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%
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 12, 2007

Pros:

works wonders skin is very clear within 2 months

Cons:

dry lips mood swings joint pains very severe. irregular monthly bleeding at first also coupled with joint pain

works very well need a lot of patience to deal with side effects otherwise a good product even if it is expensive in south africa
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
April 12, 2007

Pros:

Totally cleared acne. Tried everything that was going, Pro-activ, minotabs, topical lotions, even old wifes tales(rubbing skin with cut potatoe!).At age 35, with scars on neck and face from 22yrs of anrgy red acne, finally was offered Roaccutane.

Cons:

dry lips (controlable with lip balm), dry skin

Within 2weeks skin felt dry, but was awesome and smooth after so many years of really oily skin. Acne disappeared within first month and stayed clear for 7 mths. Returned but only about 30% as bad as before. Went on a 2nd course and skin cleared as before but after finishing course skin has remained 99%clear and 90% less oily for 2yrs. I occassionally get little pimples that clear overnight but nowhere near what I used to experience. I find a nightly application of Brevoxyl is sufficent to keep it clear 99%. Oiliness is now slightly dry to normal(yippee). Best thing was, mentally I felt normal.Got up each morning and skin was clear, went to bed at night, skin was clear.The best feeling in the world.Only mistake I made I waited until my lips got dry before applying lipbalm. The day you start treatment start applying lipbalm and apply continuously.As soon as I did that I had no cracked lips.Would recommend it to anyone.Longer you leave it,worse the scars will be and can't clear
This Was Helpful

Report
April 8, 2007

Pros:

its helping..but i just started will it really clear up? its been 3 weeks since i been on it.

Cons:

very dry skin and crack lips.

From all the pro's that i see going on about Accutane i am postive that accutane will work for me hopefully in the next months. but it cant help the scarrings and the emotional problems. but seriouly if someone is reading this, let me know please when is the result gonna kick in. cuz i dont really see it so far. =[
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
April 7, 2007

Pros:

it works qquickly, ive been on it foe about 6 weeks, and my skin is almost clear

Cons:

dry, scracked lips and dry skin with occasional rashes or patches of dry, itchy skin. Also, ive had a cyst which hasnt dissapeared yet, im hoping it will

i would reccomend this to anyone. I was on tetracycline for about 3 or 4 months before, and it made my acne better, but not great. I was also on diferin as well, in conjunction with the tetracycline. Overall, the acutane has done much more than tetracycline did, and my confidence has risen because my face is clearer
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
March 28, 2007
Im gonna start taking Sotret today and Im very excited about it! My friend is on it for 5 months and her skin is amazing, soft just like a baby's butt. I hope it works just as well for me and hopefully it will never come back. I can deal with the dryness though..I've dealt with acne for a while, and I know I would much rather have dry lips and skin then new zits on my face any day :D
This Was Helpful

Report
March 23, 2007

Pros:

My acne has flattened out

Cons:

Dry dry dry skin and lips

Thank you BB in NY for the comment about checking your hormone levels. I asked when I got my first blood test done to add a hormone panel because I have had migraines and irregular periods since I was 12 ... so about half of my life. My dermatologist told me to ask my gynecologist to do the panel because she didn't know what to order. Acne, migraines and irregular periods ... hmmm maybe hormonal. Anyways, I have been taking 40 mg for almost a month. She has already written the script for my second month at 80 mg a day. I was a bit freaked to double it ... but she seemed confident it was a move in the right direction. I am so not looking forward to increased dryness. However, I ordered Dr. Dan's lip therapy and have used it for a few days ' so far so good! I have been waking up early in the morning with a horribly dry throat and a bad cough ' but that might be coincidental. Also dry scalp ' everything is drying out! Just crossing my fingers that this actually works!
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
March 3, 2007

Cons:

VERY dry chapped lips...my skin is dry everywhere - have to moisturize once or twice daily.

I've only been on accutane for about a month, and dry skin and chapped lips aside, I can say that I'm noticing a difference. I was on minocin up till 2 months ago and gave myself a month to detox and flush that anti-biotic from my body. Like I said I haven't been on Accutane for too long, but I can see that its starting to work...I would say that winter is the best time to start using Accutane because of the usual lack of sun (which isn't good for your skin while on Accutane). I also have to say that if your dermatologist or doctor recommends it, then take it; don't hesitate ! the longer you wait the worse its gonna get ! Don't mess around with other anti-biotics, just get on Accutane, and stick it out. Just think about it like this, Accutane gives you bad skin for a month or two, but its definatly better than years of it. If you can get it, take it
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
February 25, 2007

Pros:

skin less oily than usual; i can now stay home without worrying how oily my face will be at the end of the day.

Cons:

dry skin and chap lips, moody and i can't wear much make up.

Just about a week ago, started Acnotic 20, which is a type of isotretinoin. i was told the same stuff from my Skin Specialist about the effects and the remarkable results of this treatment that some of you have mentioned. and sometimes i do a lil bit of research online about the med (like now ;P) and see the effect on other real ppl like me. thank god i found this page. it actually gives me hope that this med might be my solution. i nearly wanted to stop because it seems that after a week of usage, new pimples still keep popping out and it is so unbearable. since that some of you did mention that it's one of the side effects.. so be it. i'll stick to the med then. will keep you updated of the progress ;)
This Was Helpful

Report
February 25, 2007

Pros:

clear skin i guess!

Cons:

dry skin... how do you deal with it..

ive been on isotretinoin for just a week now an my skin is getting really, really, really dry, an i hate it cos i cant put my make up on properly!! But i begrudge putting moisturiser on cos it still makes me feel oily.. but i have been putting it on but still no cahnge in the dryness of my skin.. if someone could give me the name of a really good light moisturising cream say hypoallergenic one that would be great!!
This Was Helpful

Report
February 23, 2007

Pros:

Clear, flawless, skin, no oil.

Cons:

Dry lips, aches and pains. Initial breakout, cure is usually just temporary.
After several months off, the acne comes back. Have been through two courses. Still not clear. Still have long term after affects from using.

If you want 3-6 months of good clear skin then go for it. Just be willing to endure for 2- 4 months of terrible, dry skin that may be riddled with more acne than you originally had. Aches and joint pains and possibly other side affects. This is not a cure for everyone. Very few people actually get rid of their acne forever after accutane, but the after affects can last forever.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 24 25 26 27 28
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