Isotretinoin (Accutane®)
Results
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.

 [more]
3.9
2449
Read All About Isotretinoin (Accutane®)
Compare To Other Treatments
5
37.1%
4
34.1%
3
15.3%
2
7.3%
1
6.2%

Used Isotretinoin (Accutane®)? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
November 28, 2009

Pros:

Smooth skin, less blemishes, overall clear skin

Cons:

very irritable, troubles with concentration and focus, depression, back pains, socially distant, etc...

I'm a 23 year old girl and I've been on accutane for 5 months now and its cleared up greatly within the past few weeks. At first it got worse than before I was on accutane. I have slight mood swings, I'm depressed it's hard to concentrate at work or school my motivation is practically non-existant, I've had minor suicidal thoughts and dreams, friends think I'm not fun anymore when we're out. I just don't feel my old self anymore but I think at the end it's worth it so I gonna stick it out..I would definitely recommend this product.
This Was Helpful

9 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 25, 2009

Pros:

ive had severly bad acne for about a year started treatment about a month ago and its gotten really bad and the spots have got BIGGER. gonna stick the treatment out tho.

Cons:

DRY LIPS and MORE TIRED

my skin on my face has gotten dry redish and the spots are starting to scab over but it dont look to nice ): quite inbarrasin to be honust. and im 14 btw.
This Was Helpful

Report
November 22, 2009

Pros:

Clear skin, no pimples after two months.

Cons:

Dry skin, headaches, high liver enzymes, hair loss, dry lips, fatigue.

Well I was on accutane for four months. Unfortunately I couldn't finish my five month course because of my extreme migraines. I have been off of it for one month and I have perfectly clear skin. I am currently experiencing extreme hairloss though and it is very concerning. I am a girl so I don't want to look like a cancer patient. I hope the hairloss eventually stops because now I have a bald spot. Overall the first three months were great up the last two have sucked thanks to all of the side effects. Oh and I have crappy insurance so it cost a lot
This Was Helpful

Report
November 21, 2009

Pros:

-PERFECT SKIN as a result
-long lasting results (3 years for me)
-if your acne comes back it won't be as severe as before Accutane

Cons:

-My hair thinned a lot
-regular blood work
-the results are not always permanent

Accutane is a difficult drug to take in that you need to be aware of the side effects. I experienced them all but it was worth it. My skin was 100% clear for about 3 years after wards. I am starting to break out again but it's only on the left side of my face. I have heard that some people need to take it twice for it to work so I'm trying to get back on it again. Even though it didn't clear my skin longer then those 3 years, Accutane has been the only thing to cure my acne long term.
This Was Helpful

15 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 20, 2009

Pros:

THIS STUFF IS TRULY A MIRACLE DRUG, NO MORE ACNE!!

Cons:

the treatment sucks, you will have super sensitive and dry skin!! Try to keep it as dry as possible as my dermatologist said : "the dryer the better"

Stick with it! All you youngsters asre complaining its not working after a month or two! ITS TAKES SIX MONTHS!! but last a lifetime... stick with it, its worth it... trust me!
This Was Helpful

11 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 19, 2009

Pros:

it works immediately..my acne cleared up as soon as i started taking the medication...

Cons:

if you dont have insurrance it is expensive the blood work and consistent dermo appointments...constant back pain, mood swings, fatigue, headaches, decreased hunger

i started on 30mg for two months then got increased to 40 mg and started to feel different. i was way to tired to function in college and constantly felt depressed. currently i am on 2omg, hoping that i will start to feel like my normal self again...ifyou are thinking about accutane, seriously consider the side effects and if you can handle having to go off the medication if needed...my face is much clearer but i still get break outs along my chin. i am starting to wonder if it is even worth being on such a strong medication for acne that is not that bad in the first place
This Was Helpful

Report
November 19, 2009

Pros:

Helped clear acne, black heads, reduce pore size, and reduce oily for quite a while

Cons:

I couldn't finish my dose. Severe kidney infection, was hospitalized. You have to drink tons of water and cranberry juice. Have to get your blood drawn every month to regulate liver function and other body functions. Highly regulated drug.

I am a medical asthetician and have suffered with acne since my early teens. I had tried accutane in highschool although it didnt seem to help. They say sometimes if you take it a second time around it will do the trick. I tried it when I was 24 and my acne had seemed to get out of control. I was set to take it for about 4 months. Its important to take the vitamin ZBEC (Its a b vitamin, zinc, calcium supplement) while on it. Your body is depleted of nutrients and your hair can thin. I ended up in the hospital with a severe kidney infection, my temp was at 105. I have never been so sick in my life, nor do I hardly ever get sick. The accutane was too much for my body to break down. I was advised by two doctors to discontinue taking the accutane and my skin remained clear for about 5 months after and I suffer from minor breakouts now. My skin is starting to feel oily again and congested. For me at this point I am not so sure it was worth it.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 19, 2009

Pros:

improvement, clearer skin

Cons:

Monthly blood tests, Severe chapped lips, back pains, dry hands, slight depression, severe irritability & other cognitive implications such as memory loss, trouble focusing and coming up with the right words.

I've been taking accutane for almost 3 months and I have seen mild results. My face does look better however I still suffer from constant breakouts. I'll keep my head up and hope that the next three months of treatment will result in clearer skin.
This Was Helpful

Report
November 18, 2009

Pros:

after about 1 month, blackheads and clogged pores cleared......in general, skin less oily....

Cons:

at the end of 2 months, still breaking out....lips burn without aquaphor...ankle pain.......

after reading about isotretinoin and asking my dermatologist about it's mechanics, the drug is working......the purging phase has continued since week 1...........still too early to see full results.......hopefully, month 3 will result in clear skin......
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 17, 2009

Pros:

this s^%$$ works

My cousin took accutane about 10 years back when she was about 15. I remember both of us had acne but hers was way more severe than mine. Her face was just ugly looking with nasty looking bumps all over her face. Mine was just a few big pimples here and there and white heads all over but nothing compared to hers. Well anyway, at that time she took accutane I didn't want to take it cuz I thought my acne was not as bad and I am 26 now and I am still suffering with acne, too scared to take accutane at this point. My cousin has been acne free ever since she took accutane. I have never ever seen her with a pimple and her skin is flawless and beautiful ;(. I wish I could have taken it 10 years back. I have depression now and it would just make it worst. I am currently on taz. Hopefully it works for me.
This Was Helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 98 99 100 101 102 … 202
Next

Relevant Article(s):

Relevant Review(s):

Relevant Forum(s):

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