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
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
July 20, 2009

Pros:

I WISH I TRIED THIS EARLIER! After suffering with acne for 7 yrs I have tried every possible treatment, not to mention paying £100 a time for microdermabrasion.. I have finally found somethin that really does work 1 month in & my skin is almost clea

Cons:

Severe dry lips that split- Carmex lip balm works best
Dry skin- moisturise each day (oilatum for eczema works well)
Dizzyness/ poor vision, tiredness, muscle aches especially when exercising, headaches and dry eyes- HOWEVER THESE ARE ALL BEARA

Initially I was worried about starting this treatment as I have had depression previously and when reading about this treatment I was worried it would return- and I am still cautious. However, one month in and my skin has never looked so great! My skin is very red at times and can be sore BUT one month in and I am getting one or two pimples a WEEK if that! This to me is already like a miracle and I am excited to see how my skin will improve within the last two months. I am taking 70mg a day for a total of three months. Do not worry about the side effects, you are closely monitored by dermatologists and as soon as the effects become too much (if they do) you can come off of them, its as simple as that!! Dont get me wrong some of these side effects are pretty harsh and I am often left tired and sore from muscle pain but the clear skin outweighs all of that! Also, do not go out in the sun without sun screen! I was VERY badly burnt on a mild day (EVEN IN ENGLAND!!) I am still peeling now!!
This Was Helpful

Report
July 18, 2009

Pros:

Acne cleared up completely and hasn't returned.

Cons:

Dry skin and lips

Accutane works. Some of the side effects suck, but it's definitely worth it.
This Was Helpful

Report
July 17, 2009

Pros:

It really works! I stopped breaking out entirely after the first month whereas the six years leading upon to me taking Accutane I NEVER had an entirely clear complexion-EVER.

Cons:

VERY dry lips-had Aquaphor on me at ALL times (home, office, purse, back-up supplies, etc) Inside of my nose somewhat dry, but a bit of vaseline on a Q-tip helped. Achy joints def a nuisance and VERY annoying, but not life altering.

I have been off Accutane 9 months, it's a miracle drug for me. I think bc my doc put my on 40 mg 2x day from day one to last day really helped clear my breakouts quickly, and stay gone. I have a friend whose doc changed her dosages up and down, she didn't have as good or swift results as me (but also didn't complain of the any side effects, either)-who knows if it was dosage or body chemistry though. I def. admit my joints were achy,it was far from pleasant, and the more physically active you are, the more you probably will notice it, but it was never so bad I needed to take pain meds, except when I went out jogging. I tried EVERYTHING (I had tears in my eyes when my dermatologist told me it was time for Accutane-I was so scared bc of all the horror stories) but it worked 100%. DON'T listen to the negative stuff-everyone has totally different experiences-if ur doc will prescribe-take it! It works! Ask ur doc if safe they can put/keep u on max dose possible if it's safe.
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 15, 2009

Pros:

I finally for the first time in 23 years have beautiful, smooth, non oily skin with NO nodules or blackheads anywhere!

Cons:

The dried inside of your nose gets annoying, as well as really chapped lipped corners that feel like paper cuts. But other than that, nothing at all scary.

I wish I had just tried Accutane years ago instead of suffering and wasting so much money on every cleanser, cream, gel, and three piece kit from both the store and the dermatologist. My skin was at the point where nothing could control it, and even simple benzoyl peroxide made my pimples worse. Accutane dried up my beard of acne in the first three day, and despite a really, really tiny IB (it was barely an IB) the second week, the acne all disappeared and has not come back. I especially love how those annoying, purple little nodules all along my jaw FINALLY are gone; everything is so smooth! No serious side effects either, like headaches, hair loss and joint pain. Just dry nose/lips. And my dose was fairly high (60mg a day). I reccomend trying it; in the worst case just stop the pills if you see any serious side effects. But with insurance, it's only 5 bucks, and so life changing.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 15, 2009

Pros:

I tried all types of acne creams from the pharmacy and I've been to over ten dermatologists, also trying their prescribed medicines/ face washes/ creams and this is the only thing that worked. It's cheap and I've never felt better about my skin.

Cons:

None-- the doctor visits are nothing new to me since I've been to plenty, it is cheaper than all my other things I've tried, and although they say that you can get very dry lips and skin, thank god I've never experienced any of it.

If your doctor is willing to put you on it-- DO IT. If you've tried to get rid of your acne for a while and nothing has helped, do this! The blood tests and doctor visits are only for about six months and then for the rest of your life you never have to worry about your skin again! Imagine waking up in the morning without worrying about new pimples that showed up overnight... Imagine trying on clothes in the dressing room without seeing every pimple on your face so clearly... This medicine is a blessing and the confidence you feel after your skin clears up is unbelievable.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 10, 2009

Pros:

Cleared my skin.

Cons:

Dry skin/lips. Initial breakout.

I am in my early thirties. I had nice skin up until a couple of years ago when I began to get nodulocystic acne. Mostly 1-2 large lesions each month which would take forever to heal and left some scarring. My back was also covered with acne like a teenage boy. I felt terrible about myself. I never wanted to go out of the house. I started 30mg Accutane and the first month my back acne cleared completely and I have never seen it since. I did experience an initial breakout which was like a rash along the sides of my face and jaw line. I essentially broke out (nothing terrible like before) until I started my third month. Since then my skin has been perfect other than the occassional dry patch. Overall I would highly recommend this medication. I have some joint pain which is bearable and of course dry lips/dry eyes, but nothing severe enough to complain about compared to the benefits. I have one more month and then we'll see if I'm cured. I sure hope so....
This Was Helpful

Report
July 10, 2009

Pros:

After 3 mos. my skin is absolutley perfect! I never imagined having better skin than anyone i know! Countless compliments on skin, best feeling in the world!

Cons:

dry lips, not a big deal for perfect skin. Also dry skin.. its expected. Occasional mood swing, once a week.

Accutane has horrible reviews and warnings but if your to the point where you wake up to pop a pimple this is for you. The mental side effects warning is crap. Prepare yourself for a rough first month but then be ready for compliments on your amazing skin. Accutane has built my self confidence greatly! Well worth it!
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 10, 2009

Pros:

only been on this medication for 3 days. so far i havent seen any difference

Cons:

so far i havent had any side effects except ive been having nightmares ever since ive been on it (which is only 3 days)

ive tried topicals and antibiotics as well as proactive, and nothing worked. ive had acne for about 2 years now and im 16 years old. latley its been getting very bad so i decided to try accutane. i hope it will work without too many harsh side effects. Im lucky that acne hasnt really ruined my life even though its pretty bad acne. i have tons of amazing friends and an amazing boyfriend so im hoping the medication wont make me depressed. acne seems to be the only bad thing in my life and im hoping it will be eliminated for good =)
This Was Helpful

Report
July 9, 2009

Pros:

very clear skin - not one pimple, a confidence booster for sure

Cons:

dry lips

Where has this been all my teen years!? Accutane is the best thing I've used BY FAR in clearing my skin. I can't complain. The dry lips are nothing much really and the best thing is - I don't have one cyst or even one single pimple to say the least. Its amazing. Struggling with acne most of my teenage years has been a nightmare, but in less than 5 months I couldn't be happier. I'm crossing my fingers the results last.
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 8, 2009

Pros:

works great and even clears up the acne i had on my chest.

Cons:

dry lips/face. got worst before it got better.

like many others have said it really works unlike all these other products like proactive i'm just suprised that it isn;t really known. highly recommended. thanks to this pill my life 100 times greater.
This Was Helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 55 56 57 58 59 … 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