Order Claravis (isotretinoin) capsules online from a U.S. pharmacy

Product Name	Claravis
Dosage	10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg
Active Ingredient	Isotretinoin
Form	Oral soft gelatin capsules
Description	Prescription therapy for severe, recalcitrant nodular acne unresponsive to conventional treatments. Dispensed under the iPLEDGE REMS in the USA due to serious birth‑defect risk.
How to Order Without Prescription	Not available over the counter in the USA. A valid prescription from an iPLEDGE‑registered prescriber is required and dispensing must be through an iPLEDGE‑certified U.S. pharmacy.

Claravis is a U.S. FDA‑approved brand of isotretinoin, an oral retinoid used to treat severe, recalcitrant nodular acne that has not improved with standard therapies such as systemic antibiotics and topical regimens. Because isotretinoin can cause serious birth defects, Claravis is available only by prescription through the iPLEDGE Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program. In the United States, Claravis is dispensed in capsule strengths commonly including 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, and 40 mg.

As a prescription medicine in the USA, Claravis cannot be bought over the counter or without proper enrollment and authorization in iPLEDGE. U.S. patients typically receive Claravis through an iPLEDGE‑certified dermatologist or other qualified prescriber, with dispensing by an iPLEDGE‑certified pharmacy. Our platform provides information to support your journey—from understanding eligibility and safety monitoring to coordinating with licensed U.S. pharmacies for timely, compliant dispensing once your prescriber sends a valid prescription. Always adhere to federal and state regulations and your clinician’s guidance.

Claravis price and coverage in the USA

Claravis (isotretinoin) pricing in the United States varies based on capsule strength, quantity, pharmacy, region, and insurance coverage. Many commercial health plans and some government programs cover isotretinoin for severe nodular acne, often requiring prior authorization. Out‑of‑pocket cash prices for generic isotretinoin can differ widely. Pharmacies may offer discount programs, and manufacturer or third‑party savings cards may reduce costs for eligible patients.

Typical dispensing quantities are 30‑day supplies in strengths such as 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, or 40 mg, taken in one or two divided doses depending on the prescribed regimen. Because dosing is weight‑based and tailored to the individual, your monthly cost will depend on your dose and how many capsules you need per day. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist to help you optimize the strength selection to minimize the number of capsules while meeting your dose.

To better estimate your expenses, consult your insurance plan’s formulary, check coverage criteria, and ask about prior authorization requirements. If you are paying cash, compare prices at several iPLEDGE‑certified pharmacies and consider available pharmacy savings tools. Your clinical team can also advise on cost‑conscious strategies while keeping your treatment safe and effective.

Where can I get Claravis in the USA?

If you need Claravis for severe nodular acne, the first step is to consult a U.S. prescriber who participates in the iPLEDGE program. After enrollment and confirmation steps are completed, your clinician will send an electronic prescription to an iPLEDGE‑certified pharmacy. Dispensing is strictly controlled: there are defined time windows each month to complete necessary confirmations and pick up the medication.

Many patients start the process via a dermatologist or through teledermatology services that can evaluate your acne and discuss isotretinoin candidacy. Your healthcare provider will review risks, benefits, alternatives, and the iPLEDGE requirements, including pregnancy prevention and mandatory lab monitoring. Only after these steps can Claravis be dispensed legally in the United States.

For convenience, certified pharmacies may offer mail‑order options within the USA once all iPLEDGE steps are completed. If you are eligible, this can shorten turnaround time and help maintain your monthly fill schedule. Always work within the iPLEDGE REMS guidelines and state laws.

Claravis in the USA: what to expect

Getting started with Claravis involves several actions: enrollment in iPLEDGE (patient and prescriber), baseline laboratory testing, and a counseling session that covers teratogenic risk, contraception requirements (if you can become pregnant), side effects, and precautions. Your monthly refills will require ongoing confirmations and, for patients who can become pregnant, monthly negative pregnancy tests. Planning ahead with your prescriber and pharmacy helps you avoid delays.

What is Claravis (isotretinoin)?

Claravis is a prescription‑only oral retinoid indicated in the USA for the treatment of severe recalcitrant nodular acne in patients who are unresponsive to conventional therapies. Isotretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A that acts on multiple acne pathways: it reduces sebaceous gland size and sebum output, normalizes follicular keratinization to prevent comedone formation, decreases Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes), and exerts anti‑inflammatory effects.

