Accutane, also known as isotretinoin, is an oral medication used to treat moderate to severe acne. It decreases the size and output of the sebaceous glands which makes the body less able to form blackheads and whiteheads. It also reduces the amount of bacteria in the sebaceous glands as well as on the surface of the skin. Oral Accutane can have serious side effects including birth defects and depression. Because Accutane has such side effects, providers only prescribe a thirty-day supply and patients visit their provider every month.