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.

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Read All About Isotretinoin (Accutane®)
Compare To Other Treatments
5
37.1%
4
34.1%
3
15.3%
2
7.3%
1
6.2%

Used Isotretinoin (Accutane®)? Rate It:

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January 10, 2007

Pros:

i have been on 10mg tablets once a day for the past month and my skin has improved so much! still have a few small bumps and black heads but no big pusy sore ones!

Cons:

really dry lips

is working really well for me and havn't had any major side effects! its worth the cost of the dermatoligist!
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January 10, 2007

Pros:

breakouts every now and then, improved alittle. No more oily skin

Cons:

dry skin, peeling lips, getting tired easily, mood swings

get this if u want clear skin, the side effects are worth it. I have mild acne as told by the doctor. i was on 20 mg on the first 2 months and 30 mg on the last 4 months. I am 145 lbs so it is based on weight. doctor will tell u.
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January 10, 2007

Pros:

clear

Cons:

DRY

User 99 from Japan does not know what she's talking about... the dryness of the lips are TEMPORARY. if you have bad acne, i'm talking cystic bumps that are full of puss and red, etc.... get out there and use ACCUTANE and clear it up ASAP.....if u don't do anything and brush it off, ur gonna be left with CRATER LIKE SCARS until the day u die......and trust me, these laser treatments will not wipe them out....if anything u'll get minimal to moderate improvement...THE TEXTURE OF UR SKIN WILL ALWAYS LOOK LIKE CRAP.......GET OUT THERE AND GET RID OF IT>>>DO NOT WAIT
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January 10, 2007

Pros:

It did, briefly, and while I was on it, reduce the number of spots I had, it by no means stopped them.

Cons:

Very very dry skin, this is how it works, waking up with my pillow completely soaked in blood from a nosebleed. Hideously painful dry lips. Having to go on the pill at age 12 - I insisted it was unnecessary, Docs insisted it was.

Please, please, please do not expect a miracle cure. Yes, for many it is, for you it may well be, but NOT FOR ALL!!!!! _That_ is the reason its use has been linked to depression - thge Docs tell you it will work, it will work, it will work. Darn right you're depressed when it doesn't! My brother and I were on it for 6 months each about 10 years ago, and, despite promises of the opposite, 7 different anti-biotics have not cleared my skin subsequently. The only time my acne got better was in a particularly stress-less time up in the north of scotland, where the air was cleaner etc. This lasted just 5 months. As a side note - I waited just 4months to get an NHS dermatologists appt. and the drug was free as I was under 16 at the time.
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January 5, 2007

Pros:

Clear skin, less oil production

Cons:

Dry lips, occasional nosebleeds

This is the second time I've been on Accutane, with the last session about 9 years ago. My skin stayed fairly clear until last year, when severe cystic acne hit me at age 25. Antibiotics did not help. I have extremely sensitive skin, with acne meds causing more irritation and breakouts (the regimen destroyed my skin too :( ) So, Accutane was my final hope. I started on 30 mg a day, but progress was slow. About 3 months into it, my dosage was upped to 40. The only side effects I've had are dry lips and occasional nosebleeds. With good cleansers and moisturizers, my skin looks less dry than when I was using topical stuff. Aquaphor makes my dry lips no problem. I have not had depression or mood swings, and at 4 months, my skin is really clearing up. For some people, this could be a very harmful drug. For me, though, it's been nothing but positive. My side-effects have been a non-issue so far. Considering I used to cry myself to sleep every night, I'm feeling great.
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January 5, 2007

Pros:

The idea that the acne could be gone forever!(with mild breakouts of course)

Cons:

The lips! My lips from week 1 on have been so sore and nothing seems to do the trick (vaseline works okay, but somewhat sloppy)
My derm told me not to consume ANY alcohol (which none of the above comments mentioned) due to the impact on the pancre

my sis was on it and it did wonders for her, so I am staying positive and if the dry lips and back aches are part of the investment, then so be it! I have always wanted my skin back as I did not break out into acne until age 18, now 21 I will pretty much do whatever it takes.I believe that with a confident derm, a good understanding of the medication (85% of people who take accutane get rid of acne)it will be a wise investment. And as far as the price goes I live in canada and have bennifites so i pay about $18.00 canadian each month.
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January 2, 2007

Pros:

greatest product in the history of acne products. i have had moderate acne for 6 years (since 14) and i have always been discuraged from trying accutane but i did anyways and it CLEARED ALL MY ACNE and left my skin looking INCREDIBLE

Cons:

dry lips, but there not a big deal at all. would you rather have a bunch of red zits on your face and oily skin or slightly dry lips? its a no brainer

GET ACCUTANE IMMEDIATELY IF YOU HAVE ACNE. IT WILL BE THE GREATEST DECISION YOU EVER MAKE. no jokes, this stuff is mind blowing. dont believe the negative hype that you read. those reveiws are from hypocondriacts or people who react poorly to medicine. i wouldnt recomend this product if you are either of these people though because it can screw you up pretty bad. but if your healthy and want to permanently have incredible/hastle free skin (which is absolutely amazing by the way) spend the money and get accutane.
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December 25, 2006

Pros:

Clears acne!!!!!!

Cons:

Dries lips,nose,and face.

This acne drug is the best! Proactive doesn't even compare to accutane. About the side effects, they aren't that bad. Think of it this way, would you rather have cystic, nodular acne or dry lips that will go away with chap stick!!!
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December 24, 2006

Pros:

Completely eliminated acne and unwanted facial/body oil

Cons:

Caused PERMANENT, never-ending lip dryness that requires constant use of lip treatments

Gets rid of your acne, but may cause other annoying or even serious side effects. Many believe it has ruined their health. I would highly, highly discourage anyone from using this drug. I have NEVER had a days time where I didn't feel extreme dryness on my lips and needed to use products on it throughout the dry. And I mean NEVER, even though it's been almost 10 years! Do you want to carry around supplies of lip care for the rest of your life, constantly putting it on on an almost hourly basis?
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December 23, 2006
I started taking acutane two weeks ago and i was wondering what dosage only took 2 months for skin to clear completley. I am on 40 mg a day and my dermatologist said my course would be 6 to 7 months, unlike the reported 2 month clearings.
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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