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
2791
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:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
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.
This Was Helpful

Report
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.
This Was Helpful

Report
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.
This Was Helpful

Report
September 7, 2008

Pros:

Cleared acne everywhere on my body.

Cons:

All the dry skin and bloody noses

I worked. I had 2 seperate treatments. Both lasted only about a year or two then it came back just as bad. I am now 21 and still battling acne but without insurance or money to get accutane ever again. I suggest it, only if you know you can continue using it forever because it DOES come back. I'm trying out zinc right now along with bp. We'll see how that goes.
This Was Helpful

Report
September 6, 2008

Pros:

Clears skin pretty quick

Cons:

Dry lips, Diarrhea, Headaches, Mild Depression

Just about done my first month and I'm already seeing major improvement. It takes a while for it to start working but it's well worth it if you're patient.
This Was Helpful

Report
August 26, 2008

Pros:

cleared my face for straight 5 years,but..(read the cons). Well had skin dryness(acceptable compared to face full of acne),mild burning of eyes, chapping of lips, nothing much.

Cons:

its 5 yrs since i took accutane, but now its back to bad face days,and its back with vengeance, damn! getting them again on face, back, and hips(i shampoo almost daily, so don't suggest dandruff). have some hair loss too.

Use it, it surely cured my severe acne problem. but 5 yrs down the line, i am back to square one. i have vampire horn like bald areas on both sides of my head. Plus a peace of advice for some silly docs, acne is really not related to diet, or uncleanliness, but something else.. wish i knew that.
This Was Helpful

Report
August 25, 2008

Pros:

Clears up severe stubborn acne.

Cons:

Everything becomes dry. Nose, lips, skin, joints, etc. My lips were the worst to deal with until i started using carmex. It healed my dry peeling lips overnight. Mood swings occur. it's pretty much an act of congress to be allowed to use this stuff.

I'd try to find other natural ways to heal your acne. because even though your acne clears up while you are on it, as soon as you come off of it, months later the acne comes back. so not only did you have to suffer through the 5 months of accutane, your acne will still come back (possibly not as severe as when you went on it), but you also end up with horrible scars that developed from the devastating break-out process that you have during the first 2 months of being on accutane. And overall, it's really not a good medication for your body. Look for more natural ways. I'd rather change my diet before I go on this stuff again.
This Was Helpful

Report
August 12, 2008

Pros:

It cleared some of my acne.

Cons:

So many I don't even know where to start. First of all it didn't clear up any of my cysts. But it made me feel so sick and depressed. My lips were so dry, cracked, and sore. It ruined my vision so now I have to wear glasses.

This drug helps a lot of people, but I feel like it did more harm than help to me. I feel this way because the majority of my acne was cystic, and accutane didnt help that, and it was extremely frustrating. Eventually, coupled with prednizone, it started to clear my face. Now 6 months after I've been off of it, my acne is BACK. Acne is ridiculous, I hate it, God bless anyone else dealing wit a severe case.
This Was Helpful

Report
July 22, 2008

Pros:

The Long term effects are good, no hormonal disturbances as with contraceptives etc, gets rid of cysytic painfull non squeezable acne.

Cons:

While on the medication you have to be preparde for certain side effects. I've had headaches, my eyes seem to not agree with contact lenses,very tired, agression, joint and muscle ache, no drinking when socilaising, no going in the sun in summer

I think if you mentally prepare yourself that for 6 months or so you'll have to live with these symptoms and you think of the benefits at the end then you'll be able to get through it. Some people dont even experience half of these symptoms. I went on this the 1st time about 5 years ago when i was 15, my acne returned again when i was 20 but i think that was due to a hormonal imbalance, but the roaccutane is working. I just hope it does not return after another 5 years! I've heard of crazy suicidal stories which freaked me out but if i feel down i just keep telling myself its the medication. i think its the best medication if you want to stop the vicious circle of tryin everything and for acne to return and for severe acne cases.
This Was Helpful

Report
July 4, 2008

Pros:

Clear skin for a long time!

Cons:

Break out period that is bad.

I went on accutane after trying everything out there. Seriously, everything! Once i started taking the pill, i started breaking out. The breaking out was pretty bad. Everyday, a new pimple. I was miserable and my face was worse than ever but i was hopeful. After about a month, two the most... my skin was perfect. Seriously, perfect. I ALWAYS wore makeup and after this treatment i went out of the house without any makeup. I was clear for about 6 months but then started breaking out again. I went to go on it for a second time but it made me sick. I am now off of it, years later and back to breaking out. The only reason i wont go back on it again is because i dont want to break out for a month. But i do wish i did it a month ago so i would be clear now!
This Was Helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 173 174 175 176 177 … 212
Next

Relevant Article(s):

Relevant Review(s):

Relevant Forum(s):

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