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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December 19, 2009

Pros:

mostly cleared up my acne for a year.

Cons:

I still always had at least one pimple after accutane use, When I started on it my acne got MUCH worse than it was before,now about a year and a half later my skin is getting bad again even though I am still continuing on retin-A,really dry skin/lips

It works for some people really well and sort of worked for me. Get it if you want your skin to clear up enough that you are willing to risk it for all that money; however, I definitely wouldn't have gone on it if my parents did not have insurance to cover it.
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December 18, 2009

Pros:

Smooth skin! Don't mind if people touch my face now! Not oily or bumpy

Cons:

extremely dry lips, dry skin, extreme sensitivity to the sun! annoying monthly visit to get blood checked

Would recommend it to anyone. It works quickly and effectively
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December 16, 2009

Pros:

my skin is slightly clearer.

Cons:

HORRIABLE dry lips to the point i almost cant live with them, blood nose. dry in the places i dont need it to be. face is bring red and make up doesnt cover it. blury vision due to drying eyes.

unfortunatly i have not a good result like some people. by doing accutane i found myself being less confident then i was before the drug. i had to be put on it for and extra month because it was not working. my doctor would have suggested i take it another month but i refuesed because already have taken it longer than planned.my skin is always bright red and uneven. the dryness of my lips is unberable. the burly vision is impossiable to live with especially if you are a student like me and drops dont help to the extent i need them too. i now also have scaley arms and hands.my skin is still not clear and i still have to do plenty of other follow up scrip drugs.i would not suggest it to anyone and have already told other to try other things.
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December 7, 2009

Pros:

Initially you will break out every few weeks for the first 3-4 months. But once you come out of that phase, your skin becomes clear, your confidence returns, any little zit that you get will dissipate in 2 days or so.

Cons:

Side effects are abundant. Dry flakes in your hair, Dry Skin, Dry Rashes, Body Aches (Had to stop lifting weights, but I still did PT for my Service.) Muscles will get sore easily and often. And you will have CHAPPED LIPS!!!

This medicine really truly does work. If you've tried all of the other treatments, then you should get this, don't let those horror stories from 35 year old women scare you away. I never had an issue with depression, and this was dealing with some unfair legal issues, losing college scholarships, family deaths, being a freshman in a huge college, very very long days, no sleep, and daily PT workouts in the early AM. If you stick it out, you will be rewarded in the end. You're going to wish you had started this medication earlier.
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December 4, 2009

Pros:

The only thing that has ever completely cleared my face. It took about 3 months to clear up.

Cons:

Cost of lab tests, doctor visits, and medication if you don't have great health insurance. Slight muscle aches, dry scalp and lips. Easy to get paranoid reading about so many horror stories.

The side effects I encountered were very mild and nothing compared to living with severe acne for almost 10 years. This was a last resort treatment because no other medication or treatment worked. I know there are serious risks involved but when my acne was so bad it was painful and preventing me from going out, I made the decision to take a chance. I am very glad I did and it was worth the money (although the cost of this drug is absurd). Anyone considering this treatment has to decide for themselves if curing their acne is worth the risk. It's the same with any drug. Tip: Price can vary tremendously among different generic brands so shop around. Also, it was far cheaper to alternate between taking one and two 40mg pills everyday instead of two 30mg pills everyday even though they equal the same dosage.
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December 4, 2009

Pros:

none yet(2 months)

Cons:

headache, tired, i feel my eyes tired

i`m 2 months in(20mg/day in the first month and 30mg afterwards)...i had massive breakouts at the beginning, but now the pimples are smaller...but still many...and i don`t want to have pimples and redness during winter break!!!! (Christmas, new year...u know) what can I do to improve my face? acne treatment or peeling? anyone any idea? thanks
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December 2, 2009

Pros:

Cleared totally!

Cons:

Dryness and irritation

Took 40 milligrams and skin was clear after 3 months. DO NOT STAY ON SUN! (I did same and I become so black :) Made post about it [link removed]
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December 1, 2009

Pros:

Clear skin on and off. Last month of it.

Cons:

Flaky skin, bipolar amplifier (I'm bipolar), loss of interest, motivation, personality, etc. Even for my friends who aren't bipolar, it's still a "living hell".

My back acne wouldn't clear up after 2 years of treatment. Now my back has 1 or 2 zits on it and tomorrow is my last dermatologist visit (last month of Accutane). I have very mild bipolar syndrome, and the Accutane makes it worse than it's ever been. IF YOU ARE DEPRESSED OR BIPOLAR DO NOT START ACCUTANE TREATMENT. PLEASE!!!!! You will regret it as I have, but luckily I'm almost done with it. This is purely a last resort medicine.
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November 29, 2009

Pros:

Skin less oily and less irritated in just one week.

Cons:

Gastritis and urethritis.

I could not take this drug. After the first week, I was in constant pain. My stool turned almost black and my stomach was in knots. I had sharp pains in my bladder and burning with urination. My doctor said it's rare to have such a negative reaction but I had to stop. I'm going back to topical retinoids. Tazorac works well enough.
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November 28, 2009

Pros:

Smooth skin, less blemishes, overall clear skin

Cons:

very irritable, troubles with concentration and focus, depression, back pains, socially distant, etc...

I'm a 23 year old girl and I've been on accutane for 5 months now and its cleared up greatly within the past few weeks. At first it got worse than before I was on accutane. I have slight mood swings, I'm depressed it's hard to concentrate at work or school my motivation is practically non-existant, I've had minor suicidal thoughts and dreams, friends think I'm not fun anymore when we're out. I just don't feel my old self anymore but I think at the end it's worth it so I gonna stick it out..I would definitely recommend this product.
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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