Isotretinoin (Roaccutane) • Central London
For acne that is severe, scarring, or keeps coming back after other tablets, isotretinoin offers the best chance of lasting clear skin. It is prescribed under strict MHRA rules, and I will guide you through every step.
As featured in
Isotretinoin, also known as Roaccutane or Accutane, is an oral retinoid. It is one of the most effective treatments for acne with approximately 85-90% of patients seeing a long term improvement in the skin after completing a course of treatment. It is also used to treat rosacea which has not responded to other treatments. Despite the potential side effects, in my experience, the vast majority of patients tolerate treatment well.
Your first appointment will be in person. Follow-up appointments can often be conducted remotely (for example by video or telephone) where appropriate.
A new consultation costs £250 and follow-up appointments £220. The medication is charged by the pharmacy, on average £20-40 for each month. For full details of side effects and the MHRA rules, see my isotretinoin information page.
Dr Magnus Lynch, a consultant dermatologist in Central London, prescribes and monitors isotretinoin (Roaccutane) for acne under the MHRA rules: the first appointment is in person (£250) and follow-ups can often be remote (£220).
“Appointment was on time, Dr Lynch explained everything clearly and gave me options to consider. Not pushy, just good professional advice.”
Verified patient, Jul 2026“Dr. Lynch explained everything very clearly and put my mind at ease within minutes. The treatment I received was fantastic.”
Verified patient, May 2026Rated 4.92 out of 5 from 111 verified patient reviews on Doctify.
Isotretinoin is a powerful treatment for acne, however it does have the potential for side effects. For this reason it is only prescribed by a dermatologist.
When previous systemic (tablet) treatments have not proven effective.
Where acne has recurred rapidly following another treatment such as antibiotics or the oral contraceptive pill.
Where there is severe acne resulting in extensive scarring there is an argument for starting isotretinoin at an earlier stage.
Isotretinoin is also used to treat rosacea which has not responded to other treatments.
When should I consider isotretinoin for my acne? • How I treat acne
There are now very strict regulations governing the prescribing of isotretinoin. These steps can be completed during your initial consultation.
I will assess your skin and discuss treatment options.
You read the British Association of Dermatologists' leaflet, watch their patient video and complete the side effect and mental health questionnaires.
We complete the MHRA form together. You are entitled to a second opinion, and I can refer you to another consultant dermatologist.
If you have childbearing potential, you tell me whether you are in Group A, B or C of the pregnancy prevention programme and do a pregnancy test on the day the medication is prescribed.
Full blood count, kidney and liver function, and cholesterol and triglycerides.
Your course of treatment
The MHRA has stated that all patients will need to attend for a follow up appointment after the first month. Prescriptions for isotretinoin can be for no longer than 12 weeks.
Blood tests, the online side effect questionnaire and, if needed, a pregnancy test.
A follow-up appointment and usually a blood test while taking isotretinoin.
For men, and women with no reproductive potential or in MHRA Groups A and B. Women in Group C attend every 4 weeks for a pregnancy test.
For women with childbearing potential, a final pregnancy test 5 weeks after the last dose.
Full details of blood tests, pregnancy tests and the MHRA rules are on my isotretinoin information page.
Isotretinoin is generally well tolerated, however it does have the potential for side effects and it is important that you are aware of these when deciding whether it is the right treatment for you.
All patients must complete questionnaires for mental health conditions at the time of starting treatment and at any follow up appointments. If you have previously suffered from anxiety or depression, or the screening identifies evidence of them, it is important that you are assessed by a psychiatrist before starting isotretinoin.
Consultation fees are charged by me. The medication and any blood tests are paid for separately.
In person
In person or remote, each time
A month, paid to the pharmacy
Your GP may be willing to do these
Prices are indicative and not binding. You will be given a quote after your consultation.
108+ verified patient reviews.
“The whole experience was really calm and pleasant.”
Verified patient, Apr 2025“Very professional. Excellent job, would highly recommend”
Verified patient, May 2025“The procedure was well explained by Dr Lynch and the various treatments were explained clearly throughout the day.”
Verified patient, Apr 2025
MA(Cantab) DPhil(Oxon) MRCS FRCP
I am a Consultant Dermatologist in Central London. I trained at Cambridge and Oxford and at St John's Institute of Dermatology. I prescribe and monitor isotretinoin following the MHRA regulations, and I treat the full range of acne and acne scarring. As an Honorary Reader at King's College London, I lead a research team working on new treatments for skin disease. I see adults aged 18 and over.
Book a consultationYour first appointment will be in person. Follow-up appointments can often be conducted remotely (for example by video or telephone) where appropriate, though a fee will still be charged.
Isotretinoin is taken as a course of treatment with the total amount required to complete the course determined by your body weight. The average duration of treatment is typically 6-9 months. See how long do I need to take isotretinoin for?
For a high proportion of patients, a course of isotretinoin will lead to a sustained improvement in your skin. Approximately 10-15% of patients may require a second course at some point in the future and an even smaller proportion may require multiple courses.
Acne may worsen once isotretinoin has been started. Rarely this can lead to a severe flare of the acne resulting in scarring, which is why you start with a relatively low dose.
A new consultation costs £250 and each follow-up £220. The medication is charged to you directly by the pharmacy; prices vary significantly from one pharmacy to another but on average you might expect to pay £20-40 for each month of medication. Blood tests and pregnancy tests are additional.
GPs cannot issue this prescription, and as this is a private prescription you are charged the full cost of the medicine by the pharmacy.
You can ask your GP if they would be willing to perform the blood tests for you. Many GPs are willing to do this when asked, however they are not obliged to do so for patients receiving private treatment.
If you have medical insurance the cost of initial and follow up appointments may be covered, however you should check this carefully as not all insurance companies will cover the cost of acne treatments or follow up appointments.
Isotretinoin causes serious birth defects. The MHRA mandates that patients with childbearing potential are enrolled in a pregnancy prevention programme, with three groups (A, B and C) that determine how often you need to attend for follow up. See the isotretinoin information page.
All patients must complete questionnaires for mental health conditions at the start of treatment and at follow up. If you have previously suffered from anxiety or depression, or the screening identifies evidence of them, it is important that you are assessed by a psychiatrist before starting isotretinoin.
Yes. You are entitled to a second opinion before starting treatment. If you would like to discuss whether isotretinoin is right for you with another specialist, I can refer you to another consultant dermatologist.
Start with a non-greasy cleanser and, if your skin is dry, a water-based moisturiser - I like the Cetaphil or CeraVe ranges. Use a sunscreen daily and apply a lip balm as often as possible. See skincare during isotretinoin treatment.
You should avoid waxing, epilation, dermabrasion and skin-resurfacing treatments (including laser) whilst taking isotretinoin and for at least 6 months afterwards, as these can lead to scarring or delayed healing.
More on isotretinoin: Information and MHRA rules • Side effects • How effective is it? • Acne
If your acne is severe, scarring or keeps coming back, I can assess whether isotretinoin is right for you and guide you through starting it safely. Request a callback within one working day, or book online instantly.
I am available for consultations at several sites in Central London. Some conditions such as acne and rosacea are also suitable for a remote consultation with photos. Either enter your details and my practice management team will contact you within 1 working day or use instant online booking. Alternatively you can call or email directly. Please note that not all open clinic slots are visible on the instant booking link.
I see adults aged 18 and over. I do not offer patch testing for allergies, or tablet and injection treatments for eczema or psoriasis.
Request a Callback
★★★★★ 108+ verified patient reviews • Callback within 1 working day