Accutane Before and After: 9 Women on Their Isotretinoin Side Effects
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We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Share this article. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Lindsay Slowiczek, PharmD. Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm. Medically reviewed by Catherine Hannan, M.
Garlic on Your Hair? What to Keep in Mind. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. The drug itself is a derivative of Vitamin A, so patients should avoid supplementing with Vitamin A whilst taking it.
Accutane is no longer available under that particular brand name. It was withdrawn from the market in after the medication was linked to serious side effects. However, Isotretinoin is an active ingredient still available under other names and brands. These brands include Absorica, Claravis and Zenatane. Treatment using the drug usually lasts four or five months and involves taking a pill every day. Many call the drug a miracle drug and say it has been life-changing for them.
Plenty of patients need no further acne treatment after taking Accutane. But some challenging side effects have to be considered carefully before starting a program. One of the possible side effects of Accutane is the thinning of hair. This is unsurprising, due to the structural similarities between Accutane and vitamin A, which is known to cause hair loss in high doses. Isotretinoin itself can affect both the hair shafts and follicles which can cause thinning over time. It is important to remember that no two people react to medication similarly.
This means some may see hair loss whilst others may not suffer this side effect. Some of the long-term side effects may persist after a person has stopped taking Accutane.
These may even cause permanent problems, such as scarring, vision loss, or internal organ damage. Some people had sexual side effects appear or become significantly worse after they had stopped treatment, according to one review.
Meanwhile, a study found an increased risk of suicide for up to 6 months after Accutane treatment had stopped. However, the risk of attempting suicide was higher before treatment started. For this reason, it is not possible to confirm any additional risk due to Accutane. People who are about to take Accutane should talk to their doctor about any other medications or herbal supplements they take.
Likewise, taking St. People taking Accutane should see a doctor if any of the minor side effects persist and are causing them difficulty.
If anyone notices these symptoms while taking Accutane, they should stop taking the medication immediately and call a doctor. Also, anyone who breaks a bone should tell the doctor treating them that they are taking Accutane.
Accutane is an effective treatment for severe acne, but it has some serious side effects, including mental health problems and risks associated with pregnancy. Anyone who is considering taking this medication should have a detailed conversation with their doctor about the risks and how to reduce them. Accutane, a drug that helps treat severe acne, contains isotretinoin. Isotretinoin may cause side effects, including hair loss. He apologized and said there was nothing else he could offer me.
I cried the whole way home. But then, strangely, my skin began to clear up a few months later, almost like a delayed effect. A post shared by Belle all things positivity barefacedbelle. I honestly had almost every side effect in the book: dryness, eczema, rashes, body soreness, fatigue, blurred vision, headaches, nosebleeds, stomach problems, hair loss, irritability, and brain fog.
Even my vision was still a little blurry until this past summer. If you do decide to go on isotretinoin, I have two words of advice: 1 Take progress pictures!
I tried to push myself over and over again, and I ended up worse off in the end. Use this 2 percent salicylic acid serum all over or as a spot treatment to keep pores clear of acne-causing sebum and dead skin cells. This retinoid gel treats acne in two ways: 1. It boosts cell turnover to keep pores clear and 2. It reduces inflammation associated with breakouts. It's strong though, so use it only every three days for the first few months.
For best results, apply it on clean skin for 10 minutes twice a week. BP is gold when it comes to killing acne-causing bacteria. It's used here in a 2. Sofia Grahn isotretinoinwiths. Before Accutane, I used to have severe acne—mostly concentrated on my cheeks and forehead, but also along my neck, chest, and back. For the first month of treatment, my skin also went through the initial purging period, meaning my acne got significantly worse like, it doubled in severity before it started to calm down again.
Those first few months were percent the hardest to endure, but I look back at it all with gratitude. When my acne was at its peak severity, my mental health truly suffered in all ways imaginable.
So if my skin ever came to affect me the way it did prior to isotretinoin, I would probably go on it again. Before isotretinoin, I had severe cystic acne on my face, chest, arms, and back.
