product; the application holder owns the FDA approval. They’re often the same company but can differ (e.g. a repackager or an authorized generic). A mailing address / phone appears here when the manufacturer includes it in the product’s FDA label (not all do).
Where does this data come from?
Labeler, application holder and registered establishment from the FDA openFDA NDC Directory and Drugs@FDA; address/contact from the product’s FDA label.

Full prescribing information FDA SPL

The complete FDA label for this product — the official prescribing information, verbatim, section by section. Very long sections are excerpted here and marked; the full text is on DailyMed (linked in the sources below). Jump with a chip, search within the label, or expand everything.
🚨 Boxed Warning ~1 min read ▾

CONTRAINDICATIONS AND WARNINGS Zenatane TM must not be used by patients who are or may become pregnant. There is an extremely high risk that life-threatening birth defects will result if pregnancy occurs while taking Zenatane in any amount, even for short periods of time. Potentially any fetus exposed during pregnancy can be affected.

There are no accurate means of determining whether an exposed fetus has been affected. Birth defects which have been documented following Zenatane exposure include abnormalities of the face, eyes, ears, skull, central nervous system, cardiovascular system, and thymus and parathyroid glands. Cases of IQ scores less than 85 with or without other abnormalities have been reported.

There is an increased risk of spontaneous abortion, and premature births have been reported. Documented external abnormalities include: skull abnormality; ear abnormalities (including anotia, micropinna, small or absent external auditory canals); eye abnormalities (including microphthalmia); facial dysmorphia; cleft palate. Documented internal abnormalities include: CNS abnormalities (including cerebral abnormalities, cerebellar malformation, hydrocephalus, microcephaly, cranial nerve deficit); cardiovascular abnormalities; thymus gland abnormality; parathyroid hormone deficiency.

In some cases death has occurred with certain of the abnormalities previously noted. If pregnancy does occur during treatment of a patient who is taking Zenatane, Zenatane must be discontinued immediately and the patient should be referred to an Obstetrician-Gynecologist experienced in reproductive toxicity for further evaluation and counseling. Special Prescribing Requirements Because of Zenatane’s teratogenicity and to minimize fetal exposure, Zenatane is approved for marketing only under a special restricted distribution program approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

This REMS is called iPLEDGE ® . Zenatane must only be prescribed by prescribers who are enrolled and activated with the iPLEDGE REMS. Zenatane must only be dispensed by a pharmacy enrolled and activated with iPLEDGE, and must only be dispensed to patients who are enrolledand meet all the requirements of iPLEDGE (see PRECAUTIONS ).

🎯 Indications and Usage 197 words ▾

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Severe Recalcitrant Nodular Acne Zenatane is indicated for the treatment of severe recalcitrant nodular acne. Nodules are inflammatory lesions with a diameter of 5 mm or greater. The nodules may become suppurative or hemorrhagic. “Severe,” by definition, 2 means “many” as opposed to “few or several” nodules.

Because of significant adverse effects associated with its use, Zenatane should be reserved for patients with severe nodular acne who are unresponsive to conventional therapy, including systemic antibiotics. In addition, Zenatane is indicated only for those patients who are not pregnant, because Zenatane can cause life threatening birth defects (see Boxed CONTRAINDICATIONS AND WARNING S ). A single course of therapy for 15 to 20 weeks has been shown to result in complete and prolonged remission of disease in many patients.

1,3,4 If a second course of therapy is needed, it should not be initiated until at least 8 weeks after completion of the first course, because experience has shown that patients may continue to improve while off Zenatane. The optimal interval before retreatment has not been defined for patients who have not completed skeletal growth (see WARNINGS: Skeletal: Bone Mineral Density, Hyperostosis, Premature Epiphyseal Closure ).

⏱️ Dosage and Administration ~2 min read ▾

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Zenatane should be administered with a meal (see PRECAUTIONS : Information for Patients ). The recommended dosage range for Zenatane is 0.5 to 1 mg/kg/day given in two divided doses with food for 15 to 20 weeks. In studies comparing 0.1, 0.5, and 1 mg/kg/day, 8 it was found that all dosages provided initial clearing of disease, but there was a greater need for retreatment with the lower dosages.

During treatment, the dose may be adjusted according to response of the disease and/or the appearance of clinical side effects — some of which may be dose related. Adult patients whose disease is very severe with scarring or is primarily manifested on the trunk may require dose adjustments up to 2 mg/kg/day, as tolerated. Failure to take Zenatane with food will significantly decrease absorption.

Before upward dose adjustments are made, the patients should be questioned about their compliance with food instructions. The safety of once daily dosing with Zenatane has not been established. Once daily dosing is not recommended.

If the total nodule count has been reduced by more than 70% prior to completing 15 to 20 weeks of treatment, the drug may be discontinued. After a period of 2 months or more off therapy, and if warranted by persistent or recurring severe nodular acne, a second course of therapy may be initiated. The optimal interval before retreatment has not been defined for patients who have not completed skeletal growth.

Long-term use of Zenatane, even in low doses, has not been studied, and is not recommended. It is important that Zenatane be given at the recommended doses for no longer than the recommended duration. The effect of long-term use of Zenatane on bone loss is unknown (see WARNINGS : Skeletal : Bone Mineral Density , Hyperostosis , and Premature Epiphyseal closure ).

Contraceptive measures must be followed for any subsequent course of therapy (see PRECAUTIONS ). Table 4 Zenatane Dosing by Body Weight (Based on Administration With Food) Body Weight Total mg/day kilograms pounds 0.5 mg/kg 1 mg/kg 2 mg/kg* 40 88 20 40 80 50 110 25 50 100 60 132 30 60 120 70 154 35 70 140 80 176 40 80 160 90 198 45 90 180 100 220 50 100 200 *See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION : the recommended dosage range is 0.5 to 1 mg/kg/day. INFORMATION FOR PHARMACISTS Access the iPLEDGE REMS system via the internet (www.ipledgeprogram.com), or telephone (1-866495-0654) to obtain an authorization and the “do not dispense to patient after” date.

Zenatane must only be dispensed in no more than a 30 day supply. REFILLS REQUIRE A NEW PRESCRIPTION AND A NEW AUTHORIZATION FROM THE iPLEDGE SYSTEM. A Zenatane Medication Guide must be given to the patient each time Zenatane is dispensed, as required by law.

This Zenatane Medication Guide is an important part of the risk management program for the patient.

⛔ Contraindications 32 words ▾

CONTRAINDICATIONS Pregnancy: Category X. See Boxed CONTRAINDICATIONS AND WARNINGS . Allergic Reactions Zenatane is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to this medication or to any of its components (see PRECAUTIONS: Hypersensitivity).

⚠️ Warnings ~3 min read ▾

Special Patient Populations Pediatric Patients The pharmacokinetics of isotretinoin were evaluated after single and multiple doses in 38 pediatric patients (12 to 15 years) and 19 adult patients (≥18 years) who received Zenatane for the treatment of severe recalcitrant nodular acne. In both age groups, 4-oxo-isotretinoin was the major metabolite; tretinoin and 4-oxo-tretinoin were also observed. The dose-normalized pharmacokinetic parameters for isotretinoin following single and multiple doses are summarized in Table 3 for pediatric patients.

There were no statistically significant differences in the pharmacokinetics of isotretinoin between pediatric and adult patients. Table 3. Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Isotretinoin Following Single and Multiple Dose Administration in Pediatric Patients, 12 to 15 Years of Age Mean ( ± SD), N=38* Parameter Isotretinoin (Single Dose) Isotretinoin (Steady-State) C max (ng/mL) 573.25 (278.79) 731.98 (361.86) AUC (0-12) (ng⋅hr/mL) 3033.37 (1394.17) 5082 (2184.23) AUC (0-24) (ng⋅hr/mL) 6003.81 (2885.67) – T max (hr)† 6 (1 to 24.6) 4 (0 to12) C ss min (ng/mL) – 352.32 (184.44) T 1/2 (hr) – 15.69 (5.12) CL/F (L/hr) – 17.96 (6.27) *The single and multiple dose data in this table were obtained following a non-standardized meal that is not comparable to the high-fat meal that was used in the study in Table 2 . † Median (range) In pediatric patients (12 to 15 years), the mean ± SD elimination half-lives (t 1/2 ) of isotretinoin and 4-oxo-isotretinoin were 15.7 ± 5.1 hours and 23.1 ± 5.7 hours, respectively.

The accumulation ratios of isotretinoin ranged from 0.46 to 3.65 for pediatric patients.

WARNINGS Psychiatric Disorders Zenatane may cause depression, psycho sis and, rarely, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, suicide, and aggressive and/or violent behaviors. No mechanism of action has been established for these events (see ADVERSE REACTIONS: Psychiatric). Prescribers should read the brochure, Recognizing Psychiatric Disorders in Adolescents and Young Adults : A Guide for Prescribers of Isotretinoin .

Prescribers should be alert to the warning signs of psychiatric disorders to guide patients to receive the help they need. Therefore, prior to initiation of Zenatane therapy, patients and family members should be asked about any history of psychiatric disorder, and at each visit during therapy patients should be assessed for symptoms of depression, mood disturbance, psychosis, or aggression to determine if further evaluation may be necessary. Signs and symptoms of depression, as described in the brochure (“Recognizing Psychiatric Disorders in Adolescents and Young Adults”), include sad mood, hopelessness, feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness, loss of pleasure or interest in activities, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, change in sleep pattern, change in weight or appetite, suicidal thoughts or attempts, restlessness, irritability, acting on dangerous impulses, and persistent physical symptoms unresponsive to treatment.

Patients should stop Zenatane and the patient or a family member should promptly contact their prescriber if the patient develops depression, mood disturbance, psychosis, or aggression, without waiting until the next visit. Discontinuation of Zenatane therapy may be insufficient; further evaluation may be necessary. While such monitoring may be helpful, it may not detect all patients at risk.

Patients may report mental health problems or family history of psychiatric disorders. These reports should be discussed with the patient and/or the patient’s family. A referral to a mental health professional may be necessary.

The physician should consider whether Zenatane therapy is appropriate in this setting; for some patients the risks may outweigh the benefits of Zenatane therapy. Pseudotumor Cerebri Zenatane use has been associated with a number of cases of pseudotumor cerebri (benign intracranial hypertension), some of which involved concomitant use of tetracyclines. Concom… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]

🤒 Adverse Reactions ~2 min read ▾

ADVERSE REACTIONS Clinical Trials and Postmarketing Surveillance The adverse reactions listed below reflect the experience from investigational studies of Zenatane, and the postmarketing experience. The relationship of some of these events to Zenatane therapy is unknown. Many of the side effects and adverse reactions seen in patients receiving Zenatane are similar to those described in patients taking very high doses of vitamin A (dryness of the skin and mucous membranes, e.g., of the lips, nasal passage, and eyes).

Dose Relationship Cheilitis and hypertriglyceridemia are usually dose related. Most adverse reactions reported in clinical trials were reversible when therapy was discontinued; however, some persisted after cessation of therapy (see WARNINGS and ADVERSE REACTIONS ). Body as a Whole allergic reactions, including vasculitis, systemic hypersensitivity (see PRECAUTIONS : Hypersensitivity ), edema, fatigue, lymphadenopathy, weight loss Cardiovascular palpitation, tachycardia, vascular thrombotic disease, stroke Endocrine/Metabolic hypertriglyceridemia (see WARNINGS : Lipids ), alterations in blood sugar levels (see PRECAUTIONS : Laboratory Tests ) Gastrointestinal inflammatory bowel disease (see WARNINGS : Inflammatory Bowel Disease ), hepatitis (see WARNINGS : Hepatotoxicity ), pancreatitis (see WARNINGS : Lipids ), bleeding and inflammation of the gums, colitis, esophagitis/esophageal ulceration, ileitis, nausea, other nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms.

Hematologic allergic reactions (see PRECAUTIONS : Hypersensitivity ), anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, rare reports of agranulocytosis (see PRECAUTIONS : Information for Patients ). See PRECAUTIONS : Laboratory Tests for other hematological parameters. Musculoskeletal skeletal hyperostosis, calcification of tendons and ligaments, premature epiphyseal closure, decreases in bone mineral density (see WARNINGS : Skeletal ), musculoskeletal symptoms (sometimes severe) including back pain, myalgia, and arthralgia (see PRECAUTIONS : Information for Patients ), transient pain in the chest (see PRECAUTIONS : Information for Patients ), arthritis, tendonitis, other types of bone abnormalities, elevations of CPK/rare reports of rhabdomyolysis (see PRECAUTIONS : Laboratory Tests ).

