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.

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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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February 17, 2013

Pros:

Acne is gone. It's been 5 months since I stopped using it. I didn't get depression, even though I was diagnosed and treated for depression 10+ years ago.

Cons:

Had to stop drinking for 5 months. But, I didn't care because I was getting compliments from women left and right about how good my face was looking.

Do it. Remember that most online reviews are written by the negatives. I almost forgot to post my review because acne has been out of sight and out of mind.
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February 12, 2013

Pros:

HIGHLY Effective
Lasting results
Absolutely clear, smooth, oil free skin
Cheap compared to other treatment options

Cons:

Positive effects take time (8 weeks)
Moderate dry skin (lips, face and some body)
Dry Nose
Mild back soreness
Lethargy (tiredness)

I have been off Isotretinoin for about 2 months after a 7 month course (40mg per/day) of the drug. It is far and beyond the best acne treatment i have ever encountered after trying countless other treatments (antibiotics, LED light therapy, Creams, 3 step programs, topical prescriptions etc). The side effects are well and truly MANAGEABLE. If your acne gets you down, youve tried the other avenues and you are considering using accutane JUST DO IT. It might change your life like it did mine.
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February 9, 2013

Pros:

*20 years old - 5 ft 11' - 40 mg a day
Its only been 10 pills and its been working magic... way less pimples and if i do get one the dry up fast! Little craters on my face , but scarring cream should help
I drink alot of water at work and go to the gymm nd drink water only . No protein etc cus doc said so. I had cyst acne deep in my skin not severe small pimples here and there. Clearing up pretty fast. I was doxy pills bd isotreition for a year. Acne since 17. I recomend it . I feel normal

Cons:

Chapped lips lol

Take it... you control the drug dont let the drug control you ...just live life with it before u know it BAM! You wake up with no pimples!! :))
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January 30, 2013

Pros:

acne stopped developing completely during 5th month on accutane
skin overall looks great, hair needs less washing while on the drug

Cons:

hairloss started 1 month after stopping accutane

It has been 3 months after I finished a 7 month treatment with low doses of 20mg per day. My face looks clear and there is no acne to be found, only scarring:) Hairloss continues but that is subsiding, I take biotin and other supplements to treat it. My oil returned 1 month after I stopped tane but it is not as bad as it used to be. I am type 1 diabetic but my treatment did not affect much my blood sugars or made me worse. I suffered from acne for 20 years and the only thing that ever made a dramatic change was accutane. I had a very bad moderate/severe acne to begin with so there was little hesitation as to weather I should try it or not. I am happy I did it and even through my hair is falling out I am happy I have a clear face:) Give accutane a chance if you have tried everything else. With best wishes to all!
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January 29, 2013

Pros:

Got rid of acne

Cons:

Only short term relief
Horrible initial breakout
Dryness
Lasting side effects

Hi, my name is nick and I took accutane last year for a full 5 months. Please don't take this crap! For some people it may work long term. But for me, it's caused so many more problems than it solved. My acne came back within months, I never used to have chest or back or neck acne, not once throughout the treatment did I get a zit there, yet now I have it all over. Also, I am prone to rashes on my face and my back always hurts. Do not take this stuff! Start with retin a micro
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January 28, 2013

Pros:

GREAT! Worked so well to help my acne! I have been off it for a while now, over a year and I was on it for about a year and a half. I get the occasional break-out but nothing bad. I still have marks and scarring but accutane worked great.

Cons:

Dry lips (keep chapstick on hand)
Sun burn (ALWAYS wear sun screen)

Worked great and the side effects that I had were minor! Granted I still need to keep chapstick on hand because my lips are constantly dry but it is worth it.
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January 28, 2013

Pros:

Cleared acne for several years

Cons:

The list is huge! Interstitial cystitis, which isn't listed as a proven side effect, but has been linked to this drug and has caused me 15 years of bladder pain is by far the worst!

Please do your research before taking this drug! I would go back and deal with the acne again any day over having to deal with these bladder issues the rest of my life!
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JubilantFlow
September 30, 2015
Why would they leave a one star review saying "Please do research before taking!" if it didn't affect them negatively . Do you think they want to put fear into people for no reason?
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January 27, 2013

Pros:

Cleared skin
Minimum side effects

Cons:

Chapped lips
Sensitivity to sunlight
Took a few months to fully work

miracle
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January 11, 2013

Pros:

Face acne cleared up as did back acne, red scars from previous acne also seemed less noticeable

Cons:

Cystic acne came back a year later and am now considering starting a second round, made my lips really dry, my body is still much more achey than before accutane, hair loss during the treatment

I would still recommend it despite the flaws. After trying MANY medications and topical ointments prior, I was left with no other option but to try it. It really worked.
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January 10, 2013

Pros:

- facial acne is gone
- chest/back acne reduced
- hair is less greasy (seriously!)

Cons:

- SERIOUSLY chapped lips
- moderate hair loss
- very dry skin
- expensive..

I tried about 10 different oral+topical acne treatments prior to accutane. I had severe acne on my face, back and chest. I was TERRIFIED to try this product because of all the potential side effects, but realized I had no choice. It hasn't been a silver bullet, but it has been very effective. I've been on it for 6 mo. and my facial acne has disappeared, and breakouts on my back have been very reduced. I had no serious side effects, other than chapped lips, dry skin+bit of hair loss.
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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