Claravis is not intended for mild or moderate acne and should not be used for cosmetic purposes. It is reserved for patients with severe disease due to its risk profile and the need for strict safety measures, including iPLEDGE participation. Both adults and adolescents (typically 12 years and older) may be candidates when clinical criteria are met.

Isotretinoin is teratogenic. Exposure during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects. For patients who can become pregnant, the iPLEDGE program mandates two effective forms of contraception (or documented abstinence under iPLEDGE rules), two negative pregnancy tests before starting treatment, and monthly negative pregnancy tests during therapy and for one month after the last dose.

How Claravis works for severe acne

Isotretinoin addresses the core drivers of severe acne through a multi‑targeted mechanism:

• Sebum reduction: It dramatically decreases sebaceous gland size and sebum production, limiting the nutrient supply that promotes bacterial overgrowth and inflammation.
• Normalization of keratinization: It reduces keratinocyte proliferation and cohesiveness within the follicular infundibulum, preventing microcomedones that evolve into nodules and cysts.
• Antimicrobial milieu: By lowering sebum and altering the follicular environment, it reduces C. acnes density.
• Anti‑inflammatory activity: It modulates inflammatory pathways that drive nodular lesions and scarring.

Because Claravis targets root causes, many patients experience long‑term remission after completing a single course when a sufficient cumulative dose is achieved. Some patients benefit from a second course if severe acne recurs.

Why isotretinoin is pivotal in severe acne care

Severe nodular acne can be painful, scarring, and psychologically distressing. When topical regimens and systemic antibiotics fail, isotretinoin provides a path to durable clearance by modifying the disease process itself. Early, appropriate use can reduce permanent scarring risk, limit the need for prolonged antibiotic exposure, and improve quality of life. Due to its potency and risk profile, it must be prescribed and monitored carefully by clinicians trained in the iPLEDGE REMS.

Claravis and the iPLEDGE REMS (USA)

The iPLEDGE program is a federally mandated Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy designed to prevent fetal exposure to isotretinoin. In the USA, prescribers, pharmacies, and patients must be registered and compliant. Patients who can get pregnant are required to use two forms of contraception (unless properly documenting abstinence per iPLEDGE), complete two negative pregnancy tests before starting, and obtain a negative test each month. Strict fill windows apply; missing a step can delay dispensing until the next cycle.

Who can and cannot take Claravis

Claravis is appropriate for patients with severe nodular acne who have not responded to conventional treatments. It is contraindicated in pregnancy and in patients planning to become pregnant during therapy or within one month after the last dose. Do not use Claravis if you are breastfeeding. Patients with significant hepatic disease or uncontrolled hyperlipidemia require careful evaluation. Those with a history of hypersensitivity to isotretinoin or any capsule component should not take Claravis. Discuss personal and family histories of depression or mood disorders, skeletal issues, and gastrointestinal disease with your prescriber to determine if Claravis is suitable for you.

Indications and off‑label considerations

FDA‑approved indication in the USA: Treatment of severe, recalcitrant nodular acne. Off‑label uses may include acne conglobata, acne fulminans (with appropriate steroid cover), refractory hidradenitis suppurativa, and certain forms of recalcitrant rosacea (e.g., phymatous), when supervised by experienced clinicians. Off‑label decisions should be individualized, weighing risks and benefits and complying with iPLEDGE when applicable.

Claravis vs. other acne treatments

Patients typically reach isotretinoin after insufficient response to combinations of topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and systemic antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline, minocycline). While these can control inflammatory lesions, they may not prevent nodular scarring in severe cases. Hormonal therapies (combined oral contraceptives, spironolactone for appropriate patients) can help in select populations. Isotretinoin differs by offering a chance at long‑term remission—often after one course—by drastically reducing sebum and normalizing follicular function.

Mechanism of action

Claravis (isotretinoin) is a retinoid that binds nuclear retinoic acid receptors, affecting gene expression in sebocytes and keratinocytes. It shrinks sebaceous glands, reduces sebum output, decreases keratinocyte plugging, and dampens inflammatory signaling. Collectively, these actions reduce formation of deep, painful nodules and the potential for scarring.

