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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July 8, 2010

Pros:

Clear skin when you're on the medicine
Less Oily Hair
Back Acne cleared!

Cons:

DRY skin, lips, everything.
redness
pain in joints

Accutane is now linked to cause crohn's disease. I stopped using it, out of fear. it was working though. I just thought that crohn's disease was a little too risky for acne medicine!!
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June 2, 2010

Pros:

Cleared my skin up! Before this I tried soooo many creams, medicines, etc. This was my last resort and I’m happy with it!

Cons:

Dry lips, dry out nose, blood test every month, doctor appointments every month, rashes on my hands and arms but my doc gave me cream and it goes away within a day. I can live with these “cons” since I’m getting CLEAR skin finally!

I'm on my 3rd month of isotretinion and I have to take it 2 times a day for 6 months. At first my parents and I were scared to go on it since we heard all the scary side effects that could happen but I know some friends that were on it and they had nothing but good things to say about it. I'm so glad I went on it! I just wish I had gone on it years ago! Its says not to drink while still taking isotretinion but unfortunately I had my 21st while still taking it but I went out and drank a little just not crazy and I was perfectly fine the next morning. It could damage your liver so make sure if you do drink while on it its only a little and you don't over due it. I recommend isotretinion if you have acne that just won't go away! I got on it when I was 20 wish I got on it when I was still in high school. -5/28/09 ~*~UPDATE~*~ Well now about a year later all my acne is back! I'm a 22 year old female 5'2 125lbs. I'm very upset that my acne is back considering being on this medicine isn't easy plus it's pretty expensive. I may try it again since it did help it just doesn't last. High price to pay to have clear skin.-6/02/10 Recommended: Not sure
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June 1, 2010

Pros:

it clears u up

Cons:

u look horrible for the period u r on it.

with this u have to have some patients. for the period u r on this medication u look like sh*t ur lips are chap ur always sundurned. this is a last resort medicene and i only subjust it for ppl with severly moderate acne or worst do to all of its side affect. I've been off it for a year now my face is staying clear but my back has started to break out again, in tht case go see your dermatologist again I've been using some topical stuff and the stuff is staying away. long story short it will do wonders for u u js have to wait n follow the doctors orders. i didnt miss a day on it
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April 25, 2010

Pros:

improved skin

Cons:

dry lips, thinned hair, random rashes, very dry irritated eyes, body aches, HEADACHES almost everyday, embarrassing dry skin if you don't moisturize every few hours,

I was on accutane for the last 6 months at 60 mg a day, and did not see results untill 5 months in. I am currently on my 7th month and was bumped up to 80 mg a day. I have fewer pimples, and STILL have cysts that are just starting to go away, Now im left with stubborn clogged pores and open pores from previous acne (that still tend to be active) since Ive been bumped 20 mg in dose I find Im so intensely irritable and have random breakdowns which has been concerning me.Lately I've also lost my appetite but it might be from stress? This is NOT a drug to be taken during university years at least in my case, I cant think clearly and have a careless attitude, preventing me from my studies, which is not like myself. I'm on the edge of dropping out. Although my skin has gotten a lot better, it is still rather problematic, and will most likely continue a few more months if my blood tests are good. but I'm losing my patience, nothing else has worked so Im sticking to it. plus Im praying for the success most others have, which gives me a little hope
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April 11, 2010

Pros:

-Clear skin (clears up what other acne treatments don't)
-Confidence

Cons:

-Acne flaring up when dose is changed
-Dry and chapped lips
-Some depression/mood swings
-Frequent visits with a dermatologist and blood tests
-Caused some new acne in unaffected areas

I've been on Accutane for 6 months now and my experience with it has been mixed. So far, the medicine has done wonders to my face, but has yet to improve my back. Most frustrating, is the fact that my dermatologist says I will have to continue taking the medicine for longer than usual to prevent new cysts on my back. If you're considering taking Accutane be prepared for the side effects. They are numerous, and some can really suck. I listed some that I experienced in the cons section. Also, be aware that you may be on it for a while (like me), or have to retake it later in life if your acne returns. Accutane isn't prefect, but if nothing else seems to work for you it's worth trying.
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April 9, 2010

