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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Read All About Isotretinoin (Accutane®)
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5
37.1%
4
34.1%
3
15.3%
2
7.3%
1
6.2%

Used Isotretinoin (Accutane®)? Rate It:

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October 28, 2009

Pros:

My younger brother took accutane last year to help clear the teen acne. It seemed like a great idea, clearing up his acne and giving him that boost in confidence all teen boys need. While these were great changes, they were short lived.

Cons:

My brother fell into a deep depression. He had a loss of social interaction, hallucinations, a loss of motivation and severe changes in the appetite of a young teen boy. My brother could not make it school and could hardly ever make it out of bed.

Every test in the book was ran rule out any illnesses or cancer, and now his condition is attributed to accutane. Now that we know what has caused my brother to become a completely different person who may never become a productive person in our society, I want to make sure others seriously consider the risks of this dangerous drugs. It is hard to cope with the fact that such a dangerous acne pill that shouldn't be on the market has mutilated the life of my brother and taken him away from me. It is hard to watch my Mom and Dad have so much hope for their son, but sadly realize there really isn't any. I miss my brother...don't lose your loved one to accutane!
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October 28, 2009

Pros:

well i've heard so many good things about it but i havent seen any results.

Cons:

Super dry lips and face!

Well, the things i have heard about accutane are amazing! The problem is i haven't seen any good results. I hear all these stories of peoples face clearing up after 3 months and im on my 3rd month and i feel my acne has gotten worse. I also have extremely try lips and face. At this point im really discouraged. I just really hope it starts to work.
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October 27, 2009

Pros:

I've suffered from severe face acne for about a year. Tried everything else, but only isotretinoin worked (i'm taking a generic called oratane). I was prescribed a low dose (20mg/day) for 10 months so side effects were manageable.

Cons:

Face and lips dried up within weeks of starting the dose, but the acne stopped popping only after 3-4 months. It takes lots of determination and patience - waiting for results, as well as handling the side effects like really chapped lips.

Really effective, but recommended only for those who have tried everything else and are willing to spend money and effort to ensure that the process goes smoothly.
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October 27, 2009

Pros:

It actually WORKS.

Cons:

Pain in the butt to do the blood tests and get on all the birth control stuff haha, but my skin became perfect within a month. I've been to one of the best derms in Seattle and have been on every line and drug under the sun.

I would have continued to take it, if it weren't for the biggest and most devastating side effect. While I've always struggled with depression, I was actually doing pretty well when I started taking the medication. However, suicidal thoughts became constant, and I attempted in September. While it's impossible to know how much of an impact the drug truly had on this situation, I feel strongly that if I wasn't on the drug it never would have happened. As you can imagine I got off the medication right away. And what do you know, the acne is back! Joy. The bottom line is that it is an extremely powerful drug with major side effects- and that's why it is different from everything else out there. I would definitely recommend this product, but I strongly urge EVERYONE taking this medication to closely monitor their emotional state.
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October 26, 2009

Pros:

Clearer and less oily skin

Cons:

severe chapped lips and some dryness on body

Acutane has saved my life, my skin is clearing up rapidly and im not breaking out at all anymore. The skin on my face hasnt dried out at all the only side effect im feeling is dry lips and some dry skin on my body but its totally managable with a good dry skin moisturizer. SO happy i finally decided to go on the drug..there were so many listed side effects and negative light on it I almost didnt think it was worth it but I feel amazing! Worth the risk :)
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October 25, 2009

Pros:

clear skin

Cons:

dry, raw lips

For my acne, this has been the only solution. I'd tried over the counter creams, prescription topical treatments and several antibiotics. Yes, I have had dry lips but thats a tiny price to pay for my acne disappear. Not only have my spots gone, but my pores are invisible and my skin is so much smoother. 100% recommended!
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October 25, 2009

Pros:

Works great, gets skin clear!

Cons:

Chapped lips

The only thing that cleared up my skin, works great. I've suffered with adult acne for about six years and I finally decided to go for it. I was very hesitant considering all the side effects I've read about, but it turned out to be not a big deal. I'm finishing my 5th month and my skin looks great compared to before, completely clear! The only side affects I've experenced are chapped lips. Just stock up on chapstick, have it everywhere, in the car, gym bag, by your bed, etc. you'll be fine. Go for it, you've suffered too long!
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October 24, 2009

Pros:

had really bad bacne for years and accutane cleared it all up. Not afraid to take my shirt off anymore. Gave me so much more confidence that i had lacked for years.

Cons:

only had dry lips and minor dry skin.

I had perfect skin up until i was about 18, then all of the sudden my back, shoulders and chest exploded with it. My face was still perfectly clear, but body acne can be just as devastating. I tried so many other prescriptions and soaps, but nothing worked. I finally went on accutane and it totally cleared my skin. It gave me all my confidence back. Dont let the horror stories scare you, all i suffered from was dry lips and very minor dry skin. Accutane saved my life.
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October 23, 2009

Pros:

It cleared up my severe acne for 2-3 years, then I needed another course.

Cons:

blood tests monthly, wreaks havoc with your liver long-term

Altogether, I have been treated with this 5 times, 6 months at a time. Each time, it worked when no other antibiotic/topical combo had for me. Unfortunately, results are not permanent for me, and I need to continue repeating it. Of course, the doctors are very cautious about prescribing it again, and would prefer that I keep my severe cystic acne than to use this again.
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October 22, 2009

Pros:

It works amazingly! My skin is 99% clear after a little over 3 months!

Cons:

dry lips, ocassional nosebleed

This stuff works. The benefits definately outweigh the cons. Why wouldn't you want to put up with a bit of dry lips so that you could have awesome skin and increased self esteem as a result! I am so happy with the results and i'm not even finished yet, so my face will keep on getting better :) Every couple of days i get compliments from people and it just feels so good. This medication gets talked about in such a negative way when the side effects are certainly manageable and the end outcome is so worth it!
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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