Neurological pseudotumor cerebri (see WARNINGS : Pseudotumor Cerebri ), dizziness, drowsiness, headache, insomnia, lethargy, malaise, nervousness, paresthesias, seizures, stroke, syncope, weakness Psychiatric suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, suicide, depression, psychosis, aggression, violent behaviors (see WARNINGS : Psychiatric Disorders ), emotional instability. Of the patients reporting depression, some reported that the depression subsided with discontinuation of therapy and recurred with reinstitution of therapy.

Reproductive System abnormal menses. Respiratory bronchospasms (with or without a history of asthma), respiratory infection, voice alteration Skin and Appendages acne fulminans, alopecia (which in some cases persists), bruising, cheilitis (dry lips), dry mouth, dry nose, dry skin, epistaxis, eruptive xanthomas, 7 erythema multiforme, flushing, fragility of skin, hair abnormalities, hirsutism, hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation, infections (including disseminated herpes simplex), nail dystrophy, paronychia, peeling of palms and soles, photoallergic/photosensitizing reactions, pruritus, pyogenic granuloma, rash (including facial erythema, seborrhea, and eczema), Stevens-Johnson syndrome, sunburn susceptibility increased, sweating, toxic epidermal necrolysis, urticaria, vasculitis (including Wegener’s granulomatosis; see PRECAUTIONS : Hypersensitivity ), abnormal wound healing (delayed healing or exuberant granulation tissue with crusting; see PRECAUTIONS : Information for Patients ) Special Senses Hearing hearing impairment (see WARNINGS : Hearing Impairment ), tinnitus.

Vision corneal opacities (see WARNINGS : Corneal Opacities ), decreased night vision which may persist… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]

🔄 Drug Interactions ~2 min read ▾

Drug Interactions Drug Interactions Vitamin A: Because of the relationship of Zenatane to vitamin A, patients should be advised against taking vitamin supplements containing vitamin A to avoid additive toxic effects. Tetracyclines: Concomitant treatment with Zenatane and tetracyclines should be avoided because Zenatane use has been associated with a number of cases of pseudotumor cerebri (benign intracranial hypertension), some of which involved concomitant use of tetracyclines. Micro-dosed Progesterone Preparations: Micro-dosed progesterone preparations (“minipills” that do not contain an estrogen) may be an inadequate method of contraception during Zenatane therapy.

Although other hormonal contraceptives are highly effective, there have been reports of pregnancy from patients who can become pregnant who have used combined oral contraceptives, as well as transdermal patch/injectable/implantable/vaginal ring hormonal birth control products. These reports are more frequent for patients who can become pregnant who use only a single form of contraception. It is not known if hormonal contraceptives differ in their effectiveness when used with Zenatane.

Therefore, it is critically important for patients who can become pregnant to select and commit to use two forms of effective contraception simultaneously, at least one of which must be a primary form (see PRECAUTIONS ). Norethindrone/ethinyl estradiol: In a study of 31 premenopausal female patients with severe recalcitrant nodular acne receiving Ortho-Novum ® 7/7/7 Tablets as an oral contraceptive agent, Zenatane at the recommended dose of 1 mg/kg/day, did not induce clinically relevant changes in the pharmacokinetics of ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone and in the serum levels of progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).

Prescribers are advised to consult the package insert of medication administered concomitantly with hormonal contraceptives, since some medications may decrease the effectiveness of these birth control products. St. John’s Wort: Zenatane use is associated with depression in some patients (see WARNINGS : Psychiatric Disorders and ADVERSE REACTIONS : Psychiatric).

Patients should be prospectively cautioned not to self-medicate with the herbal supplement St. John’s Wort because a possible interaction has been suggested with hormonal contraceptives based on reports of breakthrough bleeding on oral contraceptives shortly after starting St.John's Wort. Pregnancies have been reported by users of combined hormonal contraceptives who also used some form of St.John's Wort.

Phenytoin: Zenatane has not been shown to alter the pharmacokinetics of phenytoin in a study in seven healthy volunteers. These results are consistent with the in vitro finding that neither isotretinoin nor its metabolites induce or inhibit the activity of the CYP 2C9 human hepatic P450 enzyme. Phenytoin is known to cause osteomalacia.

No formal clinical studies have been conducted to assess if there is an interactive effect on bone loss between phenytoin and Zenatane. Therefore, caution should be exercised when using these drugs together. Systemic Corticosteroids: Systemic corticosteroids are known to cause osteoporosis.

No formal clinical studies have been conducted to assess if there is an interactive effect on bone loss between systemic corticosteroids and Zenatane. Therefore, caution should be exercised when using these drugs together.

🤰 Pregnancy 8 words ▾

Pregnancy: Category X. See Boxed CONTRAINDICATIONS AND WARNINGS.

🧒 Pediatric Use ~2 min read ▾

Pediatric Use The use of Zenatane in pediatric patients less than 12 years of age has not been studied. The use of Zenatane for the treatment of severe recalcitrant nodular acne in pediatric patients ages 12 to 17 years should be given careful consideration, especially for those patients where a known metabolic or structural bone disease exists (see PRECAUTIONS : General ). Use of Zenatane in this age group for severe recalcitrant nodular acne is supported by evidence from a clinical study comparing 103 pediatric patients (13 to 17 years) to 197 adult patients (≥18 years).

Results from this study demonstrated that Zenatane, at a dose of 1 mg/kg/day given in two divided doses, was equally effective in treating severe recalcitrant nodular acne in both pediatric and adult patients. In studies with Zenatane, adverse reactions reported in pediatric patients were similar to those described in adults except for the increased incidence of back pain and arthralgia (both of which were sometimes severe) and myalgia in pediatric patients (see ADVERSE REACTIONS ). In an open-label clinical trial (N=217) of a single course of therapy with Zenatane for severe recalcitrant nodular acne, bone density measurements at several skeletal sites were not significantly decreased (lumbar spine change >-4% and total hip change >-5%) or were increased in the majority of patients.

One patient had a decrease in lumbar spine bone mineral density >4% based on unadjusted data. Sixteen (7.9%) patients had decreases in lumbar spine bone mineral density >4%, and all the other patients (92%) did not have significant decreases or had increases (adjusted for body mass index). Nine patients (4.5%) had a decrease in total hip bone mineral density >5% based on unadjusted data.

Twenty-one (10.6%) patients had decreases in total hip bone mineral density >5%, and all the other patients (89%) did not have significant decreases or had increases (adjusted for body mass index). Follow-up studies performed in eight of the patients with decreased bone mineral density for up to 11 months thereafter demonstrated increasing bone density in five patients at the lumbar spine, while the other three patients had lumbar spine bone density measurements below baseline values. Total hip bone mineral densities remained below baseline (range −1.6% to −7.6%) in five of eight patients (62.5%).

