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Buy Isotretinoin Online in Australia: What You Need to Know Before You Start - Emerging Writers' Festival
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Broadly speaking, my main areas of interest are in fiction, review writing, and activism-related opinion writing. In terms of fiction, I’ve always enjoyed speculative fiction and how it can utilise the most imaginative aspects of storytelling. Recently, though, I’ve been exploring and come to really appreciate non-fiction and realistic stories as well – I’ve found it particularly powerful in sharing the stories of people outside the mainstream. Historical fiction walks the line between these two forms perfectly, so it’s an area I’m particularly interested in at present. Generally, I write at my desk at home; I don’t have a specific routine for writing beyond that, other than often doing it late at night!
I’ve had a few pieces of creative writing appear in small publications in the past, including SpineOut and Something with Bite. I’ve also written a few pieces for that reminds me, an online magazine of personal reflections on pop culture, and recently contributed an opinion piece to Right Now.
I’ve long enjoyed reading Voiceworks, so it would be great to have my work published there at some point. Being published in The School Magazine would also be incredible – I loved reading the stories, poetry and comics in there when I was in primary school and really admire its pieces and authors. Beyond that, I’m keen for any opportunities to share my writing.
What are you working on right now?
I’ve written a fair bit of non-fiction in the first half of this year, so at present, I’m aiming to focus on creative writing. I’m in the planning phase for a historical fiction piece, which I’m hesitant to say more about at this stage as it’s still fairly experimental. I’m also tossing around concepts for a few speculative short stories and long-form manuscripts, as I like to have many ideas to think about at once, to keep me excited.
What have you read recently?
A recent favourite was Outrun the Moon by Stacey Lee, a Young Adult historical fiction novel about a fifteen-year-old girl from Chinatown attempting to follow her ambitions and dealing with the tragedy of the San Francisco earthquake in 1906. I fell in love with the humorous, emotional, and captivating narrative voice, and enjoyed being immersed in the characters’ lives and the vivid historical setting.
I’ve also been reading more non-fiction than usual recently, and found Her Father’s Daughter by Alice Pung incredibly moving; I loved her perceptions of growing into adulthood and her relationship with her parents, and though the portrayal of her father’s experience under the Cambodian genocide was confronting, it was also incredibly insightful and I’m so glad I read it.
What would you like to work on after your studies? What professional development would you like to receive?
After my studies, I’d like to continue what I’m doing now with writing: to continue learning and improving, and to focus on fiction but also to keep experimenting in other areas.
In terms of professional development, mentoring from more experienced writers in similar areas would be incredible. Whilst I always find general advice and workshops about the craft of writing useful, it’s with my own stories’ and pieces’ specific aspects that I have the most challenges with and learn the most from, so individual mentoring would help me a lot!
I’d also like to meet more writers (which I’m eager to do at EWF this year!) and find critique partners, which I know will be particularly useful once I have more fiction work under way!
Wendy Chen is a writer and student from New South Wales, with a focus on storytelling and humanitarian issues. She has been a youth ambassador for The Salvation Army since 2013, is Chinese-Australian, and has a particular passion for fiction, advocacy, and review writing. Her work has been published in SpineOut, Right Now and That Reminds Me.
Still Fighting Severe Acne After 30? You’re Not Alone – and There Is a Proven Solution
If you’re over 30 and still dealing with deep, painful lumps under your skin – the kind that throb, refuse to come to a head, and leave permanent scars – you know the frustration. You’ve spent hundreds on topical creams, oral antibiotics, and expensive facials, only to see them clear temporarily and come roaring back. The embarrassment, the stained pillowcases, the cancelled social events… they take a toll far beyond your skin.
It’s time to talk about the treatment that dermatologists around the world, and right here in Australia, trust as the closest thing to a cure for severe acne: isotretinoin.
Originally developed as a chemotherapy agent, isotretinoin (a vitamin A derivative) works differently from everything you’ve tried. Instead of just killing bacteria or unclogging pores temporarily, it shrinks the oil glands that fuel acne, normalises the shedding of skin cells inside the hair follicle, and reduces inflammation – hitting all four root causes simultaneously. The result is not just an improvement; for most patients it’s a long-term remission.
Isotretinoin at a Glance – Key Facts for Australian Patients
Topic
What You Need to Know
Success rate for cystic acne
Long-term remission in 85–95% of patients after a single 4–6 month course. Even severe nodular acne shows dramatic clearance – often a 90% reduction in lesion count.
Effectiveness for severe nodular acne
Isotretinoin is the gold standard. Clinical trials demonstrate a ≥90% decrease in nodules and cysts, with most patients staying clear for years after stopping.
Gram‑negative folliculitis
When antibiotics fail and cause resistant bacterial overgrowth, isotretinoin is a highly effective rescue therapy, clearing the folliculitis by fundamentally changing the follicular environment.
Pregnancy rules in Australia
Absolute contraindication. Teratogenic risk is extremely high. Mandatory protocol: two negative pregnancy tests before starting, monthly testing during treatment, and two forms of effective contraception for at least 1 month before, during, and for 1 month after the last dose.
How long after stopping can I get pregnant?
Wait at least 1 month after your final capsule. The drug is eliminated within 10 days, but this buffer ensures complete safety. Your dermatologist will confirm a negative pregnancy test before you try to conceive.
