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®)
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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 1, 2008

Pros:

Clears skin initially

Cons:

Results are very temporary for most people, side effects such as decreased night vision, hassle of registration, blood tests, etc.

I'm 37 and I've been on two courses of Accutane. Both courses were 18 weeks. Both times, my skin cleared up nicely initially, but unfortunately, it only lasted for about 18 months. It was like I had never even taken Accutane (horrible break outs once again). For such a powerful drug, I was expecting better results. I don't think my body can handle going on Accutane every two years. Its not the cure-all or end-all for acne. I only recommend this if you OK with short-term results and lots of side effects.
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February 23, 2008

Pros:

I had a year and a half of clear skin and didn't need make-up.

Cons:

It is only temporary. Only lasted 1.5 years after treatment. Now I am worse than before. You have to continue using Accutane forever. It also make me super depressed and I almost blew my graduate school career.

I risked the side effects because I was told it it was a cure all by my doc. After some research, I am now finding that it only works for a small percentage of people and that most have to stay on it forever, or keep repeating cycles of treatment...forever. I suppose if you never plan to have kids and don't experience the other grave side effects, then go for it. Otherwise, the risks are not worth it for a temporary solution. The 1.5 years of clear skin were fun, but I now look at the photos from that time and cry.
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January 30, 2008

Pros:

Really worked! It cured my acne, although some acne did come back approx. a year after I stopped taking it.

Cons:

Sever dryness. I had to keep moisturizer and lip gloss on me at all times. If I went to school without lip gloss, my lips would be cracked and bleeding by lunch time.

Serious medication. If you really have problem acne and don't want to mess around, get Acutane, but be ready to deal with the side effects.
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January 1, 2008

Pros:

clears up skin !!!!!!

Cons:

some side effects

I've been taking accutane for about 3 1/2 weeks. The 2nd week my face started to clear up then a sudden break out I just pray to god that this will boost my confidence and will allow me to minister to others with no worries. God has never let me down and i know this is a way god will demonstrate his love to me and clear my skin before the 6 months are up :) can i hear a amen
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November 8, 2007

Pros:

No acne. After 3 months most acne stops. By 5th or 6th month bearly any acne on my body whatsoever. Finished the treatment with 0 (thats right none) active acne.

Cons:

Dry lips, always having to carry chapstick. ALWAYS. The odd bleeding nose. By the last few months I had a extremely red face. Skin sensitivity such as minor scrapes would cause large cuts.

Accutane is the best acne drug ever. I've tried face washes, benzoyl peroxide based products, antibiotics (minocin) and NONE worked. Accutane has the best chance at taking out and PREVENTING further breakouts that any other drugs. The side effects are annoying and by the end of the treatment you just want off. BUT it's totally worth blemish free skin. DO IT
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August 15, 2007

Pros:

It helped my skin the first time around, I have taken this product 3 times and it doesn't stop acne it just takes it away for a little while

Cons:

Dry skin, anal bleeding, loss of night vision, not allowed to drink alcohol or have anything with vitamin A in it, blodd tests every month, possibilites of liver failure....

I think that it is not the best option out there for all the cons, the cost and the lasting effects I still have acne breakouts and they are still pretty bad so don't get your hopes up on this stuff if you have severe acne, I did I thought it would be a miracle cure boy was I wrong, and I am still very depress about my skin
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June 12, 2007

Pros:

Cleared my skin up

Cons:

Had thoughts about killing myself

Wouldn't let me dog take it.
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April 27, 2007

Pros:

No.

Cons:

As usual.

Honestly, it just didn't work.
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October 13, 2006

Pros:

Completely clears acne. I had many one zit in the past year.

Cons:

Causes acne to get really bad at first. Side effects could be nasty... in my case they weren't much more then a nuisance. A little dryness and some rashes. Near the end I got a few nosebleeds. Went through alot of lip balm.

If you can stand feeling really ugly for a month or two, and you don't mind dealing with dryness... then do it. It's the closest thing to a cure. I'm very happy with it.
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October 18, 2006

Pros:

Acne relief, higher self-esteem.

Cons:

Dry flakey skin, seriously chapped lips (during the first cycle, I would tear my lips by smiling... during the second cycle, no such problems even at a higher dose).

It's been nearly ten years since I finished my second and final cylce of Accutane. The first cycle is undoubtably the worst, I was taking 40mg/day, 20 in the morning and 20 at night. My lips were seriously chapped and would bleed nearly every time I smiled. Also, the skin on my face was very dry and often flakey. Near the end of the first cycle, my acne went away. I was completely free of acne for about 6 months. Then it returned, this time all over the lower half of my face (previously it was only on my forehead). So back to the dermatologist I went. He put me on 60mg/day 40 in the morn and 20 at night (or it could have been the other way around, all I know is it was a gold pill and a purple one). The seocnd cycle went MUCH better than the first, even thought I was taking a higher doseage, I didn't have any issues with my lips being seriously chapped and my face wasn't nearly as dry as before. My acne cleared up and ten years later.. NO BREAKOUTS! Just an occasional pimple.
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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