Sotret Gel belongs to a group of medicines known as retinoids that are used to treat severe acne, which occur as pimples, in adults and adolescents from 12 years of age only after puberty. This medicine is for patients whose acne has not responded to other treatments.
Sotret Gel reduces excessive oil production of the skin. Ideally, a pinpoint application at night time is recommended for a duration as prescribed by the doctor. The dose and duration will depend on what you are being treated for. You should normally wash and dry the affected area before applying a thin layer of the medicine usually once a day at bedtime. Follow your doctor’s instructions. Do not apply it to damaged or broken skin and avoid contact with your mouth, eyes, and nose. It may take several weeks for your symptoms to improve but keep using it regularly to get the most benefit. If you notice no improvement after a few weeks, see your doctor again.
The most common side effects include itching, stinging, peeling, and redness of the skin. They are not usually serious and often disappear after getting used to the cream but, if they bother you or do not go away, tell your doctor. You may need to apply smaller amounts or use it less often. Serious side effects are rare.
Sotret Gel may make you more sensitive to sunlight so you should limit exposure to the sun if possible. Drink plenty of water and use moisturizer as it may lead to dryness of the mouth, lips, and eyes. It may make your skin more fragile. It is advised, not to have any waxing (hair removal), or laser treatments during treatment. This medicine may lead to birth defects, do consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant.
Sotret Gel helps treat acne by reducing the production of sebum (a natural substance) that causes acne. This kills acne-causing bacteria and prevents spots or pimples from appearing. It usually takes a few weeks to have a noticeable effect so keep taking it even if it appears not to be working. Sometimes acne may get worse before it gets better, however, with proper use, your skin will get clearer. This medicine will help improve your mood and uplift your confidence as your skin becomes acne-free.
Side effects of Sotret Gel
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Sotret
Application site reactions (burning, irritation, itching and redness)
Dry skin
Rash
How to use Sotret Gel
This medicine is for external use only. Use it in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Clean and dry the affected area and apply the gel. Wash your hands after applying, unless hands are the affected area.
How Sotret Gel works
Sotret Gel is a derivative of vitamin A. It acts on glands (sebaceous) on your skin to reduce the production of a natural substance (sebum) that causes acne. Also, the controlled sebum production kills acne-causing bacteria. It also works as an anti-inflammatory to decrease inflammation (redness and swelling).
Safety advice
Alcohol
No interaction found/established
Pregnancy
UNSAFE
Sotret Gel is highly unsafe to use during pregnancy. Seek your doctor's advice as studies on pregnant women and animals have shown significant harmful effects to the developing baby.
Breast feeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Sotret Gel is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Driving
No interaction found/established
Kidney
No interaction found/established
Liver
No interaction found/established
What if you forget to take Sotret Gel?
If you miss a dose of Sotret Gel, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
All substitutes
For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
You have been prescribed Sotret Gel for the treatment of acne.
Clean the area to be treated with water and a non-medicated soap, and let it dry for 20-30 minutes before applying Sotret Gel.
It may increase the severity of the lesions in the first few weeks of use. Continue using it as prescribed by your doctor.
It may cause a stinging sensation or a feeling of warmth when you first start using it. Inform your doctor if this persists.
Avoid exposure to sunlight while using it as it increases the sensitivity of your skin. Use protective measures such as sun-cream or protective clothing.
Avoid face waxing and laser treatment while using this medicine as it makes your skin more fragile.
Do not use Sotret Gel if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Inform your doctor if excessive skin dryness or skin sensitivity take place.
Fact Box
Chemical Class
Retinoid
Habit Forming
No
Therapeutic Class
DERMA
Action Class
Retinoids- First generation
Patient concerns
I ve acne in my cheek Pleaee suggest me some medicine. Sotret and clindac a was worked in my skin very well but now not working please suggest
Dr. Atul Jain
Dermatology
Then take tt with advise of dr.Try benzac ac 2.5 gel at night
I'm on sotret 10mg and nadoxin cr . It's been 4 months since I'm having medicine . But in last few i got some pus acne again . Can i use patanjali cucumber face papck ?
I WAS ON TREATMENT OF SOTRET FROM LAST YEAR.I STOPED MY TREATMENT BEFORE SIX MONTH.I HAVE NO ACNE NOW.BUT LITTLE LITTLE ACNE IN MY SKIN WHICH IS NOT VISIBLE IS THERE THEY ARE FILLED OF WATER WHAT CAN I DO FRO REMOVING OF THAT>
Dr. Souvik Sardar
Dermatology
Post a properly focussed picture of the current skin problem. .