Storage in hot Australian climate
Store below 25°C, away from direct sunlight and humidity. In a heatwave, keep capsules in a cool, dry cupboard (not the bathroom). A bedroom drawer with an ambient temperature monitor is ideal. Do not refrigerate – it can affect capsule integrity.
Use in patients with epilepsy
Isotretinoin is not contraindicated in epilepsy. Rare case reports of seizures exist, so your neurologist should be informed, and any new symptoms reported immediately. For severe acne, the benefit usually outweighs the minimal risk under joint specialist care.
Imagine Waking Up to a Mirror That Reflects Your True Confidence
No more squeezing, no more ice pack presses, no more turtlenecks in summer. The deep, throbbing cysts that once felt like permanent residents on your jawline and back can become a memory. That’s the reality for the vast majority of patients who complete a single course of isotretinoin. Their stories aren’t just anecdotal – the statistics back them up.
Here are the truth bombs that your previous treatments never delivered:
Lasting clearance: Up to 95% of people with severe cystic or nodular acne achieve sustained remission. For gram‑negative folliculitis – that frustrating, antibiotic‑resistant rash – isotretinoin often works when nothing else will.
Scar prevention: By stopping active deep inflammation, it prevents new pitted scars. The emotional and financial cost of later scar revision (laser, microneedling) is eliminated.
Ongoing skin health: After treatment, your skin produces less oil, pores stay clearer, and the bacterial imbalance is corrected. You don’t just treat acne – you transform your skin’s behaviour permanently.
What About the Cost? A Clear Guide for Your Wallet
Many patients fear the price. In Australia, isotretinoin is heavily subsidised for severe, treatment‑resistant acne when prescribed by a dermatologist under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). This means you pay only the PBS co‑payment, not the full private script cost. Even better, if your condition falls outside PBS criteria (for example, gram‑negative folliculitis prescribed off‑label), your private health insurance extras cover may contribute to the non‑PBS expense.
Isotretinoin Cost Comparison – Australia
Prescription Type
Typical Monthly Cost (20 mg/day)
Who Pays?
PBS‑subsidised (severe cystic acne)
$30.00 (general) / $6.60 (concession)
You, with Medicare subsidy. Once you hit the Safety Net threshold, even cheaper.
Private script (off‑label or early mild acne)
$70 – $130
You. Check your private health extras – some funds reimburse non‑PBS medicines up to a yearly limit (e.g., $300–$500), significantly softening the blow.
Always ask your dermatologist if you meet the PBS criteria. A short phone call to your health fund can clarify if your extras cover non‑PBS isotretinoin.
Safety Tailored to You: Pregnancy, Heat & Pre‑Existing Conditions
I understand that safety concerns can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re balancing a career, family plans, or a chronic condition like epilepsy. Let me put your mind at ease.
Pregnancy & Family Planning: The Australian protocol is crystal clear and non‑negotiable. You will start contraception at least one month before your first capsule, continue it throughout treatment, and for one month after. Two forms (e.g., pill + condoms) are standard. You’ll have a pregnancy test every month. Once you stop isotretinoin, wait 30 days – many specialists confirm a negative test at that point – and you can begin trying to conceive safely. The drug is gone from your body, and there is no long‑term effect on fertility.
Storing Your Medication in a Queensland Summer: Heat does not destroy isotretinoin instantly, but potency can degrade if consistently over 25°C. Simply keep the foil strip in its original carton, inside a bedroom drawer away from windows. If you don’t have air conditioning, a cool, dark pantry works perfectly. Do not leave capsules in the car or bathroom. No refrigeration needed – just a little common sense.
Epilepsy: This may be the least understood concern. Isotretinoin does not interact with common anti‑epileptic drugs, and there is no absolute contraindication. I have successfully treated patients with epilepsy; we simply involve your neurologist, ensure your seizures are well‑controlled, and monitor during the course. The risk of triggering a seizure is exceptionally low – far rarer than the daily misery and infection risk of severe nodular acne.
Your Clear Skin Journey Starts Today – Here’s How to Get Isotretinoin in Australia
You don’t need to suffer anymore. The path is straightforward, and you hold the map.
Book a GP appointment. Explain how your acne affects your life – the pain, the scars, the antibiotics that failed. Ask for a referral to a dermatologist. (Medicare rebates apply for specialist consultations.)
See a dermatologist experienced in acne. They will assess your skin, discuss your medical history, and if isotretinoin is right for you, arrange baseline blood tests and a pregnancy test (if applicable).
Start your course with confidence. Pick up your prescription from any Australian pharmacy. If it’s PBS‑authorised, you’ll pay no more than $30 per month.
Commit to the short journey. Most courses last 4–6 months. You’ll have monthly check‑ups, but the reward – clear, healthy skin for years – begins to show often within weeks.
Don’t let another season of hiding hold you back. Imagine next summer, wearing what you want, booking that beachside holiday, and meeting people without the inner voice worrying about your skin. Isotretinoin has given that gift to millions of Australians – and it can give it to you.
Take control. Ask your GP for a dermatologist referral today, and discuss isotretinoin as your first – and last – line of defence.
Always read the label and speak to your health professional. This article reflects typical medical guidance; individual suitability must be assessed by a specialist.
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