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:
May 5, 2009

Pros:

NO OIL! My hair was even oil free!! At the end of my day, instead of feeling like my face was wet with oil, it was perfectly dry, like I had just put my make-up on! Also clears skin! :)

Cons:

Dry skin, making make-up look silly on your face. Redness at first, and of course dry/chapped/peely lips. Everything pretty much dries up on you, but I can deal with those things, if I can deal with acne!

This is my second time on the medication. First time took 4 months before I got results, it made me break out terribly, and it was the most painful acne I had ever had. But it cleared me up, it like took all the acne that was under the surface, and brought it all up at once. About 6 months after being off accutane, acne started coming back, not as bad, but still bad to where I always had like 4 pimples on my face at a time. Been on it 6 days so far, and already getting dry and red, but i know it works, so I am hopefull! Also I have good insurance, and only have to pay a copay of $15 for the med. Without insurance the cash price of 40mg twice a day, was listed as $720...that's only a months supply too (and it's normally a 6 month course)..Even though I know it works, I don't know if I could afford it without insurance.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 4, 2009

Pros:

It gets rid of your acne within a month or two while you're on it.

Cons:

It comes back afterwards. Hassle with all the blood tests.

I used Accutane when I was 16, it got rid of my acne, but it all came back within a year. I used it again about a year ago, and my acne has not come back full swing again. I do get some mild acne here and there but it's nothing like before.
This Was Helpful

Report
May 3, 2009

Pros:

Reddish bumps gone completely, barely any oil on face,

Cons:

Extremely chopped lips(actually started to peal off), horrible skin breakout around mouth, expensive,

I would definitely recommend this pill to anyone but my acne is still very visible even after the full 4 month phase. My doctor said that all of the reddish dots on face and the acne left will fade away slowly. I still think accutane has really helped. Best product i used so far.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 2, 2009

Pros:

It did reduce break out and oiliness of skin, temporary.

Cons:

IT CAME ALL BACK after eating it for 1 year. Thin hair.

It caused hair thinning, it gave me false hope. and suddenly, it came ALL BACK.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
April 30, 2009

Pros:

skin cleared up completely in like 2 months. 1 month left, hopefully the acne will stay away. I can go for days without washing my face, and no fear at all of acne, never have to look in the mirror to check for pimples and white heads, fantastic.

Cons:

very dry skin, but much better than any acne. also very chapped lips but nothing in comparison to acne. if feel like i can look someone in the face without them having to look at acne its great, I did have suicidal thoughts but i think that depends..

... on personality and lifestyle etc etc. i strongly recommend this pill to anyone with acne no matter how severe, everyone on this site is saying how affordable the drug is, but that is if you have good insurance, if you dont have any insurance a months supply of pills will cost up around $400. mine only cost me 20$, I would just double check with your pharmacist. definitly worth the money, 5 months and possibly a lot of money for a new way of life for the rest of your life.
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
April 30, 2009

Pros:

Skin clearing up, no oilyness, less acne

Cons:

Severe skin & lip dryness...cannot have dirct contact with sunlight

It's great i love it. It put an end to all the misery i faced from acne. Even though there are side effects, but its all worth it, and i would take it all over again!
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
April 28, 2009

Pros:

absolutely beautiful skin

Cons:

really dry lips
dry eyes

bring chapstick with you EVERYWHERE you go. other than that, i didnt think it was that bad my skin was absolutely perfect within 3 months of taking this medication and stayed that way for nearly a year. Accutane was the only thing that's ever worked for me.. definitely give it a try! it was one of the best things ever to happen to me. unfortunately, my acne did come back, but only about 20% as strong. i'm starting a second course in june to hopefully get rid of it for good...
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
April 26, 2009

Pros:

starting to clear up.

Cons:

dry lips!!!!

im starting on my 2nd month. im on 40 mg. my skin is still breaking out....bad! im hoping this will end soon. its large pimples but i can tell my skin under that is clearing up good. im hoping im a couple months :)
This Was Helpful

Report
April 25, 2009

Pros:

Clears skin up fast

Cons:

dryness, high sensitivity to UV, some muscle pain

I'm just about to finish a seven month course, and it worked great. I do still have scarring, but whatever it's better than acne. Get this. It works.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
April 24, 2009

Pros:

See results in just one wk and this is my 2nd wk. Lots of people compliment and noticed the results thus far. Finally was able to go out last weeknd after wks of hibernation.

Cons:

The usual dry skin and chapped lips etc. Also noticed more bad/nightmarish dreams.

Love this miracle drug ...SO FAR. This is my 1st round and 4 1/2 months left to go. Doc started out with pretty strong dosage 80mg/day which i was pretty ecstatic that he did because dont have the time and patience to wait for it to slowly kick in. ASK YOUR DERMATOLOGIST TO START OUT W' STRONG DOSAGE and maybe gradually decrease as u get more clearer. As far as mood changes and joint/ muscle pain etc... I HAVE NONE. I havent been more happy and confident in several months until i took this drug. I have been working out and jogging and have not noticed any unsual sore and ache like a a typical workout.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 121 122 123 124 125 … 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