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:
Number of Stars
Choose All That Apply
Clear All Filters
Done
August 12, 2008

Pros:

It cleared some of my acne.

Cons:

So many I don't even know where to start. First of all it didn't clear up any of my cysts. But it made me feel so sick and depressed. My lips were so dry, cracked, and sore. It ruined my vision so now I have to wear glasses.

This drug helps a lot of people, but I feel like it did more harm than help to me. I feel this way because the majority of my acne was cystic, and accutane didnt help that, and it was extremely frustrating. Eventually, coupled with prednizone, it started to clear my face. Now 6 months after I've been off of it, my acne is BACK. Acne is ridiculous, I hate it, God bless anyone else dealing wit a severe case.
This Was Helpful

Report
August 12, 2008

Pros:

Really does clear you up...it is the only thing that has worked for me in the past.

Cons:

slight lip chapping.
my acne came back 4 months after my treatment ended.

Hello everyone. I'm a 16 year old female (junior in highschool). I've had acne since I was about 12 or 13...I used to have it just on my forhead back them. Then when I turned 14 I started to get it on my forehead and cheeks. When I turned 15, my acne was all over my face. It wasn't nodular/cystic acne...but it was persistent and embarrassing. I had tried every medication you can think of. Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, tea tree oil, minocycline, tetracycline, retin a, ziana, differin, benzaclin, birth control pills and many other treatments. Most of these treatments helped slightly, but not enough to really make a difference. I still had visible acne and thanks to some of the treatments, I also had peeling and redness. That's when I decided to try accutane. My mom and I were a little nervous to do it at first because of everything we'd heard about the side effects, but we were desperate. I began it in June during the summer
This Was Helpful

Report
August 10, 2008

Pros:

too soon yet to tell

Cons:

very dry lips and itchy scalp

I am 49 and fed up with the constant battle to get rid of the spots etc. Was prescribed minocin for 15 years ( which I have since found out was far too long) This had a detrimental effect on my liver, so was taken off them and put on Isotretinoin 3 weeks ago. Cholestrol level has risen slightly, but liver function has now returned to normal. Just waiting patiently for an improvement in my skin now.
This Was Helpful

Report
August 1, 2008

Pros:

Clear skin, Smooth Skin, no blemishes

Cons:

chapped lips, itchy hair, hair loss
relatively high price, doctors appointments,

I'm 22 and i've been on accutane for 7 months. Got 3 months left. It cleared my skin up after 2 months, my skin is so perfect looking i don't even have to wear make-up anymore. No blackheads, no acne. It's like a miracle. However i've noticed my hair shedding at a much more rapid rate than usual after 4 months into accutane. It's nothing scary yet, but i'm quite worried if it continues... My doctor said all the side effects like chapped lips, dry skin feeling, being sensitive to light is temporary, it'll stop after my treatment. I've also been reading about people saying their acne have returned. My doctor said accutane heals my skin forever... i can only hope for it to be the truth. Otherwise it just doesn't worth it.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 30, 2008

Pros:

its worked very well for me, i still have another 3 months left, im really happy with the way its been working.

Cons:

it makes your skin dry, and quite sensitive. but the pros definatley outweigh the cons.

its worked wonders for me, my skin is still continuing to improve, and it does take patience, but its worth it. i havent noticed any changes in my personality and i have not experienced any depression. my knees do get sore at times but its tolerable. my hands are dry, but i think that might be a combination of winter and the tablets. its an effective medication and i do recommend it.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 28, 2008

Pros:

It did clear up my skin all together and the acne is not as bad as it was be4

Cons:

my acne did come back 3years later and i did have side effects

Would i go back??? well i'm trying EVERYTHING be4 i do go back as a last resort .... side effects:: Dry lips (very sore) and eye brows (flakey) my face did swell as well but i heard this is because my dose may have been to high!!! i do now have pains in my joints to the point i can't move have been 4 tests and scans and nuthing is "wrong" pain killers wont fix it i don't no 4 sure if this is to do with the drug but i have seen a few people who have the same thing as me and have also been on this drug...the only reason i would use this as a last resort is because i have had acne since the age of 12 and i'm now 22 by this point you do want to do ANYTHING to be acne free..
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 23, 2008

Pros:

-Everything you expect

Cons:

-dry skin, lips

-give it a try if acne is ruining ur life-i did and it worked
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 23, 2008

Pros:

no breakouts or oily skin.

Cons:

dry lips, skin bled and burned easily, broke out after i course.

While I was on accutane, I didn't have an initial breakout or have any zits at all. Then one week after I finish the 5 months course, I slowly start to breakout again. I wish it worked for me.
This Was Helpful

Report
July 22, 2008

Pros:

The Long term effects are good, no hormonal disturbances as with contraceptives etc, gets rid of cysytic painfull non squeezable acne.

Cons:

While on the medication you have to be preparde for certain side effects. I've had headaches, my eyes seem to not agree with contact lenses,very tired, agression, joint and muscle ache, no drinking when socilaising, no going in the sun in summer

I think if you mentally prepare yourself that for 6 months or so you'll have to live with these symptoms and you think of the benefits at the end then you'll be able to get through it. Some people dont even experience half of these symptoms. I went on this the 1st time about 5 years ago when i was 15, my acne returned again when i was 20 but i think that was due to a hormonal imbalance, but the roaccutane is working. I just hope it does not return after another 5 years! I've heard of crazy suicidal stories which freaked me out but if i feel down i just keep telling myself its the medication. i think its the best medication if you want to stop the vicious circle of tryin everything and for acne to return and for severe acne cases.
This Was Helpful

Report
July 20, 2008

Pros:

-Clears skin up within 6 months for most
-Acne usualy never comes back
-Confidence

Cons:

-I have had one nose bleed so far
-Cost
-More moody

150 per month for derm visits, I dont have to go every month. The pills costed me like 10 bucks though. I have been using for almost 2 months and a half now and there my acne is now very mild, though there is a lot of scarring. Mederma should solve that though xD. It's VERY good I recomend this. You will be good looking again.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 43 44 45 46 47 … 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