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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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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June 11, 2009

Pros:

My skin is clear and the scars are going! Improved confidence - not looking in the mirror constantly and spending a fortune on cover up sticks.

Cons:

The first two weeks were awful - lots more acne but gradually it's got better - all cleared up after 5-6 weeks. Very achy after any physical exercise. Dry lips - not too bad though. Tiredness but I think this is because I ache all the time.

I've always had mild acne but two years ago when I was 36 it became very bad and was scarring. I tried all the natural remedies and if I ate a 'acne friendly' diet my skin was ok but that just wasn't practical - I wanted to live a little! I went to a doctor privately and he put me on antibiotics to start with but after the course, the acne just came straight back. I started on isotretonin two months ago and I can't believe the difference - my doctor says there's a very good chance that it'll never come back. Happy Days!
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June 10, 2009

Pros:

Absolutely no pimples anymore, and my scars went away. My skin is now soft, smooth and almost flawless. Everything all together is more evenly toned and no redness anymore.. :)

Cons:

chapped lips, sometimes they crack and bleed if i forget to put chapstick on. Bloody noses everytime i sneze, cuz of a dry sinus. Spine is always sore, mainly my lower back. I feel tired alot, sometimes moody.

Well the cons are pretty bad, but its only temporary and the results are forever, so 5 months of hell and in return you get clean skin for ever so worth it. my aunt and my mom took acutane when they were my age and they never break out ever and my aunts now in her 40's and my mom is in her 50's and im currently 18. its really rasied my self esteem :D
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June 10, 2009

Pros:

gives self-esteem and confidence, cleared my mild acne completely

Cons:

blood work, joint pain, sensitive skin, dry eyes, dry lips,

It cleared my mild acne completely. Now all I have are little red marks to deal with! Really this drug has helped me become more social and has really raised my self-esteem and confidence. If this is your last result likeit was fpr me, just TRY IT! You won't be disappointed.
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June 8, 2009

Pros:

Reduces the acne and starts reducing the oil glands immediately. My face has become more soft and more evenly toned and brighter. This has been the only thing that has worked so far. Blood Work, assists you in knowing levels!

Cons:

I mean honestly, I have not really experienced any side effects except for dry mouth and minor chapped lips. This medication does not cause depression either.

Accutane is the only real drug that does not work on controlling your acne, but on actually removing it, while reversing your DNA transcription. I reccomend finding a younger doctor because they are more apt to give you the treatment in comparison to the older doctors.
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June 6, 2009

Pros:

Dramatically decrease oil production. no more acne.

Cons:

after the course of medication, THE OIL ALL CAME BACK without hesitation. dropping of hair.

I still recommend it to those with severe and moderate acne. NOT all people's oil came back after the course, guess I was the unlucky one. and my hair drop a lot, I'm having slight receeding hairline. sad. but acne have not been back. only 2-3 small pimples once a week. my back ance is completely cured, and is super smooth now. just really upset that the oil came back, my face is so oily!!
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June 5, 2009

Pros:

clear skin

Cons:

dry lips/arms, eyes
tiredness
breakouts when switching doses

I'm on my final course of it, just started again. I absolutely love it. Was actually able to not wear makeup when going outside. major plus!! I noticed that during the couple of months in between my hair started falling out alot and my nails were really brittle and kept breaking. but i went on pre-natal vitamins and that all went away. I'm not too excited to go back to the sporatic breakouts, but hopefully now that i can kinda wear less foundation everyday that will help. But i totally recommend it, the results cannot be beat!!
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June 4, 2009

Pros:

it seems like is getting better, only a week, i had only one pimple in the past week.

Cons:

dry lips(not that bad), really bad lower back pain, just started today.

i had accutane before about 5 years ago, i only did it for 12 weeks and i didn't have any breakouts for almost 5 years until about 6 months ago, i am 36 yrs old now, the fist time i did not had any first breakouts or any side effects besides dry lips, but now that i am older i am afraid to get more sirius side effects, i just staring having really bad lower back pain and my pee is a litter to dark even when i am drinking tons of water???. i hope i will see results soon, living with acne when you are an adult is very sad and sometimes i feel shame of my apperence.
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June 3, 2009

Pros:

Noticable difference within first couple weeks
Smoother and more radiant skin
Greater self esteem and for once I would not wan't to be anyone else but me. (No more wishing I could have someone else's skin)

Cons:

Very dry lips, arms, and face
Dehydrated easily

I used to get negative comments on my acne & could'nt bear to look at myself in the mirror. Now I have smooth & radiant skin & I am clear except for the 1-2 pimples that pop up. My skin, confidence & self image have improved 110%. 2 months left! If you are mentally tough enough to take 1.5 months of negative reaction to accutane and in return get clear and beautiful skin...Go got it! I wish you the best of luck w/ accutane. And hope that you realize how beautiful you really are.
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June 3, 2009

Pros:

None As of yet

Cons:

Itchy scalp,dry skin and dry lips and sore back and knees are all thats bothering me right now. I also get dry eyes at times, especially in hot conditions.

Im only one week in, noticing more whiteheads coming up. Before I started I never really got many whiteheads, just the odd one or two, but now ive got a good few on my face, and alot on my back. But their all starting to dry out now. I had one sleepless night, well pretty much, didnt get to sleep till 4 in the morning and was up at half 7. It was due to my skin where my nose meets my cheeks becoming really dry and sore. It is still painful 2 days later but after a good moisturise the pain eases. Hopefully it gets better.
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May 31, 2009

Pros:

Clear Skin, less oil all over, no more oily hair, no body breakouts at all!

Cons:

dry lips, sunburn easily, occasional nose bleed, leg cramps

I love this stuff! I tried everything for years. I no longer have acne. My skin is flawless which i haven't had since I was in my 20's. I would definately recommend this to anyone struggling to find something that works and continues to get breakouts on their face or body. I was a but discouraged at first because it took a little longer than I expected to clear up but by the second month I started to notice real results. I am now on my 6th month and will be on it for at least 3 more months. This is definately worth the time and money to do the treatment. This treatment was extremely expensive since I do not have prescription coverage.
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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