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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May 14, 2009

Pros:

CLEAR SKIN!!!! This is the only important pro for me. But other pros are no more oily face and hair, make up stays put instead of dissolving after an hour.

Cons:

dry lips, skin and hair which can all be taken care of with good products.Severe fatigue and joint/muscle pain in final months of treatment.Can't go out in the sun for prolonged periods, even with sunscreen I got a rash and mild sunburn.

I noticed the side effect are worse in the last couple months of treatment, the fatigue was unbelievable, and I couldn't make it to the gym more then a couple times a week due to fatigue and severe muscle strain after going. However nothing was unbearable especially knowing the course of treatment ends after 5 months and the pros of clear skin definatly outweigh the cons in the end.
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May 13, 2009

Pros:

cleared my acne a little bit no more pimples just small ones i feel my face is better then before

Cons:

very dry skin ,dry eye,dry nose,redness ,slight knee pain ,everyone on accutane have to use a moisturizer to nose and skin and refresh drops to eyes

i had tried so many products like benzoyl peroxide ,salyclic acid , oral antibiotics and i didn't find any progress ,now i'm using accutane for my second month now i hope it can work cos life with acne is horrible noooooooo self confidence i hope it works for me and for everyone else.
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May 12, 2009

Pros:

Cleared my skin up! Before this I tried soooo many creams, medicines, etc. This was my last resort and I’m happy with it!

Cons:

Dry lips, dry out nose, blood test every month, doctor appointments every month, rashes on my hands and arms but my doc gave my cream and it goes away within a day. I can live with these “cons” since I’m getting CLEAR skin finally!

I'm on my 3rd month of isotretinion and I have to take it 2 times a day for 6 months. At first my parents and I were scared to go on it since we heard all the scary side effects that could happen but I know some friends that were on it and they had nothing but good things to say about it. I'm so glad I went on it! I just wish I had gone on it years ago! Its says not to drink while still taking isotretinion but unfortunately I had my 21st while still taking it but I went out and drank a little just not crazy and I was perfectly fine the next morning. It could damage your liver so make sure if you do drink while on it its only a little and you don't over due it. I recommend isotretinion if you have acne that just won't go away! I got on it when I was 20 wish I got on it when I was still in high school.
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May 12, 2009

Pros:

Has results. Smoother skin. No black heads. Fixing scars. No oil. No more oily hair. No actual zits.

Cons:

Initially gets worse. All scars become pink. At first, really dry skin. I have exzema so if I was in the sun for a few minutes I would get scabs all over my arms. Chapped lips. Some dry eye. Higher cholesterol.

What to expect: First week: Chapped lips First to second month: Possibly more break outs and your face becomes red. Sun light sensitivity. Second to third month: Acne scars become pink. Accutane actually remolds your scars, flattens them out. My hair is originally more oily and now it's wonderful. I always carry chapstick now. I'm on my third month and excited for the next two months. Sometimes it gets really irritating...everyday...3 pm Yaz birth control...7 pm two Clavaris [generic brand] 30mg pills. With insurance my visits are only 12 US$ and the Clavaris for a 60 days supply is 3 US$. I had tried natural masks, Clinique, Proactiv, topical creams, and everything else. This is the first thing to really SOLVE the problem and not just mask it or give a short period of relief. This gave me results, especially since I understand how it's working. This treatment solves the problem from within and not just the outside. Acne is not a skin level issue for some. :D
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May 12, 2009

Pros:

My acne is gone!!! No more oily skin and No more breakouts.
I finally have my confidence and self esteem back since my early teen years(around 13).
I am 19 now.

Cons:

The side effects that I experienced were minimum. Slight back pains, chapped lips ALL the time, slight hair loss(but its goes away after you stopped taking the medicine, and dry skin. Also you can't drink while on this drug :(

This medicine was my last resort. I had no other options and I was scared to take this medicine but I am glad I did. Living with acne for about 5 years does affect your relationships, self esteem and confidence. I felt like I was held back my 4 years in high school because of it. You feel somewhat less of yourself and are afraid to take certain risks. Now after taking accutane and going into college I feel like a new person. I now know when meeting new people, they will look me in the face and not judge me by my acne. I would have to say that this drug has gave me a new look on life and I plan to live it to the fullest. Accutane has saved my life in so many ways! I would have to say only use it as a LAST RESORT!
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May 11, 2009

Pros:

reduces oil and breakouts as well as white and black heads

Cons:

dryness, skin and nose

I was EXTREMELY SCARED and i mean EXTREMELY scared to do it but i tried mostly every route including natural way and nothing seemed to work, it stopped most breakouts just scarrring and somewhat reoccurance! but overall ACCUTANE isnt as bad as everyone thinks! IT WORKS BUT IT TAKES TIME!!!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! dont be scared honestly, i am like 6 ft 160llbs and i originally started out at 20mg and it worked and there were ABSOLUTELY NOOOOOO sideewffects, now im in about a month and a half and on 60mg, side affects are MINIMAL and acne is clear just a little scarring from before!!! VERY GOOD,m and if scared or nervous start out with a low does like me!! but it does take time remember that!!
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May 10, 2009

Pros:

great medicine. really clearing up my skin

Cons:

dry lips, dry face, and SEVERE back pain

this medicine is great. at first side effects seem intolerable but you get over it in about a month. medicine did give me severe back pain especially when i laid down after a long day or when i had to do something like pick things up off the floor
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May 8, 2009

Pros:

Oil reduced. No more breakouts after 1st month. Face feels much smoother.

Cons:

Has done nothing for large closed comedones yet- maybe even a little worse.

Nearly at the 2 month mark of Accutane and although I can feel a difference in the texture of my face, the photo comparison from day one isn't impressive. I'm happy that the large pustules and cysts have stopped forming completely, however I'm still plagued by hundreds of bumps which are very visible, even under make-up. My face is also very discoloured and uneven from the previous breakouts (which ceased after month 1) however I am reassured that these marks will fade over time. Hopefully only a few light scars will remain, which I will tackle post treatment. Overall Accutane is doing what it's meant to: successfully reducing breakouts.
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May 8, 2009

Pros:

Cleared my SEVERE acne from my face, back, neck, shoulders and chest...the side effects for me were not that bad and completely manageable. Long term improvement. Helps with scarring.

Cons:

Dry nose, occasional nosebleed, dry eyes, some flaking. Acne is here again

It worked for me 19 years ago and I will do it again in a heartbeat given the opportunity. I'm going to the derm next week and hoping and praying he will prescribe it for me as nothing else has worked
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May 8, 2009

Pros:

i was on 80mg of accutane and my skin acually cleared up a little i thought i was going to get an initial breakout right away.

Cons:

About to go to the derm massive pulsing headaches and very tired for taking it for a week. 1 in a million can get this side effect and i did.

Accutane is a good product and works well for pretty much everyone i just didnt get lucky and i cought a bad side effect. I am very sad and dont know what to do anymore.
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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