I have large Pores on my face . Currently using deriva cms gel at night and having sotret 30 mg medicine from 2 months. Results are nothing what to do. I am also using ahaglow face wash and episoft ac cream in morning. Kindly help
I was suffering from severe acne problem 4 years ago, then I consult to the doctor for the same. Then he done the treatment and recommended Sotret & Deriva CMS Gel for about 4-5 months and that time I got the relief also. Now, again today I am facing the same issue. I am having acne over the face, not that much severe but having 3-4 acnes everytime on my face. What should I do now to get rid of this ?
Dr. Souvik Sardar
Dermatology
For pimples Use epiduo gel - once daily in the evening for 4-5hrs over the pimples and wash off Dnt rub Wash off immediately if there is irritation Continue for 2months minimum Take proper sunprotection during day.
I am having serve pimple on my face and back since 7 year . Also having dandruff. One year ago I have taken sotret 20mg and reviz cream for 1 month it work but after that I leave the medicine because I sifted another city.
Dr. Atul Jain
Dermatology
Nadoxin gel at night over pimples and ahaglow face washScalpe shampoo twice a week
Hello Doctor , I have scars on my face and also my face is oily and it looks very bad in mng time specially while going in day tym. I am consulting a dermatologist since last 6 months. I have also attended sittings of Peeling-4 and laser-4. And using below mentioned medicines Sotret, Glycovira 6% cream, KlmKlin face wash. But still i am not satisfied with that still there are the scars which looks same as 6 mnths earlier. Kindly suggest. Thanks & Regards
What were the side-effects while using Sotret Gel?
No Side Effec*
33%
Dry nose
33%
Dry skin
33%
*No Side Effect
How do you take Sotret Gel?
With or witho*
60%
With food
40%
*With or without food
Please rate Sotret Gel on price
Average
75%
Expensive
25%
FAQs
What are the precautions that I should follow while using Sotret Gel?
Avoid any contact of Sotret Gel with mouth, eyes, lips, mucous membranes (such as inside of mouth), and wounded skin. In case of accidental contact, rinse well with water. Do not let the medicine accumulate in skin folds. Sotret Gel may also cause increased sensitivity to sunlight so avoid or minimize deliberate or prolonged exposure to sunlight or sunlamps. If sun exposure cannot be avoided, use sunscreen.
I just had a cosmetic treatment. Can I use Sotret Gel on that part of the skin?
Don’t use Sotret Gel on skin that has recently had cosmetic treatment such as depilation, chemical hair treatment, chemical peel, dermabrasion, or laser resurfacing. You should allow your skin to heal after any treatment before using Sotret Gel. However, if not sure, consult your doctor.
I have stopped using Sotret Gel. Can I now plan my pregnancy?
Consult your doctor before planning a pregnancy. Usually, it is advised to wait for about 1 month after stopping Sotret Gel before you plan your pregnancy. This is done to avoid any harm to your unborn baby because of the medicine.
Can Sotret Gel be used in children?
Sotret Gel gel is used to treat mild to moderate acne in teenagers and adults. It should not be used in children before puberty or under the age of 12.
What if I use too much Sotret Gel?
If you use too much Sotret Gel gel or use it more often than recommended, it may make your skin red or irritated. If this happens, use the gel less often or stop using it for a few days.
Can I donate blood while using Sotret Gel?
Do not donate blood while using Sotret Gel gel and for at least 1 month after stopping it. If your blood is given to a pregnant woman, it may harm her unborn baby.
How do I use Sotret Gel on my face?
Always wash and dry your skin, and completely remove any make-up before applying the gel. Use your fingertips to apply a thin layer of the gel to all areas of skin that have acne and not just each spot. Try not to use too much, especially where the gel could run into your eyes or build up in folds of skin. Using more gel will not make your spots clear up more quickly. Do not use Sotret Gel gel on irritated areas of skin, for example, cuts, burns, or sunburn as it can make the irritation worse.
How long does it take for Sotret Gel to start working?
The acne may get worse at the beginning of the treatment with Sotret Gel gel. But, it normally improves after 6 to 8 weeks.
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References
Robertson DB, Maibach HI. Dermatologic Pharmacology. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. p. 1056.
Burkhart C, Morrell D, Goldsmith L. Dermatological Pharmacology. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. p. 1812.
Sardana K, Madan A. How to Treat Acne. Sardana K, editor. In: Clinical Approach to Acne Vulgaris. 1st ed. New Delhi: CBS Publishers & Distributors Pvt. Ltd.; 2015. pp. 64-67.
Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 745-47.
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Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation. Isotretinoin. [Accessed 05 Jul. 2023]. (online) Available from:
Isotretinoin [Consumer Medicine Information]. Auckland, New Zealand: GlaxoSmithKline NZ Limited; 2013. [Accessed 05 Jul. 2023]. (online) Available from: