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:
July 31, 2009

Pros:

none as of now

Cons:

chapped lips, corners of mouth cut, dry nose, intense break outs on face and back of neck, minor nose bleed, mood swing due to seesaw acne effect

I never had acne until my first year of college. Once it got really intense I tried everything from proactive, to differen, to tetracycline. Now I'm on accutane. So far the drug has shown no improvements. If any thing my acne is become worse than it was. I have been on the pill for about 1 1/2 months and am taking 50mg as of now. Doctors say it could take up to 3 months to work or may not even work at all, I hope I'm not one of these people. I cant remember the last time I had clear skin or felt good about my self. ACNE SUCKS! As acne is prevelent to my family, my 2 sisters and brother have used the drug and recieved amazing results. When will I?
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 31, 2009

Pros:

Clear skin after 1 month hasn't come back

Cons:

dry skin/lips,nose bleeds,muscle/bone ache

got rid of all my acne, only just a few red marks here and there now but they are fading gradually
This Was Helpful

Report
July 30, 2009

Pros:

Clear Skin, No More Oil, gives self-esteem, lesser makeup

Cons:

Dry lips, Mood Swings, Blur vision, Thining Of Hair While Shower, Body Aches,

I would recommend this anyone with medical insurance that has bad acne. It works really well but it is a gamble. Good Luck
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 29, 2009

Pros:

clears up skin

Cons:

dry lips an nose primarily. Dry arms, ears, and very sensitive skin.

I have been suffering from cystic acne for 9 years and have tried everything you can imagine including proactiv and laser/light treatments. This is the only medication that I can say truly worked. It has given me my life back and I encourage everyone who has cystic acne to consider using this drug.
This Was Helpful

Report
July 29, 2009

Pros:

This stuff works, and it is the 'Cure'.

Cons:

Dry chapped lips, nose bleeds, avoid direct sunlight.

I was a Guinea Pig in 1983 when I took this. I took the drug for 3 months, took a month off, and took it for 1 more month. I was cured for life (well, for 26 years so far). I have no regrets, and to this day would call this a miracle drug. It changes peoples lives. Carry lots of chap stick for dry lips, and kleenex for bloody noses. 3 to 4 months of dry lips, nose bleeds, and staying out of the sun is a small price to pay for life long acne free skin.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 28, 2009

Pros:

It is a miracle in a little pill that you easily swallow each day. Ive only had a few of the minor side effects(only a few people have the major ones)

Cons:

If you dont have insurance the blood work, dermetologist appointments and medication adds up to big money! Like 500 dollars a month(but I only have to use it for four months)

Ive been on accutane for a little over two months and I went from tons of red bumbs ontop of red bump all over my neck, cheeks and entire face, to about one on each cheek that are going away more each day. Ive had dry lips and a few scabs in my nose but its nothing and way worth the outcome.Drink lots of water, and try not to be in the sun to much and you will be fine. I went to the beach a few times and was fine but only for a few hours. My hole life has changed! I walk with my chin up and am comfertable going to the beach, talking to girls, and not havnt to feel bad everytime someone looks at me or I look in the mirror! Some people may have worse side effects then me or take longer to clear up then me but it is still the best choice you could make in your life today and for your future. It has changed everything for me and I wish everyone with this horrible problem would give this a chance.
This Was Helpful

Report
July 28, 2009

Pros:

Yet to see. Comforting reading the testimonials though.

Cons:

Dry flaking, burning skin and scalp, dry peeling, sore lips. Itchiness which can be embarrassing.

Ive been using tetracylines for 3 years now and my skin is clear while on it. i need something long term as i cant take antibiotics all my life. A physician recommended accutane. Its been 2 weeks and man the side effects are severe. This is what chemotherapy must feel like. I still have the acne which started the day I stopped the Tets. So keeping chin up stocking up on moisturizer and hoping for the best. Will keep you posted
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
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!!
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 26, 2009

Pros:

I am nearing my 3rd month and as of now I have 2 little pimples on my chin and cheek and thats it. Its so easy just to take a pill everyday, add that with a mild cleanser and thats all.

Cons:

dry lips(use aquaphor twice a day) dry skin, dry eyes, lost a lot of sleep in my first month. Nose bleeds!!!(had a nose bleed every day from month 1-month 1 1/2)

Get through the first 2 months and your set, best decision I ever made! The only problem now is the scarring and red spots??!! USING Jojoba oil for it
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 24, 2009

Pros:

Got rid of severe acne that wouldn't respond to anything else, still hasn't returned after 4 months

Cons:

Very dry skin. Do not wax whilst on this medication! I made that mistake and the top layer of skin came off which was very painful. Also was very tired when on 50mg a day.

It took a long time to work but if you persist through the side effects it is definately worth it. It is the only thing that has ever worked for me.
This Was Helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 110 111 112 113 114 … 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