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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3
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1
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Used Isotretinoin (Accutane®)? Rate It:

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April 28, 2011

Pros:

Accutane cleared up my skin within a month and a half.

Cons:

The usual minor side effects. Dry lips, dry eyes, slightly dry skin. Nothing too unbearable.

I am a 25 year old acne sufferer, and after trying out every topical cream, face wash and medication for acne with continuous failures, I decided to use Accutane. I was afraid to, because of all the negative hype about the drug. It was definitely my last resort. I am so glad that I went on it. I didn't have any major side effects, I did not have an initial break out, and my skin began clearing up within a month of taking the pill. I was on it for 7 months on 60 MG, and now, 3 months after Accutane, my skin is still glowing and beautiful with a few tiny pimples here and there (Mostly monthly/hormonal pimples that clear up the next day) But nothing even noticeable. Other benefits of the drug are that my pores shrunk drastically, my skin is so much smoother than its ever been, and the scars have pretty much disappeared. I can walk outside without an ounce of make up on and I feel BEAUTIFUL!!! I hope my skin continues to stay this way, and I recommend Accutane for anyone who has tried it all and wants to give up. Best wishes to all on your journey to getting healthier skin!
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April 24, 2011

Pros:

No more oily face, no more pimples on face or back, more confidence, spend less time getting ready

Cons:

Dry face & lips

I would recommend this drug for anyone who has severe acne. I've had acne for 10 years and I contemplated going on this drug for years because of of the side effects. I'm so glad I did & it was probably the best decision I could have ever made. Noone should have to suffer with acne that makes you not want to leave your house. I had no side effecs except for dry lips and skin which is no big deal at all. If you're suffering with this problem I would definitely try accutane it worked for me when nothing else would and I finally have my life back.
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April 22, 2011

Pros:

Considerable difference in greasiness of skin - not greasy at all
Very few side effects (only dry lips)
Only have to take for four months

Cons:

Extremely dry lips

I've been taking Roaccutane for two months now, and I've got two months left of treatment, and my skin is in much, much better condition, it's softer and better quality and not at all greasy. I'd already tried most topical things along with Oxytetracycline, Lymecycline and Doxycycline, and none of those worked, so I was relieved to be going onto something stronger. The only side effect I've had is dry lips, but that can be solved with vaseline and lip salve. I had a dry scalp for a while, but I switched to E45 Dry Scalp Shampoo and that's all fixed now.
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April 18, 2011

Pros:

Skin like a baby’s bottom!
Not afraid to show off my back in public

Cons:

All the temporary stuff commonly listed: dry skin and lips, mega dry eye, depression, poor healing etc.
Telogen Effluvium - lost 70% of my hair, and counting
Tendinitis, still troubling me

8 months after taking my last pill it's hard to say whether it was worth the risk. 25 year old male with a pizza back sucked. I'd had enough of slathering handfuls of BP and AHA over my back and neck, face (with minimal improvement) so I did some research to see what I could do to put acne to rest from the inside out. First it was vitamins - no luck. Then Doxy, which failed. My problem was OIL, way too much of it. Accutane was the only option (or B5). I was prescribed 60mg a day then worked up to 100mg over two months or so. This was a little past the recommended dose 0.5 ' 1 mg / per kg body weight being 95kg. My thinking was I never wanted to do this again so let's get it right first time around. I reached a cumulative dosage of 150mg in just over 5 months to say bye acne for good. And it worked' I'd never been so happy in my life with my skin. But then it came. 2 weeks after my last pill I was washing my hair in the shower and there in my hands was over 50 hairs. I totally broke down knowing what it was: telogen effluvium. Since then I've lost 200 ' 300 hairs a day for 8 months. It happens due to a physical stress on the body which causes your hair to prematurely enter a resting state (generally from between 8 months' 2 years with accutane). The hair doesn't fall out for 2 -4 months after the stress event so you probably won't know until it's too late. I suspect my telogen effluvium was due to my high dosage. My advice would be not to take any more than 1mg p/kg of your total body weight a day. If I could do it all over again I'd take less each day for a longer period of time to reach the recommended cumulative dosage of 120 ' 150. Wish I could post a more positive review, but this is my story and it's real. Everyone is different will react differently. I give Accutane 5 stars for acne because I'm pretty much cured (so far), but I will never get all my hair back. It's a risk that didn't pay off for me.
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April 17, 2011

Pros:

Cleared up my skin

Cons:

