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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5
37.1%
4
33.4%
3
15.6%
2
7.4%
1
6.6%

Used Isotretinoin (Accutane®)? Rate It:

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July 21, 2009

Pros:

My skin is completely CLEAR. It is a Miracle!!! I never thought I could be so confident now. I DON"T have to wear liquid foundation and powder anymore. I get compliments from everyone now about my skin. I wish I knew about accutane SOONER!

Cons:

I had really chapped lips. I found myself peeling at my lips all the time where layers of skin would come off 2 or 3 times a day even with chapstick used. But I just reapply chapstick all the time. Felt irritable most of the time as well.

I started getting acne when I was in 6th grade. It got worse and worse over the years. I wore make-up powder and foundation both all the time. I could never leave the house without them. I was so insecure where I would never go out in the sun to see my friends. Etc. It was a social killer. At the age of 22, I heard about accutane and did some research and was skeptical about using it just because of all the side affects. Plus I already had so many scars on my face so even if the pills helped me stop breaking out, my skin was already bad. How is a pill going to erase all my deep scars I asked? So I tried it. IT WAS THE BEST DECISION I HAVE EVER MADE. I did not have insurance what so ever so I paid everything out of my pocket. The whole treatment probably costed me about 3 grand. I don't regret it at all. The side effects was not bad. It has been 6 months now since I have been done and my face is still completely clear. Email me if you have any?s. kayleephan@[link removed]
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July 17, 2009

Pros:

It really works! I stopped breaking out entirely after the first month whereas the six years leading upon to me taking Accutane I NEVER had an entirely clear complexion-EVER.

Cons:

VERY dry lips-had Aquaphor on me at ALL times (home, office, purse, back-up supplies, etc) Inside of my nose somewhat dry, but a bit of vaseline on a Q-tip helped. Achy joints def a nuisance and VERY annoying, but not life altering.

I have been off Accutane 9 months, it's a miracle drug for me. I think bc my doc put my on 40 mg 2x day from day one to last day really helped clear my breakouts quickly, and stay gone. I have a friend whose doc changed her dosages up and down, she didn't have as good or swift results as me (but also didn't complain of the any side effects, either)-who knows if it was dosage or body chemistry though. I def. admit my joints were achy,it was far from pleasant, and the more physically active you are, the more you probably will notice it, but it was never so bad I needed to take pain meds, except when I went out jogging. I tried EVERYTHING (I had tears in my eyes when my dermatologist told me it was time for Accutane-I was so scared bc of all the horror stories) but it worked 100%. DON'T listen to the negative stuff-everyone has totally different experiences-if ur doc will prescribe-take it! It works! Ask ur doc if safe they can put/keep u on max dose possible if it's safe.
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July 16, 2009

Pros:

Excellent cleared skin.

Cons:

Dry lips, skin, some bleading through my nose and a little tired.

I've tried it all from proactive, Benzacline, Tazorac, Antibiotics however, this has been by far the best product I have ever used and on top of that has been the cheapest with ofcourse my BCBS insurance.This product works and I would highly reccomend, its worth the shot.I was tired of buying cream. I wasnt sure though at first since my doctor had me 40mg 2x a day but it worked for me A+ Product!!!
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July 10, 2009

Pros:

After 3 mos. my skin is absolutley perfect! I never imagined having better skin than anyone i know! Countless compliments on skin, best feeling in the world!

Cons:

dry lips, not a big deal for perfect skin. Also dry skin.. its expected. Occasional mood swing, once a week.

Accutane has horrible reviews and warnings but if your to the point where you wake up to pop a pimple this is for you. The mental side effects warning is crap. Prepare yourself for a rough first month but then be ready for compliments on your amazing skin. Accutane has built my self confidence greatly! Well worth it!
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July 9, 2009

Pros:

very clear skin - not one pimple, a confidence booster for sure

Cons:

dry lips

Where has this been all my teen years!? Accutane is the best thing I've used BY FAR in clearing my skin. I can't complain. The dry lips are nothing much really and the best thing is - I don't have one cyst or even one single pimple to say the least. Its amazing. Struggling with acne most of my teenage years has been a nightmare, but in less than 5 months I couldn't be happier. I'm crossing my fingers the results last.
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July 8, 2009

Pros:

Clears skin when nothing else works!!!

