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
Read All About Isotretinoin (Accutane®)
Compare To Other Treatments
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:
January 9, 2013

Pros:

None.

Cons:

Vastly Increased Acne
Dry/Peeling Skin
Dry/Peeling Lips
Inflamed/Red Face
Itchy Skin
Scaly Skin
Depression
Headaches
Hives
Dizzy Spells

I do not recommend this at all. I thought it had to work because it was one of the only things I hadn't tried, but obviously not. I had to stop using it within weeks because it caused mental and physical pain.
This Was Helpful

Report
January 5, 2013

Pros:

Clear Skin
Non-oily
less oily hair
Started working right away
Most effective acne treatment I've ever come across (tried Dianette, tetracycline, minocycline, doxycycline)

Cons:

Headaches (at times)
Dry Lips
Dry Skin (can be managed with moisturiser)
Sensitivity to light (blurry vision in lots of light)

I had looked at reviews like this for probably a year or so before I could take Isotretinoin, seeing the good and bad reviews and wondering how it would effect me. I took a low dosage of 20mg, and have been taking it for nearly two months now. Hope I'm not speaking too soon, but this stuff is greaaaat! My skin began to clear up after taking it for a bout a week and over the course I have had about 2/3 proper spots. Acne on chest and back has gone, back was last to clear (after 1.5 months).
This Was Helpful

11 user(s) found this helpful

Report
December 30, 2012

Pros:

Skin is not oily anymore (normal skin)
No more acne!
Can go out without makeup on
Saves me time in the morning
I don't have to stress about breakouts
Improved confidence! :)

Cons:

While on the medication:
Very dry lips (aquaphor will be your best friend)
Took about 3 months to work
Some joint pain

This medication, while I understand is a radical treatment, saved my confidence. I wanted to write this review for anyone who is constantly stressing about their skin, looking for new products, and constantly reading tips for acne, as I did. I didn't really have an initial breakout either, so that was a plus but it did take about 2-3 months to completely clear me up. If you have back or face acne that destroys your self confidence, ask your derm about this medication!!!!! Its a life saver!
This Was Helpful

12 user(s) found this helpful

Report
December 29, 2012

Pros:

cleared sever cystic acne completely
changed my life

Cons:

very drying
dry eyes
dry skin
dry nose
annoying blood tests

I've had sever cystic acne for over 15 years. My face would hurt and throb in pain just sitting there. Believe me when I say I have tried everything from Proactive, Retin A, Doxycycline , a whole bunch of very painful yet ineffective zit zapping facial treatments, just to name a few. Not to mention, I probably went through about 10 different dermatologists just trying to find something that would work. Accutane was my absolute last resort. It took me 15 years to talk myself into it and it was a pain in the butt while I was on it (super dry skin, eyes, and lips that felt like they would fall off). Seriously, I would forget my keys or phone different places, but I learned very quickly not to forget my chapstick. But after about the third month, my face was almost completely clear. After 15 years of hell, and it only took 3 months on Accutane for my face to clear up. I couldn't believe it! I understand Accutane is not for everyone. I am just so thankful that it worked for me.
This Was Helpful

18 user(s) found this helpful

Report
December 8, 2012

Pros:

The clearest softest skin I've ever had!
Confidence booster :D

Cons:

slightly dry lips

Accutane is amazing. I had tried everything from retin-a to minocycline to benzoyl peroxide to most topical treatments you can think of. None of these products gave me any outstanding results. After seeing more than 5 derms over the span of five years one of them finally recommended Accutane. I first scared myself into not using it since I read about all of the side effects but after finally going on a 10mg one pill a day dosage my skin started to respond really well. I couldn't believe it! My skin was clearing up after only one week of taking it, I know it sounds ridiculous since most treatments work after four weeks but its true. The IB was so minimal I hardly noticed it. I only got one or two gigantic pimples but that was about it. My skin became soft and the terribly embarrassing redness caused by topical retin-a finally disappeared. Some of the marks from previous breakouts also disappeared. I was finally truly confident after spending most of my high school years battling acne. I've been on Accutane for a while now and haven't had any of the side-effects most people get which I am extremely thankful for. My lips and chin become slightly dry usually after washing my face but that is the gist of it. Please consider taking Accutane if you have been on several other topical treatments and they've failed. You don't have to go on high dosages if you are afraid of the side effects. Im telling you this because sometimes what you read will scare you but you will NEVER know if you don't try it. :)
This Was Helpful

