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:
June 28, 2009

Pros:

I went through two total Accutane treatments. It a lot of work to remain strict to diet and deal with side effects. It worked well after the first 6 weeks and for a year following treatment. But acne returned.

Cons:

Acne returned approximately a year after the first 6 month treatment ended. I tried a second 6 month prescription and acne returned about 18 months after treatment ended.

Had I known I would not have a lasting effect from using the Accutane I would never had taken it. I had tried several antibiotics before Accutane with luck, but did not want to stay on them for extended periods of time. I have actually had my best luck and am totally clear after finding out about this web site and giving Dan's regimen a try (with nothing to lose). After two weeks my acne has totally cleared up and has remained away for the past month. I hope it continues to work as well as it has been. I wish I would have found out about this site earlier and saved me time and money.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 27, 2009

Pros:

After one week of being on accutane, i have been getting a lot of white heads, but no larger pimples. something seems to be happening, and hopefully my skin will get clearer soon.

Cons:

Dry Lips, Skin, Eyes... sensitive skin in general... have been feeling even more fatigued than usual, not sure if that is related to the accutane.

I've only been on accutane for one week. Somethings definitely seems to be happening. I've been getting a lot of whiteheads on my face, but no substantial pimples. I'm hoping after a few more weeks, I'll see a lot more improvement.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 27, 2009

Pros:

Has cleared all of my acne within the first week. Clear skin, and increased self image

Cons:

Dry lips. Minor intial break out ( 1-2 days).

After suffering from acne for 7 years I finally went to the dermatologist and was prescribed this accutane along with Skinorem cream. I am very pleased with my results and have clear skin for the first time in a long time. price covered by insurance.
This Was Helpful

Report
June 27, 2009

Pros:

cleared my severe bacne,

Cons:

dry lips and facial skin(my face is still dry even though i came off it like 3 months ago)

i got rid off my severe bacne,but when i stopped taking spots stared to show up once again:( It might be my doctor's fault cos i didn't take the minimal cummulative dose-120mg/kg) But still,it worked wonders,now i'm on dianette,the are no spots and finally after 4 years of nightmare I can enjoy my life.
This Was Helpful

Report
June 26, 2009

Pros:

Started 3 days ago

Cons:

blurry vision, dry lips not yet

I have a questions? I started with accutane on Tuesday, drinking 1 capsule daily (40 mg). Is any of you drinking the same or less mg. My cousin is drinking 3 capsules every week(1 Mon, 1 Wed, 1 Fri) 20mg. I have scars and a little acne on my face. Is acctane good for scars too? The only side affect I have is blurry vision. I heard dry lips is the most comman affect.does it take weeks to start with dry lips?Well I hope accutane helps me with my acne, I had acne since I was 18, Im 27 now and still have acne :( now I started with breaking out in my chest and neck. When am i going to see results????? Thanks to my job I have Kaiser and it covers, I only pay 5 copay and 5 for pills.
This Was Helpful

Report
June 26, 2009

Pros:

It cleared my skin! Absolutely Amazing! Still works after treatment, for a few months!

Cons:

Dry skin. Limited sun exposure. Oil production was cut off big-time! Some mild acne continue to show up after treatment.

Do it. Its worth it all the way. I read about all these dangerous side affects, but it turned out it was worth it. Nothing else would work for me, and this did it!
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
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!
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 25, 2009

Pros:

it cleared acne very fast

Cons:

dry lips blurred vision abdominal pain joint pain and alot more.

it works very well but it can do so much bad stuff to you. i am not taking it now i was but my doctor said to stop do to side effects and now she wants me to take it agian and i think that i will cuz i am already breaking out agian. You may want to do it or you may not but you have to check risks and benifets is it worth all side effects it may or may not be.
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 23, 2009

Pros:

it works

Cons:

it works

i used this product for mre than 1 year it actually cleasred my skin completely but after one year when i leaved it my worse acne started again and i dont no i went to the doctor he said your skin is never gonna clear but may be age wise it get cleard.but i m really very dippressed now.
This Was Helpful

Report
June 23, 2009

Pros:

so far none, i think i am getting a big breakout, one thing i like is my hair is not oily

Cons:

dry lips,dry skin, lower back pain

i guess i am still waiting just one month doing it,
This Was Helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 115 116 117 118 119 … 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