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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July 14, 2009

Pros:

Cleared up my skin on my face, chest and back. Can now wear whatever I want, pretty much.

Cons:

Ear pain and Tinnitus two months post-'Tane (waiting for it to clear up and it has reduced a lot); persistent dry eyes and eyes seem more red now as a result after Accutane

I don't think I would have taken it had I known I would fall into the small percentage to experience Tinnitus. It's crap and I didn't know my ear would ever react like that. It's reduced a lot, and my doc thinks it will disappear. Still, my acne was mild for the most part except for a few cysts on my cheek. Sometimes the risk is not worth it. You take the risk and you hope not to be a minority, but you just don't know.
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July 11, 2009

Pros:

Clears acne up, clears marks and scars, gives newfound confidennce

Cons:

dry lips, eyes and skin patches, some joint pain, SOME anxiety, blood work, monthly checkups...BUT it is a miracle.

I'm 16, and I tried everything before I finally went on accutane(Commercial products, antibiotics, retin-a, differin, ziana,etc). My acne was not horrible but i think it was really bad especially being in high school. I got accutane at the beginning of this year, and I believe that this has been one of the biggest blessings in my life. It's given me the joy of being able to go out without feeling as insecure and newfound confidence.
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July 10, 2009

Pros:

Cleared my skin.

Cons:

Dry skin/lips. Initial breakout.

I am in my early thirties. I had nice skin up until a couple of years ago when I began to get nodulocystic acne. Mostly 1-2 large lesions each month which would take forever to heal and left some scarring. My back was also covered with acne like a teenage boy. I felt terrible about myself. I never wanted to go out of the house. I started 30mg Accutane and the first month my back acne cleared completely and I have never seen it since. I did experience an initial breakout which was like a rash along the sides of my face and jaw line. I essentially broke out (nothing terrible like before) until I started my third month. Since then my skin has been perfect other than the occassional dry patch. Overall I would highly recommend this medication. I have some joint pain which is bearable and of course dry lips/dry eyes, but nothing severe enough to complain about compared to the benefits. I have one more month and then we'll see if I'm cured. I sure hope so....
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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 10, 2009

Pros:

only been on this medication for 3 days. so far i havent seen any difference

Cons:

so far i havent had any side effects except ive been having nightmares ever since ive been on it (which is only 3 days)

ive tried topicals and antibiotics as well as proactive, and nothing worked. ive had acne for about 2 years now and im 16 years old. latley its been getting very bad so i decided to try accutane. i hope it will work without too many harsh side effects. Im lucky that acne hasnt really ruined my life even though its pretty bad acne. i have tons of amazing friends and an amazing boyfriend so im hoping the medication wont make me depressed. acne seems to be the only bad thing in my life and im hoping it will be eliminated for good =)
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July 10, 2009

Pros:

it worked while i was on it and 2 months after

Cons:

it came back shortly after i was finished with the course and very dry skin

well it is good for bad acne but some people have remision as my self 2 -3 months after my course was through it came back not as bad as it once was like cystic acne but it did cum back pretty bad
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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:

it is the best acne drug I have ever used and will use it again. I had big nodular cysts on my neck and I was very depressed until I got introduced to this drug. I am so happy I am on this

Cons:

dry lips, dry eyes and bleeding nose sometimes aches at the back of my legs every once and a while, nothing severe.

bottom line if you want a clear complexion and you have tried everything else in the drug store this is the best drug to use.
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July 8, 2009

Pros:

works great and even clears up the acne i had on my chest.

Cons:

dry lips/face. got worst before it got better.

like many others have said it really works unlike all these other products like proactive i'm just suprised that it isn;t really known. highly recommended. thanks to this pill my life 100 times greater.
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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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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