Every time my skin bumped against something, it felt like somebody had poked the most sensitive blister. My acne would then form keloid scars , which I still have all over my shoulders and back. I decided to go on Accutane in the fall of I started with a low dosage twice a day, then was upped to a stronger dose once a day after a few months. The strongest side effect I had was dry skin: My scalp and nose were always dry and itchy, and my lips were constantly cracked.
The second side effect was a lower alcohol tolerance. Can affect your eyesight, hair, muscles, or joints: While taking isotretinoin, you may develop:.
These side effects are temporary: When you stop taking isotretinoin, these side effects tend to go away. If you experience thinning hair, your hair should grow back. Other possible side effects: When taking isotretinoin, other concerning side effects may occur.
These include:. Increasing pressure on the brain, which can lead to problems with your eyesight, permanent loss of eyesight, and, in rare cases, death. While some people have reported the following serious side effects, we don't have enough evidence to know whether isotretinoin is linked to or can cause the following:.
Dermatologists use findings from this research to help their patients decide whether to take isotretinoin and to watch their patients for signs of side effects.
Research shows that people who have severe acne can become depressed. This is true for people who take isotretinoin and for those who don't. Some people who have severe acne develop such a deep depression that they think about taking their own life. When acne clears, the depression and thoughts of suicide also tend to disappear. When a patient with acne develops depression, dermatologists take this seriously.
They are trained to spot warning signs that a patient could be depressed. Before prescribing isotretinoin, dermatologists also screen patients carefully for possible signs of depression and thoughts of suicide. This helps them determine if the medication is a good option for you. Researchers have also studied the connection between acne and IBD.
But, hey, I get it—you want details. Which is why I chatted with nine women about their before-and-after experiences with isotretinoin, from a few who finished their doses just a year ago, to some who finished theirs a decade ago, along with expert commentary from dermatologists. Isotretinoin, commonly referred to as Accutane note: Accutane was a brand name for isotretinoin and is no longer manufacturedis a vitamin-A derivative that, when taken orally, minimizes the oil production in your skin.
Basically, isotretinoin slowly shuts down the party in your pores, so acne has a hard time setting up shop on your face. That being said, many patients tend to take mg of Accutane a day for six months —though, again, how many milligrams you take each day and for how long is based on your weight and health. For people with adult female acne AFAi. Again, it all super depends. Ideally, yes, Accutane is a permanent fix to major acne breakouts.
But in reality, even the best-adhering patients can still get the occasional tiny zit because we're all human, and humans sometimes accidentally sleep in their makeupor stress out too much, or partake in a bit too many cocktailsthough they'll rarely experience acne as severely as before.
But does isotretinoin deserve the scary reputation you see on the internet? Definitely not except, of course, when we talk about its known risk of causing birth defectswhich is why regular blood tests, pregnancy tests, and birth control is required while taking the drug.
But in terms of the other out-there side effects you hear about, I once polled a handful of dermatologists who, collectively, had written more than 2, isotretinoin prescriptions in their careers. They said out of all their patients, fewer than 15 of them had serious problems while taking Accutane—the effects of which were resolved with a lower dose or stopping treatment altogether.
Now, ready to get into those before-and-after photos and first-person stories? Thought so. Let's get into it:. Mariah Pearson mariah. A few months before I decided to start isotretinoin, I developed a very rare, very severe type of acne called acne conglobatawhich left my face covered in deep, itchy, leaky, and incredibly painful cysts. It affected every aspect of my life, and I honestly felt like a victim to my own skin.
I ended up going on isotretinoin for a little over eight months, and for the majority of that time, I was on 30mg: a lower dose than the usual mg, but the perfect dose for me.
Thankfully, all of my side effects started to subside a month after I finished Accutaneand I noticed my energy levels rising after about two weeks. I still have dry eyes nine months later, and I still break out before my period. Still, all of the side effects were so worth it to me, because isotretinoin saved my skin—it genuinely changed my life. Another common, yet annoying side effect. My dermatologist ended up starting my Accutane dosage at 20mg the first month, then bumped me up to 40mg for three months, then had me on 60mg for the last two months.
