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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February 23, 2008

Pros:

I had a year and a half of clear skin and didn't need make-up.

Cons:

It is only temporary. Only lasted 1.5 years after treatment. Now I am worse than before. You have to continue using Accutane forever. It also make me super depressed and I almost blew my graduate school career.

I risked the side effects because I was told it it was a cure all by my doc. After some research, I am now finding that it only works for a small percentage of people and that most have to stay on it forever, or keep repeating cycles of treatment...forever. I suppose if you never plan to have kids and don't experience the other grave side effects, then go for it. Otherwise, the risks are not worth it for a temporary solution. The 1.5 years of clear skin were fun, but I now look at the photos from that time and cry.
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February 5, 2008

Pros:

None, this was just awful

Cons:

fatigue, depression, incredibly dry skin, nosebleeds, hairloss, backaches

I was prescribed accutane 3 times over the course of 5 years. the first time i took it for 9 months, the second time 9 months and the third time i had to take a modified course of 1 pill every other day for 11 months. It didn't work. My Acne was overwhelming while I was on it and in addition to the horrid cysts, my skin would peel off in strips (now mind you I still had to work!). My acne did not clear up while on it, or after. It made my hair fall out for years and it's never. I was at a business lunch with my boss at the Ivy and my hair was falling out in clumps, alllll over the table. it was humiliating. I eventually had to be prescribed a antidepressent and to this day, 10 years later, I still have to take it. My lips are still cracked and peeling to this day. I have to use a lip balm all day and all night. I was never sensitive to any medication before, I was not resistant to most medications but I do have stubborn acne. Accutane doesn't work for everyone and I'm living proof.
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January 14, 2008

Pros:

I guess my skin is a little less oily..but really not much

Cons:

EVERYTHING. Terrible Breakouts, I mean HUGE 10x bigger than I've ever had you get new pimples you don't usually get and your lips are awfully dry. Severe depression and recent thoughts of suicide. FOR THE LOVE OF GOD don't take this prescription.

DON'T! DON'T! DON'T! DON'T! DON'T! I've been off the regimen for 4 months (took it for 7) and really NO improvment just made it a whole lot worse.
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December 24, 2007

Pros:

Cleared my acne, but only temporarily. The side effects of using accutane are not worth it. You might have clear skin for up to a year, but the rest of your body will suffer so much you won't even care.

Cons:

My skin was so dry it was painful. My lips were constantly chapped and even bled. My eyes were always red as well as my skin. The worst part was my hair! The lack of oil made my hair SO dry and thin, it seemed to just stop growing. Still not normal..

I do not recommend accutane to ANYONE unless your skin is just so bad you can deal with the horrible side effects. I also felt such a lack of energy while on accutane that I gained weight from not being able to exercise. I would have to leave the gym because I would get short or breath and my whole body would hurt. I am a very healthy person and had never experienced anything like that before. It was scary and awful. I just felt kind of "blah" the whole time I was taking the drug. Two and a half years later, my acne is back. But my hair is just now starting to return to normal. I went through so much stress as a result of accutane: noticeable thinning of my hair, no energy, weight gain, and a general worsening in my appearance. Awful, especially since I went on accutane to look better! Bottom line: NOT worth it. Bad experience. I will never ever take it again. My derm advised I try it again since my acne came back, but I would much rather just deal with it than take accutane again.
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December 16, 2007

Pros:

Been on it for five months, very few less pimples.

Cons:

ALL THE SIDE EFFECTS, I've got bleeding lips, terribly dry skin, my face is a dark red color at all times, and I've recently thought about killing myself

Just don't take it..I regret taking this pill, it's been an awful experience to live with acne is better than to live like this TRUST ME' PLEASE DONT TAKE THIS. I DONT WANNA SEE PEOPLE WHERE I AM AT.
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November 23, 2007

Pros:

stopped oil prod within couple of wks.Only med that has worked,tried every other med that didn't work

Cons:

dried cracked lips especially in corners ,back pain is very disturbing,but worth finally having better skin

I,have been on accutane for 6 months ,1st,thru 3months on 80mgs then next 2 months ever 3th day 120 mgs,now in my 6month, I, am on 120 every other day.I have small bumps on my face that were filled with white pus that I would squeeze and they would come back a week later for like 15 yrs,I,had this ritual.Accutane is the only med that has stopped this nasty crap .Well ,so far so good ,my skin is getting better by the week,I hope it continues when ,I , am off this med?I am 37yrs old,didnt have IB but my face has clear up ,I had small skin color bumps with white pus and some pitting from squeezin that would not go away since the age of 20.accutane has stopped the oil prod,blackheads and help with my scarring
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September 17, 2007

Pros:

None

Cons:

Very unpleasant side effects, nearly killed me and hugely changed my life for the worst

I was rushed to hospital 3 years after finishing with isotretonin and they found a freak rib bone spur that had punctured my heart. They put it down to the isotretonin. To this day I still suffer for that 3 month course 17 years ago. When I think back to my youth, I have clear memories up until the accutane course where all memories become kind of scrambled. I really would not recommend anybody take this drug, it's really not worth the unknown.
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September 15, 2007

Pros:

gets ride of acne

Cons:

damaged liver, not to mention all the listed side effects not worth it..

DO NOT! use accutane yes there is no doubt it will clear up you acne but it will come back worse in a few years. It suppresses the oil glands and damages them so bad they can't do their job correctly... think about that how good can that really be for you. Not the mention the years taken off you life from liver damage and your liver is a key part in having a acne free life. I feel your pain of having acne and being ready to do ANYTHING to get rid of it no one likes it and it can be embarrassing. But they have no clue what is in store for the people that take it now you could have liver cancer or some other disease 20 years down the road they don't know, all they know is that they are making millions off people and doctors get a percentage. NOT WORTH IT AT ALL but who am i to tell you what to do.
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September 14, 2007

Pros:

All oil on body and face goes away while you are taking the medicine.

Cons:

Feels like you are poisoning your body, horrible headaches, hair loss, skins worsens the first two months, acne returns within six months after treatment, tired all the time, mood swings

I have been on acctane for two treatments. 6 months in 2005 and 6 months in 2006. Both times acne returned just as worse. It it not WORTH the horrible side effects. It's just a shame there is nothing esle that works. The FDA should take this product off the market.
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September 3, 2007

Pros:

none

Cons:

permenent long term side effects (back pain,insomnia,neuropathy,joint pain,depression and so on)

This posison ruinned my life. I did not have much side effects during the treatment but all the side effects showed up once I stopped taking it. This drug should be off the marcket!!!
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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