Amnesteem (generic: isotretinoin) is a prescription medication used to treat the most severe form of acne called nodular acne. Amnesteem belongs to a group of drugs called retinoids. It is thought to work by preventing oil production in glands under the skin.

This medication comes in capsule form and is usually taken twice daily, with food. Amnesteem may be taken for four or five months. A longer periods of use is not recommended.

Common side effects of Amnesteem include dry skin, chapped lips, dry eyes, or dry nose causing nosebleeds. Amnesteem can also cause birth defects, miscarriages, or premature births.

Because Amnesteem can cause birth defects, patients, doctors, and pharmacies must be registered with a special distribution program called the iPLEDGE program.