The only remaining side effect I have nine months after stopping Accutane is the eczema. As for my acne, I do get the occasional cyst or whitehead now, though nowhere near as severely as before. I do feel really proud of myself for going on it despite my fears, though, and if I needed to, I would probably do it all over again. Infused with hyaluronic acid a humectant that draws moisture to the skinthis non-stripping face wash helps hydrate skin while you cleanse.
Slather on this moisturizing cream both morning and night to minimize dryness and flaking. The gentle formula is free from potential irritants, like synthetic fragrance and dyes.
Any sunscreen is better than no sunscreen, but if your skin is red or sensitive, opt for a broad-spectrum mineral formula made with zinc like this one —it's less likely to irritate your skin.
When your lips are chapped and cracking, only Aquaphor will do. The combo of petroleum jelly, shea butter, and chamomile is intensely moisturizing and soothing. Christina Yannello barefacedfemme. I got my first breakout when I was 12 years old, and for the next five years, I was in a constant battle with my skin. I tried everything under the sun to treat it: antibiotics, topical creams, chemical peels, veganism, hormonal pills, spironolactonecortisone shots, lasers—everything. I was eventually diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, a hormonal disorder that can cause—among other things—persistent acne.
I knew then that I had to take the leap and try isotretinoin. A post shared by bare faced femme barefacedfemme. I was on it for eight months total: For the first three months, I took 40mg, then 60mg for the last five months. I had dry everything —face, lips, eyes, scalp, body—and my hair started shedding a bit, too. It was all an emotional roller coaster for me. About two months after I finished Accutane, I saw the severity of my migraines, dry eyes, and dry scalp decrease.
After four months, my emotional health evened out and I felt back to my old self. It sounds weird, but I really think I was meant to get severe acne.
My journey taught me so much about myself: to love myself and be confident, no matter the condition of my skin. And I would percent consider going back on isotretinoin again if I needed to. Belle Hubbard barefacedbelle. I suffered with severe acne for three years before deciding to try isotretinoin. My breakouts were super oily, sore, and red no matter what I put on them, and kids at school would call me Braille face.
The first two times, my acne slowly got worse over six months, then came back as bad as before. My dermatologist even switched up the dosing each time: My first course, I slowly reached 60mg a day; my second course, we took the approach of 10mg a day for a longer period of time; and my third course, I slowly reached 60mg again. But after my third round, my skin was still incredibly oily and broken out. He apologized and said there was nothing else he could offer me.
I cried the whole way home. But then, strangely, my skin began to clear up a few months later, almost like a delayed effect. A post shared by Belle all things positivity barefacedbelle. I honestly had almost every side effect in the book: dryness, eczema, rashes, body soreness, fatigue, blurred vision, headaches, nosebleeds, stomach problems, hair loss, irritability, and brain fog.
Even my vision was still a little blurry until this past summer. If you do decide to go on isotretinoin, I have two words of advice: 1 Take progress pictures! I tried to push myself over and over again, and I ended up worse off in the end. Use this 2 percent salicylic acid serum all over or as a spot treatment to keep pores clear of acne-causing sebum and dead skin cells.
This retinoid gel treats acne in two ways: 1. It boosts cell turnover to keep pores clear and 2. It reduces inflammation associated with breakouts. It's strong though, so use it only every three days for the first few months. For best results, apply it on clean skin for 10 minutes twice a week.
BP is gold when it comes to killing acne-causing bacteria. It's used here in a 2. Sofia Grahn isotretinoinwiths. Before Accutane, I used to have severe acne—mostly concentrated on my cheeks and forehead, but also along my neck, chest, and back. For the first month of treatment, my skin also went through the initial purging period, meaning my acne got significantly worse like, it doubled in severity before it started to calm down again.
Those first few months were percent the hardest to endure, but I look back at it all with gratitude. When my acne was at its peak severity, my mental health truly suffered in all ways imaginable.
So if my skin ever came to affect me the way it did prior to isotretinoin, I would probably go on it again. Before isotretinoin, I had severe cystic acne on my face, chest, arms, and back. Every time my skin bumped against something, it felt like somebody had poked the most sensitive blister. My acne would then form keloid scarswhich I still have all over my shoulders and back. I decided to go on Accutane in the fall of I started with a low dosage twice a day, then was upped to a stronger dose once a day after a few months.
