Clarus® for Severe Acne: Isotretinoin Capsules, Uses, Dosing, Safety

What Clarus Is and How It Works

Clarus is a Canadian brand of isotretinoin, an oral retinoid for severe, nodular, or scarring acne that has not responded to standard treatments. Many patients compare Clarus cost across pharmacies, and some look for Clarus online to manage budgets, including Clarus without insurance needs. YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba; prescriptions are reviewed by licensed pharmacists before dispensing. We also work with vetted, licensed international partner pharmacies to supply authentic brand medications with broad selection and accessible pricing.

Isotretinoin targets the root drivers of severe acne. It shrinks sebaceous glands and reduces sebum production, normalizes follicular keratinization, and lowers Cutibacterium acnes counts and inflammation. Clarus comes as oral soft gelatin capsules in multiple strengths. A typical course lasts several months and aims for a cumulative dose based on body weight to reduce relapse risk.

Clarus is taken by mouth and, unlike some micronized versions, absorption improves with a meal containing fat. Strict pregnancy prevention measures are required during treatment and for a period after the last dose due to the high risk of birth defects.

Dosage and Usage

• Typical starting dose: 0.5 mg/kg/day, given once or twice daily with food.
• Usual maintenance dose: up to 1 mg/kg/day as tolerated. The total cumulative target is often 120–150 mg/kg over 4–6 months.
• Swallow capsules whole with water. Do not crush or chew.
• Missed dose: take when remembered if the same day. If close to the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double.
• Course length varies by response and tolerability. Some may need a second course after an interval if significant relapse occurs.
• Avoid vitamin A supplements and tetracycline antibiotics while on isotretinoin.
• Pregnancy prevention: those who can become pregnant must use two effective contraceptive methods and complete required pregnancy testing before, during, and after therapy.
• Avoid waxing, dermabrasion, or laser procedures during treatment and for several months after due to scarring risk.

• Store at 15–25°C (59–77°F) in a dry place, away from light.
• Keep capsules in the original packaging and out of reach of children and pets.
• Do not freeze. Protect from excessive heat above 30°C (86°F).
• Travel: pack in your carry-on with a copy of your prescription and the pharmacy label.
• Avoid leaving the medicine in a parked car or near windows where temperatures fluctuate.
• Use a small insulated pouch during summer travel to prevent heat exposure.

Benefits and Savings

For severe, treatment-resistant acne, isotretinoin can reduce lesion counts, oiliness, and scarring risk, with many completing a single course. Once the dose stabilizes, dosing is simple and does not require topical layering. Canadian pricing often provides meaningful value compared with many local options.

Ordering through YouDrugstore can deliver 60–80% savings versus typical US prices, which supports those comparing Clarus savings, Clarus cost, and Clarus price list details. Many customers pay Clarus out of pocket, so finding value matters for those buying Clarus without insurance. Multi-month supplies and periodic bulk promotions may reduce the per-month spend.

For limited-time offers, see our Clarus coupon page.

Side Effects and Safety

• Very common: dry lips, dry skin, peeling, dry eyes, nosebleeds, and increased sun sensitivity.
• Common: headache, back or joint pain, muscle aches, transient increases in liver enzymes, and elevated triglycerides or cholesterol.
• Occasional: mood changes, irritability, or sleep changes; GI discomfort.
• Eye symptoms: contact lens intolerance, blurred night vision, or eye irritation.
• Dermatologic: rash or photosensitivity; avoid tanning beds and use broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Serious risks include severe birth defects if pregnancy occurs, pancreatitis from very high triglycerides, liver injury, and rare reports of depression or suicidal thoughts. Stop the medicine and seek urgent care for symptoms of severe allergic reaction, vision changes with severe headache, chest pain, or signs of pancreatitis. Do not donate blood during therapy and for at least one month afterward.

Onset Time

Skin dryness often starts in the first week. Some experience a temporary flare in the first 2–4 weeks. Many see fewer inflammatory lesions from weeks 4–8 as the dose stabilizes. Oiliness usually continues to decline across months 2–4. By 16–20 weeks, a substantial proportion achieve clear or almost clear skin, and the final result is assessed after completing the cumulative dose.

Compare With Alternatives

Topical retinoids help mild to moderate acne and maintenance care. A common option is Retin A Micro® Gel Pump, which delivers tretinoin in a microsphere base for gradual release and tolerability.

For inflammatory lesions or rosacea-related bumps, metronidazole gel can help reduce redness and papules. See Metrogel® if a topical route is appropriate for your condition and goals.

Systemic alternatives before isotretinoin often include oral antibiotics (such as doxycycline) and, for eligible females, hormonal options like combined oral contraceptives or spironolactone. These choices suit moderate acne but may not resolve severe nodular or scarring acne, where isotretinoin is typically considered.

Combination Therapy

• Short-term use of a gentle cleanser and non-comedogenic moisturizer can support skin comfort.
• Low-strength benzoyl peroxide or topical antibiotics are sometimes used early in the course; monitor for irritation.
• Avoid tetracyclines with isotretinoin due to the risk of increased intracranial pressure.
• Use lubricating eye drops for dryness if contact lenses become uncomfortable.
• Sunscreen (SPF 30+) and lip balm with SPF are recommended for photosensitivity and cheilitis.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Clarus (isotretinoin) is intended for severe nodular or scarring acne that did not respond to adequate trials of systemic antibiotics and topicals. It is not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and it requires strict contraception and pregnancy testing for those who can become pregnant. Caution is advised with liver disease, high triglycerides, or a history of severe depression; careful monitoring may be needed.

Those comparing Clarus products and Clarus products international often look at Clarus discount periods, Clarus deals, and Clarus sale opportunities. You can enable reorder reminders in your account, and choosing a larger quantity when appropriate may lower the per-month price. Many customers compare the Clarus cash price and Clarus uninsured options to estimate the out-of-pocket total. Some choose Clarus bulk packaging when available to extend supply between refills.

Review your current medicines to avoid interactions, including tetracyclines and vitamin A. Alcohol use may worsen triglyceride elevations. Delay elective cosmetic procedures during treatment and for several months afterward to reduce scarring risk.

Authoritative Sources

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Isotretinoin

FDA Isotretinoin Medication Guide/Label

Order Clarus® from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from your prescriber or pharmacist. Always follow your prescription label and local program requirements for isotretinoin.