In a separate open-label extension study of ten patients, ages 13 to 18 years, who started a second course of Zenatane 4 months after the first course, two patients showed a decrease in mean lumbar spine bone mineral density up to 3.25% (see WARNINGS : Skeletal : Bone Mineral Density ).

🧓 Geriatric Use 61 words ▾

Geriatric Use Clinical studies of isotretinoin did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 years and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Although reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between elderly and younger patients, effects of aging might be expected to increase some risks associated with isotretinoin therapy (see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS ).

🆘 Overdosage ~1 min read ▾

OVERDOSAGE The oral LD 50 of isotretinoin is greater than 4000 mg/kg in rats and mice (>600 times the recommended clinical dose of 1 mg/kg/day after normalization of the rat dose for total body surface area and >300 times the recommended clinical dose of 1 mg/kg/day after normalization of the mouse dose for total body surface area) and is approximately 1960 mg/kg in rabbits (653 times the recommended clinical dose of 1 mg/kg/day after normalization for total body surface area). In humans, overdosage has been associated with vomiting, facial flushing, cheilosis, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, and ataxia.

These symptoms quickly resolve without apparent residual effects. Zenatane causes life threatening birth defects at any dosage (see Boxed CONTRAINDICATIONS AND WARNINGS ). Patients who can become pregnant who present with isotretinoin overdose must be evaluated for pregnancy.

Patients who are pregnant should receive counseling about the risks to the fetus, as described in the Boxed CONTRAINDICATIONS AND WARNINGS . Non-pregnant patients must be warned to avoid pregnancy for at least one month and receive contraceptive counseling as described in PRECAUTIONS . Educational materials for such patients can be obtained by calling the manufacturer.

Because an overdose would be expected to result in higher levels of isotretinoin in semen than found during a normal treatment course, male patients should use a condom, or avoid reproductive sexual activity with a patient who is or might become pregnant, for one month after the overdose. All patients with isotretinoin overdose should not donate blood for at least one month.

🧬 Clinical Pharmacology ~3 min read ▾

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Isotretinoin is a retinoid, which when administered in pharmacologic dosages of 0.5 to 1 mg/kg/day (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ), inhibits sebaceous gland function and keratinization. The exact mechanism of action of isotretinoin is unknown. Nodular Acne Clinical improvement in nodular acne patients occurs in association with a reduction in sebum secretion.

The decrease in sebum secretion is temporary and is related to the dose and duration of treatment with Zenatane, and reflects a reduction in sebaceous gland size and an inhibition of sebaceous gland differentiation. 1 Pharmacokinetics Absorption Due to its high lipophilicity, oral absorption of isotretinoin is enhanced when given with a high-fat meal. In a crossover study, 74 healthy adult subjects received a single 80 mg oral dose (2 x 40 mg capsules) of Zenatane under fasted and fed conditions.

Both peak plasma concentration (C max ) and the total exposure (AUC) of isotretinoin were more than doubled following a standardized high-fat meal when compared with Zenatane given under fasted conditions (see Table 2 ). The observed elimination half-life was unchanged. This lack of change in half-life suggests that food increases the bioavailability of isotretinoin without altering its disposition.

The time to peak concentration (T max ) was also increased with food and may be related to a longer absorption phase. Therefore, Zenatane should always be taken with food (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ). Clinical studies have shown that there is no difference in the pharmacokinetics of isotretinoin between patients with nodular acne and healthy subjects with normal skin.

Table 2 Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Isotretinoin Mean (%CV), N=74 Zenatane 2 x 40 mg Capsules AUC 0-∞ (ng ⋅ hr/mL) C max (ng/mL) T max (hr) t 1/2 (hr) Fed* 10,004 (22%) 862 (22%) 5.3 (77%) 21 (39%) Fasted 3,703 (46%) 301 (63%) 3.2 (56%) 21 (30%) *Eating a standardized high-fat meal Distribution Isotretinoin is more than 99.9% bound to plasma proteins, primarily albumin. Metabolism Following oral administration of isotretinoin, at least three metabolites have been identified in human plasma: 4-oxo-isotretinoin, retinoic acid (tretinoin), and 4-oxo-retinoic acid (4-oxotretinoin).

Retinoic acid and 13-cis-retinoic acid are geometric isomers and show reversible interconversion. The administration of one isomer will give rise to the other. Isotretinoin is also irreversibly oxidized to 4-oxo-isotretinoin, which forms its geometric isomer 4-oxo-tretinoin.

After a single 80 mg oral dose of Zenatane to 74 healthy adult subjects, concurrent administration of food increased the extent of formation of all metabolites in plasma when compared to the extent of formation under fasted conditions. All of these metabolites possess retinoid activity that is in some in vitro models more than that of the parent isotretinoin. However, the clinical significance of these models is unknown.

After multiple oral dose administration of isotretinoin to adult cystic acne patients (≥18 years), the exposure of patients to 4-oxo-isotretinoin at steady-state under fasted and fed conditions was approximately 3.4 times higher than that of isotretinoin. In vitro studies indicate that the primary P450 isoforms involved in isotretinoin metabolism are 2C8, 2C9, 3A4, and 2B6. Isotretinoin and its metabolites are further metabolized into conjugates, which are then excreted in urine and feces.

Elimination Following oral administration of an 80 mg dose of 14 C-isotretinoin as a liquid suspension, 14 C-activity in blood declined with a half-life of 90 hours. The metabolites of isotretinoin and any conjugates are ultimately excreted in the feces and urine in relatively equal amounts (total of 65% to 83%). After a single 80 mg oral dose of Zenatane to 74 healthy adult subjects under fed conditions, the mean ± SD elimination half-lives (t 1/2 ) of isotretinoin and 4- oxo -isotretinoin were 21 ± 8.2 hours and 24 ± 5.3 hours, respectively.