The strongest side effect I had was dry skin: My scalp and nose were always dry and itchy, and my lips were constantly cracked.
The second side effect was a lower alcohol tolerance. I remember going out with friends early on in my Accutane journey, drinking just a few drinks, and getting a terrible hangover and headache that lasted way longer than my usual hangovers.
Thankfully, these were my only two big side effects, and they went away on their own within two months after treatment. Because my body tolerated Accutane so well and the results were so excellent, I finished after six months rather than the anticipated nine. I'm so happy I did it, and I wish I hadn't been so scared in the first place.
The best part is that my skin isn't constantly inflamed anymore—I can wear makeup, bras, and whatever clothes I want without being in constant pain. And now, whenever I do get the occasional pimple, I'm not worried that I'm about to face clusters of inflammation for months. Not only does Accutane already put a bunch of stress on your liver which is the same organ responsible for processing all those White Claws you drinkbut it also dries your body out.
I grew up in a beach town and would wear a full face of makeup to the beach, or beg not to go to school because I was having a particularly bad skin day. I ended up doing two rounds of isotretinoin about four years apart. Over time, though, my acne came back even worse and more painful than before, so I ended up doing a second round of treatment. I have no residual effects from the medication, and all of my deep acne scars have gone away, too.
For me, the biggest side effects I dealt with were an extremely dry nose and lips, and I had large patches of cracked and scaly skin. But all of it started to go away within a few weeks after I finished the medication.
As Dr. Gohara said, very few five percent, if she had to guess of her patients go on Accutane a second time, while the vast majority never see a major breakout again. Again, your results will vary, but rest assured most patients see life-changing improvements with a course of isotretinoin.
Suozzi noted that your nails could temporarily become thinner and more fragile during the course of treatment, too. 7. Will taking isotretinoin. Four to five months of Accutane treatment usually leads to clearing of acne. It is a potent medication that is very effective for nearly all types of breakouts. Suozzi noted that your nails could temporarily become thinner and more fragile during the course of treatment, too. 7. Will taking isotretinoin. If a person does experience hair loss or thinning, these effects will usually be temporary. Dermatologists tailor the treatment to each. According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD), about 10 percent of Accutane users experience temporary hair thinning. But all of it started to go away within a few weeks after I finished the medication. I still have dry eyes nine months later, and I still break out before my period. It is advisable to do what you can alongside your Accutane treatment to reduce hair loss. As Accutane is a medication, it is common to expect some side effects.Monkeypox is a contagious disease that causes a rash. A board-certified dermatologist explains what the rash looks like and when to seek medical care. This contagious skin disease will usually clear on its own, but sometimes dermatologists recommend treating it.
Find out when. Everyone's at risk for skin cancer. These dermatologists' tips tell you how to protect your skin. Find out what may be causing the itch and what can bring relief. If you have what feels like razor bumps or acne on the back of your neck or scalp, you may have acne keloidalis nuchae.
Find out what can help. You can expect permanent results in all but one area. Do you know which one? If you want to diminish a noticeable scar, know these 10 things before having laser treatment. Use these professionally produced online infographics, posters, and videos to help others find and prevent skin cancer. Free to everyone, these materials teach young people about common skin conditions, which can prevent misunderstanding and bullying. A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating the skin, hair, and nails.
Dermatologists care for people of all ages. The AADA is advocating to find a solution to help patients get the isotretinoin they need. Patients can help us by sharing their stories. Dermatologists prescribe isotretinoin to treat deep, painful acne cysts and nodules. When other treatment fails, this medication can diminish or clear severe acne and prevent new acne scars. Accutane is a brand name of isotretinoin that is no longer available.
Whether you call it Accutane or isotretinoin, myths and misconceptions about this medication are common. This is especially when it comes to side effects. It's important to remember that all medications have potential side effects. Pregnancy risks: If a person takes isotretinoin while pregnant, this medication can cause:.
Prevent pregnancy risks: To get a prescription for isotretinoin, a patient who can become pregnant must take two pregnancy tests to make sure they're not pregnant.
