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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September 12, 2008

Pros:

At the end of my treatment (6 months) I had basically perfect skin.

Cons:

Dry skin, nose bleeds, fatigue, headaches, dry lips, bad breakout at first, monthly blood tests are a pain, and now that I've been off it for 6 months my skin is as bad as it was before it. Not worth it.

It's too much effort. I thought it would fix my skin forever and I am already breaking out like normal and looking for a new treatment. Don't do it, it's not worth it.
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September 7, 2008

Pros:

Cleared acne everywhere on my body.

Cons:

All the dry skin and bloody noses

I worked. I had 2 seperate treatments. Both lasted only about a year or two then it came back just as bad. I am now 21 and still battling acne but without insurance or money to get accutane ever again. I suggest it, only if you know you can continue using it forever because it DOES come back. I'm trying out zinc right now along with bp. We'll see how that goes.
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August 22, 2008

Pros:

Clears up my acne completely. never had an acne free face since school days. only lasted for 1 year before it all comes back.

Cons:

was on very low dose (10mg/day)..took 8 months to clear up..hate the side effect (chapped lips,)..the initial breakout was really bad making me so inferior..the acne went cystic and pops up like nobody's business..and the scarring was hell

i would never do it again..while it is effective i wouldnt want to go thru the initial breakout before it heals. and u recover with ugly scars..just when the scars fading away, the acne strikes back!!!!..sighhh
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July 22, 2008

Pros:

none

Cons:

MAKES IT WORSE

Gave me new cystic acne in areas i havent had before (new scars), extremely bad dry lips, to the point of scaring/ scab (healed now), Extreme depression, suicidle tendancys, am now over life and just want to die.
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July 1, 2008

Pros:

It works like magic once you take it for a little while. It is as simple as swallowing a pill once a day and your acne,as severe as it may be, clears up!

Cons:

The list of side effects: Insane dry skin, aching bones, hair falling out, eye problems, nausea..and the more serious like abnormal fetus, liver failure, depression.

My skin was so dry that my lips were bleeding all the time. My skin was so dry that I could not wax my legs, eyebrows, etc because it would tear the skin. Forget about wearing contacts becaue of the dryness. My hair began to fall out and I was taken off after 2 months because of liver problems.DANGEROUS. It seemed worth it at the time, because I was young and wanted to get rid of my acne, but I don't know what this did to my body. Blood tests once a month were brutal but that is how the docs discovered the liver damage. AND your acne will come back!!!It disappeared for about 2 years, but now I am back in the same boat once again. But I refuse to take Accutane because it makes me uncomfortable.
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June 29, 2008

Pros:

reduced severity of the acne on my face, for sure. fewer nodules. cleared back acne for the most part.

Cons:

made me terribly terribly depressed, failed to clear skin entirely.

they strictly monitor this drug for good reason. i took accutane in tenth grade and refused to acknowledge the depression symptoms. in my case, it did more harm than good. SERIOUSLY. heed the warnings, yo.
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June 21, 2008

Pros:

I got the first pack free from my dermo?
Affordable

Cons:

I'm allergic to it!!!!
Muscle soreness and pain
Welts/swelling/itching in arms

I was very upset that I became allergic to it. I thought I was done and there was nothing more I could do. My dermo *thinks* that enough was in my system to hopefully knock out acne to come in the future. Who knows. But on the other hand, my birth control (Yaz) was the acne butt kicker in the end. One more thing--don't take the "cyclines" right after or right before Accutane.....take a break before you begin or end. Can mess you up bad. My friend has a drainage tube now b/c she took them too close together. Go for it, seriously, cause I know it can and has been shown to work wonders. Just be careful with what else you take and blood work
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May 28, 2008

Pros:

It clear up acnes within 3 months.

Cons:

Hair loss (Almost alway Diffuse Alopecia Areata or Telogen Effluvium), Scarring, Persistant Red Marks that stay for up to a year or more adnormal bumps.

Only take Accutane if you're suffering from persistant moderate acne to severe cystic nodular acne. The side effects were just not worth it if you're suffering from mild acne only.
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May 24, 2008

Pros:

Great skin for a few years

Cons:

Doesn't last forever for everyone :(
Dry lips, nostrils and eyes.
Thinning hair and UV sensitivity.

I was on ro-accutane about 10 years ago for over a year. At first I was thrilled and have enjoyed acne free skin for several years, however I am now back on the acne roller coaster at 29 :( I have tried every product out there and am now on Doxycyline which is having no effect whatsoever. I am completely frustrated as I take such good care of my skin and yet it looks like I'll have to give ro-accutane or similar another go.
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May 7, 2008

Pros:

Made it slightly better but nothing amazing

Cons:

Dry lips, Itching scalp, Dry skin, Redness/soreness of the face.

Im 20 years old and have been on isotretinoin for 4 weeks on a dose of 80mg a day. So far I've had all the Cons everyone are saying but not much of the Pros. I'd be lieing if i said it hadnt got better at all, but the it has hardly made a dent in getting rid of the acne. Its early days I guess and still have another 3 months on it. I jsut got back from holiday and the sun helped a lot but since i've been home they seem to get worse again. I would reccommend it just because of other peoples reviews not my own, as everybodies different it may work better with them!
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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