Safety overview and monitoring

Because isotretinoin is teratogenic and affects lipids and liver enzymes, routine monitoring is required. Before starting Claravis, your prescriber will typically order a fasting lipid panel and liver function tests (LFTs). Patients who can become pregnant must have two negative pregnancy tests prior to initiation, then monthly tests during treatment and one month after completing therapy. Clinicians may monitor mood, musculoskeletal symptoms, and other adverse effects throughout therapy.

Claravis dosing for adults and adolescents

Dosing is individualized and weight‑based. A common starting regimen is 0.5 mg/kg/day for the first month, increasing to about 1 mg/kg/day as tolerated, given in one or two divided doses. The goal is to reach a cumulative course dose of approximately 120 to 150 mg/kg, which is associated with higher rates of long‑term remission. Your clinician may adjust dose based on tolerability, lipid and liver test results, and clinical response.

Weight‑based regimens and cumulative dose targets

Many prescribers titrate toward a daily dose near 1 mg/kg/day. Some patients may benefit from lower daily doses over a longer period to improve tolerability, while others may require higher daily doses if tolerated. The cumulative dose target (commonly 120–150 mg/kg) can be achieved across 4–6 months on average, though shorter or longer courses may be used. Take isotretinoin with food to enhance absorption unless your specific product labeling indicates otherwise.

Higher cumulative doses may be considered when:

• severe, scarring‑prone nodular or conglobate acne persists despite standard cumulative targets
  
• there are frequent nodular relapses after previous isotretinoin courses
  
• you tolerate the medication well and your prescriber determines the benefit outweighs risks

Laboratory testing before and during therapy

Baseline labs often include a fasting lipid panel and hepatic panel (ALT, AST). Some clinicians repeat these at 1–2 months and periodically thereafter, particularly if abnormalities develop or doses increase. For patients who can become pregnant, pregnancy testing is required twice before starting Claravis, monthly during treatment, and one month after the last dose, in accordance with iPLEDGE.

Contraindications and pregnancy prevention

Claravis is contraindicated in pregnancy and in patients planning pregnancy during therapy or within one month after the last dose. Breastfeeding is not recommended. Patients who can become pregnant must use two effective forms of contraception (or meet iPLEDGE criteria for abstinence) for at least one month before starting, during treatment, and for one month after stopping Claravis. Blood donation is prohibited during therapy and for one month after the final dose to prevent fetal exposure through transfusion.

How to take Claravis

• Take Claravis exactly as prescribed by your clinician.
• Swallow capsules whole with a full glass of water; do not crush or chew.
• Take with food to improve absorption unless your product labeling instructs otherwise.
• Try to take doses at the same time(s) daily to maintain consistency.
• Do not share your medication with anyone—this is dangerous and illegal.
• Keep all iPLEDGE confirmations and pharmacy pick‑up windows in mind to avoid treatment gaps.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Do not use Claravis if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Isotretinoin can cause severe birth defects and pregnancy loss. Patients who can become pregnant must have two negative pregnancy tests before starting treatment, monthly negative tests during treatment, and a final negative test one month after the last dose. Two effective forms of contraception are required unless continuous abstinence is chosen and documented according to iPLEDGE rules. Discuss all contraception options with your clinician.

Pharmacist’s tips for taking Claravis

• Take with meals for better absorption (unless otherwise directed).
• Use moisturizing lip balm, gentle cleansers, and fragrance‑free emollients to manage dryness.
• Apply broad‑spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) and avoid tanning beds—photosensitivity is common.
• Avoid waxing, dermabrasion, or laser procedures during treatment and for at least 6 months after finishing; skin can be fragile.
• Do not take vitamin A supplements or multivitamins containing high vitamin A—risk of hypervitaminosis A.
• Avoid excessive alcohol; it can worsen triglycerides and liver enzyme abnormalities.
• Do not donate blood during therapy or for 1 month after your last dose.
• Report severe headaches, vision changes, persistent abdominal pain, mood changes, or any concerning symptoms promptly.

Safety Precautions

• Do not use Claravis if you are allergic to isotretinoin or capsule components.
• Use caution if you have a history of depression or other mood disorders—tell your prescriber and seek help if symptoms emerge or worsen.
• Patients with diabetes, obesity, liver disease, or high baseline triglycerides require careful monitoring.
• Avoid concomitant tetracyclines due to risk of pseudotumor cerebri (intracranial hypertension).
• Night vision may decrease; use caution when driving at night.