Patients who can get pregnant must also agree that while taking this medication, they will have a monthly pregnancy test and use two forms of birth control. Treat dryness: Once you stop taking the medication, dryness will clear.
Until then, you can get relief with moisturizer, lip balm, and artificial tears. For nosebleeds, apply petroleum jelly just inside your nose. This helps keep the tissue moist, which can prevent nosebleeds. Sun-sensitive skin: When you take isotretinoin, you may become extremely sensitive to the sun. This medication can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
You can sunburn quickly and unexpectedly. Manage sun-sensitive skin: To protect your skin from the sun, dermatologists recommend that you Practice Safe Sun. Your dermatologist may also give you other tips. Once you stop taking isotretinoin, this sensitivity will go away. Acne worsens: Because isotretinoin effectively treats so many people with severe acne, many people are surprised by this possible side effect. Worsening acne is a temporary side effect: When you start taking isotretinoin, acne can worsen for months before it begins to clear.
This happens with many other acne treatments. Can affect your eyesight, hair, muscles, or joints: While taking isotretinoin, you may develop:. These side effects are temporary: When you stop taking isotretinoin, these side effects tend to go away. If you experience thinning hair, your hair should grow back.
Other possible side effects: When taking isotretinoin, other concerning side effects may occur. These include:. Increasing pressure on the brain, which can lead to problems with your eyesight, permanent loss of eyesight, and, in rare cases, death. While some people have reported the following serious side effects, we don't have enough evidence to know whether isotretinoin is linked to or can cause the following:.
Dermatologists use findings from this research to help their patients decide whether to take isotretinoin and to watch their patients for signs of side effects. Research shows that people who have severe acne can become depressed.
This is true for people who take isotretinoin and for those who don't. Some people who have severe acne develop such a deep depression that they think about taking their own life. When acne clears, the depression and thoughts of suicide also tend to disappear. When a patient with acne develops depression, dermatologists take this seriously. They are trained to spot warning signs that a patient could be depressed. Before prescribing isotretinoin, dermatologists also screen patients carefully for possible signs of depression and thoughts of suicide.
This helps them determine if the medication is a good option for you. Researchers have also studied the connection between acne and IBD. While some studies suggest that taking isotretinoin may increase the risk of developing IBD, other studies have not found this to be true. To find out whether this medication can cause IBD, researchers continue to study this possible side effect.
This research takes time. Researchers have to account for many considerations. For example, it's possible that the genes which increase your risk of having severe acne also increase your risk of developing IBD.
Before prescribing isotretinoin, your dermatologist will talk with you about your acne and give you information about isotretinoin. This can help you decide whether this medication is right for you. If you and your dermatologist decide that isotretinoin is the right treatment, your dermatologist will watch for warning signs of side effects. You will meet with your dermatologist every 30 days, either in-person or through telemedicine.
If all is well, your dermatologist can write another day prescription for isotretinoin. Writing a new prescription every 30 days is a safeguard that helps protect your health. In the United States, a doctor can only prescribe isotretinoin for 30 days. To get another prescription, you need to check in with your dermatologist.
During your check-ins, tell your dermatologist how you feel, even if it seems unrelated to taking isotretinoin. Acne can affect more than your skin. Isotretinoin: Overview. Moisturizer: Why you may need it if you have acne. A meta-analysis. Racine A, Cuerq A, et al. Rashtak S, Khaleghi S, et al. Soundararajan V, Gwillim E, et al.
Last accessed February Is it really acne? Acne or rosacea? Adult acne Baby acne Stubborn acne Acne symptoms What is acne.
Having trouble getting your acne medication? Share your story. Applying an oil-free moisturizer can reduce dryness without causing breakouts Moisturizer works best when you apply it immediately after washing.
Protect your skin from the sun while taking isotretinoin This medication can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. When you start taking isotretinoin, acne may worsen This possible side effect is temporary.
Researchers continue to study isotretinoin and possible side effects Dermatologists use findings from this research to help their patients decide whether to take isotretinoin and to watch their patients for signs of side effects.
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