Af… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]

📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling ~1 min read ▾

HOW SUPPLIED Zenatane (isotretinoin capsules USP) 10 mg are opaque blue elliptical soft gelatin capsules imprinted with black ink, “R135” on one side and are supplied in boxes of 30 containing 3 prescription packs of 10 capsules and in boxes of 100 containing 10 prescription packs of 10 capsules, as unit dose blisters Boxes of 30 (3 Prescription Packs of 10 capsules) NDC 55111-135-81 Boxes of 100 (10 Prescription Packs of 10 capsules) NDC 55111-135-78 Zenatane (isotretinoin capsules USP) 20 mg are opaque pink elliptical soft gelatin capsules imprinted with black ink, “R136” on one side and are supplied in boxes of 30 containing 3 prescription packs of 10 capsules and in boxes of 100 containing 10 prescription packs of 10 capsules, as unit dose blisters Boxes of 30 (3 Prescription Packs of 10 capsules) NDC 55111-136-81 Boxes of 100 (10 Prescription Packs of 10 capsules) NDC 55111-136-78 Zenatane (isotretinoin capsules USP) 30 mg are reddish brown colored opaque, elliptical shaped soft gelatin capsule imprinted with “RI” in black colored ink along the length of body on one side and are supplied in boxes of 30 containing 3 prescription packs of 10 capsules and in boxes of 100 containing 10 prescription packs of 10 capsules, as unit dose blisters.

Boxes of 30 (3 Prescription Packs of 10 capsules) NDC 55111-113-81 Boxes of 100 (10 Prescription Packs of 10 capsules) NDC 55111-113-78 Zenatane (isotretinoin capsules USP) 40 mg are opaque green elliptical soft gelatin capsules imprinted with black ink, “R137” on one side and are supplied in boxes of 30 containing 3 prescription packs of 10 capsules and 100 containing 10 prescription packs of 10 capsules, as unit dose blisters. Boxes of 30 (3 Prescription Packs of 10 capsules) NDC 55111-137-81 Boxes of 100 (10 Prescription Packs of 10 capsules) NDC 55111-137-78

📋 Description 170 words ▾

DESCRIPTION Isotretinoin USP, a retinoid, is available as Zenatane (isotretinoin capsules, USP) in 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg and 40 mg soft gelatin capsules for oral administration. Each capsule contains butylatedhydroxyanisole, edetate disodium, hydrogenated vegetable oil (Type-I and Type-II), medium chain triglyceride, refined soybean oil and white wax. Gelatin capsules contain ferric oxide red, ferricoxide yellow (for 30 mg), gelatin, glycerin, methyl paraben, propyl paraben, lake blend blue(LB-332) containing D&C Yellow No.10, FD&C Blue No.1 (for 10 mg), lake blend red (LB-1574) containingD&C Red No.27, D&C Red No.30 (for 20 mg), lake blend green (LB-333) containing D&C Yellow No.10, FD&C Blue No.1 (for 40 mg), lake blend white (TLB-1774) containing FD&C Blue No.2, titaniumdioxide, and opacode black S-1-17823 containing iron oxide black, N-butyl alcohol, propylene glycol, ammonium hydroxide and shellac.

Chemically, isotretinoin is 13-cis-retinoic acid and is related to both retinoic acid and retinol (vitamin A). It is a yellow to slightly orange crystalline powder with a molecular weight of 300.44. Thestructural formula is: Meets USP Dissolution Test 5.

💬 Medication Guide ~3 min read ▾

MEDICATION GUIDE ZENATANE TM (ZEN – a – tān) (isotretinoin capsules) Read the Medication Guide that comes with Zenatane before you start taking it and each time you get a prescription. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or your treatment.

What is the most important information I should know about Zenatane? Zenatane is used to treat a type of severe acne (nodular acne) that has not been helped by other treatments, including antibiotics. Because Zenatane can cause birth defects, Zenatane is only for patients who can understand and agree to carry out all of the instructions in the iPLEDGE REMS.

Zenatane may cause serious mental health problems. 1. Birth defects (deformed babies), loss of a baby before birth (miscarriage), death of the baby, and early (premature) births.

Patients who are pregnant or who plan to become pregnant must not take Zenatane. Patients must not get pregnant: for 1 month before starting Zenatane while taking Zenatane for 1 month after stopping Zenatane If you get pregnant while taking Zenatane, stop taking it right away and call your doctor. Doctors and patients should report all cases of pregnancy to: FDA MedWatch at 1-800-FDA-1088, and The iPLEDGE Pregnancy Registry at 1-866-495-0654 2.

Serious mental health problems. Zenatane may cause: depression psychosis (seeing or hearing things that are not real) suicide . Some patients taking Zenatane have had thoughts about hurting themselves or putting an end to their own lives (suicidal thoughts).

Some people tried to end their own lives. And some people have ended their own lives. Stop Zenatane and call your doctor right away if you or a family member notices that you have any of the following signs and symptoms of depression or psychosis: start to feel sad or have crying spells lose interest in activities you once enjoyed sleep too much or have trouble sleeping become more irritable, angry, or aggressive than usual (for example, temper outbursts, thoughts of violence) have a change in your appetite or body weight have trouble concentrating withdraw from your friends or family feel like you have no energy have feelings of worthlessness or guilt start having thoughts about hurting yourself or taking your own life (suicidal thoughts) start acting on dangerous impulses start seeing or hearing things that are not real After stopping Zenatane, you may also need follow-up mental health care if you had any of these symptoms.

What is Zenatane? Zenatane is a medicine taken by mouth to treat the most severe form of acne (nodular acne) that cannot be cleared up by any other acne treatments, including antibiotics. Zenatane can cause serious side effects (see “What is the most important information I should know about Zenatane?” ).

Zenatane can only be: prescribed by doctors that are enrolled in the iPLEDGE REMS dispensed by a pharmacy that is enrolled with the iPLEDGE REMS given to patients who are enrolled in the iPLEDGE REMS and agree to do everything required in the program What is severe nodular acne? Severe nodular acne is when many red, swollen, tender lumps form in the skin. These can be the size of pencil erasers or larger.

If untreated, nodular acne can lead to permanent scars. Who should not take Zenatane? Do not take Zenatane if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or become pregnant during Zenatane treatment.

Zenatane causes life-threatening birth defects. See “What is the most important information I should know about Zenatane?” Do not take Zenatane if you are allergic to anything in it. See the end of this Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients in Zenatane.

What should I tell my doctor before taking Zenatane? Tell your doctor if you or a family member has any of the following health conditions: mental problems asthma liver disease diabetes heart disease bone loss (osteoporosis) or weak bones an eating problem called anorexia nervosa (where people eat… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]

⚠️ Precautions ~3 min read ▾

PRECAUTIONS Zenatane must only be prescribed by prescribers who are enrolled and activated with the iPLEDGE REMS. Zenatane must only be dispensed by a pharmacy enrolled and activated with iPLEDGE, and must only be dispensed to patients who are enrolled and meet all the requirements of iPLEDGE. Enrolled and activated pharmacies must receive Zenatane only from wholesalers enrolled with iPLEDGE. iPLEDGE REMS requirements for wholesalers, prescribers, and pharmacists are described below: Wholesalers: For the purpose of the iPLEDGE REMS, the term wholesaler refers to wholesaler, distributor, and/or chain pharmacy distributor.

