Isotretinoin (Accutane®)
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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
34.1%
3
15.3%
2
7.3%
1
6.2%

Used Isotretinoin (Accutane®)? Rate It:

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March 2, 2007

Pros:

Takes little time to start working.

Cons:

Dry lips at times and you can't go tanning.

It works great with very little side effects!
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February 25, 2007

Pros:

skin less oily than usual; i can now stay home without worrying how oily my face will be at the end of the day.

Cons:

dry skin and chap lips, moody and i can't wear much make up.

Just about a week ago, started Acnotic 20, which is a type of isotretinoin. i was told the same stuff from my Skin Specialist about the effects and the remarkable results of this treatment that some of you have mentioned. and sometimes i do a lil bit of research online about the med (like now ;P) and see the effect on other real ppl like me. thank god i found this page. it actually gives me hope that this med might be my solution. i nearly wanted to stop because it seems that after a week of usage, new pimples still keep popping out and it is so unbearable. since that some of you did mention that it's one of the side effects.. so be it. i'll stick to the med then. will keep you updated of the progress ;)
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February 25, 2007

Pros:

clear skin i guess!

Cons:

dry skin... how do you deal with it..

ive been on isotretinoin for just a week now an my skin is getting really, really, really dry, an i hate it cos i cant put my make up on properly!! But i begrudge putting moisturiser on cos it still makes me feel oily.. but i have been putting it on but still no cahnge in the dryness of my skin.. if someone could give me the name of a really good light moisturising cream say hypoallergenic one that would be great!!
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February 24, 2007
I read here that some people are taking antibiotics with Accutane....stop now! If it's a tetracycline ( like doxycycline, lymecycline) it actually hinders the work of the Accutane, so no wonder you dont get the great results. Just use it alone and it will work best. Remember dont even take vitamin supplements. Dab on some diluted lemon juice to your scars evry night and they fade, fade, fade...
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February 23, 2007

Pros:

Clear, flawless, skin, no oil.

Cons:

Dry lips, aches and pains. Initial breakout, cure is usually just temporary.
After several months off, the acne comes back. Have been through two courses. Still not clear. Still have long term after affects from using.

If you want 3-6 months of good clear skin then go for it. Just be willing to endure for 2- 4 months of terrible, dry skin that may be riddled with more acne than you originally had. Aches and joint pains and possibly other side affects. This is not a cure for everyone. Very few people actually get rid of their acne forever after accutane, but the after affects can last forever.
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February 18, 2007

Pros:

Smooth skin where it clears it up. No grease.

Cons:

Dry lips, dry skin on hands, wrists, elbows and knees. Horrible scars.

I've been on 60mg of Isotretinoin a day for the last three months. My doctor prescribed it, along with a steroid and an antibiotic, because the skin was infected. The skin pretty much got less lumpy by the time I finished the course of antibiotics, but the Isotretinoin has done sod all to be honest. My skin is really horrifically dry, and I'm getting enormous boil-like spots with tiny heads just beneath my eyes and on my nose. My forehead's clear but no doubt it'll become disgusting, just like everything else has. Because I'm only 15 and still in school, there's shedloads of prejudice, and my confidence is literally on the floor. I just hope it works soon...I've heard it works for a lot of people. Fingers crossed for you guys.
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February 12, 2007

Pros:

cleared back and chest acne completely, and most of facial

Cons:

dry lips

After hearing about all the side effects with this product I was a little reluctant to begin. However after a few weeks I began to notice a huge change, my self esteem grew as the weeks past and I finally felt confident enough to wear clothes which revealed my chest and back. The dry lips were annoying but where a small price to pay for the clear skin.
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February 11, 2007

Pros:

Deep sore pimples go away over couple months. Don't need to wash your hair much, only twice a week.

Cons:

Very dry lips- use vaseline constantly. Dry rashy skin on arms/legs- moisturise every day. Takes about a month and a half before pimples start really going away slowly as each day passes- patience is required.

It has been two months since i started Isotane- the NZ name for this medication. Requires alot of patience as results take a long time to see. Ask your derm for hydrochortisine aswell to combat redness. Also i was prescribed Stieva-A cream to apply at night and this helps prevent pimples from forming after first bringing them out. Basically things get worse before they get better but now things are looking much more positive and pimples are dissapearing one by one each day and have gone from giant sore deep pimples to small whitehead pimples. Unforts the scarring from the large pimples remains but im sure they wil fade eventually. recommend isotane.
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February 4, 2007

Pros:

smoother skin

Cons:

worsening of acne at beginning of use, blurred, tired vision

waiting to see if this really works. My acne has worsened and i hope it will not scarr too much. The dry lips are nothing really, when you think of the benefit. I often have burning eyes and fuzzy vision. what we won't do for our good looks, huh?
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February 3, 2007
I just started the accutane treatment this evening. I am very excited to see some results. The doctors that I have spoken with have all said the same thing. Expect dramatic results within 2-3 months, and then stay on the treatment for another 3 months to ensure that the acne doesn't reoccur. I'm expecting severe breakouts and dry skin any day now. I bought some cetaphil cleanser and moisturizer, and I'm going to buy some Dr. Dan's for my lips. I've heard great things about that stuff. I will come back to this message board and update the progress if I don't "apparently" kill myself from the side effects first. haha.
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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