The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of
acne, psychotic illnesses, such as
schizophrenia,
cancer, such as
cancer of the head, neck and
lung, and emphysema, comprising co-administering a therapeutically effective amount of
isotretinoin and a contraceptive in a contraceptively effective dosage. The contraceptive preferably does not contain 100 wt %
progestogen. Methods of treating
acne and unit dosage delivery systems are also provided. Also provided is an
improved method of treating
acne, and other diseases, comprising providing a
blister pack comprising at least about 28 separate daily dosage units of a therapeutically effective amount of
isotretinoin, or other
retinoic acid derivative equivalent, and at least about 21-28 additional daily dosage units of an oral contraceptive in a contraceptively effective amount, selected from the group consisting essentially of:
estrogen,
estrogen and
progestogen,
mifepristone, or a combination thereof, whereby for at least about 21 successive days, said oral dosage unit of
isotretinoin, or other
retinoic acid derivative equivalent, and said oral dosage unit of said oral contraceptive are administered to a female of child-bearing age. Patch,
inhaler,
nebulizer, and injection formulations for the preferred active ingredients are also provided.