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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March 28, 2010

Pros:

One month of baby soft skin
One month of confidence
Still waiting.....

Cons:

Always sleeping
Big crusty dry lips
Dry bloody nose
Moderate acne turned into severe during second month and continues.....

I am 30, and I have suffered with mild/moderate acne for years, nothing major but enough to affect my confidence. The same story nothing worked, however I have tried to control it over the years with diet. I was put on 30mg for the first month which cleared my amazingly, I couldn't believe the results I was so happy! Then my derm upped my dose up to 60mg, then oh my God! Almost within the first week of the second month, massive acne breakouts with millions of red spots (I have never had this before in my life) plus I have started to get spots in places where I never suffered! This has continued into the third month, which has shredded any confidence I had left. I have since lowered my dose back to 30mg, as the 60mg seems too harsh and seemed to turning me into a beast! I would like to know if this has happened to anyone else??
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February 26, 2010

Pros:

Aparently is a cure to acne

Cons:

-Dry Lips
-Severe Joint Pain
-SEVERE SPINE PAIN

Hi, I used Accutane for 5 days and it cuased me a world of complications. On my second day I was sitting on the couch and this sharp pain started to strike my back. I didnt know what it was I assumed I was probably lifting too much at the gym. I carried on taking it and the pain became more severe, so i looked at the net and found out it plays around with your bones. Like I said im a dedicated body builder and joint pain is a real let down. but the pain has gone away now since i stoped using it (been 2 weeks since i stopped). Any ways im not telling you guys not to use it, but im saying if you do find any unwanted side effects take note and research. if it wasnt for my re search my doctor said I would of been through major spinal complications that might not be reversable. Just take care guys this drug isnt a joke.
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January 7, 2010

Pros:

Dried and cut down on acne slightly.

Cons:

Gave me sh*tty night vision in one eye, cracking joints, dry cervical discs.

Not recommended. If you do use it, opt for a low dose over an extended period of time (if memory serves me correct, 20 mg over 9 months). Do not opt for 80 mg over 3 months, as it is brutal on your system.
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December 7, 2009

Pros:

Sucks accutane did not clear me up at all and i was on it for 7 months

Cons:

the worst side effects ever.... bone pain joint pain muscle weakness dry skin bad rashes bad head aches tiredness bloody noses...

waste of my mothers money...... Never again
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December 2, 2009

Pros:

Back and Chest cleared up!

Cons:

Severe Headaches, nose bleeds, dry skin, dry lips, Cholesterol went up, skin rashes, depression, nausea, diarrhea, and night blindness

Every possible side effect u could get I got! I spent the first month locked up in my apartment to depressed to come out. Then all the other side effects started. Taking the drug was a big mistake, something that has that many warnings and federally mandated like it is must be. I only took it for a month and a half until I finally couldn't take it anymore. You should look at all the lawsuits against it before you make the decision to take accutane.
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November 17, 2009

Pros:

this s^%$$ works

My cousin took accutane about 10 years back when she was about 15. I remember both of us had acne but hers was way more severe than mine. Her face was just ugly looking with nasty looking bumps all over her face. Mine was just a few big pimples here and there and white heads all over but nothing compared to hers. Well anyway, at that time she took accutane I didn't want to take it cuz I thought my acne was not as bad and I am 26 now and I am still suffering with acne, too scared to take accutane at this point. My cousin has been acne free ever since she took accutane. I have never ever seen her with a pimple and her skin is flawless and beautiful ;(. I wish I could have taken it 10 years back. I have depression now and it would just make it worst. I am currently on taz. Hopefully it works for me.
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October 19, 2009

Pros:

I felt compelled to post this review because my mother took Accutane in 2005, and then had a nervous breakdown. She's been on anti-depressants since then, and has not been the same. It's not just her moods. Her brain doesn't seem to work as well.

Cons:

(Continued from above). Her logic falls short now. It seems as if the medication affected her mental and emotional abilities. Of course, it could have been coincidental, but I have another friend who's depression became much worse, permanently...

(Continued from above) after he took accutane. In case it matters, my mother was 43, and my friend was about 28.
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August 24, 2009

Pros:

Helped at first, otherwise made my skin worse.

Cons:

Very dry skin, dry lips, irritated skin, major break outs, made me extremely depressed.

This made me look worse then ever. My acne got terribly worse, and I completely wish I had never wasted my money on something such as this! I was 15 when I first started trying this, so you can imagine how embarrassing this would have been at school. I say you shouldn't risk it. I'm very disappointing in this product, and I should get a refund.
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July 23, 2009

Pros:

After a few months my acne was gone. As soon as I stopped the medication, it came back. I had another dosage and the acne went. When I stopped it came back :(

Cons:

Only works while you take the medication. Once I stopped the acne came back. Some things I noticed is I have a few mental heath issues afterwards, OCD, migraines, and hair loss. Not a problem before.

Think seriously hard before taking this. I wish I hadn't of taken it. I really do regret that, but like most people I wanted to try and take anything. 2 months of acne free face/body were the best months of my life.
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June 26, 2009

Pros:

Started 3 days ago

Cons:

blurry vision, dry lips not yet

I have a questions? I started with accutane on Tuesday, drinking 1 capsule daily (40 mg). Is any of you drinking the same or less mg. My cousin is drinking 3 capsules every week(1 Mon, 1 Wed, 1 Fri) 20mg. I have scars and a little acne on my face. Is acctane good for scars too? The only side affect I have is blurry vision. I heard dry lips is the most comman affect.does it take weeks to start with dry lips?Well I hope accutane helps me with my acne, I had acne since I was 18, Im 27 now and still have acne :( now I started with breaking out in my chest and neck. When am i going to see results????? Thanks to my job I have Kaiser and it covers, I only pay 5 copay and 5 for pills.
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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