To distribute Zenatane, wholesalers must be enrolled with iPLEDGE, and agree to meet all iPLEDGE requirements for wholesale distribution of isotretinoin products. Wholesalers must enroll with iPLEDGE by signing and returning the iPLEDGE wholesaler agreement that affirms they will comply with all iPLEDGE requirements for distribution of isotretinoin. These include: Enrolling prior to distributing isotretinoin and re-enrolling annually thereafter Distributing only FDA approved isotretinoin product Only shipping isotretinoin to - wholesalers enrolled in the iPLEDGE REMS with prior written consent from the manufacturer or - pharmacies licensed in the US and enrolled and activated in the iPLEDGE REMS Notifying the isotretinoin manufacturer (or delegate) of any non-enrolled and/or non-activated pharmacy or unenrolled wholesaler that attempts to order isotretinoin Complying with inspection/audit of wholesaler records for verification of compliance with the iPLEDGE REMS by the isotretinoin manufacturer (or delegate) Returning to the manufacturer (or delegate) any undistributed product if the wholesaler is deactivated by the iPLEDGE REMS or if the wholesaler chooses to not re-enroll annually Prescribers: To prescribe isotretinoin, the prescriber must be enrolled and activated with the pregnancy risk management program iPLEDGE.

Prescribers can enroll by signing and returning the completed enrollment form. Prescribers can only activate their enrollment by affirming that they meet requirements and will comply with all iPLEDGE requirements by attesting to the following points: I know the risk and severity of fetal injury/birth defects from isotretinoin. I know the risk factors for unplanned pregnancy and the effective measures for avoidance of unplanned pregnancy.

I have the expertise to provide the patient with detailed pregnancy prevention counseling, or I will refer the patient to an expert for such counseling, reimbursed by the manufacturer. I will comply with the iPLEDGE REMS requirements described in the booklet entitled iPLEDGE REMSPrescriber Guide. Before beginning treatment of patients who can become pregnant with isotretinoin, and on a monthly basis, the patient will be counseled to avoid pregnancy by using two forms of contraception simultaneously and continuously for at least one month prior to initiation of isotretinoin treatment, during isotretinoin treatment and for one month after discontinuing isotretinoin treatment, unless the patient commits to continuous abstinence, not having any sexual contact with a partner that could result in pregnancy.

I will not prescribe isotretinoin to any patient who can become pregnant until verifying the patient has a negative screening pregnancy test and monthly negative CLIA-certified (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment) pregnancy tests. Patients should have a pregnancy test at the completion of the entire course of isotretinoin and another pregnancy test one month later. I will report any pregnancy case that I become aware of while the patient who can become pregnant is on isotretinoin or one month after the last dose to the pregnancy registry.

To prescribe isotretinoin, the prescriber must access the iPLEDGE system via the internet (www.ipledgeprogram.com) or telephone (1-866-495-0654) to: 1) Enroll each patient in the iPLEDGE REMS. 2) Confirm monthly that each pa… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]

🍼 Nursing Mothers 27 words ▾

Nursing Mothers It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because of the potential for adverse effects, nursing mothers should not receive Zenatane.

🧬 Pharmacokinetics ~2 min read ▾

Pharmacokinetics Absorption Due to its high lipophilicity, oral absorption of isotretinoin is enhanced when given with a high-fat meal. In a crossover study, 74 healthy adult subjects received a single 80 mg oral dose (2 x 40 mg capsules) of Zenatane under fasted and fed conditions. Both peak plasma concentration (C max ) and the total exposure (AUC) of isotretinoin were more than doubled following a standardized high-fat meal when compared with Zenatane given under fasted conditions (see Table 2 ).

The observed elimination half-life was unchanged. This lack of change in half-life suggests that food increases the bioavailability of isotretinoin without altering its disposition. The time to peak concentration (T max ) was also increased with food and may be related to a longer absorption phase.

Therefore, Zenatane should always be taken with food (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ). Clinical studies have shown that there is no difference in the pharmacokinetics of isotretinoin between patients with nodular acne and healthy subjects with normal skin. Table 2 Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Isotretinoin Mean (%CV), N=74 Zenatane 2 x 40 mg Capsules AUC 0-∞ (ng ⋅ hr/mL) C max (ng/mL) T max (hr) t 1/2 (hr) Fed* 10,004 (22%) 862 (22%) 5.3 (77%) 21 (39%) Fasted 3,703 (46%) 301 (63%) 3.2 (56%) 21 (30%) *Eating a standardized high-fat meal Distribution Isotretinoin is more than 99.9% bound to plasma proteins, primarily albumin.

Metabolism Following oral administration of isotretinoin, at least three metabolites have been identified in human plasma: 4-oxo-isotretinoin, retinoic acid (tretinoin), and 4-oxo-retinoic acid (4-oxotretinoin). Retinoic acid and 13-cis-retinoic acid are geometric isomers and show reversible interconversion. The administration of one isomer will give rise to the other.

Isotretinoin is also irreversibly oxidized to 4-oxo-isotretinoin, which forms its geometric isomer 4-oxo-tretinoin. After a single 80 mg oral dose of Zenatane to 74 healthy adult subjects, concurrent administration of food increased the extent of formation of all metabolites in plasma when compared to the extent of formation under fasted conditions. All of these metabolites possess retinoid activity that is in some in vitro models more than that of the parent isotretinoin.

However, the clinical significance of these models is unknown. After multiple oral dose administration of isotretinoin to adult cystic acne patients (≥18 years), the exposure of patients to 4-oxo-isotretinoin at steady-state under fasted and fed conditions was approximately 3.4 times higher than that of isotretinoin. In vitro studies indicate that the primary P450 isoforms involved in isotretinoin metabolism are 2C8, 2C9, 3A4, and 2B6.

Isotretinoin and its metabolites are further metabolized into conjugates, which are then excreted in urine and feces. Elimination Following oral administration of an 80 mg dose of 14 C-isotretinoin as a liquid suspension, 14 C-activity in blood declined with a half-life of 90 hours. The metabolites of isotretinoin and any conjugates are ultimately excreted in the feces and urine in relatively equal amounts (total of 65% to 83%).

