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 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.

3.9
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5
37.1%
4
33.4%
3
15.5%
2
7.3%
1
6.6%

Used Isotretinoin (Accutane®)? Rate It:

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August 19, 2010

Pros:

Helps spots.

Cons:

Ruins your body permanently.

Do not use this. It's handed out willy nilly. I don't think its even suitable for people with SEVERE acne. I'm faced with many problems due to this.
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May 19, 2011

Pros:

doesn't even matter

Cons:

tons of side effects.
makes you want to die

Stay away from this if you have a history of depression, this will make it so much worse and harder to treat, its not worth it at all. If you're a guy resort to makeup and birth control before using this, seriously.
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December 18, 2009

Cons:

DRY LIPS AND FACIAL SKIN, MADE ME WEAK.

AINT WORKEDE ITS MADE MY SPOTS MUCHH WORSE :(
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February 7, 2012

Pros:

None

Cons:

Destroyed my life
Gave me rosacea

Thank you accutane!
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April 30, 2011

Pros:

MAY clear up acne

Cons:

lots and lots

I must say that I've actually never used accutane but I wanted to write this as a warning to anyone wanting to try it. About 7 years ago my older brother used it and had severe depression that was difficult to treat - he failed most of his tests his senior year and ended up not graduating with his friends and having to go back to school once he was finally better. Then about 2 years ago my best friend decided that she had enough acne and it would be worth having clear skin no matter the side effects. Her skin did clear up a bit but not completely and her hormones were so messed up that she had to be on hormone treatments for almost a year. Now, a year later she is having trouble getting pregnant and her dr says the accutane may have messed up her hormones to get pregnant for the next few years, perhaps even never get pregnant. I know having bad skin sucks! I have bad skin but I would never take this drug knowing that it can cause such extreme side effects and harm your body. This is not a case of other meds where if your stomach hurts, or whatever, you stop taking it and go back to normal in a few days. This stuff can really mess you up. Even if it does clear up your skin (which it doesn't always) it can mess up your body so bad you'll wish you hadn't taken it.
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April 11, 2010

Pros:

Supposedly somewhat clearer skin (Not worth it when looking at cons - find other methods)

Cons:

Possible, probable debilitating long-term side effects that will haunt you for the rest of your life.

[link removed] through these reviews and at this website along with many others if you use google you shall find warnings about how people have been effected negatively by this drug which supposedly was originally used on CANCER patients. Stories about stunted growth, back pain and surgery, the NUMEROUS side effects from taking this potent drug (Dan discusses them on his review - near top of this page) freaked me out. I was considering taking this drug but I now feel compelled to warn others. There are OTHER TREATMENTS out there that don't have the potential risk of crippling your body. Do you want to make a deal with the devil? A few years of good face (given through misinformation - there are other alternatives) for a potential lifetime of trouble? NO THANKS.
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October 10, 2010

Pros:

None!

Cons:

It's a poison, literally! Could cause depression, liver damage, permanent thinning of the skin, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, hair loss, blood problems, basically every side affect known to man and these could develop months, even years after you stop treatment.

You have to be either stupid or extremely vain to take Accutane. This drug is a poison, and what a lot of people don't know is, Accutane was developed in the early 80s as a cancer medicine because it kills cells. Its purpose is too stop the sebaceous glands from producing oil, which is not even natural. When my doctor gave me the pamphlet explaining Accutane, I couldn't help but notice that the patient's skin in the after photos ten years later looked horrible! My doctor treated me like I was crazy because I did not want to take Accutane. The truth is, they just want an easy way to treat acne and don't take into account the potential harm it can inflict on the human body. Just look at the PSAs on TV and notice how the drug companies who make Accutane are being sewed by hundreds of people who took it. In the long run, you have to ask yourself a really crucial question. Would you rather have dry, chapped, crappy looking skin without acne, or would you rather be a human being and bear the zits?
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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