Pros:

don't have the breakouts I've had, skin isn't as oily

Cons:

wrinkles (just a few), some side effects, very thirsty all the time

I used Amnesteem for a good two months then quit because of a really severe side effect which ended up being very easy to manage (sorry it's an embarrassing one, look at the side effects and find out which one you would never want to discuss with anyone). My skin become very dry, but manageable even though I was shy of two months and it's almost six months after I quit and I do not suffer from the same acne I had. I get one or two or no pimples anymore and I haven't scarred since (I get the pockmarks and indented scars often, not anymore though). I have experienced wrinkles on one side of my face since I used this, but I bet if I would have moisturized and drank more water and cut out coffee and the few alcoholic drinks I had, I would have been fine. really though if you scar (indented) easily or have severe acne, you should try this. I would not recommend it for everyone because of how easy it is to develop side effects and how severe they can be.
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March 25, 2010

Pros:

It works very well on clearing up both the agressive nodular acne, whiteheads, blackheads and reducing scaring.

Cons:

Headaches, dry skin and mouth, suicidal thoughts during the third round, constant nose bleeds.

This product was a god send for clearing up my Acne. I won't lie, it worked so well. By the time I was 13 my Acne was so bad that even though I was a bit young to be taking it, and the drug was still in the "Unknown if you take it several times" phase because it was still new I took it. It took 3 rounds (at 13, 15 and 17) to clear it up, but my skin looks actually pretty good. You can barely tell I had any of the severe skin problems I had. Sadly I had migraines all ready, and the medication made them worse each time I took another 6 month round, with the symptoms not going away even after being off of the medication. And frequent nose bleeds I experienced during the third round, as well as the dry skin on my forearms, and lower legs never went away nor did my constantly chapped lips. To this day, I'm not sure if very clear skin was worth the side effects of taking 3 whole rounds of this drug. Maybe two. But not three.
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March 23, 2010

Pros:

Clears acne. Gets rid of oily skin.

Cons:

Hair thinning, dry lips, bloody nose, dry skin, dry eyes

My acne cleared up and my skin was not oily during my 6-7 month course. I did not get a severe initial breakout. Hair thinning was stressful and my entire body was so dry despite lots of water intake. 3 months out now, my acne has returned but very mild compared to before. My skin is once again oily just like before. If my acne remains mild it was worth it, if not...then i'm not sure. I'm conflicted to be honest with you hence the 3 star hedge. My hair is still thin and the side effects were pretty tough. It was also expensive as I had to pay the full cost at first and then get reimbursed later. $250 for a month. Plus seeing the doctor every month and getting blood test was tough with my work schedule.
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March 20, 2010

Pros:

I clears acne after a few weeks. Co-pay for me $20 and i'm sure i'm like $150 or something without copay.

Cons:

Caused a lot of headaches, back, neck pain. Dry skin, hair thinning and falling out. My doctor said it doesn't make your hair falls out but i think it obviously does as i can feel and see it becoming less and less each month. Of course, the first three weeks was a lot more acne as most people say. It makes me very sleepy, but my doctor told me that's not the side effects. I'm sure it is because i was so sleepy during my day taking it and i sleep longer each night.

First of all, all the review i read doesnt' let me know the age..which i think is important for some of us. I'm 33yrs old and acne prone since 15yrs old. I started out my first month with 20mg and the first 3 weeks it broke out as expected. Now i'm on the 40 mg for my second course..i believe i have one or two left to go. My face is indeed very clean and acne free, but i'm very afraid of one side-effect the most..hair loss. My doctor told me it jsut thin your hair but i'm sure he's wrong. My hair was thick and grows very fast and long, but it so obvious now i cant' even run my hands through my hair without feeling like i had a buzz cut and i havent' even cut my hair since i started this treatment. I knew the side effects but i really needed it for my face to clear on my wedding day, else i wouldn't recommend this as a treatment to anyone. Just remember once you stop taking it acne will come back.if you lucky to fall in that very very small % that it will permanently go away after the treatment then take the chance. Good luck.
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January 28, 2010

Pros:

%100 clear skin. Meaning no more oily skin, face is so smooth, no more pimples anywhere (face, chest, and back).

Cons:

Elevated liver enzymes - liver damage. Dry lips, skin, eyes while on it.

I used accutane for 4 months last 2009. It cured my acne right away in a little as a month with no flare-ups. I continued using it for more months but on the 4th month I was diagnosed with elevated liver enzymes - 4x than normal/average. I stopped taking it because I don't wanna sacrifice my health with clear skin. After I stopped it, my face was clear for more than 6 months and went back to worse again after that.
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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