After a single 80 mg oral dose of Zenatane to 74 healthy adult subjects under fed conditions, the mean ± SD elimination half-lives (t 1/2 ) of isotretinoin and 4- oxo -isotretinoin were 21 ± 8.2 hours and 24 ± 5.3 hours, respectively. After both single and multiple doses, the observed accumulation ratios of isotretinoin ranged from 0.9 to 5.43 in patients with cystic acne.

📄 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility ~2 min read ▾

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis and Impairment of Fertility In male and female Fischer 344 rats given oral isotretinoin at dosages of 8 or 32 mg/kg/day (1.3 to 5.3 times the recommended clinical dose of 1 mg/kg/day, respectively, after normalization for total body surface area) for greater than 18 months, there was a dose-related increased incidence of pheochromocytoma relative to controls. The incidence of adrenal medullary hyperplasia was also increased at the higher dosage in both sexes. The relatively high level of spontaneous pheochromocytomas occurring in the male Fischer 344 rat makes it an equivocal model for study of this tumor; therefore, the relevance of this tumor to the human population is uncertain.

The Ames test was conducted with isotretinoin in two laboratories. The results of the tests in one laboratory were negative while in the second laboratory a weakly positive response (less than 1.6 x background) was noted in S. typhimurium TA100 when the assay was conducted with metabolic activation. No dose response effect was seen and all other strains were negative.

Additionally, other tests designed to assess genotoxicity (Chinese hamster cell assay, mouse micronucleus test, S.cerevisiae D7 assay, in vitro clastogenesis assay with human-derived lymphocytes, and unscheduled DNA synthesis assay) were all negative. In rats, no adverse effects on gonadal function, fertility, conception rate, gestation or parturition were observed at oral dosages of isotretinoin of 2, 8, or 32 mg/kg/day (0.3, 1.3, or 5.3 times the recommended clinical dose of 1 mg/kg/day, respectively, after normalization for total body surface area).

In dogs, testicular atrophy was noted after treatment with oral isotretinoin for approximately 30 weeks at dosages of 20 or 60 mg/kg/day (10 or 30 times the recommended clinical dose of 1.0 mg/kg/day, respectively, after normalization for total body surface area). In general, there was microscopic evidence for appreciable depression of spermatogenesis but some sperm were observed in all testes examined and in no instance were completely atrophic tubules seen. In studies of 66 men, 30 of whom were patients with nodular acne under treatment with oral isotretinoin, no significant changes were noted in the count or motility of spermatozoa in the ejaculate.

In a study of 50 men (ages 17 to 32 years) receiving Zenatane therapy for nodular acne, no significant effects were seen on ejaculate volume, sperm count, total sperm motility, morphology or seminal plasma fructose.

📄 Patient Package Insert ~3 min read ▾

Patient Information Document Patient Identification Number_________________________________ Patient Enrollment Form for Patients who can get Pregnant To be completed by the patient (and their parent or guardian* if patient is under age 18) and signed by their doctor. Read each item below and initial in the space provided to show that you understand each item and agree to follow your doctor's instructions. Do not sign this consent and do not take isotretinoin if there is anything that you do not understand. *A parent or guardian of a minor patient (under age 18) must also read and initial each item before signing the consent. _________________________________________________________ (Patient’s Name) 1.

I understand that there is a very high chance that my unborn baby could have life-threatening birth defects if I am pregnant or become pregnant while taking isotretinoin. This can happen with any amount and even if taken for short periods of time. This is why I must not be pregnant while taking isotretinoin.

Initial: ______ 2. I understand that I must not get pregnant one month before, during the entire time of my treatment, and for one month after the end of my treatment with isotretinoin. Initial: ______ 3.

I understand that I must avoid having any sexual contact (penis-vaginal) with a partner who could get me pregnant completely, or I must use two separate, effective forms of birth control (contraception) at the same time . The only exceptions are if I have had surgery to remove the uterus (a hysterectomy) or both of my ovaries (bilateral oophorectomy), or my doctor has medically confirmed that I am post-menopausal. Initial: ______ 4.

I understand that hormonal birth control products are among the most effective forms of birth control. Combination birth control pills and other hormonal products include skin patches, shots, under-the-skin implants, vaginal rings, and intrauterine devices (IUDs). Any method of birth control can fail.

That is why I must use two different birth control forms at the same time, starting one month before, during, and for one month after stopping therapy every time I have any sexual contact (penis-vaginal) with a partner who could get me pregnant, even if one of the forms I choose is hormonal birth control. Initial: ______ 5. I understand that the following are effective forms of birth control: Primary forms Secondary forms • tying my tubes (tubal sterilization) Barrier: • male vasectomy • male latex condom with or without spermicide • intrauterine device • diaphragm with spermicide • hormonal (combination birth control pills, skin patches, shots, under- the-skin implants, or vaginal ring) • cervical cap with spermicide Other: • vaginal sponge (contains spermicide) A diaphragm and cervical cap must each be used with spermicide, a special cream that kills sperm I understand that at least one of my two forms of birth control must be a primary form.

Initial: ______ 6. I will talk with my doctor about any medicines including herbal products I plan to take during my isotretinoin treatment because hormonal birth control forms may not work if I am taking certain medicines or herbal products. Initial: ______ 7.

I may receive a free birth control counseling session from a doctor or other family planning expert. My isotretinoin doctor can give me an Isotretinoin Contraception Referral Form for this free consultation. Initial: ______ 8.

I must begin using the birth control forms I have chosen as described above at least one month before I start taking isotretinoin. Initial: ______ 9.I cannot get my first prescription for isotretinoin unless my doctor has told me that I have two negative pregnancy test results. The first pregnancy test should be done when my doctor decides to prescribe isotretinoin.

