Isotretinoin (Accutane®)
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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.

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Read All About Isotretinoin (Accutane®)
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5
37.1%
4
34.1%
3
15.3%
2
7.3%
1
6.2%

Used Isotretinoin (Accutane®)? Rate It:

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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.
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April 1, 2013

Pros:

Only cleared skin temporarily

Cons:

-LONG TERM side effects:
~Dry Skin
~Chapped Lips
~Night vision/ blurred vision
~Skin scares more easily
~Acne can come back worse and harder to treat
~Skin more sensitive to light/ sunburns

I did two courses of Accutane, one in 2003 and 2005. The first course I only made it through the first 8 weeks because the symptoms were severe. After that, my skin was clear for 6 months, after that my acne slowly started coming back, and by a year I had full blown cystic acne again. I decided to give it another try in 2005, and this time I stayed on it for 6 months. Again, the results were only temporary except this time I only stayed clear for 3 months and when the acne returned it was much worse. A few years later I had a Derm tell me that there were studies that show women with hormonal acne did better on a lower dosage for shorter time then a higher dosage for longer. He wanted me to try another course but I refused. The problem I have with this drug is that I think that people are to eager for a quick fix without realizing the consequences. Accutane should be a LAST RESORT before trying everything else. In 2011 left the US and moved abroad. This is when my acne cleared up without even trying. I later researched and found out about all the chemicals and hormones put into our water and food. I have to travel for work and my acne started coming back but not as severe as before. Now it is manageable with a combination herbal supplements, beauty products, BP, and a change in diet. I believe I could have done this when I was in the US. Derm's don't make money by telling you to change your diet or try herbal supplements. They need to sell pills and creams to support their lifestyle. If they work for you, great, but research the long term effects and make sure your not damaging your body! Since accutane, I have dry lips, dry skin, night vision, skin sensitivity, and skin that doesn't heal as well (not just on my face).
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JubilantFlow
September 30, 2015
Change of diet does in fact help with acne. Despite what some scientists believe . Anyone with acne notices more breakout after a soda or a greasy meal then after cup of water and a salad .
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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March 28, 2013

Pros:

Skin not oily
Clears skin well
Makes it soft
Makes it smooth
Self confidence back

Cons:

Severely dry lips
Joint pain
Dry skin
Cold sores
Dry nose
Dry eyes
Completely dries u out
Still having breakouts in 5th month

I've only been taking this product for almost five months. It started clearing me up pretty fast,but still had breakouts throughout, mostly during cycle. I'm not sure y I'm having breakouts still, I am currently havin one, and I'm in my 5th month. It is a good product. And it does clear u up well. I'm just still breaking out. It still breaking out by the time I go back to Docter I'm a ask her for another month. It does work tho, gonna write another review when I finish this month.
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March 26, 2013

Pros:

I finally have clear skin! Yes, I still have the scars but the acne is gone. After a year, I will be able to do peels that will take care of the issue!

Cons:

Dry bones, dry lips but that goes away after a while

I never write reviews but this drug changed my life. Its been three months and still not cysts. I know it hasn't been long but waking up without the pain helps so much. I was put on Antibiotics for so long, it killed my body and the good bacteria. :( Don't give up and take Accutane!! If you have insurance its like chump change! Don't drink alcohol either!
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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:]
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March 23, 2013

Pros:

so far its been 11 days on accutune. Pros, it really does dry up your skin! iv read so many reviews about it working in the long term so i hope it does. My skin isn't as oily as it use to be. The size of the pimples have decreased and i only get small ones now.

Cons:

It makes you really moody and im still breaking out a bit. And really dry and flaky lips and flaky skin! So hard to wear makeup with! And iv never been so depressed in my life!

Have to wait a little longer to see results as its only been 11 days. My skin hasn't really changed much except i have been breaking out a bit. Im dying to know how long til i see results and i really dont want to go through a major breakout likes your meant to. Ahhh.
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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