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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3.9
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Read All About Isotretinoin (Accutane®)
Compare To Other Treatments
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 2, 2009

Pros:

Cleared my skin on the first course. my acne did come back, but not as severe as it orginally now. Now im on my second course -3rd month running, i dont see a change yet. Guess have to wait til my last month!

Cons:

DRY LIPS, DRY SKIN

Works wonders, but I'm on my second course and its not helping me out yet.
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April 2, 2009

Pros:

none

Cons:

weakens the f**k out of you and makes you lack energy very tired, countless zits. Can't see my face. Have to wear a mask. The dryness is killing and breakouts 24/7!

It sucks assss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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April 1, 2009

Pros:

The first time on accutane it cleared up in a couple of months. From there it was better and better each month. Life changing ! Finally i was able to leave the house! Do things i never dreamed i could because i didn't have to worry about my skin.

Cons:

Two months after my finally dose i started to notice breakouts and oily skin. My doctor made me wait a few months and my skin got a little worse each month so a began treatment for a second time. In about two weeks my skin was completely clear again-

It's been 4&1/2 months still doing great ! just hoping i don't need a third treatment! Bottom line you have to try it! It's Life changing!
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March 31, 2009

Pros:

It works. Been on it for a little over a month and my acne is almost completely gone.

Cons:

Dry Cracked Lips. Expensive. Have to be careful about drinking alcohol.

The regimen is great, but it took me so long every morning to spread the treatment and moisturizer all over my face, chest, shoulders and back.
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March 31, 2009

Pros:

Cleared up my nodules within a couple weeks; stopped excessive oil production immediately.

Cons:

Absolutely none.

I've been off accutane since September 2004 and have not have one breakout since. No teeny tiny pimples, much less those awful and painful nodules. I only wish that I had done it sooner but was scared because of hearing the side effects. I was lucky enough not to go through anything negative.
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March 31, 2009

Pros:

Best treatment you can get for acne, hands down. Clear skin within 1-2 months for first treatment. It only took about 2 weeks for my second treatment.

Cons:

Dry lips and skin. I've been off accutane for 2 years and am still addicted to chapstick (every 20 mins while taking meds, still use it every couple hours even off accutane). I have already had 2 treatments and the acne is back...again.

Everything else aside, it gets the job done. Dryness is an unavoidable side affect. I experienced minor depression and lacked interest in some of my usual activities, but the benefits outweighed the risks and my clear skin left me overall satisfied. The only problem is, my acne is back again in full force and I really would much rather not get on accutane again. 1 treatment is worth it....3 is not.
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March 31, 2009

Pros:

My first son used this product after all else failed and has now been 100% acne free for over 10 years. Another of my sons used it and acheived the same results. Neither suffered from any side effects.

Cons:

They did have to deal with dry skin and very chapped lips, and had follow the other recomondations of the doctor.

It was not an easy decision to make but one of my brothers still fights acne and he is in his 40's. My son had cystic acne and did not want to fight this all his life and now both my sons have beautiful skin, though they do have to moisturize everyday because their face feels dry. My daught had mild acne and was sucessful in keeping it under control with Proactive.
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March 30, 2009

Pros:

Cleared my skin 100%. I no longer wake up with greasy hair or skin. I no longer have to wear make-up to feel confident and pretty.

Cons:

Dry lip's (nothing a little lip chap can't handle), Sore shoulders (I went for the odd message and had warm baths which helped), I got migraines while on my period (DRINK WATER to prevent headahces!!!!)

It has saved my life, my job, and personal relationships. I have never been so happy in my life. NOTE: some advice for people who are going to go on this medication. -DRINK WATER! you have to get your 8 glasses a day. I cannot stress this enough how important it is to drink water. -Watch what you eat, I kinda let myself go while on this drug because it says to eat with something fattening. (this doesnt mean go ahead and eat cheeseburgers) ha ha pick a healthy fat such as nuts, avacado, or fish. -Last but not least, BE OPTIMISTIC! Try and keep yourlself positive. Make sure you have happy and positive people around you, this will change your life. I never thought it would work for me and it did. THANK YOU ACCUTANE! ( I did not have to pay for this medication because my insurance covered it 1oo%)
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March 27, 2009

Pros:

dried up my oily skin; cleared pimples

Cons:

god! i felt like i was going crazy. was so depressed; no energy whatsoever (couldn't get out of bed...); couldn't concentrate or focus (nearly dropped out of college - but I was valedictorian in high school) - oh and painfully dry, red skin..

this medicine messed me up. only made it two months in then had to stop. my sister had a similar reaction so maybe its a genetic thing. try bactrim DS twice daily - it has saved me! i swear accutane made me suicidal/verging on psychosis. feel like a different person off it (it made me lose 15kgs - had no appetite; my sister gained 20kgs on it. scary stuff. but obviously it has different affects on different people)
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March 24, 2009

Pros:

The most effective acne treatment out there. But if you've got REALLY deep blackheads you may need a higher dose or a longer treatment (this may not be true for everyone). Evens skin tone and clears blemishes completely.

Cons:

The side effects are obviously worse than antibiotics but no where near as bad as some people make out.

As I've said, the most effective acne treatment out there, you just need to be patient for it to work. If you feel down about you're acne ask you're GP to refer you to a dermatologist since not only is it for severe acne, it can be used for moderate/mild acne that hasn't been effected by other treatments.
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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