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:
November 3, 2006

Pros:

IT WORKS GREAT. WORKS FAST. NO OTHER PRODUCT BROUGHT FASTER RESULTS. WAS VERY SATISFIED.

Cons:

IT CAN CAUSE DEPRESSION BUT ITS A MATTER OF SELF CONTROL AND PAYING ATTENTION TO YOUR SYMPTOMS will make you more suitable for the medication.it does cause mood swings but hey who cares i look beautiful and know what you need to take care of.

Its not for everybody. not every patient can deal with the drawbacks as you can see in the other ratings. respect the medication and its not a permanent one. your acne will come back in a year or so. mine did but i took the medication again for a month in a half and i was fine. its all about maintanence. Acne is a part of life is your born with it. so learn to control it and move on with you life with out the depression and dry skin for that month or two. use moisturizer!
This Was Helpful

Report
October 25, 2006

Pros:

Cleared up my acne extremely well. took a while, but cleared skin, and made stopped it from coming back for the most part. the acne got worse during the first month of treatment, but then was suddenly much better.

Cons:

side effects, especially dry skin, chapped lips. if you don't take it regularly it will not work well. the acne gets worse for the first month of treatment.

Acutane works great when nothing else will. the side effects can be bad, make sure you have good moisturizers, and read all warnings and side effects, make sure you understand what you are getting into. it works very well
This Was Helpful

Report
October 16, 2013
Nervous
I am a 35 year old female and about to start Accutane for the first time. I have had cystic acne for as long as I can remember. Some years have been ok and some have been miserable. This past year was the worst, my acne is unending. I have tried everything...EVERYTHING. Finally my derm said she had nothing left to offer except Accutane. I am so nervous for the side effects...any have any thoughts on this?
This Was Helpful

Report
June 20, 2012

Pros:

Clear skin over a period of time
Boost in self-confidence

Cons:

Dry, chapped lips
Dry skin
Significantly worse until it gets better
Severe reaction to sun

I have about a month left on accutane. I started out taking 40 mg, once a day. My doctor recommended going to 40mg, two pills in one day and one pill the next. For about the first three months, my skin was the worst it has ever been. I was embarrassed to even go to school. I still have scarring left from those first few months. However, during month four, it dramatically got much better. As of now, in month five, I have not had one bump in over a month. Although I still having scarring, it wa gotten better throughout treatment and I'm hoping it will continue to do so. I highly doubt it will comletely clear my skin so laser treatment is definitely an option for me. I suggest this for anyone having trouble with acne. Everyone is different though, so you do have to be extra cautious while on Accutane. I thought my skin would never be pretty and flawless until I tried it. And now, I am well on my way to feeling more self-confident day by day!
This Was Helpful

Report
February 22, 2012

Pros:

none

Cons:

INITIAL BREAKOUT!!
Eyes literally couldn't open for a couple days
Makes acne worse.

I'm sure my case will not be the case for all, but in my experience I was on the stuff for 2 weeks . 30 mg twice a day I had to stop because of chronic eye irritation, if i would have continued my tear ducs would of permanently been broken, I'm still hoping that they heal eventually. My acne is worse that before i started and it's been a while since i stopped the medication. Take this medication with caution my friends.
This Was Helpful

Report
September 25, 2011

Pros:

- Clears acne for some time

Cons:

- Not very effective
- Skin dryness and sun oversensitiveness
- Joint pains
- Back pains
- Itchy skin
- Slightly impaired night vision and photosensitivity
- Headaches, fatigue
- Irritation
- Problems with concentration
- Depression, suicidal thoughts

Took it for 4 months (20mg), at first everything was fine except very common skin/lips dryness, had to stop taking it because of sudden outbreak of side effects. Most of them are persistent (it's been 8 months since I stopped). My skin now itches really badly while sweating, back and joints hurt from no reason. The rest of above is self explanatory I think, especially the last one. For everyone who still consider taking the drug: don't. It has been the worst decision in my whole life. Sacrificing your life in order to get rid of acne isn't really worth it. There are lots of other drugs that can cure acne and won't make you a human wreck.
This Was Helpful

Report
January 9, 2011

Pros:

-My skin is finally beginning to clear
-Only thing i have found at all effective

Cons:

-Really dry skin
-Lips constantly peel and bleed

Works very slow but will work Extremely dry skin and lips
This Was Helpful

Report
November 19, 2009

Pros:

it works immediately..my acne cleared up as soon as i started taking the medication...

Cons:

if you dont have insurrance it is expensive the blood work and consistent dermo appointments...constant back pain, mood swings, fatigue, headaches, decreased hunger

i started on 30mg for two months then got increased to 40 mg and started to feel different. i was way to tired to function in college and constantly felt depressed. currently i am on 2omg, hoping that i will start to feel like my normal self again...ifyou are thinking about accutane, seriously consider the side effects and if you can handle having to go off the medication if needed...my face is much clearer but i still get break outs along my chin. i am starting to wonder if it is even worth being on such a strong medication for acne that is not that bad in the first place
This Was Helpful

Report
November 12, 2009

Pros:

Cleared up my skin after about a month, my hair was in lovely condition, and I thought it was working....

Cons:

I couldn't wear lenses for up to 2 years, my eyes filled with pus whenever I tried,no doctors knew why. It's supposed to leave the body within 6 weeks? Usual dry lips and bad sunburn, acne came back in months and is now worse/different than before.

It does work, but the acne mostly comes back. Mine is a dryer/more congested version. You may suffer side effects that no-one can explain which sure doesn't help the accusations of depression! I took it in 2004 and have had acne for 12 years now and I still won't take it again. One product, however amazing, can't be a sure cure-all for the complexity of every single body. Make sure you discuss taking it with your family and friends, I didn't and wish I had, but I guess you get so fixated on the acne that nothing stands in your way.
This Was Helpful

Report
September 24, 2009

Pros:

Amazing! I have only been using it for 2 months and my acne is almost completely gone!

Cons:

Chapped/Cracked Lips. Spacey/ weird thoughts. Dry skin. But none of those were a huge deal.

After struggling with acne on my face back and chest since i was 11, i'm sooo glad i found a product that works. Anyway, if you are serious about getting rid of your acne for good, get this drug now!
This Was Helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 189 190 191 192 193 … 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