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

Used Isotretinoin (Accutane®)? Rate It:

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April 20, 2009

Pros:

None haven seen any difference

Cons:

VERY VERY DRY LIPS n SKIN ON FACE peeeeling baddly

i dont no if this will work been on it for 1 month now havent seen any difference on my back acne
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February 26, 2009

Pros:

been 2 weeks and my pimples are still same old

Cons:

Dry lips ..... big deal

yah
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December 2, 2008

Pros:

Beautiful, clear skin with pores that are barely visible.

Cons:

Extremely dry and dehydrated. If you wear contacts, plan on putting them away for a couple of months. My lips became severely chapped. Cost can be a major issue if insurance is inadequate. Female patients, annoying pregnancy tests each month.

I was on accutane when I was about 13-14 years old. My skin was great for quite some time, with minor breakouts before my period. Towards the end of college the breakouts became a little worse. I'm now about to turn 25 and just started my second course of accutane because cystic pimples started around my chin and neck. After one month of treatment at 40mg per day my skin already looks great! I've heard the second time around should be it. I'm confident it will work for good this time since I'm older and because of the results I've seen already. If you can deal with side effects it is well worth it!
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September 9, 2008

Pros:

This is the only thing that has worked since I became immune to minocycline! Inexpensive since I was given a prescription for the generic (Sotret) and have a low copay for generics.

Cons:

Very dry lips- I think I used more chapstick during the five months on the medicine than the entire 27 years prior put together. Headaches (at least once a week). Felt some moderate fatigue at the highest dose (60 mg/day). Dry/bloodshot eyes.

If you're willing to put up with some fairly minor side effects, this treatment is definitely worth a try. I had dry lips and eyes for five months, but it was totally worth it for me. I haven't ever gotten compliments on my skin until now, and it really does wonders for self-esteem after having years of acne problems. Stock up on chapstick and eye drops (Visine Tears are great!) and you'll be fine :)
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November 5, 2007

Pros:

I've been on it almost 5 months, and my skin is near flawless. It was BAD before.

Cons:

It began with extremely dry skin and horribly chapped lips. I could wash my face and moisturize and go out, but within an hour my face was so dry AGAIN and flaking off. Somewhat embarrassing, but completely worth it. My skin cleared up after month 3.

Not recommended unless you have BAD acne. The side affects, into my fifth month, got drastically worse. I am more sad, VERY achy, skin is so dry. I recently started getting nosebleeds, chronic UTI's and very constipated. However, I'm almost done and happy to say my skin looks fabulous and it was worth it, overall... I think.
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March 13, 2007

Pros:

I dont know yet? I havent been on it long enough.

Cons:

no results yet after three weeks.

My skin got really dry the first two weeks but now its fine. I still have dry lips. But im braking out more. I dont see any improvement in my skin and im on my thrid week. I have been taking erythromycin as well but i think im going to stop. im going to try to let accutane work by itself and maybe i will see more resluts. but as of now i still feel bad because my skin is not good at all.it really brings down your self confidence. i really hope this stuff works!
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June 11, 2008

Pros:

I really want to believe this will work

Cons:

I'm so scared to start after reading all the reviews across the internet. I've been on lots of stuff form minocin, retin-a, blah blah blah...but my spots keep coming back.

My acne is not severe or even moderate probably...but I've tried a lot if things and I just constantly have 5-6 acne bumps under the skin at any given time and splotchy foliculitis on my neck...sometime big raised bumps in back of hair line. I can't stand it anymore and my derm recommended - with ful disclosure of all side effects and iPledge stuff... Now I'm 'having second thoughts about filling the prescription.
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June 5, 2008

Pros:

Chance of clear skin.

Cons:

Possible side affects

I started "Isotretinoin (Accutane)" three weeks ago. After a few days of taking it I noticed my skin was clearing up and my oil was decreasing. I also noticed a few days ago I had a small break out( due to my cycle) and the accutane took control of the pimples right away. I mostly have bad break outs right before and during my womanly cyle. It can take weeks for those break outs to go away and by then I am left with scarring and one week of clear skin (with scars) before it happens all over again. Its a nightmare! I have tried all the programs such as proactive and other over the counter creams for 6 years. I am grateful that there is hope out there. The side efects I have right now are dry lips and skin. I use Dr. Dans lip balm, it works pretty good and Crevex lotion for my face. I am still a bit scared to be on accutune but I am trying to stay as positve as possible and just get throught this time in my life. I will keep everyone updated on my journey! Thank you
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February 8, 2008

Pros:

This medicine is great. It gave me a ton of confidence iv only been on it for a month and my skin is almost completely clear.

Cons:

dry skin and lips,tiredness, costly

If you have moderate to severe acne i wouldnt waste time with anything else i wish i would have done it sooner
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August 26, 2012

Cons:

BE VERY VERY

Did the job like a champ! Simply a miracle!
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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