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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5
37.1%
4
33.4%
3
15.6%
2
7.4%
1
6.6%

Used Isotretinoin (Accutane®)? Rate It:

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February 1, 2012

Pros:

Gave me a 6 month window of clear skin.
Made my hair less oily so I could wash it less.

Cons:

My acne came back within 6 months of finishing my course.
I have permanent side effects: sensitive skin, more migraines, joint pain (often severe).
While taking the drug I was exhausted, made my skin painfully dry, lips were bleeding/cracking.

I regret taking accutane. I seriously wanted this to be the "miracle cure" that so many people made it out to be. Originally after taking accutane I was all for it, but then all my acne has come back, PLUS I've got some bad side effects that I'll likely be stuck with forever. Research this drug extensively before you think about taking it!
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January 30, 2012

Pros:

Clear skin. Hurray!

Cons:

Dry skin (face/body, lips, eyes)
Pain in the joints (mild)
Irritation
Extensive visits to the dr
Advise: DO NOT PICK AT ACNE

I am a 28 yo female and am doing 60mg/day treatment of Claravis. My story: When I was a preteen or teen never had any acne before except an occasional pimple here and there. No acne history in my family either. Since I moved to Florida, a few years ago, my skin had been getting duller and duller. I always had oily skin but no problems. Then finally I started get real acne. Gasp! So fast I went to the dermatologist and tried it all over the counter washes, tonners, facials, peels, clinique, neutrogena all the acne products prescription and non prescription available. Nothing worked. Here I was spending so much $$ and no results. It drove me nuts till one day I just decided.. de hell with it lets try accutane. I reviewed and reviewed all the information online and I gotta say it scared the crap outta me. Should I do it or not? - was the question. So, here I am on day 10 while on claravis and yes the skin is dry, yes the eyes get dry, chapstick works well. I found palmers cocoa butter really helps at night to get me fully moisturized. I dont have any depression symptoms but get irritated easily. I think its the stress knowing of all the side effects and wondering if all the discomfort will be worth it in the end. I do see the face peeling slightly and it does stink as it feels like a sunburn around my nose and mouth. I do see that the bumps are no longer there though ...they have flattened already. I had a mild initial breakout on my body but it was gone within a couple of days. Have to say that while on it you need to make sure you have some money aside to do all the drs office visits and blood tests. Its time away from work and out of pocket money that costs ya. I will keep you posted at the end of my journey. So far nothing major other than the regular discomforts.
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January 6, 2012

Pros:

Helped facial acne
Completely cleared non-facial areas

Cons:

Completely stopped production of lubricating oils in my eyes, causing such severe dryness I could not attend class
Acne began slowly returning, has returned almost to pre-Accutane state
Expensive
Pregnancy tests are a hassle

I tried more perscription and OTC topical creams, pills, masks, and ointments from dermatologists than I can remember for several years before trying Accutane. My doctor used the C word (cure) when he suggested it and I got very excited. It's certainly worth a try if you can afford it. I was on it two times for several months each time. The first time I was very excited and saw a great improvement. Then my acne started coming back, so I went back on it. I had to stop it suddenly when my already somewhat dry eyes reached the breaking point and stopped producing the needed oils from my bottom lids. Be careful, pay attention to your body. Get a heavy-duty moisturizer and you're skin won't dry out. I recommend Eucerin Cream for the body and Aquaphor (NOT the one sold as a lip balm, the one sold in larger containers) for the lips. If you are going to try it, I recommend starting some kind of topical cleansing regimen when you go off it to continue the effects. I tried handling things myself for a while, using three Neutrogena products containing Salcylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide. My acne still kept coming back, so now I'm trying Proactiv. We shall see. Accutane did wonders for my skin while I was on it, but the side effects were too much for me to handle. The good effects wore off over time while the side-effects have remained a problem.
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January 5, 2012

Pros:

Clears up skin
Reduces oiliness of skin and hair

Cons:

Headaches
Nausea
Moderate depression
Dry lips
Backaches
Really expensive

Even though this drug gave a lot of side effects, I felt like it was worth it. My skin and hair is normally EXTREMELY oily, and while I was on this it wasn't at all, which was a REALLY nice change. My acne was severe and after trying pretty much everything else I tried this. I noticed a difference almost immediately. My skin stayed clear about a year after taking it; some breakouts have come back but it is definitely not as bad. After trying a few other things, I might possibly start a second dose of this in the future.
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December 26, 2011

