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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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:

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October 22, 2009

Pros:

AMAZING! My face, neck, chest and back had acne all over and i was put on 40mg once a day and it worked like a miracle : ) i've been off it for over a year and its returned. Im back to taking it again though. hopefully it works my 3rd time!!

Cons:

Severe Dryness (especially Lips****), Mood Swings

It works! Pricey but its affordable.
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October 22, 2009

Pros:

Clear skin!

Cons:

DRY lips and fragile skin

Like many of you on here, I have tried nearly everything to clear my skin. Topicals, anitbiotics (3 different kinds), ProActive and everything over the counter. Acne took many years of my life. Where I went, and what I did depended on how my skin looked at the time. I first got acne when I was 14, I'll never forget that year, and had it up until I was 23. My skin wasn't as bad as some, but rarely was there an occasion where I didn't have at least one or two on my face. I started Accutane about 4 months ago and couldn't be happier. My skin is completely clear, and not oily (it used to be oily all hours of the day), I'm one of the lucky ones who has suffered no side effects other than the dry skin and lips. If acne is causing you not to be yourself, and is pretty much controlling your life, you need to give this drug a shot. It seems like a big decision to make, and kind of a hassle, but it changed my life.
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October 21, 2009

Pros:

Totally works! Completely cleared my skin!

Cons:

Severely dry lips, dry skin, nosebleeds, drowsiness, blurred vision, minor aches

This stuff really works, but don't expect fast results. Be patient! I almost gave up on it because I didn't really see results until just now (4th month). The side effects seem severe, but it's mostly in the beginning. Also depends on your dosage, though. I'm on 80 mg. (two pills per day). They'll start you off at 40mg, and you can increase if you can handle the effects. You adjust over time. My only problem at this point is the dry lips. It's kind of a pain to get the stuff. You have to take a monthly pregnancy test and short online quiz to even be able to get the medication. Overall, not a super-easy process to go through, but worth it in the end.
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October 20, 2009

Pros:

Completely clear skin. Fast!

Cons:

Chapped lips, dry skin, muscle soreness

I've never had perfect skin. Always a pimple here and there and the random breakout. But I never experienced anything as horrible as the biggest breakout I ever had at 25yrs old. It seemed that practically over night my whole face was covered in nodular acne, primarily around my chin and cheeks. The dermatologist said the breakout was due to hormones... I wanted to write this message because I remember spending hours on the computer reading blogs and messages about all the different kinds of acne treatments out there. I was severely depressed because having acne ruins your self esteem... My doc finally put me on 40mg of accutane a day and my acne started getting better after 1 wk. Completely gone after 3 months and my skin is the best its ever looked. Going on accutane was the best decision I ever made. The cons are nothing compared to having clear skin.
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October 19, 2009

Pros:

I felt compelled to post this review because my mother took Accutane in 2005, and then had a nervous breakdown. She's been on anti-depressants since then, and has not been the same. It's not just her moods. Her brain doesn't seem to work as well.

Cons:

(Continued from above). Her logic falls short now. It seems as if the medication affected her mental and emotional abilities. Of course, it could have been coincidental, but I have another friend who's depression became much worse, permanently...

(Continued from above) after he took accutane. In case it matters, my mother was 43, and my friend was about 28.
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October 19, 2009

Pros:

Clears acne, less oily skin = happiness and increased confidence!

Cons:

Dry lips, fragile skin

I have had bad skin since I was about 13yrs old (I am now 30) &my skin would go through periods of clearing up a bit but then breaking out majorly. The last year in particular was bad for me and I had spots all over my face, especially on my jawline. Now I have tried EVERYTHING-all the usual over the counter washes &gels,antibiotic pills,antibiotic topical solutions,light box, laser-I must have spent a fortune on treatments over the years (the laser treatment alone was £250+) and not 1 thing really worked. I have been on accutane now for 3mths and my skins totally clear-not 1 spot and even better not oily at all. It has had down sides but nothing major.My lips are always dry &I have to slap on lip balm every few hours.Also, it isn't an instant cure. When I first went on antibiotics,after taking the first few pills I noticed a positive effect on my skin but with accuatcne its taken 4wks+ before I really saw that it was working. Also skin is v fragile and takes ages
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October 18, 2009

Pros:

Clears up skin. It took about 4 months for me to really start seeing results. By the end of the 6th (and final) month, my skin was perfect.

Cons:

Super dry skin and chapped/cracked lips, dry/red upper arms, raise in Triglyceride levels which went back down after stopping treatment, slight weight gain (3 pounds, I lost it the month after stopping Accutane), and feeling tired ALL the time.

DEFINITELY WORTH IT!!! Taking Accutane literally changed my life. I was really scared to take it because I had heard of the the horrible side effects, but they are not THAT bad and your dermatologist will monitor you.
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October 16, 2009

Pros:

great clear skin, confidence, joyful life

Cons:

dry skin,dry lips,dry nose,nosebleeds,stomach ache,occasional knee ache

accutane is amazing its done everything i wanted it to do with a side effect here and there. its NOT scary just go to ur dermatologist when u have a problem they can prescribe u something to treat the affects. im on 20mg 3 times a day so i do experience more than the average person.
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October 14, 2009

Pros:

Takes away oily skin
Takes away acne
Confidence

Cons:

Dry skin and lips
Blood tests
Staying out of the sun

I've been taking this for about four months. I went to the doctor the other day and he said i might need to be on it for about another 2-3 months. Its already made a great difference. My brother was on it too. He has finished his treatment and his skin looks amazing. I can't wait untill i can stop taking them tho'. But its sooo worth it. My face wasnt that bad but my back was pretty severe. The end result is well worth the side effects. I recommend accutane for anyone who has tried many things but just have not worked.
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October 12, 2009

Pros:

clear skin and confidence

Cons:

dry skin and mood swings

well worth use and gives you the confidence you need take it but be prepared for side affects. well worth it tho
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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