Cons:

Extremely dry lips and face.

THIS MEDICINE IS THE BEST THING THAT HAS EVER HAPPENED TO ME! I've struggled with adult acne since I was about 20 (I'm 25 now), and this is the only thing that actually worked for me. I had previously tried about 10 different prescription topicals, oral antibiotics, and even laser acne treatments. I noticed results immediately and have not had a severe breakout since. I am nearing the end of my six month treatment (40mg daily), and I am somewhat nervous about what will happen when I stop taking it. The last few months on Accutance have drastically improved my confidence, and I am extremely thankful for that. THE BENEFITS GREATLY OUTWEIGH THE SIDE EFFECTS based on my personal experience.
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July 7, 2009

Pros:

- works well
- EASY
- good cost($)/reward(-acne) ratio

Cons:

- Everything will be dry. (my only real side effect)
- Initial breakout period (wasn't too bad for me because as an acne sufferer I was used to random breakouts on top of the usual stuff)
-iPledge

Accutane has been the first treatment (of oh so many) that I have found to be significantly beneficial in my fight against acne. Visible results may take time but they are entirely worth the wait for me. Compared to every other treatment/regiment/etc, Accutane is undoubtedly the easiest-my favorite part. I swallow a pill 2x/day with a meal and that's it. Yeah, I wash my face with a gentle cleaner maybe 1-2x/day but that is NOTHING compared to the hassle of putting on 10 different creams 2x/day, every single day. Generic formulations + insurance = cost is minor. For Dry : skin = moisturizer, eyes = good eye drops, & lips = Vaseline "Lip Therapy" (Small Tube-style [Vaseline without the awkward tub basically]). The worst part about Accutane treatment is the ridiculous hoops that the iPledge program makes patients/doctors/pharmacists jump through. Frankly, Accutane has made me a happier person instead of a depressed one. Acne made me depressed, Accutane made me believe in mir
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July 1, 2009

Pros:

getting clearer faster than other products

Cons:

dry lips and face {but i was using othe medicine wth it}

go get it im 17 and i had sever acne for years i tries exposed,acnefree,clear skin, and even proactive. this is the only one that had a hoard hitting effect its only a shame that i dident try it earlier
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July 1, 2009

Pros:

Hair never gets greasy, same w/ face, acne somewhat subsiding

Cons:

fatigue, nightmares, dry/sensitive skin, chapped libs, dry nose & eyes, slightly thinning hair, can't drink, negative affect on athletic performance

Side Effects - It seems like I have a lot of cons, but it looks worse when I write it out than it actually is. I try to subside most of the cons; skin - spf/moisturizer, lips - chapstick, eyes - eyedrops . . . make sure to take multivitamins without vitamin A. I've never been frightened enough by the nightmares for it to really affect me. I will say the fatigue is pretty bad, I've been an athlete my whole life and have never felt so run down so often for how much I workout and should be in very good shape. Acne - My dermatologist is having me start at 20mg a day for a month, then 40 mg /mnth . . . . 60 mg . . . . 80mg (just started 3rd month). She said that she would work me up to 80mg and still go another 4-5 months on that. That seems like a lot, I think, but i'm a pretty big guy (6'4" - 215). It seems like after each monthly change my acne gets worse then gets better towards the end of the month, so I'm confident that it will work well once I am a couple months into
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June 25, 2009

Pros:

None yet

Cons:

None yet

I just started this but I just wanted to point out how much I paid. I have NO insurance. My last visit to the derm alone was $420. That was for blood work and visit. GET INSURANCE!
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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