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.

 [more]
3.9
2787
Read All About Isotretinoin (Accutane®)
Compare To Other Treatments
5
37.1%
4
33.4%
3
15.6%
2
7.4%
1
6.6%

Used Isotretinoin (Accutane®)? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
October 29, 2007

Pros:

Clear skin after a few months.

Cons:

Have been on medication 3 times in the past 4-5 years. Keeps coming back!

It was the only thing that worked after trying every single topical medicine and oral antibiotic.
This Was Helpful

Report
October 25, 2007

Pros:

Skin became clear in two months

Cons:

The first month was the worst month as the initial breakout really make depressed.

Worth a try but do not go up more than 40mg as you may suffer slightly more severe side effects.
This Was Helpful

Report
September 26, 2007

Pros:

Acne cleared finally and minimal pimples since treatment stopped. Nothing and I mean NOTHING else worked. 16 years old looks human again!! Skin is clear, no scars-like my relatives and my self esteem is much improved.

Cons:

Extreme dryness resulting in freq and occas. long lasting nosebleeds, HUGE expense if you don't have insurance coverage (Would have been over 1000 monthly due to the very large doses I had to take) alittle bit of moodiness, dry body skin.

Needed 90-100 mg daily (based on weight and resistance to medication). TOO expensive for private pay! Very few people could afford this amount if it was out of pocket--but my insurance was GREAT. Nose bleeds, dry skin and lips, shorter tolerance for contact lenses. All very worth the 8 months on medication because now only occas. individual pimples on face, no cystic acne and nothing on my back. My self esteem has soared. Must bear in mind the potential for birth defects and take this very seriously!!
This Was Helpful

Report
September 25, 2007

Pros:

Significantly reduced oil production on face during the first 2 weeks! Half way through and praying that it rids my mild and persistant acne for good! Have tried everything, spent houndreds of dollars over the past 3 years on creams etc.

Cons:

Side effects are real. I have most of them but they are mild. Dry skin all over body, except face (which is wierd), change in mood (depression) but for me worth it if it clears up my skin!, slight joint pains. Will update when finished taking it!

I am half was through my 6 journey. Skin was looking great until my dermotologist performed ance surgery to remove deeply pitted white heads under my skin, marking was not so bad until i started picking at them myself! Do not pick your face on this medicine! I have been scabbed up for 3 weeks now. I suffer from persistant (over the past 4 years) ance that would probably have cleared up by now if i never picked at it. Picking caused my pores to enlarge and capture excess serebum oil. I feel my pores shrinking while on acutane. I am a very healthy eater (natural foods only) rice, vegtables, oatmeal, lean meats, fruits, veggies etc. So acne cant be from poor nutrition! I also excersise 5-6 times per week. ALSO dont drink alcohal while on this medication. Had a friend whos husband drank while on it and started LOOSING HIS HAIR! not to mention what he did to his liver because this medicine is harsh on your liver. I would reccoment this medicine for people that have tried EVERYTHING!
This Was Helpful

Report
August 24, 2007

Pros:

I've been using Oratane... a cheaper version of Accutane and it works well! I don't have an oily face anymore and I've been on it for.. hmmm.. wow 11 months! It works!

Cons:

I get the occasional pimple but they are not so big. Dry lips, dry skin, and thirsty. My dermatologist said it worked so well my Asian skin are building up keloids.. but they look like pimples rather than something out of a horror movie.

I'm happy with it! I feel much better and it is a big confidence boost. Try it... or go see your doctor or a dermatologist a.s.a.p. because I waited for four years and left it too late.
This Was Helpful

Report
August 18, 2007

Pros:

Wipes out breakouts the first month! And knocks out all of the oily-ness I have put up with for several years, so it makes your skin a lot more manageable and feels and looks so clean.

Cons:

Skin is desert dry and very tight; Lips are extremely chapped outline of mouth is especially cracked, so that it may bleed if you do not use Vaseline, Aquaphor, or any other medicated lip treatment for it; lower back and chest pain may occur

It is definitely a must try if you are fed up with acne and such oily skin. It will boost your confidence to the max, so do not be afraid to ask for this medication if you are a good candidate for it, or if your dermatologist recommends it.
This Was Helpful

Report
August 15, 2007

Pros:

it works

Cons:

none

Do not be afraid to use this product. I wish I had used it years ago. Had no side affects. 114 lbs female 80 mg per day. 100% clear month 4. Do not be afraid. As everyone else, had tried everything. Very fair strawberry blonde.
This Was Helpful

Report
August 11, 2007

Pros:

Works so well to cure ALL ACNE

Cons:

Costs 550$ if your insurance doesnt cover and the rules are REALLY strict while you are one it...you have to coordinate your life around getting the presicription filled and you have to go to the derm once a month.

This is an amazing medicine, I had to take is twice. The first time I took it I was on it for 5 months and my skin was incredible for 5 months, then it broke out so bad but not as bad as before so I went back on it for 5 months again and it cleared my skin even more but low and behold 5 months later I broke out again but only mildly very mild and tolerable and nothing big at all, topical ointments for life i guess... but dont be scared of this med, it is incredible and will make you feel amazing because it is so effective just remember to use sking cream about 2 months after you get oof it so your skin stays clear!
This Was Helpful

Report
August 10, 2007

Pros:

all acne (face and body) clears up during use

Cons:

EXTREMELY dry, cracked lips and skin and swollen face
change in mood
extreme fatigue

I was first on a generic brand which worked fairly well. It seemed like a miracle because my skin was nearly completely clear. Then my dermatologist switched me to the actual thing, and my skin cleared completely. However, my personality changed and I was always tired. I look back at pictures from when I was on it, and my whole face was swollen. My lips would bleed because they were chapped so bad (throughout the treatment). After having been off it four months, my skin started breaking out again. After a year and a half, it looked exactly the way it did before I began treatment. For me (and my sister who also too it) it is a temporary fix that was not worth the horrible side effects.
This Was Helpful

Report
August 6, 2007

Pros:

I have dealt with cystic acne and very oily skin since age 13. After trying everything, Accutane was my last hope. Within months, my skin was drier than it had been in years, and my cystic acne was gone.

Cons:

Without insurance, Accutane can be very expensive.

Accutane gave me my life back. I would reccommend it to anyone.
This Was Helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 177 178 179 180 181 … 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