The second pregnancy test must be done in a lab during the first 5 days of my menstrual period right before starting isotretinoin therapy treatment, or as instructed by my doctor. I will then have one pregnancy test;… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]

📄 Package Label / Principal Display Panel 32 words ▾

PACKAGE LABEL.PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL SECTION Carton 10 mg : 30's pack (3x10's)

Carton 20 mg : 30's pack(3x10's)

Carton 30 mg : 30's pack (3x10's)

Carton 40 mg : 30's pack (3x10's)

Source: FDA Structured Product Labeling, mirrored from DailyMed / openFDA. Prefer the government’s original formatting? View this label on DailyMed ↗

Medicaid utilization & spend

📍 This exact package only: Medicaid data is reported per full 11-digit NDC — labeler, product and pack size — so every number here is for this package alone, not the drug overall. Other pack sizes report separately.
💊 Pharmacy benefit only: These are Medicaid outpatient pharmacy claims, billed by NDC. They exclude the medical benefit — clinic- or hospital-administered drugs billed under HCPCS J-codes — so drugs used mostly that way (e.g. Avastin, Lucentis, Keytruda) can look low or missing here. That’s expected, not an error.
📅 Q1 2025 – Q1 2026 · 5 quarters of data
ⓘ The newest quarter is usually incomplete when first published; states restate recent quarters in later CMS releases, so the latest figures typically revise upward. State coverage-policy changes can also shift quarter-to-quarter totals.
Prescriptions last 4 qtrs
5K
Units reimbursed last 4 qtrs
210.8K
Gross reimbursed last 4 qtrs
$512.6K
Avg / prescription
$103.09
Avg / unit
$2.4317
Latest quarter Q1 2026
1.2KRx
Medicaid pays / ea
$2.4317
gross reimbursed
vs
NADAC / ea
$1.9325
acquisition cost
=
Spread
+$0.4992
+26% vs cost
What Medicaid paid per ea (before rebates; includes the pharmacy’s dispensing fee) compared with NADAC — the average price pharmacies pay to buy the drug. A positive spread means Medicaid reimbursed more than the purchase price, before manufacturer rebates.
Fee-for-service vs managed care ⓘ
50% FFS 50% MCO
Fee-for-service · 2,473 Rx Managed care · 2,500 Rx
State Medicaid map
Alaska: no data reported AK Maine: 600 units · 43.0 per 100k residents ME Washington: 5,250 units · 67.2 per 100k residents WA Idaho: 4,894 units · 249 per 100k residents ID Montana: 450 units · 39.8 per 100k residents MT North Dakota: 390 units · 49.8 per 100k residents ND Minnesota: 5,460 units · 95.2 per 100k residents MN Wisconsin: 1,440 units · 24.4 per 100k residents WI Michigan: 2,610 units · 26.0 per 100k residents MI New York: 31,140 units · 159 per 100k residents NY Vermont: no data reported VT New Hampshire: no data reported NH Oregon: 1,140 units · 26.9 per 100k residents OR Nevada: 4,890 units · 153 per 100k residents NV Wyoming: no data reported WY South Dakota: 480 units · 52.2 per 100k residents SD Iowa: 3,630 units · 113 per 100k residents IA Illinois: 2,400 units · 19.1 per 100k residents IL Indiana: 1,620 units · 23.6 per 100k residents IN Ohio: 4,320 units · 36.7 per 100k residents OH Pennsylvania: 8,700 units · 67.1 per 100k residents PA New Jersey: 9,810 units · 106 per 100k residents NJ Massachusetts: 570 units · 8.1 per 100k residents MA California: 45,990 units · 118 per 100k residents CA Utah: 1,800 units · 52.7 per 100k residents UT Colorado: 1,170 units · 19.9 per 100k residents CO Nebraska: no data reported NE Missouri: 4,320 units · 69.7 per 100k residents MO Kentucky: 12,510 units · 276 per 100k residents KY West Virginia: 3,420 units · 193 per 100k residents WV Virginia: 1,350 units · 15.5 per 100k residents VA Maryland: 5,940 units · 96.1 per 100k residents MD Connecticut: 990 units · 27.4 per 100k residents CT Rhode Island: no data reported RI Arizona: 720 units · 9.7 per 100k residents AZ New Mexico: 1,290 units · 61.0 per 100k residents NM Kansas: no data reported KS Arkansas: no data reported AR Tennessee: 4,440 units · 62.3 per 100k residents TN North Carolina: 6,780 units · 62.6 per 100k residents NC South Carolina: no data reported SC Delaware: no data reported DE Oklahoma: 2,430 units · 60.0 per 100k residents OK Louisiana: 4,140 units · 90.5 per 100k residents LA Mississippi: no data reported MS Alabama: no data reported AL Georgia: 420 units · 3.8 per 100k residents GA D.C.: no data reported DC Hawaii: no data reported HI Texas: 19,290 units · 63.2 per 100k residents TX Florida: 4,020 units · 17.8 per 100k residents FL
Units reimbursed · per 100k residents
3.8276
gray = no data reported ⓘ
Colors are per 100,000 residents, so big states don’t automatically dominate. Tap or hover a state for its actual totals.
Tap or hover a state
…for its Medicaid breakdown
🏆 Top states by units · per 100k residents
1 Kentucky 276 /100k
2 Idaho 249 /100k
3 West Virginia 193 /100k
4 New York 159 /100k
5 Nevada 153 /100k
6 California 118 /100k
7 Iowa 113 /100k
8 New Jersey 106 /100k
National units — by quarter
💵 About the dollar figures: “reimbursed” is what Medicaid paid pharmacies before confidential manufacturer rebates, so the program’s real net cost is lower than these numbers. Fee-for-service and managed-care claims are combined unless split above. Source: CMS State Drug Utilization Data; per-100k rates use 2023 Census population estimates.

Medicare Part D spend CMS · PART D · 2026 (Q1)

Medicare Part D (outpatient prescription) spending for Zenatane — the program that covers self-administered drugs. 2 manufacturers.
⚠️ Drug-level data: CMS publishes Part D spending by drug, not by NDC — these figures combine every manufacturer, strength and package size sold under the name Zenatane. That’s a different level of aggregation than the Medicaid card above, which is specific to this exact 11-digit NDC (pack size included), so the two aren’t directly comparable.
Period
Total Part D spend
$143.4K
Claims incl. refills
840
Beneficiaries
552
Spend / beneficiary
$259.70
Spend / claim
$170.66
Trend by period
💵 About the dollar figures: spending is what Part D plans paid before confidential manufacturer rebates, so the program’s real net cost is lower. A blank patient count means fewer than 11 people — CMS hides counts that small to protect privacy. Source: CMS Medicare Quarterly Part D Spending by Drug (data.cms.gov), updated quarterly.
🛡
This drug has a REMS. A Risk Evaluation & Mitigation Strategy is an FDA-required safety program. It is available only through a restricted program (certified prescribers/pharmacies, enrollment, or required monitoring). See the boxed warning & full label below, and REMS@FDA ↗.
For educational and professional reference only — not medical advice. Pricing reflects published NADAC and CMS ASP (free public data) and may differ from your acquisition cost; always verify before billing or dispensing.