Accutane is the brand name of isotretinoin, a prescription acne treatment medication for severe acne or cystic acne.

Acne

Erin Storm, PA-C

Definitive guide on Accutane (Isotretinoin), including the procedure overview, benefits, risks, recovery, before & after photos, costs, and more.

The Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Propionibacterium acnes CAMP Factor-Targeted Acne Vaccines

Accutane (Isotretinoin)

Accutane belongs to a class of drugs known as retinoids (meaning it is related to Vitamin A). It works by decreasing sebum, or facial oil, production. High amounts of sebum can lead to severe acne due to clogged pores. If untreated, severe acne may cause permanent scarring which can have emotional and phycological effects. Accutane is typically only prescribed when other methods of treatment have been unsuccessful such as with benzoyl peroxide products. 

Always take Accutane with a glass of water to prevent the capsule from melting in the esophagus causing irritation. Never chew or suck on the capsule. Swallow the capsule as quickly as possible. Acne may seem worse at the onset of taking Accutane however it is important to take the medication for the entire length of time prescribed. Acne will improve over the course of the treatment period which typically lasts between 4 and 5 months. To be sure Accutane is not causing adverse effects, blood and liver function may need to be tested often.

Accutane

Acne Solutions

Skin

accutane 1

- Have a thorough consultation with a dermatologist
- Female patients should start birth control since Accutane can cause birth defects

Before Treatment

accutane 2

- Patients will experience side effects at different times (or not at all) depending on their individual body, acne severity, and dosage. Within one week of starting Accutane, some patients will already experience abnormally dry lips.

During Treatment: Week 1

accutane 3

- Common side effects that start between 2-4 weeks after treatment include:
- Dry skin
- Nose bleeds
- Muscle and joint aches

During Treatment: Week 2-4

accutane 4

- Accutane can cause other serious side effects and some patients may experience these symptoms throughout treatment:
- Initial worsening of acne
- Thinning hair and nails
- Peeling skin
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Depression

During Treatment: Week 5 and Beyond

accutane 5

- Depending on the patient’s specific needs, a treatment cycle of Accutane may last between 4-6 months. If acne does not improve, a second cycle of treatment may be recommended after a waiting period. Some acne may return but usually will not be as severe as before treatment.

After Treatment

Accutane is known for its dramatic improvement of acne-prone skin but is equally notorious for its severe side effects. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after treatment with Accutane. 

Accutane is the brand name of isotretinoin, a prescription acne treatment medication for severe acne or cystic acne. test

AEDIT

AEDIT

Accutane (Isotretinoin)

Concerns Treated

Acne

Concerns Treated

Acne

Discover science-backed solutions from AEDIT Medshop

Learn More About
Accutane (Isotretinoin) in The AEDITION

What You Should Know Before Starting Accutane

Oily Skin vs. Acne-Prone Skin: What’s The Difference?

5 Over-The-Counter Acne Ingredients That Really Work

AI Plastic Surgeon™

Scan. Simulate. Share.

Text to download The AI Plastic Surgeon by AEDIT

Accutane (Isotretinoin)

Concerns Treated

Acne

Concerns Treated

Acne

Discover science-backed solutions from AEDIT Medshop

Related Procedures

Learn More About Accutane (Isotretinoin) in The AEDITION

What You Should Know Before Starting Accutane

Oily Skin vs. Acne-Prone Skin: What’s The Difference?

5 Over-The-Counter Acne Ingredients That Really Work

AI Plastic Surgeon™

Scan. Simulate. Share.

Text to download The AI Plastic Surgeon by AEDIT

Learn More About
Accutane (Isotretinoin) in The AEDITION