diff --git a/setup.py b/setup.py
index 798f96f..e2dee0f 100644
--- a/setup.py
+++ b/setup.py
@@ -3,8 +3,11 @@
 import os
 import sys
 
-from distribute_setup import use_setuptools
-use_setuptools()
+try:
+    import setuptools
+except ImportError:
+    from distribute_setup import use_setuptools
+    use_setuptools()
 from setuptools import setup, Extension
 
 if not hasattr(sys, "hexversion") or sys.hexversion < 0x02040000: