Isotretinoin - Does accutane help to remove scars from old pimples?
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on April 7, 2025.
Previous scarring is not improved with Isotretinoin (brand name is Accutane).
Acne often gets worse around week 3 or 4 of treatment and lasts for several days. This is not a sign that the medicine isn't working! Real improvement is seen at around 6 weeks.
Ask your skin specialist about using make-up.
Treatments for previous scarring include dermabrasion, chemical peel or carbon dioxide laser ablation and should not be contemplated until at least 6-12 months after completing the course.
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Can Accutane cause permanent liver damage?
No reports of permanent liver damage associated with Accutane (isotretinoin) could be found in the literature but temporary increases in liver test abnormalities are estimated to occur in up to 15% of people taking isotretinoin. Significant increases, such as those more than three times the upper limit of normal (ULN) or increases that require people to stop taking Accutane are exceedingly rare and occur in less than 1% of people taking Accutane. Continue reading
Is Absorica the same as Accutane?
Absorica and Accutane both contain isotretinoin, a medicine used to treat very severe acne, but Absorica is more easily absorbed into your body and, unlike Accutane, does not have to be taken with food. Continue reading
How long does Absorica take to work?
Absorica starts to work within 4 weeks but may take up to 20 weeks (5 months) for the full effects to be seen. Within four weeks of taking Absorica, a more than 33% reduction in the overall number of acne lesions was reported. Over 70% of people with severe nodular acne achieved a 90% reduction in the number of their nodular acne lesions after 20 weeks with Absorica. A single course of Absorica for 20 weeks has been shown to result in complete and prolonged remission of acne in many patients. Continue reading
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