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
December 8, 2009

Pros:

Amazing! totally changed my life! I honestly was at the point where I wanted to quit my job get rid of my friends and just live at home and never step out of the house, now I leave the house with no make up on and feel great about myself.

Cons:

nothing. the pro's make the con's seem insignifigant.

I never wanted to go on accutane, I thought that I would try everything else but I didn't want to take it because I heard such bad things about it, but then realized that now they know so much more about this drug that they can tell you if you shouldn't go on it and where I am from they had regular check up's not only where my blood was tested but they also did mood tests. I am so glad I went on this medication, and if my children have the same problem when they are older and want to be put on this I would absolutely allow them to be. The life I was living with acne made me want to not be alive anymore, now I have accutane to thank because I am so happy with my life and I can finally say that I love myself. Totally worth it! I was on this medication for 6 months and now have been off it for a year and have 100% clear skin!
This Was Helpful

26 user(s) found this helpful

Report
December 7, 2009

Pros:

Fabulous, smooth skin, minimized pores and scars, clears complexion, makes it even looking. You will be asked if you're wearing makeup.

Cons:

Sun Sensitivity, please wear high SPF sunscreen everyday or you will burn like beacon. I wear SPF 70 and still get red like a tomato. Mild depression, tiredness, irritable, social detachment. Lack of concentration in school/work

IT Works! Miracle Drug! everyone handles this med differently. Make sure you drink plenty of water, use sunscreen each day, eat healthy, monitor side effects, don't drink, be very honest to your doctor, and enjoy the beautiful skin. :)
This Was Helpful

13 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 11, 2009

Pros:

-Cleared my persistent and painful cysts that were unresponsive to topical medications and oral antibiotics.
-Left me with beautiful, clear skin and a new-found self confidence.

Cons:

-None that were a surprise; if you expect the mild temporary joint pain and excessive drying of the lips that is CLEARLY MARKED EVERYWHERE IMAGINABLE you will prepare for these symptoms by purchasing strong moisturizers and proper supplements.

-Isotretinoin works, and the side effects are negligible if you prepare yourself like any good patient receiving a strong medication should. Invest in a strong moisturizer, lip balm, and vitamin E / glucosamine supplements and you can make the common side effects barely perceivable. -Take the medication with omega fatty acids for bonus points and efficacy. -Research the medication and know what to expect.
This Was Helpful

13 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 11, 2009

Pros:

TOTALLY CLEARS ACNE, BLACKHEADS, PORES...EVERYTHING!

Cons:

I hate to call it cons because in the end, you dont even care. but the "side effects" are chap lips of course, nose bleeds in the beginning, slight joint pain.

I am on my fourth month and OMG it is amazing. I never had acne until my 20's.I i tried everything, seriously. And after a year of suffering with acne, i knew i had to do something. It was so embarrassing. I would get mad when my boyfriend would look at me close up, would HATE to go out in the sun(i thought it was more noticable outside for some reason). I was such an unhappy person because i felt so ugly. But after 4 months, i am completely clear!! i had NO INITIAL BREAKOUT like some people try to say. Dont wait a year like i did and think "it will clear up" try it, you wll regret waiting too long.
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 9, 2009

Pros:

works quickly + effectively; literally tried everything on the market...everything else only worked for a few months

Cons:

insanely chapped lips that are bleeding, nosebleeds, return of eczema

There are side effects, but to have clear skin, they are totally worth it, because once you're done, the side effects go away, but the acne does not return!
This Was Helpful

9 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 6, 2009

Pros:

took accutane 3 yrs ago and it worked great for me... prior to that i had pretty bad acne for about 10 yrs and tried antibiotics and topicals but never great results... the accutane worked great but seems like it is coming back.. i will use again

Cons:

dry skin. chapped lips. upset stomach on occasion

it worked sooo well for me and it seems like i will have to go for another treatment... I would love not to use any drug but unfortunately my skin has been pretty bad..... drink a lot of water!!!! and take with meal and should be fine... i feel worse when my skin is bad then when i was on this medicine.
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 5, 2009

Pros:

clear skin, confidence

Cons:

dry lips/skin, sun sensitivity, a bit of hair loss(temporary)

TRY IT!!! i came to this website 4 months ago when my dermatologist told me to think about taking accutane and i gotta say i was pretty scared. i kept reading about people who became very depressed and all, and i began to think that maybe this wasnt for me.After some encouragement from my family i decided to take it. Now im 1 month away from finishing my treatment and i can easily say starting the accutane treatment is one of the best decisions ive made. My face, back,neck,shoulders and chest are clear of acne (i still have some scars) and i definetely feel alot more confident around others. I have recently experienced my hairline to recede, but according to my dermatologist, if its caused by accutane, it should come back about a month after my treatment is over. On some poeple its permanent but its usually people who are older (20-30sums) and were going to loose it sooner or later. as for other sideeffects, its nothing you cant control.
This Was Helpful

23 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 4, 2009

Pros:

clear skin extremly powerfull.

Cons:

chapped lips, dry skin, depression, back pain, aches.

Definatly worth all of the horrible side effects! My skin started to get worse when first using it but then my acne scabbed over and started to dry away, also my blackheads reduced in size in a matter of a month.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 1, 2009

Pros:

clears acne greatly

Cons:

tired,dryl lips, dry skin

ok I started taking this about two months ago. At first my acne seemed to get worse. But then better then worse. But over the past week I have seen a dramatic change my face has cleared so much its almost gone. I'm very happy with the results
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 30, 2009

Pros:

Flawless Clear Skin

Cons:

Dry lips and skin- sensitive eyes

Accutane is effective- I took all types if antibiotics fir years which can be a pain on the butt and cause serious damage. With accutane I only have to be on it 4-6 months. So far I've been on it 2 months and have clear skin- having clear skin has definitely made me feel better. I've spent hundreds of dollars and then some on over the counter creams and antibiotics that I wish doctors were more consistent in prescribing this medication rather than seeing you suffer every three months an antibiotic fails and you have to try a new one. I've had acne for 10 years and accutane has been the only effective drug for me.
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 50 51 52 53 54 … 82
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