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%

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January 14, 2015
MUST TRY!!
Hi, I have been on isotretinoin for 5 months now and it really made a difference. In the beginning my face was just COVERED in pimples and it hurt. Me and my doctor tried many things;Tretinoin , Doxycycline, Tazorac, Keflex and Benzoyl Peroxide. Nothing worked, so my doctor ( Dr.Cernik ) said she had two more options either another anti-biotic or Accutane, So I choose Accutane because i was through with anti-biotics they gave me terrible stomach cramps. So she prescribed the Accutane and I started with 30mg once a day, for the first couple Days I ha the absolute worst stomach pain i had ever experienced, also some insomnia but then it was over. I went back to the Doctor 1 month later and she told me to take 2x30mg a day. That time it was fine. by this time I am experiencing some acne relief. by month 4 1/2 I was completely clear i was taking 2X40mg a day then and ever since have not had any trouble. Tottaly worth a shot
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January 3, 2015
accutane has worked wonders
I know this a risky prescription drug but all that talk about the dangers are old stories from over 10 years ago and now doctors are aware of all of that and so I trust the medical today compared to past (obviously). Works wonders, this should be last resort though
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August 30, 2014
Only works if you continue to take it!
I was accutane for over a year and had brilliant results. Only had mild side effects dry skin, chapped lips and occasional headaches. My dermatologist suggested I stop taking accutane give my face a break for a year and then have laser to clear up my scarring. However within 2 months of being off the medication I began to break out. I have now been off the product for almost a year, my acne is back once again very red and painful and as bad as it was before I started treatment.
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January 12, 2014
Clears up skin but side effects can be v. severe

Pros:

Clears your skin up
Your skin doesn't even have blocked pores

Cons:

Side effects are severe
Can cause depression, irrational/suicidal thoughts
Sore joints (I couldn't run)

I went on Oratane (Accutane) for my stubborn, moderate acne. It cleared up my skin in 3 months (with an occasional pimple) and my skin's redness faded. Apart from the usual side effects, Accutane caused me to have suicidal/irrational thoughts and (being a sprinter this was awful) I was unable to exercise because my joints where so sore. I have been off it for a week and I feel much better. So, in conclusion, Accutane clears your skin up but you just have to think about if the side effects are worth it. Oh and I suggest going on Accutane only if you have tried every other method.
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January 10, 2014
it works, but be patient and understand side effects.

Pros:

clears skin
inproves self esteem

Cons:

expensive
very drying
mood altering in some cases

My son did two courses of treatment in high school. About a year after the first course concluded acne had returned, though on a smaller scale and it was not responding to other treatments. My son actually asked to go on another dose, despite all the unpleasant side effects. The most significant, and scary, side effect he experienced was depression and anxiety which was subtle but which I definitely believe was a result of the Accutane. He actually experienced fairly marked anxiety for a couple of months following the second course of treatment. Do not underestimate the emotional side effects. Our dermatologist had ever only had a couple patents with those side effects, but I believe it is because the question they ask is are you depressed or suicidal. My sons experience was much more subtle and in the case of depression it was recognized by me, not him. My son also experienced the extreme dryness. And he got a pretty bad sunburn too since he didn't adequately apply sunscreen as instructed by Dr. and mom. Some of the doses listed in other reviews seem really low and the course of treatment a bit contrary to how our doctor explained it worked. I would not allow a GP to prescribe. In fact our family doctor refused to, referring us to a dermatologist due to the nature of the product and the sever side effects. My husband also did two coursed of the treatment in his early twenties and not nearly 50 still struggles with breakouts, so it's not a total cure, but during the difficult teen and early 20s can definitely he'll boost self esteem.
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November 17, 2013
YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!

Pros:

Smooth Skin
Poreless
Acne-Free

Cons:

Dry Lips
Muscle Aches
Dry Face

Accutane has been the most amazing acne product ever invented on the market today. I'm on month 4 and my skin hasn't looked poreless or acne-free since I was in 6th grade! Its amazing! I really recommend this product to anyone and everyone. Don't listen to all those discouraging stories. Just take it with a grain of salt. You will not regret it.
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October 29, 2013
Dont let negative reviews scare you!

Pros:

amazing
clears skin fast
amazing

Cons:

chapped lips? big deal
still amazing
amazing..i have no cons.

Okay, so I will make this short. I am 27 year old female. I have oily acne prone skin. Like you, im sure I have tired every single product from proactive, to bacterium. Everything my dermatologist prescribed I took and it did nothing. I was so scared about Accutane. 2 doctors told me I should try it and I let the negative reviews scare me away. Finally I have tried it. I am just finishing up month 2. I don't understand what all the fuss is about, this stuff is fantastic! Right now I am on 40mg a day. The only side effect I have is chapped lips. As other reviewers have noted the cracking and bleeding in the lips...but that would happen to anyone with dry lips that doesn't apply chapstick. Seriously there is so much bad about this medicine out there its crazy. A person has one bad symptom and they shoot the medication down to a zero. Try it for your self. My skin looks almost flawless and im not even half way done with the treatment.
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August 8, 2013
Worked like a charm, the side effects are no fun though

Pros:

long lasting clear skin
very effective

Cons:

dry skin
joint pain
peeling lips

I took accutane 40mg for 6 months. It was the best thing I ever did for my skin! It cleared up perfectly. It's been 2 years since I took accutane and there are occasions where I breakout but it's really nothing compared to what I had before. The occasional pimple is very easy to conceal! Accutane is a strong medication though. It causes a lot of side effects which are very harmful to your body. I would recommend trying antibiotics first before going on a medication like this. Dry eyes, skin, and lips are common side effects with this medication as well as joint pain (especially if you're an athlete). I recommend accutane to those who have tried everything else and have had no luck. This will work for you.
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July 25, 2013
Clear skin but terrible side effect including sever depression

Cons:

severe depression
effects liver function
just not worth it

After having a few months of dry chapped lips, dry eyes ect my skin as very clear however the worst part was to come when I became severely depressed and it really changed me as a person. After suffering with acne for over 10 years I can honestly say that having bad skin is way easier than dealing with emotional issues that developed for me on this pill. Would not recommend
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July 22, 2013
Clear skin > Scars

Pros:

CLEARS YOUR SKIN

Cons:

doesn't rid the scarring
slow healing time
back/joint pain

I've had Cystic Acne for 3 years till taking this drug. While i was on this drug i experinced joint/ back pain, dry everything, and easily tearable skin with slow healing time. 40 mgs twice a day everyday did clear my skin i can proudly say i have clear skin (i really do) but i have bad scarring and ugly pigmintation, which can not be covered with makeup. I have to wait a whole year till i can have surgery to remove my scars. The doctor said they will tone down and possibly go away after a month of this product (i got off this yeserday) and i hope so because having this tore up skin sucks
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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