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
March 13, 2008

Pros:

My face was bad, as with scars and mostly acne. and this thing works and its gone.

Cons:

head aches and hard to PT with.

if nothing alse works for you i say try this product. since i know the price is out ragious but i am in military so they paid for everything! love the military medical services!.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
March 4, 2008

Pros:

Works.

Cons:

Dry skin, and it gets way worse before it gets better.

Ok i have no joke tryed every thing they sell for acne. I went on accutane last year as a last resort. it was horrible at first but after a few months i had the best skin i had ever had in my life. i swear by this drug it is a miracale.
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
February 26, 2008

Pros:

So far so good, been on it for just over a month. Overall satisfied. Side effects have been kept to a minimal.

Cons:

Very dry lips, using water based lotion on my nose to prevent flaking. Had excema type rash which seems to be spreading.

So far so good, I've been using Accutane for just over one month. I had been on minocycline novo 50mg for quite some time off and on, I increased the dosage to 100mg but my body seemed to be getting immune to it. Since taking Accutane, my acne did not worsen (like the disclaimer said may happen in the first month) and has been improving since. I am using Complex-15 on my nose (water based moisturizer), Hydrocortisone 17-Valerate on my rash (which seems to control it) and Eucerin Emollient from the pharmacist around my mouth to combat dryness. Going to Hawaii in March so will post again when I return to let you know how I did in the sun.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
February 25, 2008

Pros:

smoother skin
clearer skin
non-oily skin

Cons:

Dry lips but not too bad if you keep up with your chap stick :) I recommend Burts Beeswax everyday and at night before you go to bed!! If i forget it at night i wake up with really bad chapped lips.

I've been taking it for almost 3 months and its clearing up my skin wonderfully! i had really bad acne since i was about 11 so im finally happy to see my skin clearing up. i have some scars left on my face but im sure it'll go away by the end of my 5 month treatment. I cant wait!!!
This Was Helpful

Report
February 21, 2008

Pros:

Clearing up my acne... seems to be GREAT stuff! My skin feels nice and soft and seems to be smoothing out already!

Cons:

Switched to another generic accidentally and did had a massive outbreak. Found out you can't switch or it stops the process.

Haven't really been on it long enough to be sure... but found out something I wanted to share with everyone. I was on Sotret for 30 days which seemed to have cleared my acne up within 4 weeks, then I went and got my new 30 day supply filled at a different pharmacy... and they gave me Claravis. I am breaking out like CRAZY! HUGE cystic boils that HURT. Bottom Line: If you are taking a generic form of Accutane like Sotret or Claravis... DON'T SWITCH from one to the other. You will be starting over from square 1 each time!
This Was Helpful

Report
February 20, 2008

Pros:

its great..

Cons:

dry skin, back pain

i've been on accutane for 2 months now...my lips are very dry but i dont mind...i heard ache worsen at one period during the treatment...i think it can't even be covered by makeup:( i hope it wont happen to me..but even if it will, i've seen other boys and girls results after the treatment and it was amazing!!!100% works
This Was Helpful

Report
February 18, 2008

Pros:

it works. this stuff just...works.

Cons:

the iPLEDGE rules are ridiculous, and my stupid dermatologist doesn't make it any easier.

i've wanted accutane since i was 14---my breakouts were mild at first, but then the derm started prescribing antibiotics and two different topicals and outlining regimens...you know the drill. does it ever seem like that actually works? no, it doesn't! i watched my face worsen over the months as scars developed and the----actually, you know this already! STOP WASTING TIME WITH TOPICALS AND ANTI-BIOTICS AND GET ON ACCUTANE! this stuff works---there's no depression, there's no hair loss, normal sun exposure doesn't become more damaging---all you get is clear, soft, super smooth, even-toned skin that stays matte all day and doesn't oil-up after an hour. you'll save time and headaches by only having to wash your face once per day (not feeling greasy at the end of the day was my favorite part!)...being able to take pictures from any angle and not worry about shine or spots...it's wonderful! MAKE YOUR DERM GIVE YOU THIS STUFF! HE/SHE will try and talk you out of it so you keep coming back!
This Was Helpful

11 user(s) found this helpful

Report
February 17, 2008

Pros:

It cleared my skin 50 percent in a month. I only have to be on it for 3 more months.

Cons:

Drys the!@$% out your lips,face and body. I dont like needles for bloodwork.

Its worth and brought self esteem back to me. I not afraid to talk to girls anymore. I can live with the side affects. Only reccomended for serious cystic acne tho.
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
February 16, 2008

Pros:

Clear smooth skin
matte complexion

Cons:

chapped lips, dry skin, no alcohol, iPLEDGE systems a pain, bloodwork every month, Doctor vists..but SO worth it.

I've only been on it for 1 month on 20 mgs and It cleared my skin up. I used retin A micro a month before I started my accutane treatment and it made my moderate acne severe. I didn't have a patch of clear skin, it was horrible. Then a month on accutane it cleared me right up and totally changed my skin from very oily to normal and matte. I'm only on 20 mgs once a day but every month I move up on the mgs. My face is totally smooth, so if this is what I get after just one month I can't even fathom what my skin will be like AFTER the treatment which is 6 months long. I HIGHLY recommend it, don't let those " suicide stories" scare you. If you take it, cetaphil cleanser and aquaphor are you best friends. If you've tried everything and didn't get results go to your derm and ask about accutane. Im only 18 but I still wish I took this sooner. This prevents scarring, but I've you've already got acne scars this medicine helps it too. Good luck with your treatment!
This Was Helpful

9 user(s) found this helpful

Report
February 9, 2008

Pros:

After 4 months....a huge improbement in my skin

Cons:

nose bleeds...and dry skin...all very common side effects

since 13 i had a few spot which then worsened over the years...15-16 were the worst years....the acne took over my face and body...and my skin extremely damaged and scarred....and I took so much medication that it was unreal...nothing really helped....untill i was finally precribed Roaccutane through the NHS.te improvement was the best...i got such good results...however it did not last forever.acne came back but more mildly...chest forehead and top arms free of acne...but my back and cheeks plus side of my face i get small breakouts...scars making it look worse.........roaccutane can really make that improvement...I am thiking to do n-lite treatment...sounds promising...but the bad reviews really make me think of its effectiveness...but all in all...roaccutane was the best treatment by miiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiillllllllles......
This Was Helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 72 73 74 75 76 … 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