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
November 19, 2009

Pros:

Helped clear acne, black heads, reduce pore size, and reduce oily for quite a while

Cons:

I couldn't finish my dose. Severe kidney infection, was hospitalized. You have to drink tons of water and cranberry juice. Have to get your blood drawn every month to regulate liver function and other body functions. Highly regulated drug.

I am a medical asthetician and have suffered with acne since my early teens. I had tried accutane in highschool although it didnt seem to help. They say sometimes if you take it a second time around it will do the trick. I tried it when I was 24 and my acne had seemed to get out of control. I was set to take it for about 4 months. Its important to take the vitamin ZBEC (Its a b vitamin, zinc, calcium supplement) while on it. Your body is depleted of nutrients and your hair can thin. I ended up in the hospital with a severe kidney infection, my temp was at 105. I have never been so sick in my life, nor do I hardly ever get sick. The accutane was too much for my body to break down. I was advised by two doctors to discontinue taking the accutane and my skin remained clear for about 5 months after and I suffer from minor breakouts now. My skin is starting to feel oily again and congested. For me at this point I am not so sure it was worth it.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 18, 2009

Pros:

after about 1 month, blackheads and clogged pores cleared......in general, skin less oily....

Cons:

at the end of 2 months, still breaking out....lips burn without aquaphor...ankle pain.......

after reading about isotretinoin and asking my dermatologist about it's mechanics, the drug is working......the purging phase has continued since week 1...........still too early to see full results.......hopefully, month 3 will result in clear skin......
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 17, 2009

Pros:

it does the job like magic but it won't make you "glow" like beyonce or firgy. it will get rid of your acne and you will transform yourself.

Cons:

very dry skin, very dry palms, very dry lips, you will have to carry a container of moisturizer everywhere u go. yes it its an expensive treatment but it has a right to come with that price tag attached.

use it.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 15, 2009

Pros:

None

Cons:

Still not seen no improvement to my acne condition at all while taking accutane for a month. It has infact made my acne worse.

Everybody has different body's so it maybe worth a try but for me its not looking good although i am continuing to take it for at least a few more months. Furthermore, side effects i have experienced are joint pains and dry lips.
This Was Helpful

Report
November 10, 2009

Pros:

amazing skin, almost glowing, knowing it will work (in the end), most long lasting effects

Cons:

side effects, worrying you might get side effects

I was on this drug about 7 years ago. i had moderate to severe acne. was on the drug lips were very dry and i had a few nose bleeds but the results were amazing: things slowly started getting better then on month 3 an amazing transformation occurred. My acne stayed away for years, then about 3 years ago I started to get the odd pimple again and now i suffer from blackheads and a few spots each week. I am 26 and work in the professions where presentation is important so I decided to kick it once and for all so i just started a 40mg dose to do that.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 3, 2009

Pros:

Clears your face, at least at first

Cons:

I had extremely dry skin/lips, very high sun sensitivity, back pain, joint pain, bad blood tests leading to stoping lifting, depression (but not sure if because of accutane), bad night vision, weight loss, purple skin, diarrea/rectal bleeding still

Acne coming back a few months later, but have to give it 5 stars because it was the only drug that actually cleared it in the first place.I may have to take this drug again, because my acne is starting to come back :( . Though the side effects suck!, I hate acne with a passion. I am a lifter and lost a ton of my muscle on this drug, am finally getting it back but what's the point, if I'm gonna have to take accutane again :(. Acne makes me so depressed, which is why as much as I hate the side effects none of them matter; if it made me loose a limb or something who cares as long as the acne's gone that's all I care about.
This Was Helpful

7 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 3, 2009

Pros:

None yet

Cons:

very dry lips and face, depression, nose bleeds

have been on 60mg a day for over a month now. no success yet, and acne has gotten worse. hope to see effects soon.
This Was Helpful

Report
October 30, 2009

Pros:

clear skin , and also my confidence skyrocketed i became a pimp lol ( Just kidding ) but I became more outgoing , I am not afriad of talking to a girl cuz of my acne, I got out more often then i did when I had acne.

Cons:

dry lips. sore muscles, upset stomach , and headaches, palpitations make sure you take it with food cuz if not your heart start pounding , believe me!!!

I had acne for 4 years and nothing seemed to work until I took accutane , it cleared my skin , it did what it was supposed to do which is great. I thank God also cuz he helped me to get through the treatment it was a nightmare , but it was worth it.accutane is a very string drug , dont f**k with that sh*t , you have to be careful use it as a last resort . if you think that you dont have any other option then got for it . I mean I know how it feels to have bad skin . my muscles are still sore
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 27, 2009

Pros:

I've suffered from severe face acne for about a year. Tried everything else, but only isotretinoin worked (i'm taking a generic called oratane). I was prescribed a low dose (20mg/day) for 10 months so side effects were manageable.

Cons:

Face and lips dried up within weeks of starting the dose, but the acne stopped popping only after 3-4 months. It takes lots of determination and patience - waiting for results, as well as handling the side effects like really chapped lips.

Really effective, but recommended only for those who have tried everything else and are willing to spend money and effort to ensure that the process goes smoothly.
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 27, 2009

Pros:

It actually WORKS.

Cons:

Pain in the butt to do the blood tests and get on all the birth control stuff haha, but my skin became perfect within a month. I've been to one of the best derms in Seattle and have been on every line and drug under the sun.

I would have continued to take it, if it weren't for the biggest and most devastating side effect. While I've always struggled with depression, I was actually doing pretty well when I started taking the medication. However, suicidal thoughts became constant, and I attempted in September. While it's impossible to know how much of an impact the drug truly had on this situation, I feel strongly that if I wasn't on the drug it never would have happened. As you can imagine I got off the medication right away. And what do you know, the acne is back! Joy. The bottom line is that it is an extremely powerful drug with major side effects- and that's why it is different from everything else out there. I would definitely recommend this product, but I strongly urge EVERYONE taking this medication to closely monitor their emotional state.
This Was Helpful

7 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 20 21 22 23 24 … 67
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