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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April 23, 2009

Pros:

Oiliness gone in 1 month

Cons:

chapped lips, dry nose, couple of headaches

I'm only in my 2nd month of treatment but I have to say so far I like this medication. The oil in my face has drastically been reduced and that has caused me to have less acne. I have broken out a little here and there, but it clears up in a couple days, much faster than before. I take Sotret, 20mg 2x a day. Also using Clyndimycin topical lotion and Benzoyl Peroxide 10% face wash in conjunction with the meds. Hasn't dried me out YET but I'm sure it will soon. I am active duty military so I receive this medicine at no cost to me.
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April 22, 2009

Pros:

It's going to work! I have been trying stuff for 20 years and I know this is it. I am moving on with my life in 3 months when my treatment is finally over! It's like chemo for acne.

Cons:

I am trying not to focus on the price I pay in my body... aches, chapped lips, dry nose, eyes, mood swings - pretty emotional a lot of the time. Scabs on my head from it being so dry, and I itch all over but its worth it!!! : )

This is my bottom line. My ticket out of skin obsession hell. I am ready to put in my time lik a big girl and get through this treatment and then enjoy the rest of my life without the stress and anxiety and frustration of having problem skin! If you have tried everything, then try it! And take it right, with a meal, use the same brand the entire time you are on it, don't miss a dose. And get support on this site when you get discouraged because it feels like its too hard. You can make it! : ) Blessings, ClaraB
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April 20, 2009

Pros:

Fantastic on nodular acne, starts working within a week to two weeks, clears up oily skin as well, extremely affordable with good insurance

Cons:

Extremely dry skin, chapped lips, redness, will take time on blackheads/whiteheads, extremely pricey WITHOUT insurance

This is absolutely the must-try gotta-have if you are trying to get rid of nodular/cystic acne - I've tried every over the counter medication, every antibiotic, every ridiculously priced foam and none of them did ANYTHING for the nodular acne except for this, and this has reduced the amount of them by at least 75% thus far, and it's been about a month. However - as for your run of the mill blackheads, whiteheads, standard acne, it's gonna take time I'm thinking - that is not clearing like magic, but is still having a much better response to isotretinoin than to anything else I had tried.
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April 20, 2009

Pros:

None haven seen any difference

Cons:

VERY VERY DRY LIPS n SKIN ON FACE peeeeling baddly

i dont no if this will work been on it for 1 month now havent seen any difference on my back acne
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April 17, 2009

Pros:

Clears up acne well. Skin is less oily too. Works after a few weeks and keeps acne away even after you've completed it.

Cons:

Dry skin and lips. A little more tired than usual

The product is great. And to avoid the side effects, get plenty of sleep, use Cetaphil or Garneir Skin Renewal moisturizers, do NOT use a prescription face wash, use Cetaphil Daily wash. And for dry lips I recommend Blistex Daily Conditioning Treatment-DCT.
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April 17, 2009

Pros:

None

Cons:

Too many

Didnt help and burned like f**k
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April 16, 2009

Pros:

Skin is clearing up

Cons:

Chapped lips, Skin slightly burns when washing, Slight headache, and nose is starting to get dry

My skin is starting to clear up. I have not really getting headaches but this kindof pain in my neck and on the back of my head. My facewash (cetaphil) is starting to burn when i use it. I have only been using accutane for a month but it seems to be doing it's job. Hopefully by the end of treatment i will be 100% clear. The cost isn't to bad for me. I have to pay copay of 32.00 when I go to the derm and 10.00 copay for claravis (generic accutane).
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April 16, 2009

Pros:

My skin isn't as oily as it was, and pimples for the most part have cleared out.

Cons:

Multiple bloody noses a day for several weeks at a time (I hadn't gotten a bloody nose for a couple years before this), nose clogs up at night because of the nosebleeds, dry itchy skin on my sides, dry eyes, horrible bad breath, puffy bleeding gums (

If you're on antidepressants already like me, then make sure you have someone around to notice any changes in your behavior so you can get it taken care of. While this stuff is scary, you won't be on it for long. Nothing else was working to get rid of my acne and I was getting sick of trying to get it under control. If you have the nose bleed problem like I do, don't bother with cream inside your nose like they recommend, find a nasal spray that constricts blood vessels and use that. I'm still up in the air about recommending this to someone else.
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April 16, 2009

Pros:

It cleared up my skin really well, really fast!!

Cons:

Can be a burden for girls with the bloode testing and checkups. Along with the noted side effects. Can be expensive. Iv been on it 3 times for a few months each time.

worked very well while i was on it, iv never had more luck with a treatment. i have been on it 3 times and about a month after i got off of it, each time my acne came back. To this day my acne is less sever then before, but here I am still fusterated and looking for a treatment that works! Iv seen it totally clear up a friends severe acne for good, and theirs was worse then mine, so there is hope! but if your acne is cronic and has been around for awhile, i would suggest using it, but dont let your skin go when you are threw with it. and continue looking for a good cleanser that works for you and maybe you will have better luck!
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April 16, 2009

Pros:

Its cheap. I only have a co pay of $10.

Cons:

Dry everything!! light joint pain. Blood in nose when I wake up.

I am on week three and I am still getting break outs. I am praying for recovery and clear skin soon.
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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