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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June 28, 2009

Pros:

It's humid where I live and for once my face isn't oily and broken out. Less makeup. Hair is less oily. Seems to be working?

Cons:

dry lips, eyes, hair, and skin. blurry vision. lower back pain (helped by drinking A LOT of water and tylenol). thinning hair around temples and top of head (not noticable to others yet). slight rash on arms. very sensitive to sun even w/spf

Getting ready to go speak with my doctor about the side effects and if it's actually worth staying on. I am sensitive to perscription drugs so I seem to be seeing a lot more side effects than most. Very costly for me. I have very good insurance and it has covered just about everything I have ever been on BUT accutane. I take the generic Claravis- one 40 mg pill twice daily. Keeping my fingers crossed and hoping this will work. I like the results I'm seeing, but it's summer and I can't go outside during the daytime because I burn even with high spf.. so much for music festivals, baseball games, and pool during the day... I haven't been on long enough to recommend it or not.
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June 23, 2009

Pros:

so far none, i think i am getting a big breakout, one thing i like is my hair is not oily

Cons:

dry lips,dry skin, lower back pain

i guess i am still waiting just one month doing it,
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June 4, 2009

Pros:

it seems like is getting better, only a week, i had only one pimple in the past week.

Cons:

dry lips(not that bad), really bad lower back pain, just started today.

i had accutane before about 5 years ago, i only did it for 12 weeks and i didn't have any breakouts for almost 5 years until about 6 months ago, i am 36 yrs old now, the fist time i did not had any first breakouts or any side effects besides dry lips, but now that i am older i am afraid to get more sirius side effects, i just staring having really bad lower back pain and my pee is a litter to dark even when i am drinking tons of water???. i hope i will see results soon, living with acne when you are an adult is very sad and sometimes i feel shame of my apperence.
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May 25, 2009

Pros:

my acne was almost clear

Cons:

thickening of my eyelids

I had to go off of it due to a corneal ulcer. I have been off for 3 months and I still have tick swollen eyelids. Ive tried everything. steroid ointment, drops, hot and cold compresses. NOTHIN works! my doctor said it could be permanent. Ive been so depressed about it. I am more sefl concious about this than acne. I used to have almond shape eyes and now they look really weird! DONT TAKE THIS MEDICATION! its not worth it!!
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March 13, 2009

Pros:

Completely cleared up my acne. The results lasted for about 10 years.

Cons:

The acne eventually came back but never as bad as before. The side effects may out weigh the benefits for some people. Also can be expensive if your insurance doesn't cover it.

When taking it (60 mg daily for 20 weeks) my skin and eyes were so dry and lips were horribly chapped. Could not wear any foundation while on it. Skin just flaked off. Had a HORRIBLE break out about a week after starting medicine, so bad I didn't leave my house for days. After about a month my skin was smooth like a baby! Yes it was dry but if you exfoliate and moisturize throughout the day it looked really good. My results lasted for a long time. Now in my 30's I have mild acne on my chin and around my mouth that I manage with over the counter med's. But not bad enough to repeat Accutane.
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March 6, 2009

Pros:

Really did clear up my skin after years of trying every over-the-counter and prescription pill, topical cream, birth control, etc.

Cons:

Very dry skin (good for me because I was so oily); too many side effects; acne came back after 2-3 years

DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT!!! I tried everything under the sun before resulting to accutane. And although it cleared up my skin for 2-3 years, my acne came back. I was ready to start accutane again about 5 months ago, but a doctor visit for tailbone pain brought me down from that could QUICKLY. A narrowing in my small intestine was found on a CT scan, and I am currently undergoing more testing to confirm that i have Crohn's disease, an uncurable disease that affects the GI system. A common cause of Crohn's Disease?? ACCUTANE. It's not worth it to get rid of the acne. There are other ways to get rid of it, even if it's only temporary. The accutane is also only temporary. The life-long health issues that are to follow are not worth it.
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March 5, 2009

Pros:

It definitley kept me clear for about 6-8 months, not worrying about the way your skin looks is great!

Cons:

Joint pain, extreme dryness, overall fatigue (you dont feel like yourself), I wound up getting Viatamin A toxicity (really dangerous) and was bed bound for a week or so.

Isotetrioin (Accutane) works.... for most people. If you have tried everything definitley push for it. Make sure you fully complete the treatments... my acne came back beacause I only made it a month. Don't be afraid to try it, but be well aware of the risks... like permanent joint damage, hair falling out, long-term systemic reactions. They use this stuff to treat malignant melanoma (skin cancer) in some cases, so dont take it lightly. Respect it and definitely think about it before you use it. Really ask yourself the question "Is my acne really bad enough to use this stuff?".
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March 2, 2009

Pros:

Gets rid of acne but comes back

Cons:

Leaves very bad scarring. Skin gets much worse in the beginning (ie. large cysts and pustules)

I've used accutane when it wasn't really necessary. My acne was very very mild and what ended up happening was it left scars all over my face. I regret ever being introduced to Accutane in the first place. I am Korean and have very sensitive skin that is prone to scarring. If I had known accutane would leave these permanent marks on my face, I would have thought twice about using it. I am now undergoing scar treatment. For Asians out there, be careful with this. If your skin is sensitive, ask your doctor if this is right for you. Spironolactone works much much better! :)
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February 21, 2009

Pros:

Hopefully will get rid my very very oily skin..and acne. At least conrtrol a little bit.

Cons:

Very Dry lips

Will update soon.
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February 21, 2009

Pros:

After about three months of taking the meds, my face cleared up. Even my pores closed up. But this was all temporary.

Cons:

Serious hair thinning, very dry scalp, very dry eyes (permanent). I've been off the meds for about 8 months and my acne has returned in new places.

Try something else.
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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