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.

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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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December 23, 2008

Pros:

definitely got rid of acne forever

Cons:

miserable. blood work, chapped lips, dry skin, mood swings, it was pretty much hell for me.

it worked, but was it worth it? eh
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December 21, 2008

Pros:

it works well, i've have been off it for about 2 months and my skin has remained consitant

Cons:

dry eyes, sensitivity to weather, chapped/dry lips.

the side effects were not severe, i was on the tablets for 6 months.. i have been off the medication for 2 months and my skin has got sliglty oilier but it is nothing compared to what it was before i started the treatment.
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November 2, 2008

Pros:

Definite improvement, though it takes time. Skin no longer oily, pimples decreasing as treatment progresses.

Cons:

Perpetual Side Effects: Infinitely dry lips, dry arms (I didn't really get a dry face)
Side Effects Early On In Treatment: extreme fatigue in the first month of treatment, dry eyes, strange appetite, moodiness, muscle stiffness

I'm 17 and I was prescribed a very high dose right off the bat, with no adjustment period. I think that attributes to the severe side effects I experienced early on--I was taking 2 naps a day, and never felt good. I was moody and my appetite was off. But, after a few weeks, that went away almost entirely. I am a runner and only when stretching do I feel muscle stiffness. In my third month of treatment (80mg/day for five months), and acne is finally starting to get much better. The medicine TAKES A LONG TIME TO WORK, AND YOUR ACNE WILL GET WORSE BEFORE IT GETS BETTER. I still have acne on my neck and lower jaw, but I notice an improvement on a weekly basis. I recommend the treatment. But, be prepared to buy a TON of chapstick.
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October 30, 2008

Pros:

Clearing up my skin, face not as oily.

Cons:

Super severe dry cracked lips. Very dry skin, a few nosebleeds and knee joints are in pain

Ok, i had acne since i was in 2nd grade :(. Now as the years went by my face has gotten worse. In 7th grade I thought "omg i cant let nobody see me like this" In 10th grade I looked at my 7th pictures and i said to myself" Dang i didnt have acne at all!" In 10th grade my face was really bad. Between Nov. and Jan, I used Benzaclin and my face was pretty much clar but then it came back horribly. I then used Retin a micro and that crap really made my look liked pizza :( Omg i was so depressed. I been using that for a few months and I decided its time to use the ultimate weapon, Accutane!. Well my doctor put me on 40mg and the firstr weeks my face got worse. I had pimples about the size of a penny!!!!!!!. Then that zit went away like a day later. I've been on this for 1 month and a half and i have seen major improvments. I have acne still but not a s bad.
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October 18, 2008

Pros:

Very affective on my acne. It took a good 4 months before I saw the benefits but now my skin is great. I've only been off for about 2 months so I'm not sure how long it'll last. but over all a great product, I wish I had tried along time ago.

Cons:

definately makes the skin dry, however, I had no big problems, other than carrying chapstick 24/7 it wasn't that bad.

I've seen alot of bad reviews, but in my experience it worked great.
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October 8, 2008

Pros:

works, but be patient even when breakouts occur and feeling/thinking it won't ever clear up

Cons:

dry skin/nosebleeds/pain in back

i had a massive breakout in my 3rd month and now in the 4th month all clears up very slowly, just little red marks waiting to clear up which my derm has told me it will, but will take another 6-8 weeks pls be patient and carry on with treatmeat.
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October 5, 2008

Pros:

immense , if you wnat to get rid of acne take this !! wonder drug.Gives you so much confidence, thanx for accuatne!!

Cons:

minor efects , dry lips, you can live withis easily.

comoing to the end of a 6 month course , on 40mg a day and I am the happiest I have ever been. CLEAR SKIN YES!!!
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September 30, 2008

Pros:

After six months of treatment my acne is gone

Cons:

Extremely dry, sensitive skin - Cracked and bleeding lips - Constipation - Lower back pain - If you don't have insurance it is very expensive. - Thin skin which tore at the slightest touch which eventually led to bacterial infection...

I was at the max dose for 4 out of 6 months. By the end of the 3rd month I was ready to quit due to the side effects...but the drug was working and my acne was disappearing. So I stuck it out. I am now acne free (it is 7 weeks since my last dose and I feel so much better than while taking Accutane). I would recommend Accutane to anyone with bad acne. Be ready to stick to some strict guidelines (monthly visits, blood tests, etc). Drink a LOT of water - even if you're not thirsty, drink water. Then drink some more. I found that Cetaphil (sp?) products worked great while I was on accutane. I used the mosturizing cream as lip balm because nothing else worked... I still use it, actually. My insurance paid ~$300-500 per month just for the Sotret - Dr's appts were approx $100-400 per month...not cheap. Only cost me $45 per month total - otherwise I couldn't have done it.
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September 30, 2008

Pros:

acne is getting better. less oil

Cons:

very dry lips, dry skin, joint pains

ok its been a week and a half and my skin is getting better. Less oil production. However, the side effects i'm going throught are dry lips(severe) and dry skin, and dry eyes. My eyes feel like they weigh about a ton. I'm tired most of the time. My acne does get worse for a few times then it goes away.
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September 22, 2008

Pros:

it really cleared all spots , my skin was smooth , less oil production, during the period i used it i could wash my hair only 2-3 times a week.

Cons:

expensive , VERY DRY skin when using it I even had to apply pure shea butter on it ;D very dry lips and eyes, it takes very long to cure your acne , if you squeeze a pimple it heals much longer than without accutane and it is temporary not permanent

I haven't got acne for about 5 months after it but now it started to show again and i have to use some treatments again , i will try not so serious ones , but if my acne will get worse i will use accutane again.
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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