Harsh on my body

I had tried most everything and this was the last thing my doctor had for me to try. My initial blood test came back great, the one after the first month did also, but after the second month my liver enzymes had gone out the roof! Fortunately, though, they have gone down since I quit taking it. I know it works great for some people, but it is not for everyone.
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April 16, 2011

Pros:

mainly clear skin

Cons:

SEVERE and major depression which has remained for the 10 years since I took roaccutane
have to remain on the *pill*-Diane/Juliette to keep my skin clear after course of roaccutane

Yes, my skin is mainly clear now but my life has been ruined by the depression caused by taking roaccutane. I also developed anorexia nervosa and can no longer work as a physiotherapist. Be VERY careful with this drug, that's all I can say...
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April 14, 2011

Pros:

Skin is completely clear.
No eruptions in the morning or during the day
No whiteheads or nodules.
Skin doesn't hurt (acne spots are very painful)
Doesn't take long getting ready (used to have to pop spots, wait for the redness to go, or blood)
GOT MY LIFE BACK.

Cons:

Lips get so chapped.
Dry skin on face and arms.
Got several mini rashes on my arms.
Not able to drink.
More pain after exercising.

Bottom line if you have severe acne get on this drug now. For you Americans, the national health system is extremely poor and I was only prescribed this after going private (which is a very good service). I've been on it for three months now and it has completely cleared up all my acne. All that remains is a few blemishes and slight redness however since I'm only actually half way through my treatment, I expect this too reduce even further. The benefits much outweigh the drawbacks. It will change your life and your confidence will severely increase. Still got three months left on the drug but I'm only on 30mg. However kept a diary and monthly photos of how my acne is progressing and feel free to email me too get these, you'll really see the improvement, jase_2394@[link removed]. It will change your life.
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April 10, 2011

Pros:

-TEMPORARILY cleared up acne
-confidence level completely boosted up
-less oil production
-not embarrassed to leave the house

Cons:

-started coming back slowly after a month or so
-in the beginning of taking it, acne got much worse and then better
-red face all the time, even after being off of it for about 5 months now
-depression
-almost lost hearing
-chapped lips & skin
-high triglycerides
-joint pain
-did not help my back at all
-could not go out in the sun

These pills have boosted my confidence level significantly after finishing it. However, after five months of being off of it, i am starting to see plenty of pimples. not as bad as before, i would say i am moderate right now (not including the bright red face). also, these pills initially increased my depression (when i was on them) because in the beginning they got so much worse than before. also, my hearing almost disappeared. right now, from the medicine, i am facing hair loss and high triglycerides. i dont know if any problem will occur in the long-term because of accutane. For all of you reading this and wondering on whether to take it or not, i would say yes ONLY IF your acne level is really severe (which means cystic acne covers every inch of your face) and if everything else youve tried has not worked. there are many problems related to these pills so talk to your doctor and family first. You dont want to risk internal problems for better looks. I thought it was effective but i still have a really red face and pimples are coming back.
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Bunnybombom
January 26, 2025
Used accutane. I would add that because every body -in the literal sense- is unique, people should consider if taking Accutane is the right choice for them based on myriad factors and not only if their acne is severe. Plus the psychological impacts of acne affect people differently, even if their acne isn’t diagnosed as severe. Accutane is a vital tool in the kit. That said, some people can’t tolerate the side effects, or the med just isn’t as effective as hoped. Staying hopeful.
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April 9, 2011

Pros:

No oil, no acne and a renewed confidence. No more acne...even 4 months after my last pill.

Cons:

Everything dries out, mild concentration issues, nose bleeds and

Accutane is a serious drug, but to me, it was so worth it. Weigh both the pros and cons before you make your decision. Please realize the horror stories are grossly exaggerated and rare. I'm clear 4 months later and my face looks great.
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April 6, 2011

Pros:

-non greasy hair to wake up to
-no oily face
-black heads on nose all gone
-spots on shoulders have gone and back (were very few

Cons:

-nose bleeds (first 2 weeks)
-chapped lips occasionally
-dry skin
-facial spots no real improvement
-insomnia

I have been on accutane for 2 whole months now, not had any real problems whilst on it which bother me, i am going to see my derm in 6 days and hopefully during the 3rd month i will see a severe improvement as most cases thats when they get there ( AHHH moment ) fingers crossed eh guys...good luck to everyone else who are on it i hope you see desired results soon :)
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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