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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April 11, 2008

Pros:

Clear up my skin, skin becomes fairer and smoother

Cons:

Vomited blood (in clots)and bleeding nose (usually in my sleep). Palpitating heart.

I used this when I'm 21 Y.O (I'm 26 now). For me the effect is scary enough to make me stop using it. I don't want to be bled dry.
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April 11, 2008

Pros:

helped clear up acne but not all

Cons:

SYMPTOMS OF SEVERE DEPRESSION

I wish this could be the perfect cure for acne but it just turned out to be a nightmare for me. The slightly clearer skin was not worth the severe symptoms of depression.
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April 10, 2008

Pros:

Couldn't stay on it long enought to see the pros.

Cons:

Destroyed my intestinal tract in two week.

I've never had an adverse reaction to a drug but this one nearly killed me (literally). After being on it for 2 weeks I got sever diarrhea that didn't go away for nearly 6 months. I'm a 5'10" female and I dropped to about 110 pounds. I've been working with a naturopath for 2 years and am finally able to eat normally and maintain a near heathly weight. Acne continues to be a problem but obviously I should have taken the lable warnings more seriously.
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March 6, 2008

Pros:

No initial breakout so far (1 month in), smoothe skin, I think it's working

Cons:

If you wear contact lenses and are prone to dry eyes, this is going to be a nightmare as it is for me right now. I got extremely inflamed eyes, had to go to eye doctor. Red irritated eyes is more worse than having dry skin and lips.

It's only been a month so far and I haven't had a bad breakout, I just have tons of redmarks everywhere still. The worst thing so far is that my insurance doesn't cover it and it's $150 a month. My eyes are so irritated, I'm scared there might be some permanent damage to it as I am prone to dry eyes. Since it's only been a month my derm or my eye doctor has not seen such bad reaction to eyes from accutane. ugh. It's worth it if you're willing to sacrifice other important things like your vision.
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February 19, 2008

Pros:

Cheap

Cons:

It has a lot of side effects

Accutane sucks! It's a false hope for people suffering from acne. While using it started to notice small improvements in a months time, then all of a sudden my skin was back and this time worse. I stopped and started using Clear Pores, which worked miracles for me in a short period of three weeks. Thanks Clear Pores.
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February 10, 2008

Cons:

i took a full round of accutane and it did nothing for my acne. it should be noted that if you have acne that is NOT cystic, this may not be effective. it doesnt improve the texture of your skin unless you have larger, cystic nodules.

if you have cystic acne- go for it. if you have any other kind of acne (smaller bumps all over), dont get too excited.
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February 1, 2008

Pros:

Clearer skin since about the second week into taking it.

Cons:

MAJOR side effects! No insurence=VERY costly.
Physical;dry skin, chapped lips, bloody nose, dry eyes and blurred vision, hearing loss, back pain, head aches
Emotional; inability to concentrate, minor depression, apetite loss, ect.

This product should ONLY be used as a last resort. I am extremely disappointed with its effect it has had on my body. I used to have cystl acne so bad it hurt to smile, till I used this product, and I would of like to try to stay on it for my full course of dosage, but my doctor and family begged me to stop because of all of the other negative side effects. Also nothing is guaranteed, acne is known to relapse, which is a major downfall since it is so costly. Almost a waste of money. This is the best my acne has looked in 5 years but the worst I have ever felt physically and emotionally my whole life. PLEASE PLEASE take caution if using this, everyone reacts differently to medications, and if you work with your doctor and watch your body's condition closely I would say go for it, Give it a try, but remember It is a major toss up, physically, emotionally, and financially.
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January 27, 2008

Pros:

Reduced overall acne as it completely dried me out.

Cons:

Dry, cracked lips, nasal dryness, serious skin sensitivity, overall dryness of the body. Nasal and overall body moisture has never been the same 10+ years after product usage.

Accutane dried my entire system completely. I used the product over 10 years ago (hopefully the product has change) and I have never gotten back the moisture that I lost using this product. I never was a big nose blower, and ever since using this product I have to blow my nose at least 2-3x a day. It really screwed my body chemistry up. . .permanently. I am drier overall everywhere in/on my body. I used it about 5 months and was recommended to use for 6. Never again!! And I was sent questionnaires almost every 6 months for years asking if I had miscarriages. . .as if I should. Fortunately I have 2 healthy children but I waited over 5 years before trying. Oh, and I have worse adult acne than I did as a teenager when I used the product so it obviously does not help the long-term.
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December 21, 2007

Pros:

I have no oil on my skin which has NEVER been the case for me...therefore i am not havin to pull out a tissue to pat my face every half hour now.

Cons:

i miss some of the oil..before it gets overly oily skin tended to have a slight glow and now when put foundation on i look grey. I am on my 5th week and my skin is way worse! My jaw is covered,i have acne on my neck, never had there before.wrinkles.

Well i am 19 and have had moderate to severe acne for 6 years now...I had tried everything ...my first 4 weeks on rocuatane were anightmare...my skin was so bad i felt sick. I was told it would start gettin better now that my dosage had increased to 60mg but it is end of 5th week and i am worse with spots in places (neck) that i have never had before. My chin is covered and dryed out and my whole jaw is breakin' out. I am prayin it gets better next week cause now that its becoming increasingly worse that people are commenting on it i feel terrible. It is horrible because i was asked to do modeling recently but i felt like i couldnt cause the sight of my face without my foundation on would be so embarsin. But i thought after roacutane i could maybe do it but thats a no no, even if it clears i believe roacutane makes acne scarring worse. I will post a review in a few weeks but at the moment i wouldnt recommend it.
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December 11, 2007

Pros:

It cleared my face temporarily. I took it for 6 months then was off for two years, then took it for six months again and I still have acne.

Cons:

A lot of office visits, blood drawns, follow up appoinments. Seemed like my life revolved around derm appointments.

It is the only thing that has ever worke but it is onlu temporary. It will come back with a vengance. My face looks horrible and I am in my thirties. I have battled this for 15 years and still am. Nothing helps. I have spend thousands of dollars on everything on tv, over the counter, and presciption medications. Nothing works.
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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