Isotretinoin (Accutane®)
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Isotretinoin is a vitamin A derivative called a retinoid that is taken orally and is approved only for severe acne. It is thought...

Isotretinoin is a vitamin A derivative called a retinoid that is taken orally and is approved only for severe acne. It is thought to clear acne primarily through its ability to permanently reduce skin oil (sebum) production.

Isotretinoin is available in capsule form and is usually taken twice a day. Your physician will prescribe an initial dose, and this dose may increase or decrease depending on the response to treatment and side effects.

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5
37.1%
4
34.1%
3
15.3%
2
7.3%
1
6.2%

Used Isotretinoin (Accutane®)? Rate It:

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September 25, 2009

Pros:

It is an amazing product. I used it for several years and it cleared up about 90% of my acne after 2 years which was great for high school. Change of diet is necessary.

Cons:

Severe dryness on lips, hands, & feet. After a year I developed joint pain in my knees and ankles. Headaches, mood swings, and easily agitated after a year of this. Change of diet is necessary.

The product does work. I don't think you can take it as long as I did now-a-days due to legislation. You need to change you diet while on it. You have to have a lot of blood tests to ensure you are healthy enough to take the drug. You can be a bit moody on this because of pain and dryness as well as the drug itself. I do think my emotional reactions are different now than when I was a teenager but I am unsure of what effect accutanne played regarding that development of brain chemistry versus just ageing in general. I still have acne on my back and it is severe cystic acne. I won't take accutanne again after being on it so long because my job now is far too stressful. I would strongly recommend you have a low stress life-style prior to taking this drug as it made me much more uptight according to myself, friends, family, and teachers. I think the cost of this drug has gone down sense when I took it.
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September 25, 2009

Pros:

I've been on acutane twice now and both times it started working within the first month. For some ppl I heard it makes them break out first, but that didn't happen for me luckily. Soon enough I was having literraly no more breakouts.

Cons:

Really cracked and dry lips and it seems to have permanantly left my lips somewhat dry even after I'm off of it. Also, it's been 3 months now and I'm starting to break out again :( but not nearly as bad as before I went on the medication.

It is probably the strongest and best medication for you and works really well, but I think you may break out again if you aren't on it long enough, like myself. Basically, you'll be replacing your tons of foundation and cover up with chapstick haha, but it's worth it. Just make sure you get the correct amount of time on it otherwise your acne may slowly come back. Oh and depending on your insurance, it could be expensive. The first time I went on it it cost $20 a month and after changing my health insurance, the second time it cost me $180 a month!
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September 22, 2009

Pros:

Spots gone, face has completely cleared up and no more spots left on my back

Cons:

Dry skin, lips, occasional foul moods, tight tendons/ ligaments, should not drink alot of alcohol!

Worked a treat, the spots are gone after 6 months, only problem is that whilst the dry skin eventually calmed down after three to four months, the tight tendons in the back of my feet kicked in which was a pain. Other than that if you think you need it then go for it. All that is left of the acne on me is the scars on my back which do not hold me back from much :)
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September 22, 2009

Pros:

Totally cleared up my face!

Cons:

MINOR chapped lips

I have been taking accutane for 2 months now, and it is a dream come true. My face is so smooth. I got maybe 1 or 2 zits since I started. No more blackheads. And no horror story side effects. Its amazing. I can't wait to see how my face will look when I am done!
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September 20, 2009

Pros:

Girls come to me again.

Cons:

I'd like to start it earlyer.

Before trying this I waste a lot of money. I really recommend you this drug it will change your life.
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September 19, 2009

Pros:

All my acne gone! I feel like a human. It WORKS! I had no initial breakout at all, my acne started to disappear since I started taking the drug.

Cons:

Dry lips, dry skin yada yada. Small things only.

It works, it works. It's a miracle drug! I took accutane for 7 months and it was the best thing ever happened me. I feel like a human as i'm not ashamed anymore. I've been without accutane almost 4 months now and my face is still clear! It's just the best... Ofc I fear my acne could come back, but if it does, I take a second course without hesitation. I recommend you do it if you have any doubts! I still remember the daily things were SO HARD to do with my acne, even doing groceries was so hard and now, I can walk out of my flat without thinking how my face looks. Going out feels good and not a struggle anymore, now I can enjoy. GO FOR IT.
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September 19, 2009

Pros:

completely clear skin, no scarring, i can finally feel good about what i look like for the first time since i was 7 years old

Cons:

minor: chapped lips, dry nose, dry skin. no big deal.

best decision i've ever made. i just finished a 5 month course and let me tell you my only regret is not having gone on this miracle drug sooner. the side effects were incredibly minor and i literally saw a decrease in oily skin after the very first day. my skin has just gotten better and better, i had no initial break out whatsoever. i'm so happy since i've gone on this drug, by body just soaked it up and it worked wonders. i've had breakouts on my face, back, arms, and chest since the 4th grade. i was so ashamed and hid them from everyone but i was dying inside knowing what i was covering. i am so happy i went on this drug, i finally feel free to let people get close to me, i don't have to worry about the clothes i wear exposing my body acne. the side effects i had were nothing in comparison to the joy of finally feeling like my face and skin was clear like all my friends. i'm so happy i took this i could cry. i would encourage anyone who suffers with acne to take this pill.
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September 18, 2009

Pros:

skin is already clearing up, did not get worse before it got better, feeling more confident already

Cons:

dry lips, eczema on arms, itchy scalp due to dry hair, need SPF 70 to protect face every day, can't be out in the sun for long periods of time, but you get used to it

IF YOU'RE THINKING ABOUT STARTING ACCUTANE, DO IT! I PROMISE IT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE AND ATTITUDE. THINK ABOUT IT, LESS THAN A YEAR OF YOUR LIFE ON THIS DRUG AND A LIFETIME OF CLEAR SKIN!!! QUIT DEBATING IT AND TALK TO YOUR DERMATOLOGIST!!!
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September 18, 2009

Pros:

Works AMAZINGLY. All acne (body, face) gone! And usually stays away for a long time.

Cons:

Dry Lips, Suicidal thoughts (depression), Dry Skin. Unfortunatly, it's been about a year since I've last taken accutane and my back has broken out... I get pimples on my hairline too, but I don't worry about those.
Leaves scars!

If you really want to get rid of acne and it's ruining your life, I recommend this medication. But if you don't care that much, and your acne isn't severe, don't take it.
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September 18, 2009

Pros:

Totaly ckeared up my skin. After atleast 10 years of acne and treatments that didnt solve the problem i tried Accutane. It became worse but after about 3 weeks and Retina and bleach for the exsisiting dark marks TRY IT!

Cons:

Dry lips

The bottem line is if you've tried every thing eles now try Accutane. Please consulta a Dr. and keep up woth your blood work. It has workes for me an i feel fine. Plesae try it, st this point youhave notthing to loose. My skin was depressing and very bad, now i get compliments and see a change. I have a new confidince because my skin is nearly "normal"
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Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website