should i go on Accutaine?!

Accutane (isotretinoin) is a good option in people with severe recalcitrant nodular acne or people who have not responded well to other treatments.

Have you taken multiple treatments at the same time? Benzaclin (clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide) is a good topical medication but often people need several things at the same time. So you might ask about adding Differin (adapalene), a topical retinoid AND oral antibiotics. Doxycycline or even Bactrim DS (sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim) are effective for acne. Benzamycin (erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide) may also be a good option rather than Benzaclin.

The thing is that, aside from Accutane, nothing cures acne. The other medications suppress acne and in some cases people take them for decades. Accutane will completely eliminate acne in most people although some may have some mild acne after treatment. Accutane is also the only drug that can really repair scaring and some other skin damage you may have.

So not only is Accutane more effective but it will also most likely fix the problem.

It is true there are a lot of risks with Accutane, most people have minimal side effects but occasionally people do have serious complications. However to keep that risk low people are required to undergo blood testing every month. Your doctor will also evaluate if you have any conditions that are more likely to be worsened or by Accutane. Also there is some controversy about depression and Accutane. Some people claim Accutane can cause people to become depressed and/or suicidal. However most data, including a recent study, indicates that is probably not the case. What is most likely happening is that the increased suicide rate (about a 1% increase in suicide attempt rate) is due to the acne, not the medication. People with acne have a higher incidence of depression, anxiety, and have higher rates of suicide attempt and completion compared to the general public. The increased risk if not from the acne itself but from people with acne being more likely to have self image problems, be bullied, and so on. However if you do have any depression it is very important you tell your dermatologist.

I took Accutane, after many other drugs, for acne. It was extremely effective and aside from dry skin (which nearly everyone gets) I had no problems and it significantly reduced my acne. I still have occasional mild breakouts but northing more.

Keep in mind that you hear a lot more about the problems and the side effects than the benefit. Only a small percent of people have significant issues.

M.D., C.M. psychiatry, internal medicine (Québec)
Hons. BSc pharmacology

Personal Experience

No. The negative effects aren't worth the trade-off, and you wouldn't believe the number of lawsuits pending against the manufacturer.

if all other stuff aint working then go for it..
Jus be careful

no, drugs will only cause much more serious problems.

I was in a similar position when I was younger. I eventually took accutane and was glad that I did. I did have some mild side effects, but no major side effects. It worked extremely well to clear up my acne. Don't make the decision lightly, but don't worry too much about the side effects. Also, you may here from some people that accutane "can cause suicide." This is nonsense. A long time ago there were two high profile suicides by people taking accutane. Rather than face the truth the families blamed the drug, and for legal liability reasons the drug company had to add a warning. If you are a sexually active woman you should use two highly effective forms of birth control, such as condoms and birth control pills. Accutane causes very, very severe birth defects if taken by pregnant women. You will get more information like this from your dermatologist if you decide to take it.

You should never listen to people who make statements such as "avoid all drugs" clearly you're dealing with a fanatical denialist there.