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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February 18, 2009

Pros:

Dries up your acne relativley fast.
You can see improvement
Face appears smoother and you dont look all oily and shiny

Cons:

Horrid side effects, EXPENSIVE!makes your skin look scaley and way too dry!

My brother uses accuane. his skin looks better, but it looks like he constantly has sunburn, Also his lips are always cracked because accutane kills ALL of your oil glands in your face. So you will age much much faster! i would not use accutane! it is just wrong and i highly do not recomend it! try the Urine Treatment! It is like 1000 dollars less than Accutane and it works 100 times better!!
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February 15, 2009

Pros:

Not too bad side affects.

Cons:

The first few weeks got really sick and was super dry.
The rest is just cracked lips and bloody noses.
Supposedly gets worse than better.

I just finished my second month, on a 5 month treatment. I pound down 80mg a day. I have severe acne around my jaw, upper back, shoulders, and dead center of my chest. I have moderate acne on my forhead, temples, and upper arms. Since then its only gotten worse. Yet I'm only on my 3rd month. It just sucks because I pay alot for it, I deal with the side affects, and my acne hurts, peels, bleeds, and pops like an s.o.b. I really hope it doesn't come back once its gone like other users have said above and below me.
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February 11, 2009

Pros:

cleared my skin for about a year

Cons:

a lot of my hair fell out, my acne is back is might even be worse than before

When I was on accutane and for months after I thought it was God sent. My skin was perfect. My acne has always been mild, I'll always have a few pimples on my face and my skin is oily, but it was never severe. However, I was fed up with constant blemishes and begged my mom to let me get on accutane. About 4 or 5 months after i got off my hair started falling out, and it persisted for about 3-4 months. My hair got so much thinner all for good skin. While my hair has been getting thicker, I don't know if it'll ever be the same. It's been a little over a year since it began falling out. And about 8 months after I got off accutane my acne came back, and now its been a year and a half and my acne is even worse and persistent. I have heard really good experiences but this was mine and it was horrible. Really think about what you're willing to sacrifice for possible clear skin.
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February 8, 2009

Pros:

Nothing

Cons:

Didn't change anything - still cysts, acne, pimples, extremely oily skin

Accutane didn't improve anything. Just because it's considered a "last resort" doesn't mean that it is a miracle cure. Far from it! I witnessed absolutely no visible improvement. I still have cysts, acne, pimples, and extremely oil skin. You may be one of the lucky ones to have improvement, but Accutane is useless for me. Following Dan's regimen and advice loosely has resulted in better management of a permanent, life-long acne condition.
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January 30, 2009

Pros:

This medication worked so well after I first took it. My skin cleared and looked great for a year or two.

Cons:

Unfortunately, I've taken it 3 times--each time my acne (cystic) came back. It did not give me permanent relief. After each course the less success I had. Joint pain/slow skin healing long after I was done taking accutane.

Torn. Worked great at first and felt wonderful when my skin cleared. Unfortunately each time my acne came back and just as bad (cystic all over face). My skin still breaks out ALL the time. It takes forever for even the tiniest zit to heal (always have red marks for weeks after the tiniest zit-whether i pick at it or NOT!!). My skin is very particular/sensitive to everything. I think my skin doesn't look as vibrant or nice as it could. I still have very dry lips ALL the time and my skin isn't as elastic or fresh looking. I have knee pain quite often and I feel it is a permanent side effect from the medication (never have had knee injuries). So, loved it when my skin looked good--but hate that it didn't last. I'll never look good a day in my life.
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January 10, 2009

Pros:

been on for about 3 months little improvement

Cons:

dry face lips (exc) little or slow improvement

im depperesed and hopeless
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November 29, 2008

Pros:

skin less oily, could go with washing my hair only once a week

Cons:

made my acne 20 times worse than to begin with, huge cysts, nodules, severe dry lips and severe chelitis (cracked corners of lips bleeding) SCARS everywhere, had to hide my face for 3 months (Still am)

i had MILD acne to begin, but insisted on accutane cus i was sick of anito biotics. accutane made my skin a MESS. im still paying for it now. i decided after 3 months to stop along w/my derm. it kept getting worse and worse. i would say people with mild acne as i had myself should not use accutane. its not worth it. now 3 weeks off accutane im still breaking out, and trying doxycyline along with zinc.
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November 12, 2008

Pros:

Old pimples are disappearing, and few new pimples are appearing.

Cons:

Dry lips, eyes... flaky skin

It's been a week and a half and i've noticed a tremendous change and people who don't even know I'm taking the drug have commented about how my skin is getting better. I looked really sunburnt for a few days which is fine if the zits are going away... then I peeled A LOT. Now I'm back to red but my face really does look a little better. Can't wait to see what the next four and a half months bring if it's so much better after just a week and a half. Although, I must say... I'm a little apprehensive about the whole hair loss thing. My hair is half way down my back and I'd be horrified to lose it :( Any take on this experienced accutane users?
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September 16, 2008

Pros:

less oil production,reduction in sebaceous glands

Cons:

dry lips,exessive hair on face,dry eyes.

im suffering frm acne since last 6 yrs,normal antibiotic treatment didnt workd so my dr. suggested for accutane(roaccutane by roche) at dose level of 20mg/kg . its my 3rd month using it n after seeing these comments i got scared to use it further...though with aforementioed sideeffects its gud otherwise.
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September 15, 2008

Pros:

Temporarily lessens acne

Cons:

Caused crippling muscle/joint pain, connective tissue disease

I took 40 mg of Isotretinoin for 4 months. Within 1 week had pain in hip joint and leg. Intensified over next month. Spread to other hip. Couldn't walk distances, had trouble rolling over at night. Hurt 24/7. After came off medicine pain did not go away. 1 year later pain spread to elbow, then to shoulder, wrist and fingers. Nothing stops the pain. Have seen 4 specialists (2 orthopedic surgeons, 2 rheumatologists), had blood work, x-rays, MRIs, 2 rounds of physical therapy, 5 cortisone shots and taken 5 different NSAIDS. The pain is still there and seems to be spreading! This is poison!!!!
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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