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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5
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4
34.1%
3
15.3%
2
7.3%
1
6.2%

Used Isotretinoin (Accutane®)? Rate It:

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March 19, 2009

Pros:

Oil cleared within a month my blackheads just dropped out
Skin gradually got better but the main improvements came after the third month, clear after month 4. tried retin-a, 5 types of anti-biotics and countless over the counter products. this wor

Cons:

Dry skin as expected, dry lips, dry eyes, raised intracranial pressure which resulted in me being pulled of the drug a week early.

Fantastic! so far the drug is totally worth it and works (lets hope it keeps working). However it's not to be taken lightly and make sure your tough enough to stick it out for four months, this isnt for the light hearted. If your ready try this roaccutane now, its free on the NHS!
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March 18, 2009

Pros:

i am just about three weeks through my treatment, my skin is already clearing up well.

Cons:

dry lips, drinking alcohol can cause break outs and dryer skin, dry hands, back of my arms are dry and they make me flush and look slightly red. joints also ache alot wen i am in the gym.

i have had acne on my chin area since the turn of 2008 and i jst recently got put on accutane (feb 2009) by my derm. After tryin oxtetracyclin, doxycyclin and trymethoprim including millions of topical treatments like adapalene etc. i feel that accutane was my only positive cure. i do alot of weight training and take alot supplements to enhance my performance, this could have brought it on but i dnt no. i have always washed and moisturised my face morning and night since i was about twelve (i am now 19). a little tip is that if u drink wen on it yor body will dry up even more and dehydrate causing red rashes on some part of your body then u will brake out, so basically drinkin is a no! if u are thinkin about takin it bottom line is that it affected my part time job coz of mood swings but tell yor family also that u r takin it for their support u crnt do it alone!!!
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March 18, 2009

Pros:

I have been on it on two separate occasions and by the time I have been done each treatment the skin on my chest, back, and face was left PERFECT.

Cons:

See the Bottom Line. Please read the whole thing.

It was a miracle the first time I went on accutane 3 years ago and i was left with the perfect skin that I had only dreamed of. I had had slight stomach problems and a bit of a downed mood toward the end of the treatment that quickly went away when i went off the medication. After a year and a half, it came back, but not nearly to the degree that it was before. Because of the treatment, I am the extremely self-motivated, self-confident, down-to-earth girl I always knew I was, until acne made me wear a suit of armor to the world. I just went on accutane for the second time. Dryness, yeah whatever. Its called vaseline. I had to stop the treatment early and I am now seeing a therapist for dysthymic disorder. Coincidence? I think not. We'll see how life is a few months down the road but I am starting to think that clear skin was not worth risking my mental health. I reccommend this medication with GREAT CAUTION. If you feel depressed, STOP. Start with a lower dosage and bui
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March 17, 2009

Pros:

Cleared up the acne

Cons:

Dry, peeling and cracking skin on my face, hands and scalp

It worked right away on the acne on my face, neck and back but one of the main reasons I wanted to get rid of my acne was to get rid of the scaring and hyper-pigmentation on my skin. Now it's worse than it's been in years because of the peeling and cracking. Also, I've had terrible dandruff since I started this stuff four months ago. I'm just really hoping that my skin will calm down next month after I go off this stuff and I'll be clear and not so dry.
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March 13, 2009

Pros:

Completely cleared up my acne. The results lasted for about 10 years.

Cons:

The acne eventually came back but never as bad as before. The side effects may out weigh the benefits for some people. Also can be expensive if your insurance doesn't cover it.

When taking it (60 mg daily for 20 weeks) my skin and eyes were so dry and lips were horribly chapped. Could not wear any foundation while on it. Skin just flaked off. Had a HORRIBLE break out about a week after starting medicine, so bad I didn't leave my house for days. After about a month my skin was smooth like a baby! Yes it was dry but if you exfoliate and moisturize throughout the day it looked really good. My results lasted for a long time. Now in my 30's I have mild acne on my chin and around my mouth that I manage with over the counter med's. But not bad enough to repeat Accutane.
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March 12, 2009

Pros:

My skin was absolutely beautiful by about the 4th month of treatment. I totally stopped breaking out and I had never seen my skin in this great of condition.