Possible side effects

Like all medicines, Claravis may cause side effects. Many are dose‑related and improve with supportive care or dose adjustment. Contact your prescriber if side effects are severe or persistent. Seek emergency help for signs of a serious reaction (e.g., difficulty breathing, swelling, severe rash).

Serious risks include teratogenicity (birth defects), pancreatitis (often linked to very high triglycerides), hepatitis or significant liver enzyme elevations, severe skin reactions, and symptoms of intracranial hypertension (severe headache, visual changes). Any severe or unusual symptom warrants prompt medical evaluation.

Common mucocutaneous effects include dry lips (cheilitis), dry skin, peeling, nosebleeds from nasal dryness, and dry eyes (contact lens intolerance). Musculoskeletal discomfort (back pain, joint aches), headaches, and transient lab abnormalities may occur.

Common side effects by body system

Skin and mucous membranes:

• dry, cracked lips; angular cheilitis
• dry skin, peeling, pruritus
• photosensitivity; sunburns more easily
• epistaxis (nosebleeds) due to nasal mucosa dryness
• dry eyes, conjunctival irritation; contact lens discomfort

Gastrointestinal and hepatic:

• elevated liver enzymes (usually reversible)
• increased triglycerides or cholesterol
• abdominal discomfort or nausea (less common)

Neurologic and psychiatric:

• headache
• rare reports of mood changes; discuss any history and monitor closely
• rare: symptoms consistent with intracranial hypertension (severe headache, visual changes) especially with tetracyclines

Musculoskeletal:

• myalgias, arthralgias, back pain
• stiffness after vigorous exercise

Other:

• temporary alopecia or hair thinning (less common)
• changes in night vision (use caution with nighttime driving)

Reporting side effects

If you experience any side effects, talk to your prescriber or pharmacist. In the USA, you can also report adverse events to FDA MedWatch. Seek immediate help for severe reactions, concerning mood changes, or symptoms of pregnancy during therapy.

Drug and supplement interactions

Claravis can interact with certain medicines and supplements. Provide your clinician and pharmacist with a complete list of prescription drugs, over‑the‑counter products, vitamins, and herbs you use. Interactions may increase side‑effect risks or reduce contraceptive effectiveness. Your healthcare team can adjust therapy or monitor you appropriately.

Medications and products of concern include:

• tetracyclines (e.g., doxycycline, minocycline): increased risk of intracranial hypertension
  
• vitamin A or retinoid supplements: risk of hypervitaminosis A
  
• St. John’s wort: may decrease hormonal contraceptive effectiveness
  
• progestin‑only “minipill” contraceptives: may be less effective; discuss dual methods under iPLEDGE
  
• excessive alcohol intake: may worsen triglycerides and liver enzymes
  

This list is not exhaustive. Keep an updated medication list and share it with your clinical team at each visit.

Advice from our dermatology specialists

Claravis can be life‑changing for eligible patients with severe nodular acne. To set yourself up for success, schedule your baseline labs, complete all iPLEDGE steps before your target start date, and prepare supportive skin‑care products (lip balm, gentle cleanser, emollients, sunscreen). Discuss contraception thoroughly and have backup methods available. Stay in close contact with your prescriber and pharmacy each month so you don’t miss iPLEDGE fill windows.

Ready to begin Claravis safely and confidently?

When you and your prescriber decide Claravis is right for you, we can help coordinate dispensing through licensed, iPLEDGE‑certified U.S. pharmacies. Our role is to support compliant, timely access—always within U.S. regulations.

• Prescription required — only via iPLEDGE‑registered prescribers and certified pharmacies
  
• Compliant U.S. dispensing with monthly confirmations and pick‑up windows
  
• Authentic medication from licensed manufacturers and pharmacies
  
• Multiple strengths to match weight‑based dosing and reduce capsule burden
  
• Pharmacist support for side‑effect management, skincare tips, and refills
  

Join many U.S. patients who have achieved durable acne remission with isotretinoin under expert supervision. Speak with your dermatologist, complete iPLEDGE, and start your Claravis plan with confidence.

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