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
33.4%
3
15.6%
2
7.4%
1
6.6%

Used Isotretinoin (Accutane®)? Rate It:

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January 5, 2011

Pros:

It works
No longer have oily skin
Nearly flawless skin

Cons:

Very dry skin
Headaches
Backaches

I did not have severe acne, probably closer to moderate . However, I have been dealing with acne for over three years and couldn't stand waking up in the morning and feeling crappy as soon as I looked in the mirror. I did find lots of success with minocycline for about 10 months, but it stopped working like so many other acne persciptions. I finally talked my dermatologist into allowing me to take claravis (isotretinoin). The first week I had headaches and what felt like pressure behind my eyes. This lasted about four days. The second week brought extremely dry skin. My ears, face and scalp were pealing lol- it was kind of gross. The second through late fourth week were hell for me. My face continued to break out with this annoying dry skin. In about the fifth week, things turned around. My face started clearing dramatically, but this was when I began to experience backaches in the mornings. The sixth and seventh week I had some breakouts, but not nearly as bad as the first month. Now, I'm in the ninth or tenth week and my face is not oily whatsoever and almost 100% clear. No new pimples, just healing old ones from a couple weeks ago. I 100% recommend this if things like benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin and different tetracyclines fail you. It's great waking up in the morning and feeling good about myself once again, no more worries:) Hopefully this helps with anyone trying to make the accutane decision, there are side effects but they were SO worth it for me! Good Luck!
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November 12, 2010

Pros:

-(personally) REDUCED acne and scarring
-incredibly potent and highly effective (for most)

Cons:

-dry EVERYTHING (contact users, wear glasses)
-initial breakout 2-3 months
-can cause hormonal imbalance
-suicidal thoughts
-monthly blood drawn (and ept for girls)
-flaky skin
-decreased night vision

I thought that even though it was the most powerful stuff on the market for acne, it didn't do what it needed to. However, for roughly 5-10% it has been much less effective (that was where I was.) it did help though, and I only get 5-8 red bumps perpetually. this is the medicine for those who have tried everything else. personal note: I was on it for 10 months rather then 6, this is because the acne was still there. my acne was all over and now the only areas of concern is the face and once in a while the shoulders.
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August 26, 2010

Pros:

Im acne free!!! the only medication who really worked for me!!!

Cons:

I had a really bad allergic reaction to it and had to go to the hospital. Big itchy red plaque all over my body. Huge red ears and lips.

Buy it if you want to try but there is still a risk of allergic reaction and others bad things
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December 16, 2009

Pros:

my skin is slightly clearer.

Cons:

HORRIABLE dry lips to the point i almost cant live with them, blood nose. dry in the places i dont need it to be. face is bring red and make up doesnt cover it. blury vision due to drying eyes.

unfortunatly i have not a good result like some people. by doing accutane i found myself being less confident then i was before the drug. i had to be put on it for and extra month because it was not working. my doctor would have suggested i take it another month but i refuesed because already have taken it longer than planned.my skin is always bright red and uneven. the dryness of my lips is unberable. the burly vision is impossiable to live with especially if you are a student like me and drops dont help to the extent i need them too. i now also have scaley arms and hands.my skin is still not clear and i still have to do plenty of other follow up scrip drugs.i would not suggest it to anyone and have already told other to try other things.
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December 2, 2009

Pros:

Back and Chest cleared up!

Cons:

Severe Headaches, nose bleeds, dry skin, dry lips, Cholesterol went up, skin rashes, depression, nausea, diarrhea, and night blindness

Every possible side effect u could get I got! I spent the first month locked up in my apartment to depressed to come out. Then all the other side effects started. Taking the drug was a big mistake, something that has that many warnings and federally mandated like it is must be. I only took it for a month and a half until I finally couldn't take it anymore. You should look at all the lawsuits against it before you make the decision to take accutane.
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November 6, 2009

Pros:

took accutane 3 yrs ago and it worked great for me... prior to that i had pretty bad acne for about 10 yrs and tried antibiotics and topicals but never great results... the accutane worked great but seems like it is coming back.. i will use again

Cons:

dry skin. chapped lips. upset stomach on occasion

it worked sooo well for me and it seems like i will have to go for another treatment... I would love not to use any drug but unfortunately my skin has been pretty bad..... drink a lot of water!!!! and take with meal and should be fine... i feel worse when my skin is bad then when i was on this medicine.
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October 14, 2009

Pros:

Takes away oily skin
Takes away acne
Confidence

Cons:

Dry skin and lips
Blood tests
Staying out of the sun

I've been taking this for about four months. I went to the doctor the other day and he said i might need to be on it for about another 2-3 months. Its already made a great difference. My brother was on it too. He has finished his treatment and his skin looks amazing. I can't wait untill i can stop taking them tho'. But its sooo worth it. My face wasnt that bad but my back was pretty severe. The end result is well worth the side effects. I recommend accutane for anyone who has tried many things but just have not worked.
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October 5, 2009

Pros:

Hoping it will clear acne when finished

Cons:

Dry lips and face, dry skin on arms.

I started on 40mg a day for 1 month then my doc bumped it up to 40mg twice a day. I've been on 80mg for about two weeks and just started breaking out bad with cystic acne around jaw line. Nothing else has worked for me so I will stick it out with the Accutane and hope for results.
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October 5, 2009

Pros:

Dries oily skin. Eventually clears up breakouts.

Cons:

Headaches, nosebleeds, eczema, hair loss, headaches, dry skin, chapped lips, dizziness, occasional joint pain, breakouts, fatigue, difficulty focusing.

This stuff is *rough* on your body: it's no picnic, but if you can make it through all the side-effects, you should see results. Be warned, though, that it can interrupt your concentration. If you have a particularly mentally-intensive job (or schoolwork), you may not feel up to it all the time!
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September 17, 2009

Pros:

supposidly cures acne, will at least help acne and is usually only prescribed to people who have tried alot of other treatments that havent worked.

Cons:

not everyone gets the results they wish for

iv been on isotretinoin for about a month now, im taking 30mg a day and noticed that my lips are really dry and so is my skin, i cant wash my hair evryday as its also dry, i also keep getting nose bleeds as its even drying my nose out! i have alot of spots under my skin as well as blackheads and of course the common spot, i have noticed that after only a short time that my blackheads are clearing up and my forhead which is where alot of my spots are, are also disappering, i will be put on a higher dose later on. even with the uncomfortable side affects it still a great feeling to know your trying to do somthing about your skin, and if it doesnt work you can try another alternative. prviously i was on dianette and that was horrible, it didnt agree with me at all but i stuck with it for 9 months and after seeing no improvment in my skin stopped taking it. talk to your doctor as much as possible so they can get a good understanding about whats going on and continue to make a f
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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