Isotretinoin (Accutane®)
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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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5
37.1%
4
33.4%
3
15.6%
2
7.4%
1
6.6%

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April 12, 2007

Pros:

works wonders skin is very clear within 2 months

Cons:

dry lips mood swings joint pains very severe. irregular monthly bleeding at first also coupled with joint pain

works very well need a lot of patience to deal with side effects otherwise a good product even if it is expensive in south africa
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April 10, 2007

Pros:

It works.

Cons:

Dry lips, eyes, nose and skin. Joint aches and tiredness.

You have to be patient when using this medication. It cleared up my acne and I have been clear for the last 3 months (I've used it for 5 months). It does seem to make it worse before it gets better, so be patient. I'm now off this stuff for 3 weeks and have never felt better. Stopped taking it because of terrible joint aches. The side effects seemed to clear quickly too - my skin is normal, not the oily yuckyness I had before. This is definitely worth while.
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April 8, 2007

Pros:

its helping..but i just started will it really clear up? its been 3 weeks since i been on it.

Cons:

very dry skin and crack lips.

From all the pro's that i see going on about Accutane i am postive that accutane will work for me hopefully in the next months. but it cant help the scarrings and the emotional problems. but seriouly if someone is reading this, let me know please when is the result gonna kick in. cuz i dont really see it so far. =[
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March 30, 2007

Pros:

Cleared me up almost immediately!

Cons:

Dry, cracked skin but just on the back of my hand.

I'm heading into my last month of treatment. My symptoms have mainly been dry skin which is very controllable with some moisturizer. I've had some minor joint pain... and a total of 2 (3 second) nosebleeds. This stuff is AMAZING!! I was cleared up within my first month and have been enjoying clear skin since. I tried it all before accutane and I just wished I had started sooner... I could have save myself some scars; and I'm talking the deep pitted kind courtesy of nodular cystic acne. Acne was definitely a shock for me. I had great skin until I was 16 and then the cysts just showed up. From then on, every pimple I got was a cyst and an abnormally large one as well. I'm scared to death that the acne will return soon after the end of my treatment... but for now I can say nothing bad about Accutane. It basically saved me from depression.
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March 23, 2007

Pros:

My acne has flattened out

Cons:

Dry dry dry skin and lips

Thank you BB in NY for the comment about checking your hormone levels. I asked when I got my first blood test done to add a hormone panel because I have had migraines and irregular periods since I was 12 ... so about half of my life. My dermatologist told me to ask my gynecologist to do the panel because she didn't know what to order. Acne, migraines and irregular periods ... hmmm maybe hormonal. Anyways, I have been taking 40 mg for almost a month. She has already written the script for my second month at 80 mg a day. I was a bit freaked to double it ... but she seemed confident it was a move in the right direction. I am so not looking forward to increased dryness. However, I ordered Dr. Dan's lip therapy and have used it for a few days ' so far so good! I have been waking up early in the morning with a horribly dry throat and a bad cough ' but that might be coincidental. Also dry scalp ' everything is drying out! Just crossing my fingers that this actually works!
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March 22, 2007

Pros:

Works Well! Effects Seen Almost Immediately

Cons:

Dry Lips, Initial Breakout, A Little Costly Without Insurance, Not Able To Wax Eyebrows (For Females)

Second Time On It! Would Not Change A Thing! Had Horrible Acne And Now It's A lot Better.
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March 3, 2007

Cons:

VERY dry chapped lips...my skin is dry everywhere - have to moisturize once or twice daily.

I've only been on accutane for about a month, and dry skin and chapped lips aside, I can say that I'm noticing a difference. I was on minocin up till 2 months ago and gave myself a month to detox and flush that anti-biotic from my body. Like I said I haven't been on Accutane for too long, but I can see that its starting to work...I would say that winter is the best time to start using Accutane because of the usual lack of sun (which isn't good for your skin while on Accutane). I also have to say that if your dermatologist or doctor recommends it, then take it; don't hesitate ! the longer you wait the worse its gonna get ! Don't mess around with other anti-biotics, just get on Accutane, and stick it out. Just think about it like this, Accutane gives you bad skin for a month or two, but its definatly better than years of it. If you can get it, take it
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February 18, 2007

Pros:

Smooth skin where it clears it up. No grease.

Cons:

Dry lips, dry skin on hands, wrists, elbows and knees. Horrible scars.

I've been on 60mg of Isotretinoin a day for the last three months. My doctor prescribed it, along with a steroid and an antibiotic, because the skin was infected. The skin pretty much got less lumpy by the time I finished the course of antibiotics, but the Isotretinoin has done sod all to be honest. My skin is really horrifically dry, and I'm getting enormous boil-like spots with tiny heads just beneath my eyes and on my nose. My forehead's clear but no doubt it'll become disgusting, just like everything else has. Because I'm only 15 and still in school, there's shedloads of prejudice, and my confidence is literally on the floor. I just hope it works soon...I've heard it works for a lot of people. Fingers crossed for you guys.
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January 28, 2007

Pros:

I took accutane for 6 months. I have been off it now for 7 months and I haven't had any blemishes.

Cons:

Worsening of acne (the worst in my life) for the first 3 months (I work with kids and 1 asked if I had the chicken pox). Extreme dryness of skin. Painful lips. Nose bleeds, vaginal irritation and occasional vaginal bleeding.

I am almost 40 years old and really wanted to get my acne under control. The side effects were awful to get through but I am glad I hung in there. I have had no acne since coming off, but I was left with a significant amount of scars. My bottomline. I should have done this years ago.
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January 12, 2007

Pros:

Skin starts to clear within a month. Hair also a lot less greasy and don't need to slather on makeup.

Cons:

SUCH dry lips. Its nuts! Bleending noses, dry eyes, slightly lethargic and worst of all for me, terrible joint and muscle pain though is apparently a less common side affect. I can't even move my hand today after a game of golf.

After only about a month the jury is still out but at 30 years old I feel confident right now about finally dealing with it. The joint pain is hideous but I have 2 friends who have both been on it and they look great. Wonderful skin so I am sticking it out and praying for the same results. It can be tough to get through but I think it will be worth it. I just hope I'm not one of the people it reoccurs in. The lip dryness is nuts so deposit lip balm everywhere you go regularly so your never without because its HELL if you get caught short. Headaches, yes they happen too, as does lower back pain. God, I'm not really selling this am I? In all defense, I now feel comfortable not wearing makeup and I can wear tops that show off my cleavage instead of hiding the acne on my chest. I say, as long as your doc agrees, go for 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