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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April 17, 2009

Pros:

None

Cons:

Too many

Didnt help and burned like f**k
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April 2, 2009

Pros:

none

Cons:

weakens the f**k out of you and makes you lack energy very tired, countless zits. Can't see my face. Have to wear a mask. The dryness is killing and breakouts 24/7!

It sucks assss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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March 6, 2009

Pros:

it should get rid of my acne hopefully!!! i live in UK so ithe treatment was free for me!!!

Cons:

Well I have got really really dry skin on face its really bad worse than having acne. With skin peeling on face and dry lips. Burning skin.

I am on 60 mg each day. My skin is peeling on my face really dry skin and dry lips. I am on my second month but cant's see any difference apart from a new spot!!! My skin gets red and burns. Don't know if it will work for me as I have been trying other tables and lotions, creams and now on this tablet. But nothing ever worked all prescribed by my Doctor around 2 years and finally referred me to the dermatoligists.
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February 27, 2009

Pros:

none

Cons:

I lost my night vision because of acne. No amount of pimples is worth that, trust me.

It should be illegal. No medicine this strong should be used for a non life threatening condition.
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December 16, 2008

Pros:

none

Cons:

EVERYTHING!

I was on Accutane in college. It worked wonderfully. However, as soon as I was off of it, my acne returned. My derm put me back on a "booster" set (i took it for a month) and for a while my skin was fine. I'm now 23 and my skin is back to being horrendous. Accutane, I was told, is supposed to make it so that you never get acne again, or if you do, it's very minimal but this is NOT THE CASE. I still get cystic acne, which is both painful and embarassing. All that money spent...and not to mention the long term effects. Since Accutane dries out all the oil in your body, it harms your joints. I still have a lot of back pain when i stand too long or exercise and i attribute this to the Accutane. Overall, for a product that is supposed to be the acne "cure" (or the closest thing too it), it just didn't cut it.
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October 16, 2008

Pros:

Works in the short term. Makes you feel as though you are "beating"the severe acne.

Cons:

Dry Skin, Joint Pain, Liver. Long term problems are just now surfacing.

My recommendation? Get off of Accutane if you are now on it. Don't take it, if you are considering it. Really consider the possible long term consequences. Accutane is not a cure. There are less drastic medications available. Also consider diet. I have been off of all acne medication since I started taking Flax Seed Oil daily. I took Accutane when I was 21. I am now 47. I need +2.50 bifocals to read. I also have back pain caused by a herniated and now deteriorated disc. I also have joint pain. I have always been active and never over-weight. I believe that the Accutane has played some part in permanently damaging the tissues of my body that are subject to moisture loss and pliability loss.
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October 14, 2008

Cons:

fatigue, chronic dry, scaly skin and chapped lips, headaches, extreme photosensitivity, overall sense of feeling sick

This drug did more damage to me than anything I have ever tried. I was on it for 3 months and i became so sick with it that I couldn't function. After the bloodwork came back for the third month my doctor told me to stop taking it immediately as it had done a considerable amount of damage to my liver, which is not permanently damaged because of this f**king drug. This drug is poison, its toxic. I would not wish the suffering I endured during the three months I was on it.
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August 15, 2008

Pros:

There are absolutely no pros about this medication. I kid you not. I thought that I would be one of the people who only had pros... I was wrong... and should have went with my gut instinct not to start it!

Cons:

Severe headache, dizziness, horrible stomach burn, nausea, trouble breathing, felt like something was in my throat, couldn't swallow, sore ribs, you name it... I more than likely had it.

I've had cystic acne on and off since 10th grade. I'm now currently a senior in college. I took this drug for ONLY one week and had this severe reaction to it. I have not been the same ever since. It's been 5 months since I stopped taking it. I've been trying very hard to overcome all this, the only trouble I have left is the feeling of something being in my throat, and I occasionally suffer from panic attacks.I sometimes have trouble walking around a lot. I feel like the blood is rushing to my head. This medicine is NOT worth it. I'm a nursing student and I've talked to multiple doctors who told me after I took it that it was the worst drug for your body. It does more harm than good. Please take my advice and DO NOT use it. There are other options out there available. Believe me, I've tried EVERYTHING imaginable to try and rid myself of acne. Birth control like Yaz has done wonders for me. So I do recommend the birth control at least.
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July 26, 2008

Pros:

After going through 5 months of hell while taking it, I had PERFECT skin for two years.

Cons:

After two years my acne came back worse than before. During the 5 months of taking it I had horrible breakouts, super dry skin, rashes on my hands, dry, cracked, bleeding lips and nose bleeds.

I took Accutane when I turned 18. When I was done taking it my skin broke out for a couple of more months and then it was absolutely perfect for about 2 1/2 years. Then all hell broke loose and my acne came back much worse than before (moderate before...moderate/severe now). Even though 2 1/2 years of perfect skin was worth it, don't think I would do it again. I think Accutane is an absolute God send for some people...just didn't work for me :(
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May 20, 2008

Pros:

you will think it works, but....

Cons:

VERY DANGEROUS! CAUSES BACTERIA DISBALANCE IN YOUR DIGESTION, YOU RUN HIGH RISK OF HAVING CANDIDOSIS AFTER USING IT!!! CANDIDOSIS CAUSES ACNE!!! STOP AS SOON AS YOU CAN! ACNE WILL COME BACK

it is absolutely clear that this medication is highly dangerous and has not cured anyone in long term! You will end up treating your candida for the rest of your life! Please read: Accutane - Dangerous Answer For Severe Acne ([link removed]>Accutane and alike, provoke an overgrowth of fungus called candida- WHICH CAUSES ACNE!!! Yeast infection is almost impossible to treat! you will be on a strict diet for the rest of your life or will end up not knowing what has actually happened to you, blaming it on different external treatments. Please investigate before using it! be more careful! doctors who write prescriptions for it make huge mistake and they know 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