Pros:

no pimples
redness fades
I have my life back
I feel like a normal 35 year old male now

Cons:

DURING TREATMENT:
9 months of treatment
sore back/neck
red sunglass face
no energy
moody

Accutane offers hope of clear skin when you have no other options!! It's not a drug to play around with...very serious!!..but it can work wonders. Trust your doctor but verify your treatment plan. I had obsorption issues and had to lobby my doctor to increase my dosage... I finished on 160mg/day... the highest dosage prescribed for my weight (2.0mg/kg). In the end though it worked. Currently Post accutane 4 weeks and I wash my face 1x/day with water only and sometimes I still need a slight amount of moisturizer on my forehead and cheeks. Using soap dries my face out really, really bad and turns it irritation red. But, No pimples currently and I hope it continues!! Good luck in your journey.
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November 21, 2011

Pros:

Don't have to wash face every 2 hours
Gets rid of acne

Cons:

Have to moisturize all the time
Very dry lips
Monthly blood tests

I have had bad acne for 3 years. After trying all other products and fighting with my doctor to finally write me the prescription I started accutane. Started at 40mg a day for 1 month. Then 60mg a day for another month. Then 80mg a day. It took about 3 months to see any results. The initial break out came in the second month and lasted about 30 days. it was BAD! I've now been on accutane for about 6 months and am 98% clear, however I do have a lot of scaring which will have to be dealt with. I have decided to stay on the medication for 1 more month even though my doctor has told me to get off of it. "He is probably the worst doctor I have had" I don't believe anything he says. Bottom line I would recommend this product hands down. I had minimal side effects aside from dryness and its nice to look into a mirror and not be horrified with the person looking back. I will never get those 3 years of my life back but at least I can be confident going forward. If you have really oily skin go an accutane its the only thing that works. Don't let the doctor waste your time with creams and all the other crap none of it works believe me.
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November 20, 2011

Pros:

Cleared Acne
Got rid of face oil

Cons:

Joint Pain in Knees
Stomach Aches
Adds more digestive risks to my Hirschsprungs
Dries skin
Dries lips
Causes Dandruff

It cleared my acne. The side effects that I had weren't that bad. I am used to stomach aches due to being born with Hirschsprung's disease. The dry skin went away with the humid St. Louis summer. The dry lips could be fixed by Aquaphor. I got used to the joint pain. I just couldn't run the mile at my school. However, my ensurance company decided to only pay for five months when my dermatologist recommended six... Thus, my acne returned. Not as bad as it was, but it's back... I took 80mg a day.
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September 12, 2011

Pros:

It works
Does not require use of topicals/creams/gels. etc

Cons:

The course of treatment must be completed for it to be effective.
Dry eyes
Chapped lips
Blood tests thoughout the process
Can relapse / Flare ups

Roaccutane works; It cleared off my acne permanently. I have subsquently relapsed after 5 years due to an arising hormonal issue. It may be pricey and the duration(I took 5 months) may seem long but it is so worth it if you are looking for a permanent solution.
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September 7, 2011

Pros:

No more oily skin
Pimples dissapear completely!
Smaller pores
Beautiful skin:)

Cons:

Acne came back after 1 year
Dry skin
Chapped lips
Nose bleeds

I started getting acne in sixth grade, and it got pretty bad in 9th grade. I have homestly tried everything there is. In 9th grade i started taking diane 35 which is a birth control made specially to treat acne. It kept my skin decent, but the weight gain that accompanied it wasnt worth it to me. After i stopped taking diane 35 my acne came back 10X worse!!!! I kid you not. Finally after begging (i was desperate at this point) my doc gave me accutane. The initial breakout was baaaad, but after 2 weeks it subsided & my skin started clearing up. 2 months of taking accutane & my skin was completely clear. The side effects were minimal & defenitely worth it for the results i got! I virtually did not have one blackhead on my face. If i forgot to wash off my makeup i wouldnt wake up with a million pimples like i had before. This product was a miracle worker! One year after i stopped taking it I unfortunately started breaking out again. So i went to the doc & am now starting my 2nd course. I am actually looking forward to it though. The results that come from this pill are incredible! Just make sure to moisturize ALOT & carry chapstick because there will virtually be no oil on your face!!! I believe i am a rare caase, usually you wont have to take the drug again, i would highly recommend this. It changed my life & boosted my confidence! Another pro is that your hair doesnt get greasy for days so you dont have to wash it eeryday:) goodluck!
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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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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