27 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 29, 2012

Pros:

- cleared up skin & kept it clear afterwards
- huge confidence boost

Cons:

- dry skin/lips/eyes
- muscle ache/back pain
- swollen joints (especially knees)
- nose bleeds
- monthly blood tests & hospital visits

i suffered from acne on my t-zone and shoulders/back for 4 years and although it was not the most severe, it was extremely persistant and completely ruined my confidence. i tried everything and had moderate success with dianette (the pill) but this was only temporary and the acne came back as soon as i quit it. i was on 40g and then 60g of accutane a day (the maximum for my weight) for 8 months. this is longer than the usual 6 month course because although my back cleared up perfectly within 2 months, the acne on my face was more stubborn. however, i urge you to stick with it!!! after 7 months, my skin was perfect, and 4 months later, it is still great with the occasional small pimple that clears quickly. as you can see, i was unlucky in that i experienced a LOT of side effects, the worst being that my cholesterol raised to a very high level and i had to change my diet to manage this (which helped to keep it down). although these effects were horrible, they were only temporary, and if you are seriously committed to achieving clear skin, they are worth it in the end. i would really recommend Aquaphor ointment for lips, its the only product that works, and very gently exfoliating skin then following with a rich moisturiser to reduce unsightly flaking. since taking it i can enjoy life without worrying about whether people are looking at my skin and feeling ugly. accutane gets criticised so often but honestly its worth the pain and i just hope the results last forever. you just have to commit to achieve results!
This Was Helpful

8 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 25, 2012

Pros:

- It WILL clear your skin.
- Changed my life.
- I know you've probably read all this stuff about how your face will be falling off because it's so dry and that your face will be red as a tomatoe, but DON'T let this scare you. Accutane is amazing, but yes it gives you dry skin and lips, and yes your face will be redder, but it's seriously not as bad as you think it will be. Just regularly applie moisturiser and lip balm (Vaseline is the best for me)!

Cons:

- Dry skin.
- Red face.
- Muscle ache (Had to stop running while on it)

Don't worry, all these side effects go days after your treatment finishes!

Use it, a few months of dry skin is SO much better than a childhood (or adulthood) of acne.
This Was Helpful

12 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 16, 2012

Pros:

clear skin-clearest its been before
smooth skin

Cons:

extremely dry lips (like no other..)
lower back pain
dry skin

I would reccomend this medicine to anyone who suffers with acne. I normally dont write reviews about anything but this one I just had to share my experience. Ive been on accutane for almost 6 months and thought it would not work because I was still breaking out up until 2 weeks ago. When the doctor says give it time..you have to be patient. The end results of this medicine were absolutely incredible. I thought id never get rid of it. And im hoping it never comes back either lol. Hang in there guys! =)
This Was Helpful

7 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 13, 2012

Pros:

It has completely renewed my skin! I broke out really bad the first week, but now i actuallyfeel beautiful!! I have battledacne for over 10yrs its been horriblebut by Gods grace i have gottenthroughrough times, almost suicidal.

Cons:

Dry itchyskin peeling lips. I use Dials antibacterial soap (the white bar). Then i use Witch Hazel (dickinsons) and Eucerin face lotion (small amounts on dry areas) for little bumps i use Clearsil adult cream (that stuff is awesome)

Take my adviceit really helps
This Was Helpful

9 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 7, 2012

Pros:

Cleared my skin!! I never thought I could obtain clear skin, many products failed and this one actually worked!

Cons:

Very expensive depending on insurance. Lots of side effects. Monthly blood tests.

I was on this for 7 months and finally got the clear skin I have been waiting for! It took a long time to clear me up, a little over 3 months actually. I got the common side effects. Very chapped lips ( like no joke chapped lips ) sore joints ( my knees and ankles ) and a sore lower back. Dry eyes.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 41 42 43 44 45 … 202
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