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
August 27, 2009

Pros:

The result of this medication have been great, but not worth the risk

Cons:

Severe effects: Extremely dry lips, arms, and face. Developed blisters on face and body. Jaudice and liver function in bad shape. Vitamin A in body was high.

This medication is not to be taken lightly. I was given 40mg for my first month, I didn't notice many side effects other than dry lips. On my second month they bumped me up to 60mg. This is when my prolbems started to arise. My face became very dry along with my arms. I was constantly having to put on lotion and chapstick. In the morning I would alaways use a lotion with SPF 30. One morning I took my dog for a walk (around 15mins) later I had developed severe blisters on my lips and arms, and later had to go to the ER to have them drained. My nose also constantly bleed. I had become very depressed due to my appearance, I looked like a leper. Not all the make-up in the world would help. About 2 1/2 months in I became extremely ill. I was rushd to the ER once again. I had jaudice, and my liver and pancreas were not functioning properly. They found an abnormaly large amount of vitamin a in my body. I imedately stopped the accutane.
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 24, 2009

Pros:

All is going well. I can feel the dead skin star to flake, like especially on my nose. The dermatologist said i will get a heap of blackheads then they will reveal all the nice skin underneath. I can't wait to be 100% clear.

Cons:

-Just a tad bit of lip dryness

I've been on 40mg a day for 1 month now. I have had no side effects except dry lips which are easily manageable. I can't wait to see the full results! Only 5 months to go haha.
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 21, 2009

Pros:

Perfect poreless skin, and acne clear uo to 5 years from treatment

Cons:

Horrible dry skin, cracking and peeling lips, and nosebleeds.

I took Accutane 14 years ago and I loved the results, my skin really had a glo to it. Five years later after pregnancy I saw more outbreaks and the oilyness come back. I do not have the same acne I saw before but I have oil skin and enlarged pores so I just went to the doctor to get back on Accutane I start in a month! The side effects are worth the results, and I am tired of dealing with topical creams that make skin peel for months with no real results. I can't wait!
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 19, 2009

Pros:

Cleared my skin completely :)

Cons:

pushed out a few piercings, dry lips, flaky scalp, weak hair, constant nosebleeds, sun sensitivity¬ being able to get wrecked ;) & no waxes for 10 months.

I tried everything to get rid of my acne as i got bullied at school for it. After nothing worked- the doctor suggested it, but didn't recommend it as can have varied side effects. Regular check-up's and all the con's seemed worth it in the end! Although i have had a few little spots here and there- better than acne! I am still not allowed to wax- and because my skin is still sensitive after the treatment, all my piercings are ripping out (luckily, not painful!- just a complete waste of money!) Well, i did get it for free i suppose :)
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 19, 2009

Pros:

Clear skin, no oily scalp/face, more confidence.

Cons:

Headaches, some back pain, trouble sleeping, DRY skin, occasional nosebleeds and a little over-emotionalness.

It's worth it, I'm nearly finished and would do it all again for these results. I have had acne since I hit puberty, and am now 28. Working as a professional with acne is embarrassing, so Accutane was a good choice for me. The hardest thing was the dry/flaky skin and the chapped lips. I soon learned that the key is to moisturize often! For chapped lips I picked up the Aquaphor from Eicerin (it's in the lotion aisle of most stores), it works wonders. The only thing I had a hard time with was the time and cost. With monthly bloodwork and appointments, it was hard to schedule with work and the cost got a little out of hand, but that was due to my lame insurance company. Overall, I'd do Accutane again.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 18, 2009

Pros:

Starting to see a difference

Cons:

VERY dry lips! Dry eyes. Dry skin all over body. Bad mood swings

Iv been using Roaccutane for 7 weeks now and im just starting to see a difference. I had a MAJOR break out a couple of weeks into treatment and i very nearly gave up. It has got better now. Still getting break outs now but they are not as sore as it was before the treatment and they clear up alot faster without leaving purple marking as before. The side effects can be pretty bad but so far i do think its worth it. At work im reffered to as the pretty girl with the bad skin! I hope when this treatment finishes they cant say that about me. And for anyone who is thinking about using this treatment i reccomend buying lots of lip balm, Body moisturiser and eye drops!
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 17, 2009

Pros:

Does a good job of reducing oil. Still waiting to see major improvements.

Cons:

Facial redness and dry lips and skin. Initial breakout is a downside.

I've read a lot about accutane before actually taking it. I've read that it DOES get worse before it gets better and I still have strong confidence that it will work and that these first few weeks are bad, but I'm just so tired of acne that I can take a few weeks of breakouts to have the results that I've seen and heard. I also believe that the depression is not a result of this medicine, but instead a result of people not seeing results fast enough or to their standards. Patience is key.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 15, 2009

Pros:

Dried my oily skin
Nothing to really add since i just started a month ago.

Cons:

Breakouts were kind of bad. lots of big type pimples came up on my forehead and some little ones on my jaw line and cheek.
been experienceing dry skin, dry lips, dry eyes(this is the worst cuz i wear contacts too), coldness,

I think that even though i just started this a month ago, i have hope that it can work for me despite all the terrible things ive read on here... i know its suppose to get worse before it starts clearing up but i feel so ugly when i go out. extemely self conscious. i feel like my acne was better before i started this treatment, and now its just disgusting but im hoping it clears up soon in the next 2 weeks before university starts again.. first impressions mean a lot there. and i dont wanna look like this. i do feel kind of depressed but i was already before taking it, and i do believe that if this works, my self esteem will skyrocket since im not usually a depressed guy... but i just cant feel like "myself" if i look so disgusting and noticeably zit infested.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 14, 2009

Pros:

it cleared up my BIG cyst pimples on my back and chest after 1 month

Cons:

bit of dryness everywhere

am taking it again now since my BIG pimples coming out on my face, both sides of cheeks...i thought if accutane worked for my back and chest it would do the same for my face. been taking 10mg only a day for 10 days now,...it's still getting worse ( maybe initial effect?? i hope so...)am using Clenzyderm from OBAGI as well to treat my face. haven't got anything amazing till today though... can anyone suggest if i have to double up my dosage or just stay on 10mg a day? thanks...i'm desperate...
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 14, 2009

Pros:

cleared up 100%, look great feel great, easy to use

Cons:

dry skin, dry lips, really dry red eyes, takes awhile to see results

WAYYYYYY WORTH IT... half way through i wanted to quit sooo bad but just dont quit! seriously the stuff is the sh*t
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 23 24 25 26 27 … 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