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®)
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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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April 2, 2009

Pros:

none

Cons:

weakens the f**k out of you and makes you lack energy very tired, countless zits. Can't see my face. Have to wear a mask. The dryness is killing and breakouts 24/7!

It sucks assss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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December 1, 2008

Pros:

Got rid of all of my blackheads and made my pores invisible, cleared up any acne anywhere on my body and kept it gone for about two years after I finished taking it.

Cons:

Really expensive, annoying blood tests every month! Dried out my skin a little, but mostly dry lips. Breakouts may come back after a year or so.

I took accutane over two years ago and was on it for 9 months. Now, even though I get small breakouts around my period, it is easy to get rid of and nothing like before! My skin isn't even oily anymore after two years, its really changed my skin and my life!
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September 12, 2008

Pros:

Been on it for 1 month so far and haven't had any major breakouts. My skin looks 100x better, it doesn't get oily and my pores shrunk. Aside from all of the "depressesion side effects"..those are wrong..Ive never been so happy (30mg) 2x a day

Cons:

Dry Lips. I go through a chapstick a week. Other than that everything seems normal, but then agian it's only been a month. The only drawbacks are taking blood once a month, and the way the pills are packaged

DEFINITELY GO ON THIS MEDICATION if you have bad acne. My body acne is 100% perfect and just taking this medication with positive thoughts makes you so happy and confident. Trust me, I read 500million reviews and was extremely nervous to try the pill considering all the terrible side effects. I am an extremely nervous person, but this drug so far seems harmless to my body. I smoke weed occasionally and take adderall sometimes and drink sometimes and even then, I act and feel normal. This medication is highly recommended.
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September 11, 2008

Pros:

Decreases production of oil, not as many major breakouts

Cons:

Very chapped lips throughout treatment, bad headaches at the beginning of treatment

I've been on a low dose of 10mg/day for 2 months. I've had severely oily skin for as long as I can remember, and no topical or BCP has worked in the slightest to decrease oil production. While my complexion isn't totally clear (still have some minor breakouts), I don't have to blot my face every hour/worry about looking like an oil slick/makeup sliding off within an hour. So far, so good.
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September 11, 2008

Pros:

It works

Cons:

It makes you dry!!!!!!!!! dryness causes early set of wrinkles

You're going to go through hell while you're on it! but it works. I had to apply carmax lip balm every 30 minutes, hand lotion and body lotions were my best friend. Needless to say those were not comfortable times. Make sure you stick with the program. I went through it two times before i finished (it was that difficult for me). The only drawback: wrinkles under the eyes that i didnt have before accutane and dry eyes all the time (even after the program). Acne is almost gone... continually using topical cremes. Even with insurance, it gets really expensive- with all the doctor appointments and blood work. Plus Ipledge is a hassle just like everyone else said...
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August 30, 2008

Pros:

worked extreamly well acne gone i mostly had those puss filled pimples not too much of the red ones and it cleared those away made me happy

Cons:

for everyone who are about to take it read about all the side effects and rethink bout it becuse dont regret later im 16 im done now but found out it stuns your growth made me sad also dry skin and lips very dry and made me mad 24/7

idno take it it works but dont just make a quick decion because you might just end up saying a few years down the road i wish i had never taken it. messes your whole normal life style. also thers a huge chance your acne might come back
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August 24, 2008

Pros:

Supposivly clears acne.

Cons:

dryness of lips and nose... nose bleeds.

acctuane does work but side affects are very strong.
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August 17, 2008

Pros:

This stuff really cleared up my Acne, and kept it that way for about 2 years. After that, I just started using products with salicylic acid to keep pimples at bay.

Cons:

It dried me up. So, in addition to the medication, I had to buy bag balm for my lips, all sorts of lotion, moisturizer for the inside of my nose, eye drops and even a vaginal moisturizer. Good times.

If you can deal with the dryness, totally do it. Keep in mind that if you are a girl, even if you don't have sex, you'll need to be on birth control.
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June 21, 2008

Pros:

I got the first pack free from my dermo?
Affordable

Cons:

I'm allergic to it!!!!
Muscle soreness and pain
Welts/swelling/itching in arms

I was very upset that I became allergic to it. I thought I was done and there was nothing more I could do. My dermo *thinks* that enough was in my system to hopefully knock out acne to come in the future. Who knows. But on the other hand, my birth control (Yaz) was the acne butt kicker in the end. One more thing--don't take the "cyclines" right after or right before Accutane.....take a break before you begin or end. Can mess you up bad. My friend has a drainage tube now b/c she took them too close together. Go for it, seriously, cause I know it can and has been shown to work wonders. Just be careful with what else you take and blood work
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May 10, 2008

Pros:

It really works!

Cons:

Dry face, lips, and eyes

I"m going on my second month and it's already cleared my face.I have such soft clear skin finally!I'm not depressed at all I'm actually happier because it's working!Use aquaphor for your lips.Cetaphil face wash and face lotion it really moisturizes because I've tried like 5 lotions and none of them work lol so the cetaphil lotion is great!Your scalp my get dry so you should use head and shoulders dor dry scalp that's making a big difference.You pretty much just dry up but it's worth it because your skin will be clear!
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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