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 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.

3.9
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Read All About Isotretinoin (Accutane®)
Compare To Other Treatments
5
37.1%
4
33.4%
3
15.5%
2
7.3%
1
6.6%

Used Isotretinoin (Accutane®)? Rate It:

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July 10, 2009

Pros:

it worked while i was on it and 2 months after

Cons:

it came back shortly after i was finished with the course and very dry skin

well it is good for bad acne but some people have remision as my self 2 -3 months after my course was through it came back not as bad as it once was like cystic acne but it did cum back pretty bad
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July 4, 2009

Pros:

clears pimples!
can wear less makeup
only product that actually works!

Cons:

dry lips and face, headaches

i have only been using isotane for two weeks. the doctor said it would get worse before it got better, but after 2 weeks, i have had no itial breakouts, my skin is clearing and so far my skin isnt too dry, neither are my lips. just wondering if the scars are going to clear though. definately reccomend it.
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July 3, 2009

Pros:

Cleared up skin nicely temporarily.

Cons:

Had four sinus infections during the time I took the medication. It could get very painful, and the sore skin in my nose caused bleeding. Sore eyes, chapped lips, feeling sore and stiff to a degree, etc.

I would have thought it was worth it if it had cleared me up permanent. I was unfortunately in the 20% who get the acne back - I suspect it is because I get the acne due to hormones.
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June 27, 2009

Pros:

Has cleared all of my acne within the first week. Clear skin, and increased self image

Cons:

Dry lips. Minor intial break out ( 1-2 days).

After suffering from acne for 7 years I finally went to the dermatologist and was prescribed this accutane along with Skinorem cream. I am very pleased with my results and have clear skin for the first time in a long time. price covered by insurance.
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June 6, 2009

Pros:

Dramatically decrease oil production. no more acne.

Cons:

after the course of medication, THE OIL ALL CAME BACK without hesitation. dropping of hair.

I still recommend it to those with severe and moderate acne. NOT all people's oil came back after the course, guess I was the unlucky one. and my hair drop a lot, I'm having slight receeding hairline. sad. but acne have not been back. only 2-3 small pimples once a week. my back ance is completely cured, and is super smooth now. just really upset that the oil came back, my face is so oily!!
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May 29, 2009

Pros:

Saw immediate results, skin feels great

Cons:

dry lips, dry cheeks, and dry hands, and joint aches

It is the best thing I have used. I have tried everything, and this finally works! Even though the dryness and joint aches increase everyday, tylenol helps the aches and lotion and chapstick helps the dry areas. Other than that it is WONDERFULLLLLLLL!
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May 26, 2009

Pros:

Has completely cleared acne, only medicine that worked for me. Skin is smooth. No more acne breakouts.

Cons:

Very dry skin, some post hair loss,

as a last resort its amazing
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April 23, 2009

Pros:

Oiliness gone in 1 month

Cons:

chapped lips, dry nose, couple of headaches

I'm only in my 2nd month of treatment but I have to say so far I like this medication. The oil in my face has drastically been reduced and that has caused me to have less acne. I have broken out a little here and there, but it clears up in a couple days, much faster than before. I take Sotret, 20mg 2x a day. Also using Clyndimycin topical lotion and Benzoyl Peroxide 10% face wash in conjunction with the meds. Hasn't dried me out YET but I'm sure it will soon. I am active duty military so I receive this medicine at no cost to me.
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April 16, 2009

Pros:

Skin is clearing up

Cons:

Chapped lips, Skin slightly burns when washing, Slight headache, and nose is starting to get dry

My skin is starting to clear up. I have not really getting headaches but this kindof pain in my neck and on the back of my head. My facewash (cetaphil) is starting to burn when i use it. I have only been using accutane for a month but it seems to be doing it's job. Hopefully by the end of treatment i will be 100% clear. The cost isn't to bad for me. I have to pay copay of 32.00 when I go to the derm and 10.00 copay for claravis (generic accutane).
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April 15, 2009

Pros:

Cleared up acne for good

Cons:

Slightly dry skin and chapped lips experienced

I had tried every type of acne treatment out there and had heard bad things about Accutane and was scared to use it. But, after discussing it with my doctor and her prescribing it to my weight, I was able to give it a try. Within a month my skin was looking better. And after the full 6 month treatment, my skin was completely clear and now it's been a year later and I have only had 2 pimples since. I recommend this to anyone and urge them not to waste money on other products that don't work.
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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