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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3.9
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Read All About Isotretinoin (Accutane®)
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5
37.1%
4
33.4%
3
15.6%
2
7.4%
1
6.6%

Used Isotretinoin (Accutane®)? Rate It:

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June 16, 2009

Pros:

smoother skin, less redness and only 1 or 2 pimples

Cons:

small lines, dry lips, dry skin

Hi, I've been on roaccutane for 6 weeks now at a dosage of 30mg per day. I have very very mild acne, but all through my teenage life and adult life it came and went and used to flare up when I was really stressed. Now I am on roaccutane, it has improved a lot, but I am noticing small wrinkles around my eyes and on my forehead. I mosturise regularly. I have been recommended a six month course but want to stop around the 4th month. Don't want permenant wrinkles. What do I do? Does this medication really cause wrinkles?
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June 15, 2009

Pros:

It cleared up everything & it gave me back my confidence.

Cons:

It made my acne way worse during the first couple months & i had to take it for about 6 months & too much blood word & my side effects were: really dry lips, gave me some kind of rash on my arms and hands for a couple weeks, my skin was too dry.

Well. I had the worst acne ever, it was actually grose, i was afriad to show my face to anyone. So then i took this. My acne was even worse when i first took it, then it started getting better around the 4th month. Anyways i been off my accutane for about 9 months now but you know what, im starting to get my acne back :( & apperantly once you took it it cleared your skin forever...
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June 10, 2009

Pros:

gives self-esteem and confidence, cleared my mild acne completely

Cons:

blood work, joint pain, sensitive skin, dry eyes, dry lips,

It cleared my mild acne completely. Now all I have are little red marks to deal with! Really this drug has helped me become more social and has really raised my self-esteem and confidence. If this is your last result likeit was fpr me, just TRY IT! You won't be disappointed.
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May 31, 2009

Pros:

Clear Skin, less oil all over, no more oily hair, no body breakouts at all!

Cons:

dry lips, sunburn easily, occasional nose bleed, leg cramps

I love this stuff! I tried everything for years. I no longer have acne. My skin is flawless which i haven't had since I was in my 20's. I would definately recommend this to anyone struggling to find something that works and continues to get breakouts on their face or body. I was a but discouraged at first because it took a little longer than I expected to clear up but by the second month I started to notice real results. I am now on my 6th month and will be on it for at least 3 more months. This is definately worth the time and money to do the treatment. This treatment was extremely expensive since I do not have prescription coverage.
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May 27, 2009

Pros:

amaazing results, cleared my skin up completely in 2-4 months, i didn't have to wash my hair as often as i had to before the drug, amazing skin!

Cons:

dry lips, make up didn't stay on my face one the dryness hit, and about a year after taking it, acne is starting to come back :(

great short (ish) term product for teenaged acne
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May 20, 2009

Pros:

less frequent breakouts, skin is much less oily, severity of breakouts is already improving.

Cons:

monthly blood tests (i hate needles)
the usual dry skin and chapped lips aren't too bad, but i have had severe joint and lower back pain. also, if not taken with food or milk, the medicine causes upset stomach.

The pros definitely outweigh the cons. If you take the medicine with yogurt, the stomach aches are completely manageable. I definitely recommend using a good face moisturizer and plenty of chapstick prior to, and during the course of treatment. Also, I've found that Neutrogena Gentle Face Wash (it's the one in the blue bottle) doesn't irritate the skin compared to other cleansers I've tried. Your skin will initially get worse before beginning to improve, just be prepared for that. The cons are mostly just nuisances that are completely manageable. It's totally worth it to put up with the few side effects.
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May 15, 2009

Pros:

reduces oil, improves texture of skin, simple to take

Cons:

Can be costly for some, I had a few side effects like lower back pain and nosebleeds

I am going into my third month on it and have seen little to no improvement in the actual break-outs! In fact, it got much worse in the first few months with them most painfull acne i have ever had. But the oil is greatly reduced and i don't have to constantly shlop on topical medications. Hopefully i will see improvements soon.
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May 14, 2009

Pros:

CLEAR SKIN!!!! This is the only important pro for me. But other pros are no more oily face and hair, make up stays put instead of dissolving after an hour.

Cons:

dry lips, skin and hair which can all be taken care of with good products.Severe fatigue and joint/muscle pain in final months of treatment.Can't go out in the sun for prolonged periods, even with sunscreen I got a rash and mild sunburn.

I noticed the side effect are worse in the last couple months of treatment, the fatigue was unbelievable, and I couldn't make it to the gym more then a couple times a week due to fatigue and severe muscle strain after going. However nothing was unbearable especially knowing the course of treatment ends after 5 months and the pros of clear skin definatly outweigh the cons in the end.
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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.
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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.
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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