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
37.1%
4
33.4%
3
15.6%
2
7.4%
1
6.6%

Used Isotretinoin (Accutane®)? Rate It:

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August 5, 2008

Pros:

skin improved first month of using it, but i do get zits and acne but no more than 10 zits within the first month. very very happy with the result.

Cons:

chapped and split lips (solve with chapstick), dry nose (solved with nasal gel), occasional dry eyes (solved with eye drops). itchy dry scalp (solved with using moisturizing shampoo made for dry hair).

my skin is definitely not oily anymore, but also not dry enough to the point it sheds. it is quite a scary sight when my blackheads automatically ejects itself from the skin, leaving a disgustingly huge pore. my dermatologist has increased my dosage, and going into the 2nd month i hope things will only get better. my hair is doing fine, and i wish to keep it this way, just because its so nice and thick and shiny and beautiful :D no other side effects really, im as happy as ever.
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April 22, 2008

Pros:

clear skin, smaller pores, no breakouts at all

Cons:

chapped lips, dry skin, rashes, decreased sex drive, redness, sore joints

This will clear your skin up and you won't have to worry about your skin holding you back. The side effects can be relieved with Aquaphor for lips or skin, my doctor prescribed Triamcinolone for the rashes, asprin works for my joints. Also drinking more fluids can help w/ side effects. Overall, well worth it to be rid of the horrible problem of acne I had dealt w/ for 8 years!
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November 7, 2007

Pros:

Can you say 99.99% clear, gorgeous skin?

Cons:

Very expensive, monthly bloodwork and doctor appointments, the evil system of IPLEDGE. Affects did not last for me; acne returned after about two years.

The pro of finally achieving clear skin --after years and years of trying to "cure" my acne through natural remedies, cutting out certain foods, perscription antibiotics, expensive creams, washes and lotions from medispas -- outweighed all the cons. I started on 40 mgs once a day, then increased starting the second month to 40mgs twice a day. I had dry lips and skin, but that was about it. I went broke paying for it, but didn't care. For two years I stayed relatively clear with very very mild acne from time to time, but it has slowly and surely returned. I wanted to see if I could tackle my acne this time on my own through healthy living and natural products, but my skin has still become a living nightmare. An obssession. I am a positive and optimistic person, but I am getting depressed and enough is enough. I am going back on Accutane at 20mgs instead of 40mgs and cannot be happier. I think this is a wonder drug. I am an Accutane Advocate!!!
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October 27, 2007

Pros:

Clears up acne a good deal

Cons:

Bloody noses, dry lips, disturbing urinal/intestinal symptoms, joint pains, mucus in eyes

I took this at a fairly high dosage for four months and it got rid of a lot of my acne. However the acne came back (to a lesser extent) within a month, probably because I was taking creatine for the gym. Hopefuly it goes away when I'm done with creatine. This medication had really weird side effects for me. I had strange intestinal pain a week after my treatment ended (its gone now though) and I had painful urination for like a month as well. Hopefully nothing else goes wrong! If you want to take it go for it, but I don't plan on another cycle. Too many possible complactions.
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August 15, 2007

Pros:

gives you near clear skin

Cons:

makes the rest of ur skin really dry, lips dry

if u have acne, just do it, its worth it you will NEED: Cetapil face wash a very good moisturiser WILL power Keep ur heads up sky high
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February 7, 2012

Pros:

unoily skin
unoily-hair

Cons:

dry lios

I have been on accutane for 2 months with my acne only getting worse. I was on 40mg for 2months and have been moved upto 60mg for another 2months. So far nothing, not even side effects, just slightly dry lips and beggining to lose hope in this. is this normal to see no results after 2 months???? please help!!!!!
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November 25, 2009

Pros:

ive had severly bad acne for about a year started treatment about a month ago and its gotten really bad and the spots have got BIGGER. gonna stick the treatment out tho.

Cons:

DRY LIPS and MORE TIRED

my skin on my face has gotten dry redish and the spots are starting to scab over but it dont look to nice ): quite inbarrasin to be honust. and im 14 btw.
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June 23, 2009

Pros:

so far none, i think i am getting a big breakout, one thing i like is my hair is not oily

Cons:

dry lips,dry skin, lower back pain

i guess i am still waiting just one month doing it,
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April 9, 2009

Pros:

big severe acne had dry up, it looks like yellow stuff on the top which is good.

Cons:

dry lips , skin, a lot of white stuffs come out from the pore.

i have had acne for 6years, i had tried everything those people who had acne had said, like the cream or pill they had tried. until three weeks ago , i had tried this medication, so far my acne had gotten worst than before, but all the acne had dry up and become yellow stuff in couple days which is good. after i had read all these reviews, i cant wait to see my own result in future couple months. hope my acne will get better like what it said.
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April 2, 2009

Pros:

I am on my fifth month of treatment and very pleased. I get a bump or two a month, but my skin is looking almost as clear as it was when I was 10 years old. I have tried everything from Rx creams to steroid shots, but nothing has worked this well.

Cons:

I had pretty severe side effects the 3rd week (chest pain, nausea, lower back and abdomen pain). I also had constipation for about 6 weeks. Headaches would come and go and I am still experiencing joint pain. But it has been worth so far.

I fought through the side effects and they diminished for the most part, but consult your doctor because some sypmtoms can be life threatening (i.e. chest pain, abdomen pain, and severe headaches that effect your vision). However, Amnesteem has been the ONLY treatment that worked for me long term. I HIGHLY RECCOMMEND THIS MEDICATION!
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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