Isotretinoin (Accutane®)
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Side Effects

Isotretinoin is a vitamin A derivative called a retinoid that is taken orally and is approved only for severe acne. It is thought...

Isotretinoin is a vitamin A derivative called a retinoid that is taken orally and is approved only for severe acne. It is thought to clear acne primarily through its ability to permanently reduce skin oil (sebum) production.

Isotretinoin is available in capsule form and is usually taken twice a day. Your physician will prescribe an initial dose, and this dose may increase or decrease depending on the response to treatment and side effects.

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3.9
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Read All About Isotretinoin (Accutane®)
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5
37.1%
4
33.4%
3
15.6%
2
7.4%
1
6.6%

Used Isotretinoin (Accutane®)? Rate It:

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September 8, 2009

Pros:

it cleared up all my acne that i had for years that was very servere

Cons:

the product worked but at took forever, i almost gave up plenty of time and my lips was dry is ever. it made my face 10x worst and i couldn't deal with it. i had the worst case because it took 12 weeks to clear and that was the biggest pain in my LIF

if there is no solution just get accutane as last resort because i believe it works for anybody its just a matter of patience because im clear and feeling good and acne cause some people insecurity
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September 8, 2009

Pros:

amazing!no more pimples!!(btw i had nodular cystic acne)

Cons:

dry skin,lips,nosebleeds,rashy arms,red acne scars a bit of redness

get it
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September 4, 2009

Pros:

clear up acne and blackheads, less oily face and scalp. My pores are less visible and face feels smoother.
I get one or two tiny zits around my period now; not completely get rid of acne but has definitely helped a lot.

Cons:

dry lips, corner of mouth is flaky. Face is prone to redness and feels sore, especially after washing and brief sun exposure. Also have occasional eczema on arms. Mood swing and was more paranoid.

I am in my mid 30's and suffered from acne since as a teen. Like all acne sufferers, bought most OTC acne products and was prescribed everything my derm could think of and was able to stay clear until one day my acne could not be controlled then I was prescribed Accutane as my last resort. On 40 mg /day and near the end of my 5th month of a six month course. The initial 2 months was the worst because of the IB and dryness. After 2 months, my face started to clear up and I got compliments. Body soreness after exercise and more severe toward the end of my course. Becasue I still get 1-2 small zits around my period and my derm told me Accutance does not help get rid of hormonal acne, so I may go on a low dose maintenance course. My Liver enzyme went up slightly by the 4th month so to say this drug is strong is not an overstatement. It works, but MUST be careful with this drug, get regular check up and blood work is important
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August 31, 2009

Pros:

clears up the skin, less oily

Cons:

dry lips, flaky/dry skin

Take it! I'm about half way through with the 6 month duration and it hasn't been bad at all. I was on 60 mg for about 2 months and then my dosage was upped to 80 mg which i just started recently but I am able to go back down to 60 if it bothers me too much. I still get some acne but it's not so bad.
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August 24, 2009

Pros:

All is going well. I can feel the dead skin star to flake, like especially on my nose. The dermatologist said i will get a heap of blackheads then they will reveal all the nice skin underneath. I can't wait to be 100% clear.

Cons:

-Just a tad bit of lip dryness

I've been on 40mg a day for 1 month now. I have had no side effects except dry lips which are easily manageable. I can't wait to see the full results! Only 5 months to go haha.
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August 19, 2009

Pros:

Cleared my skin completely :)

Cons:

pushed out a few piercings, dry lips, flaky scalp, weak hair, constant nosebleeds, sun sensitivity¬ being able to get wrecked ;) & no waxes for 10 months.

I tried everything to get rid of my acne as i got bullied at school for it. After nothing worked- the doctor suggested it, but didn't recommend it as can have varied side effects. Regular check-up's and all the con's seemed worth it in the end! Although i have had a few little spots here and there- better than acne! I am still not allowed to wax- and because my skin is still sensitive after the treatment, all my piercings are ripping out (luckily, not painful!- just a complete waste of money!) Well, i did get it for free i suppose :)
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August 11, 2009

Pros:

Fantastic stuff. I had tried everything and doctors would give me regimens that just about burned my face off but this is amazing. After a month my skin was clear and only had a few blackheads (but they were reduced) and temporary discoloration.

Cons:

Dry lips and sun sensitivity (try going off of it for the summer) and pregnancy tests for females

It's all worth it. all you have to do is the basic wash your face and moisturize and take the pill. Thats it. However I highly suggest stocking up on the chapstick. Bring this up to your doctor if they havent!
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August 2, 2009

Pros:

Reduces Oil Production Drastically (e.g., no more oily/shiny face); Takes Time But Eventually Clears Acne; Easy to Take & Effective; Generic = Affordable with Insurance

Cons:

Dry Face, Body, Eyes, [inside of] Nose; Chapped Lips; IPledge if Female [hassle]; Makes You Tired & Leaves You With "Cloudy Brain" Feeling. Leaves Body Kinda Achy.

Despite the Minor Side Effects, it is Definitely Worth Trying. I am on my 7th & Last Month & I haven't broken out in a week. It took the full 6 months to finally see the results I was looking for. Definitely try if nothing else works. Side effects are manageable.
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July 27, 2009

Pros:

beautiful skin!!

Cons:

very chapped lips, very bad lower back pain, expensive if not covered by your insurance

this stuff is a miracle and i honestly cant say enough good about it. my side effects went away a couple weeks after starting it, by week 3 my skin was SO clear, i had a doctor ask me WHY ARE YOU TAKING ACCUTANE? YOU DONT HAVE ACNE! of course not! because this pill cleared me up after only 3 weeks! i was on 40 mg/2x a day, for 2 months. it has now been 6 months and although my skin has maintained MOST of its clarity since stopping i want it to look like it did before, so i am going back on for a second dose! it truly IS a miracle in a pill! the best thing is you dont have to spend any more money on all that over the counter or infomercial crap! just cetaphil cleanser, a moisturizer, and youre good to go! i can even SKIP washing my face altoghter most of the time because you just STOP breaking out!!
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July 24, 2009

Pros:

It took two cycles but ultimately this is the only thing that has actually worked.

Cons:

Very dry lips, dry eyes, and I did experience mild depression while on the drug, but it was good to be aware of that side effect ahead of time.

This is a product for people with severe acne. Unfortunately I found out through a very extended period of time that if you have severe acne, this is the only product for you. I wish I would've spent less time with topical remedies and anti-biotics. Accutane is the only product that has ever gotten my acne under control.
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Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website