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.

 [more]
3.9
2449
5
37.1%
4
34.1%
3
15.3%
2
7.3%
1
6.2%

Used Isotretinoin (Accutane®)? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
Number of Stars
Choose All That Apply
Clear All Filters
Done
April 2, 2013

Pros:

Physically:
Dramatically reduced acne
skin less oily
smaller pores
After a month on it I stopped getting spots completely.
Mentally:
Dramatically improved my confidence.
Much more out going now
Feel so much more comfortable in my own skin
Financially:
Free on NHS

Cons:

Dry skin and lips
Red face
Prolonged dry eyes (continued for months after I was done with my course)
Monthly blood tests

A year ago I was on here looking at some of these reviews, and to be honest I was a little put off. I had tried all sorts of antibiotics and creams but nothing was working. Then last march i finally bit the bullet and went on the stuff and it changed my life. I was on it at 80mg for a very rough 4 months but a year on and my skin is the clearest it's been since i was in single digits. Please talk to your doctor if you, like i was, are feeling depressed about your acne and get on it.
This Was Helpful

21 user(s) found this helpful

Report
April 1, 2013

Pros:

- Clear skin, for the first time in a year!
- Soft Skin

Cons:

- Dry lips
- Dry cheeks, occasionally
- Does not treat discoloration, but it should fade in time

I highly recommend this product. It's seriously changed by life! I was initially so worried about the side effects too, but thinking about it this way- if the negative side effects start to appear, then stop using the drug. You don't need to complete the entire dosage of isotretinoin just because you start it.
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
April 1, 2013

Pros:

Cleared up acne instantly.

Cons:

Dry lips/skin. Could be easily maintained with a moisturizer cream.

I used to be on Accutane a couple years ago. I had what they called "stubborn acne." I tried over 17 different products ranging from creams to pills and nothing seemed to work. When my dermo. introduced me to Accutane, I instantly wanted it. It worked insane miracles. I was clear, my oily skin was gone and I was so happy with the results. Three years later, I never break out, never have oily skin. I recommend this to everyone.
This Was Helpful

10 user(s) found this helpful

Report
March 31, 2013

Pros:

doing a decent job clearing my acne

Cons:

i feel like it should be working faster my doctor told me im gona be in the 8-9 month range

dry lips

its proven to be the best treatment for acne out there
This Was Helpful

7 user(s) found this helpful

Report
March 31, 2013

Pros:

-No oil. None. For a grease ball like myself, it was amazing to have clean hair for days. I got to feel normal for a change! The oil returned immediately after treatment, though. ;)

-Acne eventually cleared. It took a LONG time for me, though.

-Nearly a year after stopping treatment, I haven't had a single spot.

-NO MORE MAKE-UP!

-The biggest Pro? I no longer get monster cysts. I no longer feel like a freak, embarrassed to look other people in the eye. It's the best feelin

Cons:

-Dry, red eyes*
-Some abdominal pain (left side, but all blood tests were normal)*
-Always tired! My energy level dramatically increased after stopping treatment.
-Monthly dermatologist visits and blood tests. A nuisance, but worth it.

*side effects subsided after stopping treatment

I SINCERELY regret not taking this drug earlier. The noticeable scarring I have from a decade long struggle could have been prevented, but I let the horror stories scare me away from the drug for so long.

I dealt with varying degrees of acne for over a decade. I spent $$ on pills, creams, vitamins, etc. Accutane scared me, so I kept turning it down. At 26, my cysts were bigger than they'd ever been. I decided on a low dose treatment: 20mg (1 mo), 30 (1 m), 40 (10 m). I didn't get clear until month 11 or 12. But I DID get clear and remain clear nearly a year after stopping treatment. I no longer cringe when I look in the mirror. I no longer avoid the mirror. I love my skin.
This Was Helpful

13 user(s) found this helpful

Report
March 24, 2013

Pros:

-Cleared Extremely Severe Acne
-Got a better social life
-Confidence
-Happiness

Cons:

80mg for 6 months
-Dry Skin
-Bleeding Lips
-Got Made fun of at school
-Itchy Skin
-Suicidal Thoughts

Overall the worst 6 months of my life I will never forget.

It saved my life, thank you to the maker of this product:]
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
March 23, 2013

Pros:

. Clear skin that stays clear afterwards
. You don't need to wash your hair very frequently
. Gets rid of most blackheads
. Gives your face a natural glow
. Also gets rid of back acne

Cons:

. Incredibly dry lips, so dry that even vaseline wouldn't work.
. Coldsores
. Very dry flaky skin on face
. Joint pains in thighs, I actually couldn't run for a while.
. Monthly blood tests:

Since the age of ten I had quite severe acne, i started using Isotretenoin when i was 12, after using almost every spot cream on the market and none of them worked. After 6 months, I came off Isotretenoin and believe it or not, I had clear skin! My spots started to come back after a month or so but i soon sorted that out with some clearsil. Six months later I still have clear skin! :)
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
March 22, 2013

Pros:

+Clear skin
+No more shine
+No more oily skin
+So incredibly soft skin (after you finish)
+No need to wear makeup
+Self confidence
+Wear what you want
+Save money on acne products (honestly, I just buy vasoline aloe lotion for my skin now to keep it soft)
+easily manageable cons
+CLEAR SKIN

Cons:

-Dry skin (when you take it)
-Dry lips
-Dry eyes
-helped contribute to my kidney infection
-raised triglisorides and chelostrol (went down a few months after I stopped taking it)

This is a last resort medication, but it's the best acne medication there is. While you're taking it, at the beginning wash your face with salt water and natural soap though, it helps dry your skin out and keep the pores clear.
This Was Helpful

7 user(s) found this helpful

Report
March 21, 2013

Pros:

Super clear skin
Amazing radiance
No more shine
Self confidence
Didn't need to wear makeup
Acne free for 10+ years
People complimented my skin all the time
No initial break out

Cons:

Dry skin
Chapped lips
SUPER dry eyes
Couldn't wax (I did but twice a little skin came off)
Minimal hair loss (it comes back)
Minimal alcohol consumption
More sensitive to the sun

All the cons are manageable if you want good skin
THAT bad. Most people don't understand what it's like to have bad skin. Clear skin was worth all the symptoms for me.

Accutane seriously changed my life and I would recommend it to anyone that is suffering from bad skin. I went on it in 2002 and have been acne free until now. I started breaking out in August and nothing seems to work- Proactive, Epiduo- well they work, but as soon as I stop, the acne persists. This drug is literally the only thing that works. It makes your skin so perfect. If you suffer because of acne (stay home, embarrassed, it depresses you), you should try this.
This Was Helpful

13 user(s) found this helpful

Report
March 13, 2013

Pros:

CLEAR SKIN! I took accutane when I was 18 yrs. old. I had very bad acne from 13 yrs. I an now a 55 yr old mother of 2 and have 1 or 2 stress related pimples in all that time. Use it, monitor your health with the doctor prescribing it and do not get pregnant as this medication is extremely harmful to an unborn child. Acne, especially cystic acne, is something a young person can do without because it causes emotional problems as well. I know I've been through it.

Cons:

some initial redness, extreme dryness and peeling.

It works when everything does not and is long lasting. However, it should be considered a last resort when nothing else is working. Do what will help you to have a happy life. God bless.
This Was Helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 19 20 21 22 23 … 82
Next

Relevant Article(s):

Relevant Review(s):

Relevant Forum(s):

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