Isotretinoin (Accutane®)
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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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July 7, 2011

Pros:

All the acne was gone by the end of the treatment (50mg daily for 6 months) ... and I haven't had any relapse so far (it's been 6 months already after the treatment)

Cons:

I got really REALLY dry lips (flaky and sored) but it got better with a very hydrating lip balm (Eucerin)
My acne got a lot worse the first month
Pricey

I totally recommend it, for me it was a cure!! For years (six exactly) I had improvements and relapses in cycles... but with now even my skin is less greasy ;-) It can be pricey, but if you buy the generic and have a good insurance... you'll be covered For me, over-the-counter products didn't work (I had a very severe acne) and I didn't experience any major secondary effects for Roaccutane.
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July 5, 2011

Pros:

Made acne slightly better.
Stopped major acne break outs

Cons:

I have been on Accutane for 6 months and expected MUCH better results. I've stopped taking the drug, as my doctor says my skin will continue to improve after the treatment.
Sensitive, itchy skin all over body.
Cut/scratch very easily.
Nose bleeds, dry/cracked skin on and inside nose.
Anxiety.
Crying spells/feeling down.
Achy joints.

After stopping my course of Roaccutane after 6 months, I feel like it was not worth it. I'm hoping that my skin will continue to improve (as the doctor said) and that the redness of my face will start to go away. Alot of people are really positive about their Roaccutane treatment, and I wish I could say the same. I thought it would be alot more effective that it was. However, I was relieved when the doctor said he wanted to take me off the drug, as I was really starting to get fed up of the side effects! From my experience, I wouldn't recommend it, but after reading so many other reviews by other Accutane users, I'd suggest you gave it a try, as it may work for you.
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July 4, 2011

Pros:

CLEAR SKIN!
confidence booster!

Cons:

chapped lips

i had comedonal acne since i was 12, the derm gave me every kind of cream and pill and nothing worked. so finally at 16 he finally put me on and it worked wonders on my skin cleared EVERYTHING ! but it now after 6 months is coming back :(
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July 4, 2011

Pros:

*cleared original acne, and not one new zit since!
*Insurance made it much cheaper

Cons:

*left behind a face full of acne scars
*dry, painful rashes on legs and arms
*sores on lip
*skin is much more easily cut, burned, and bruised
*have to get monthly blood and urine tests to get a refill

This product WILL get rid of your acne, and for me it was definitely worth all the poor side effects. I just wish I'd done it sooner. Also, I used the generic brand (Claravis) which was totally effective, so don't think you have to pay extra for the name brand of Accutane because they're exactly the same.
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June 30, 2011

Pros:

Clears Acne 100%
Clears Blackheads 85%
Cures oiliness temporarily

Cons:

Acne may return
Dryness, minimal hair loss
Sensitivity to sun

I was lucky enough to experience on a small amount of side effects. I had dry lips (my skin wasn't even excessively dry) and some hair loss which now is growing back one month later. I am not sure if I am 100% cured of acne but I would recommend anyone with severe to moderately severe acne to try this. Yes, there are side effects but honestly, I held off of Accutane for so long because of the negative reviews I read. Honestly, most people come online to write about the product because they had a bad experience. The large population of people who do not experience anything drastic just live on happily ever after and do not bother. Take it from me, this drug is worth it. I say this and I had no insurance. I got insurance half way through my course and still ended up paying about 2k. If you have insurance and bad acne, you should not wait any longer. Please do yourself a favor and take Accutane. If you are scared, consult your dermatologist about possibly starting off with low doses. I did this and found it to be more effective and I suffered no initial breakout. If you have tried almost everything and nothing has worked, there is no reason for you to skip this because of "side effects." I used to talk people out of taking Accutane until I took it myself. I now advocate it. Good luck!
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June 30, 2011

Pros:

Decreased oil production
Zits disappearing by the day

Cons:

None thus far

I have been on Accutane for about a week, and I just had to come on here and write a review. I'm one of those people that can fill up 3 Clean n Clear oil sheets in a row... after one week of Accutane I can barely fill up one. All acne on my shoulders has gone away, and the zits on my face are disappearing. I haven't gotten the dry eyes/lips yet, but I am a contact user and haven't noticed a difference yet. It is super cheap with insurance, and I totally recommend it!
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June 29, 2011

Pros:

clear acne completely (for a period of time)
even the black head was so much lesser...

Cons:

horrible acne on face during first few months and I would not want to leave house..
too dry that i cannot do anything with it....
skin rash..
I was on accutane for 2 times....first times clear skin completely then acne came back after 8 months. 2nd time was also the same...acne came back after a year

it only works for me for a short period of time.. and i felt so confident about my skin and i was able to go out WITHOUT ANY MAKE UP. i always had to put on make up to cover my pimples.... but I think i will not go on accutane again because everytime pimples do come back....and i do not think its worth for my body to undergo all the side effects again....all i do now is drink more water and eat healthy... it really depends on different person....but it just did not work for me....too bad.. if i have to go through all these side effects again (ie bad pimples first few months and dryness then pimples back), i'd honestly rather drink more water and eat healthy even thou sometimes i do feel like a chore...
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June 26, 2011

Pros:

Helps clear skin

Cons:

Drys out eyes
Drys lips and rest of the body
Depression!!!
Reactions to water and other products
Super sensitivity.

I used all the acne medication there is and was referred to a dermatologist who prescribed me Accutane. At first it didnt really work but I've been on it for 7 months and seen minimal changes in my skin. I havent had a breakout since I've been on it which is a positive sign!
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June 25, 2011

Pros:

Clear skin (:

Cons:

SO SO easy to get cuts and big red scratches, red skin within the first couple months, very dry lips (to the point where they bleed) , itchy skin, dry skin

Accutane is definitely amazing at clearing your skin. It worked great and I'm so happy with how clear my skin is now. Ive been on it for 4 months and my skin looks so good. But, it caused me alot of stress from all of the constant and many scratches I got so easily. Honestly, the only way I could avoid scratches is by sitting home, doing absolutely nothing! But, I do think its worth it and I would go on it all over again if I had to because it works great. I call it the "magical pill" haha. The side effects do suck but in the end it was worth it (:
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June 24, 2011

Pros:

It works (for a while at least)

Cons:

dry skin, dry eyes
nausea
headaches
nasty side effects AFTER quitting

I started taking it after trying antibiotics but they didn't work, so the Dr. suggested Accutane. I was 20 years old and had had acne only for a few months, but it was severe. After taking it what looked like open wounds on my cheeks cleared with almost no scarring. While taking it I could tolerate the side effects (headaches, dry eyes, nausea and even vomit) but when i came off of it , it was horrible. I had severe depression, lost weight, hairloss and my bloodtests showed that it messed my system. AND my acne came back (about 3 years later) so, i think it's not worth to put your body through it, consider other alternatives before taking it
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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