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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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:

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August 10, 2009

Pros:

Cleared skin during treatment.

Cons:

No side effects. BUT...breakouts came back after I finished each course of treatment (I've taken this three different times)

I have suffered from numerous painful cysts along my jawline and chin since I was 12. I am now 26 and have completed THREE courses of Accutane. After I stop taking it, the breakouts came right back, same as before. However I did find that Aldactone works wonderfully. Please try Aldactone if you were not completely satisfied with Accutane. You'll be pleasantly surprised and theres no scary side effects. Give it a try.
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July 29, 2009

Pros:

Got rid of severe acne that I've had for 12 years; no more cysts!

Cons:

Very dry skin, dry lips, raises my cholesterol quite a bit.

This pill is amazing. I can see after three months that the end result will completely outweigh any side effects I'm experiencing. My acne did flare up in the beginning, but I started noticing a difference in the first month. My cholesterol more than doubled the first month, but a ten day break was enough to bring it down far enough for the doctor to be comfortable prescribing it again. All in all, I would highly recommend this treatment. It really works and the serious side effects are extremely rare.
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July 24, 2009

Pros:

I had severe acne before I had taken this. I used to get cysts all the time. After I had finished this I have NEVER gotten another cyst and it cleared up my acne greatly. I took it when I was 16 and I'm now 21.

Cons:

Not good if you can't remember to take the pill. I got really bad scabs IN my nose and very dry lips. VERY expense if you don't have insurance.

I think that the pros outweigh the cons. If you've had server acne you won't mind a few dry lips. This product takes awhile to get into your system so don't get discouraged if it doesn't work right away. The ratings below are from before I started accutane.
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July 4, 2009

Pros:

It works.

Cons:

Severe lip dryness and vision blurriness

I used Accutane about 4 years ago after nothing else my dermatologist gave me would work. I was on it for 5 months, and for the first 4 months I noticed no difference in my acne. But my lips were extremely dry and my eyes were really bloodshot and blurry. About 3 weeks before I was finished my acne seemed to disappear overnight. I still had the red marks from the acne, but my skin was completely smooth. 4 years later, I have probably had a total of 6 zits since then that were so small it's almost funny. This drug worked wonders for me, but be prepared for harsh side effects. Also, my friends said that my personality changed dramatically, apparently I was more irritable and gloomy, but definitely no suicidal thoughts like others have suggested.
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July 3, 2009

Pros:

- It works. Period.

Cons:

- Dry, dry, dry.
- Muscle aches.
- Expensive without insurance.

I have just finished my 6 month treatment of Accutane. In brief, little improvement will be seen in the first 3-4 months, with dramatic improvement in the final months. Without insurance, this product can cost upwards of $500 (with insurance, only $10). You will dry out: period. Simply use moisturizers for your lips (Aquaphor) and skin (CeraVe) frequently to combat the dryness. I experienced no depression, but lower back aches occasionally. I no longer develop papules, cysts, pimples, etc. ANYWHERE (including chest and back). Risk of scarring increases with this product, so pop pimples wisely. Use this product only if you are serious about ridding your acne...it's not a joy ride until the end. The end certainly justifies the means.
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June 23, 2009

Pros:

it works

Cons:

it works

i used this product for mre than 1 year it actually cleasred my skin completely but after one year when i leaved it my worse acne started again and i dont no i went to the doctor he said your skin is never gonna clear but may be age wise it get cleard.but i m really very dippressed now.
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June 18, 2009

Pros:

It really has cleared up my cystic acne that I've had since jr high. I agree with many people before in saying I can go out w/out makeup and feel ok. I should have done this years ago.

Cons:

Dry lips constantly. Body aches. Dry mucus membranes. Tiredness.

If you can afford this i would consider it. Keep your regular checkups and blood work to make sure you aren't having any bad side effects.
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June 16, 2009

Pros:

It worked when nothing else did. It has been 2 months after my 6 month treatment has ended and my skin is still clear and beautiful!

Cons:

Terrible skin dryness, frequent nose bleeds, chapped lips. Other side effects possible, but those are the main ones I experienced. Also, ipledge is extremely unpleasant to deal with. Especially for girls.

Accutane should only be used as a last resort. It worked for me extremely well, but the 6 month treatment period was EXTREMELY unpleasant. I tried many over the counter and prescription acne medications, but none of them seemed to work, so I finally resorted to accutane. I got my acne fairly late in life (around 19) and finally decided to try accutane at 23. According to my doctor, at this age there is a far far better chance of not needing any further treatments after the 6 month treatment because my hormones have become more stable than teenagers'. 2 months after treatment, I find this to be accurate. Dealing with 6 months of dry skin and chapped lips was pretty bad, but I found the ipledge program itself to be the most intolerable aspect. Monthly pregnancy tests and answering ridiculous questions before picking up my Rx is about the most insulting thing I can think of. However, it was far worth it all and I recommend it if nothing else has worked for you.
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June 16, 2009

Pros:

EVERYTHING. CLEAR

Cons:

NOTHING

TAKE IT. seriously. you won't regret it. DONT BE AFRAID OF THE SIDE EFFECTS. my acne was super severe...but i am clear now!
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May 25, 2009

Pros:

my acne was almost clear

Cons:

thickening of my eyelids

I had to go off of it due to a corneal ulcer. I have been off for 3 months and I still have tick swollen eyelids. Ive tried everything. steroid ointment, drops, hot and cold compresses. NOTHIN works! my doctor said it could be permanent. Ive been so depressed about it. I am more sefl concious about this than acne. I used to have almond shape eyes and now they look really weird! DONT TAKE THIS MEDICATION! its not worth it!!
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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