Accutane - Isotretinoin
Never used it never px it but the info I got here (BNF) is scary reading.
Don't get pregnant (it's teratogenic)
Don't give blood. (binds to plasma proteins)
Don't wax or shave. (and no dermabrasion for 6 months post treatment)
Don't use contact lenses (drys conjuntiva)
Don't take tetracycline AB's (risk of intercranial hypertension)
Do get your hepatic function and lipid levels checked prior to starting.
Reported side effects include but are not limited to,
dry fragile skin, hyperpigmentation, visual disturbance, hair thinning or (rarely) hirsutism, nausea, headache, malaise, drowsiness, myalgia, arthralgia, jaundice and hepatitis, mood changes, convulsions, menstral irregularities, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytosis, anemia and neutropenia
For more info than you probably want try
Roches own info
Should you take it?
Roche suggest
Because of significant adverse effects associated with its use Accutane should be reserved for patients with severe nodular acne who are unresponsive to conventional therapy, including systemic antibiotics.
If your acnes terminal give it a go otherwise leave well alone.
Don't always rely on your Drs advice 'cos it's easy to prescribe a drug your never gonna take yourself.
Good Luck
Dee Cee