Isotretinoin, or Accutane, is a prescription medication used to treat very bad acne. It is usually not the first medication used, and if prescribed, it is important for you to take it the right way. Typically Accutane is reserved for patients with a sever form of acne called nodular cystic acne. These patients are prone to fairly significant scarring and for these patients, Accutane is often preceived as a wonder drug. However, it does have serious potential side effects you should know about before taking, and all patients are required to go through extensive counseling and monitoring. Family physicians that prescribe it must also follow very strict guidelines. If you have sever acne and have been unsatisfied with other treatments, contact your doctor if isotretinoin might be an option for you.