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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Read All About Isotretinoin (Accutane®)
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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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July 24, 2009

Pros:

It took two cycles but ultimately this is the only thing that has actually worked.

Cons:

Very dry lips, dry eyes, and I did experience mild depression while on the drug, but it was good to be aware of that side effect ahead of time.

This is a product for people with severe acne. Unfortunately I found out through a very extended period of time that if you have severe acne, this is the only product for you. I wish I would've spent less time with topical remedies and anti-biotics. Accutane is the only product that has ever gotten my acne under control.
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July 24, 2009

Pros:

I had severe acne before I had taken this. I used to get cysts all the time. After I had finished this I have NEVER gotten another cyst and it cleared up my acne greatly. I took it when I was 16 and I'm now 21.

Cons:

Not good if you can't remember to take the pill. I got really bad scabs IN my nose and very dry lips. VERY expense if you don't have insurance.

I think that the pros outweigh the cons. If you've had server acne you won't mind a few dry lips. This product takes awhile to get into your system so don't get discouraged if it doesn't work right away. The ratings below are from before I started accutane.
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July 24, 2009

Pros:

It is a wonder drug. you end up having the soft and pretty skin that babies do. I love it.

Cons:

dry lips, some joint pains but nothing that you can not handle.

I stopped my birth control pills 5 years ago and I started having acne in my chin and very irregular skin texture that was caused by enlarged sebaceous glands, My face was bad and with make up looked even worse. I also had Rosecea. nothing helped until I went on accutane and even after three days taking 40 mg each day, my daughter noticed a difference. After a month my skin was perfect. After 5 months the redness and irregular shape of my pores were completely gone. I stopped and they gradually came back, not as bad a before.I have to be on, at least, 60 mg a week to maintain my look. I look so much younger and feel so happy with accutane. No depression whatsoever.
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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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July 23, 2009

Pros:

I took Accutane for about 6 months during high school. I had severe acne on my face and back, and could hardly sleep at night because the pain was so terrible. After my cycle was complete, my face was as smooth as the day I was born.

Cons:

Unfortunately, it caused me extreme depression. I couldn't lift my head off my desk, dealt with suicidal thoughts, mania, and extreme anxiety. I tried 6 different medications in a year with no avail but am much better now.

I don't want to scare anyone. If your acne is very severe as mine was, you must weigh the risk versus reward. I think I made the right decision, but I did sacrifice my mental health, although I am a very successful young man. I am okay now, I found the right medication, but still deal with mood swings. If you are a MALE, you are more at risk for the depression, take my word for it. I know it is hard during high school to deal with the embarassment and low confidence. Sometimes I regret taking it, because the depression ruined my high school golf game, and also caused me to lose the love of my life, but I am confident and successful now. If you decide to go through with it, please, for the love of God, make sure your doctor monitors your psychological health.
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July 23, 2009

Pros:

Clears up acne almost completely after 1.5months

Cons:

Initial Breakout is worse than any acne i had previously, the initial breakout consisted of huge cysts, and spots for 3-4weeks.
You get Dry skin and very dry lips.
Very Raw Skin on face without moisturizer/after shower and eczma on arms-Moisur

It Works! Your acne is clear within two months forever, the red marks will eventually fade, it is well worth the downsides, because you will feel much more confident and secure about your appearance, not until afterwards do you realise how insecure having acne made you. It is worth it, just need lots of moisturizer. The muscle pain/back pain goes away after a week from it first starting.
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July 22, 2009

Pros:

No break outs as of yet

Cons:

none yet

I have been on it for a lil over a week. and i have not broken out since i started. I just have old spots from when i started. and they are dissappearing by the day. I cant wait to see how my skin will look in a few weeks!
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July 21, 2009

Pros:

My skin is completely CLEAR. It is a Miracle!!! I never thought I could be so confident now. I DON"T have to wear liquid foundation and powder anymore. I get compliments from everyone now about my skin. I wish I knew about accutane SOONER!

Cons:

I had really chapped lips. I found myself peeling at my lips all the time where layers of skin would come off 2 or 3 times a day even with chapstick used. But I just reapply chapstick all the time. Felt irritable most of the time as well.

I started getting acne when I was in 6th grade. It got worse and worse over the years. I wore make-up powder and foundation both all the time. I could never leave the house without them. I was so insecure where I would never go out in the sun to see my friends. Etc. It was a social killer. At the age of 22, I heard about accutane and did some research and was skeptical about using it just because of all the side affects. Plus I already had so many scars on my face so even if the pills helped me stop breaking out, my skin was already bad. How is a pill going to erase all my deep scars I asked? So I tried it. IT WAS THE BEST DECISION I HAVE EVER MADE. I did not have insurance what so ever so I paid everything out of my pocket. The whole treatment probably costed me about 3 grand. I don't regret it at all. The side effects was not bad. It has been 6 months now since I have been done and my face is still completely clear. Email me if you have any?s. kayleephan@[link removed]
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July 21, 2009

Pros:

Clears your face up like a charm.

Cons:

The cost is INSANE. Between the medicine, doctors visits, monthly blood tests, and birth control they make you take for liability purposes. Easily $1000 a month. Bad side effects as well..

This is a wonderful medicine for people with oily skin that results in severe acne. The side effects for me were extreme dryness EVERYWHERE, very bad muscle pain (especially in my back), and eventually blurred vision. I had to go off of it after 3 months, and my face looked great but two years later and I'm back to moderate acne. Overall, this drug is great for some people and not so good for others.
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July 21, 2009

Pros:

Accutane changed my skin which used to be very oily and had a lot of acne. I had tried every medication for acne and nothing worked until this.

Cons:

It took me 6 months until the Accutane worked. It was the most frustrating process because the side effects are pretty bad but stick with it! It was not until the last month of my treatment that it worked.

Stick with it. Some people see results right away, others like me don't. I almost gave up on it but it was worth the frustration. I can now go places without makeup on which i would NEVER do before. It is the most amazing thing ever. Also my skin is not oily compared to what it used to be.
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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