Isotretinoin (Accutane®)
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Side Effects

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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August 14, 2009

Pros:

it cleared up my BIG cyst pimples on my back and chest after 1 month

Cons:

bit of dryness everywhere

am taking it again now since my BIG pimples coming out on my face, both sides of cheeks...i thought if accutane worked for my back and chest it would do the same for my face. been taking 10mg only a day for 10 days now,...it's still getting worse ( maybe initial effect?? i hope so...)am using Clenzyderm from OBAGI as well to treat my face. haven't got anything amazing till today though... can anyone suggest if i have to double up my dosage or just stay on 10mg a day? thanks...i'm desperate...
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August 14, 2009

Pros:

cleared up 100%, look great feel great, easy to use

Cons:

dry skin, dry lips, really dry red eyes, takes awhile to see results

WAYYYYYY WORTH IT... half way through i wanted to quit sooo bad but just dont quit! seriously the stuff is the sh*t
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August 14, 2009

Pros:

Clearer skin and better self esteem

Cons:

Dry skin and peeling

I have suffered from acne since I was twelve. My breakouts leave ugly dark scars no matter how small the pimple. I am now 30 and I have had it! Everyone around me says i'm over reacting and that my face looks good. They have never seen the acne scars on my shoulders and back. My face is not evenly complected. I can see every little imperfection. I have been on accutane for 11 day and on Loestrin 24 for 3 months. I am telling you that I can see an improvement already. My lips are really dry, but smooth. I do worry about the possible side effects but I will not stop using til I learn otherwise.
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August 13, 2009

Pros:

Really helps clear skin up, giving you more confidence.
Side effects are no where near as bad as i had read!
A wonderful product!!

Cons:

really dry lips, get some vaseline.
mild nose bleeds
dry skin

This is a great product much better than anything else out there. Was worried at first about the side effects but no where near as bad as there were made out to be, might be worse for girls. If you have a chance to use roaccutane do it as it works!!
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August 13, 2009

Pros:

Oily hair & skin deceased, clears up skin wonderfully, no need to wash face, long lasting results!

Cons:

Very dry skin, red eyes, bone aches, sensitivity to sun, frequent bloody noses, redness of skin, severe chapped lips, IPLEDGE, monthly blood tests, minor depression

I'm only 15 and I decided I didn't want to battle acne for the rest of my teen years. I tried a multiple amount of acne products, but were ineffective and I suffered more than I did on accutane. Yes, accutane has a lot of odious side effects, but nothing that I couldn't handle. The worst was probably the chapped lips, which I soon discovered that the classic Cherry Chapstick was sent from heaven, but I had to keep it with me and apply consistantly. I started clearing up from the first week I was taking it, and from then on continued without breakouts to until now I am 100% acne free. I got a lot of bad sunburns and my face was always red and peeling. The dry skin was almost worse than acne. But I did have oily skin and hair, which I no longer have to worry about. I am fully aware that the results differ for each individual, but I just want to say that it can work, and I have many friends who have benefited from it also. I would recommend this product, it could change your life forever.
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August 13, 2009

Pros:

It's clear and smooth. It's not greasy. My facial redness is gone. I'M CLEAR!!!!!!

Cons:

I reacted very badly to accutane. It made my nose dry to the point where it was always clogged with dry blood. Very achy and tired. Horrible rashes and redness were almost constant. Hair loss. Stress fractures form bone weakening.

Despite how badly I reacted to Accutane and the price I would definatly recommend it. My acne was very painful and very obvious, so I'm glad to be rid of it for sure!
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August 12, 2009

Pros:

Acne completely cleared, confidence, smoother skin, side effects are 100% worth it!

Cons:

Dry lips, skin, nose. Make sure you get nose spray (saline for moisture helped me) Most of the side effects are pretty miserable...got a few headaches, stomach pains, back pain. Though I'd go through it all over again for these results.

Accutane is really a great medication. I truly recommend it for anybody! I had acne for around 5 or 6 years, and honestly tried ever y medication my doctor could give me. Finally was put on accutane and my face is 100% clear, and havent gotten a pimple since about the third month of treatment! my scars remain but it's really a lot better than painful breakouts and not wanting to leave the house. Don't give up on it if you're just starting out! 100% works!!
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August 11, 2009

Pros:

5 days into trial, to early to tell

Cons:

facial dryness, which can get painful

For someone who loved to swim, but becuase of horrible acne across face, neck, shoulders(scarring resembles 3rd degree burns, which will never go away), back and chest, i've had to give that up do to embarrassment, this product is my last chance, acne started at 13 and i just turned 18, i've been cheated out of what is supposed to be one of the best times in your life, girls, pool parties, i never got that...sad, but i finally got this and i pray it helps, parents were to cheap to pay for it, not that we couldn't afford it, they seriously were just to cheap,
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August 11, 2009

Pros:

Fantastic stuff. I had tried everything and doctors would give me regimens that just about burned my face off but this is amazing. After a month my skin was clear and only had a few blackheads (but they were reduced) and temporary discoloration.

Cons:

Dry lips and sun sensitivity (try going off of it for the summer) and pregnancy tests for females

It's all worth it. all you have to do is the basic wash your face and moisturize and take the pill. Thats it. However I highly suggest stocking up on the chapstick. Bring this up to your doctor if they havent!
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August 10, 2009

Pros:

my husband and his family all used accutane and it worked on all of them my husband used it about 10 year or more ago and hasnt had breakout since, my son is getting acne now and has tried different things so i made another appt to get him onit also.

Cons:

dries out your sinuses, he use to complain that his nose was dry all the time, but now they have nasel sprays and gels for that. But it works, and didnt come back.My son is going onit before it gets worse and cause scars, its doesnt go away like acne

Well worth it you will spend just as much trying and spending different stuff that doesnt work..
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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