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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5
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4
33.4%
3
15.6%
2
7.4%
1
6.6%

Used Isotretinoin (Accutane®)? Rate It:

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April 16, 2009

Pros:

It cleared up my skin really well, really fast!!

Cons:

Can be a burden for girls with the bloode testing and checkups. Along with the noted side effects. Can be expensive. Iv been on it 3 times for a few months each time.

worked very well while i was on it, iv never had more luck with a treatment. i have been on it 3 times and about a month after i got off of it, each time my acne came back. To this day my acne is less sever then before, but here I am still fusterated and looking for a treatment that works! Iv seen it totally clear up a friends severe acne for good, and theirs was worse then mine, so there is hope! but if your acne is cronic and has been around for awhile, i would suggest using it, but dont let your skin go when you are threw with it. and continue looking for a good cleanser that works for you and maybe you will have better luck!
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April 7, 2009

Pros:

Still on the 1st month & I've already had several people notice a difference! I now have very little oil in my hair & on my skin which has always been one of my biggest issues. My back & arms are almost all clear and my face is clearing up every day.

Cons:

Very chapped lips, almost makes it difficult to smile. Dryer hair and obviously skin. Little fatigue. Occasional headaches and joint pain.

Since high school, I have struggled with acne and have never found a solution other than birth control to fix the problem. Because I experienced mood swing on the pills, I decided to stop and my acne returned immediately. I have probably spent thousands of dollars on beauty and skin care products just hoping that one of them will do the trick. Although I have found an amazing makeup line called Jane Iredale that definitely does not clog your pores and a wonderful oil-free moisturizer by Peter Thomas Roth, I have yet to find a cure for my incredibly oily skin and consistent breakouts on my face, back, and arms. I am in the fourth week of Accutane and cannot believe how much of a difference it has already made. My back and arms are pretty much clear and areas on my face have already stopped breaking out. I still have small bumps under the surface of my skin and a few red areas but I know that over the next few months, these areas will continue to clear up too! Pretty amazing product!
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March 2, 2009

Pros:

clearer skin. the acne that does come up goes away in a day or two.

Cons:

dry skin, nose, lips. some joint pain, but worth it so far.

If you are willing to take the step then do it, it has made my confidence go up and even though I have not been on it for a long time, i already fill that it is worth it.
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February 21, 2009

Pros:

Hopefully will get rid my very very oily skin..and acne. At least conrtrol a little bit.

Cons:

Very Dry lips

Will update soon.
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November 23, 2008

Pros:

EVERYTHING! got rid of all my spots

Cons:

Really dries out skin

So Far- Great..Wish I USed This Product in School.
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November 15, 2008

Pros:

Clear skin and much less oily hair. All the awful spots on my back and old scars on my face are gone. Should have taken the pills years ago..

Cons:

I was on it for 2 years and the only side effect was dry skin.. When I went off it the acne and oily hair came back. Not as bad as it used to be but still annoying enough. I get acne even on my scalp...going to try Diane

Perfect to get rid of scars since this type of vitamine A stimulates new cell production.
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October 29, 2008

Pros:

No oily face, No more pimples, soft skin

Cons:

Only dry lips, i lil hair loss, and It COST!!!! i dont have insurance =S i have to pay for EVERYTHING!!!! (Im going to be the poorest girl without acne hah i hope so)

This stuff started to work inmediately for me, after the first pill, next day i saw my active pimples dry, now one month later i dont have any in my face, only 2 in my chest, my IB was 2 strange pimples in my right cheek and 3 big ones in my chest, they went away after 3 weeks. im 40 mg a day. Im not an expert but if u are tired of feel the ugliest person in the universe ( i felt this way many many times) try accutane, but only whit your derm. Stay positive all is gonna be ok!!! If the life does not make you laugh, you tickle the life . =P
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September 16, 2008

Pros:

My skin is glowing.

Cons:

-Severe pressure to the brain, nausea, dizziness, trouble breathing, angry all the time.

This is the 4th month I've been on Accutane. My skin looks gorgeous, but bottom line its NOT worth it! The side effects creep up on you unexpectedly. I just had to call the ambulance because my heart was racing and halucinating. Who knows what other scars ill have from this medicine.
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September 16, 2008

Pros:

less oil production,reduction in sebaceous glands

Cons:

dry lips,exessive hair on face,dry eyes.

im suffering frm acne since last 6 yrs,normal antibiotic treatment didnt workd so my dr. suggested for accutane(roaccutane by roche) at dose level of 20mg/kg . its my 3rd month using it n after seeing these comments i got scared to use it further...though with aforementioed sideeffects its gud otherwise.
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September 12, 2008

Pros:

At the end of my treatment (6 months) I had basically perfect skin.

Cons:

Dry skin, nose bleeds, fatigue, headaches, dry lips, bad breakout at first, monthly blood tests are a pain, and now that I've been off it for 6 months my skin is as bad as it was before it. Not worth it.

It's too much effort. I thought it would fix my skin forever and I am already breaking out like normal and looking for a new treatment. Don't do it, it's 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