Cons:

I have been off accutane since Nov. 2008, and I am starting to break out again. It's very frustrating, so I might have to go on accutane again. Hopefully the great results last this time.

Everyone has different results. I loved my skin while I was on accutane, but now that I have been off for a few months the results have not lasted, but I'm sure it varies from person to person. The dryness and other side affects are well worth it, I just hope a second treatment lasts.
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March 11, 2009

Pros:

skin is MUCH less oily, smoother softer skin, have not gotten a single zit since starting accutane, hopefully when my scars go away my face will be completely clear!

Cons:

elbows, hands, and lips are VERY dry ALL the time. especially my lips...i have to carry chapstick with me all the time now. my face feels tight after i wash it so i need to apply moisterizer to it. i think my vision might be blurred a little

i am 17 and i have moderate/severe acne. i get it mostly on around my mouth and on my cheeks. i have VERY oily skin. i would have to use blotting paper all the time and even that wouldn't get all of the oil off my face. i also have HORRIBLE scarring. i dont get TOO many pimples at one time but i have TONS of red spots all over my face from past breakouts esp 1 big one on my cheek. a typical breakout would be 2-3 zits at a time. i literally tried EVERYTHING for my face - from basic oral prescriptions to septra to birth control. finally my derm put me on accutane as a last resort. i started 2 weeks ago & already i feel results. my face is MUCH less oily, although i still have some oil on my cheeks at the end of the day which i hope will reduce w/ time. but i dont have to wipe down my face anymore! my skin is smoother & i have not gotten a single new zit yet! this is WORTH the hassle. it works WONDERS. never before have i felt this good about my skin
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March 11, 2009

Pros:

It clears you skin fast, if you drink lots of water you barely know you are taking anything, your blackheads come out at night and wash away in the shower!!!

Cons:

Monthly blood tests, iPLEDGE program (while I know why they do it, it still is annoying). can raise cholesterol and tryglycerides

I know a lot of people can have negative side effects, but it is different for everyone and you should consult your doctor. I waited as long as possible to take it (I am now 27) and I am glad because I think it is important to know your body before you take it. While some people really suffer and don't get the results from Accutane, so many people have wonderful, life changing results. If acne is ruining you life and making you not want to go out and be yourself, it is definitely worth the risk of all of the side effects. Most people barely even know they are taking it. I am sorry for all of the people who haven't had the same experience.
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March 10, 2009

Pros:

It cleared up my severe acne for which nothing else had helped. And my face was perfect for a few years, with not more than a random white head every couple months.

Cons:

I had severe dryness all over my face and body, sometimes to the point of cracking and bleeding. My face got even worse before getting better.

Up until about 6 months ago i thought the hell i went through on accutane was all worth it. But then it came back. I am now battling pretty sever acne again, and I am headed back to the dermetologist to see what we can do.
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March 9, 2009

Pros:

Very effective. Will completely nullify the most severe acne.

Cons:

Side effects are not only present during the the medication, but sometimes after the medication. Skin is very high maintenance after medication is taken. Excessive moisture is needed, or acne will come back.

Accutane has saved my life. I had disgusting acne, like really bad. When I took accutane, it started to clear up and my skin was perfect. However, during the medication, my face got really red, my eyes were bloodshot almost 24/7, and my skin was very dry. At the end of the medication, my acne was diminished completely, but the redness was still present. Soon after, my acne did come back, but I doubt it will ever be as bad as it was before I took the medication. When taking accutane, I recommend drinking LOTS of water, not only to keep the redness down, but to keep the blood with blood distribution and circulation. Also, I recommend eating a fattening food , or any food for that matter, before taking the daily dosage of accutane. When the criteria of nutrition and moisture are met, you have a higher chance of getting rid of acne for good. And try to miss as few days as possible! P.S DO NOT stop washing your face just because you are taking accutane!
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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