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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November 25, 2009

Pros:

ive had severly bad acne for about a year started treatment about a month ago and its gotten really bad and the spots have got BIGGER. gonna stick the treatment out tho.

Cons:

DRY LIPS and MORE TIRED

my skin on my face has gotten dry redish and the spots are starting to scab over but it dont look to nice ): quite inbarrasin to be honust. and im 14 btw.
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November 22, 2009

Pros:

Clear skin, no pimples after two months.

Cons:

Dry skin, headaches, high liver enzymes, hair loss, dry lips, fatigue.

Well I was on accutane for four months. Unfortunately I couldn't finish my five month course because of my extreme migraines. I have been off of it for one month and I have perfectly clear skin. I am currently experiencing extreme hairloss though and it is very concerning. I am a girl so I don't want to look like a cancer patient. I hope the hairloss eventually stops because now I have a bald spot. Overall the first three months were great up the last two have sucked thanks to all of the side effects. Oh and I have crappy insurance so it cost a lot
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November 12, 2009

Pros:

Cleared up my skin after about a month, my hair was in lovely condition, and I thought it was working....

Cons:

I couldn't wear lenses for up to 2 years, my eyes filled with pus whenever I tried,no doctors knew why. It's supposed to leave the body within 6 weeks? Usual dry lips and bad sunburn, acne came back in months and is now worse/different than before.

It does work, but the acne mostly comes back. Mine is a dryer/more congested version. You may suffer side effects that no-one can explain which sure doesn't help the accusations of depression! I took it in 2004 and have had acne for 12 years now and I still won't take it again. One product, however amazing, can't be a sure cure-all for the complexity of every single body. Make sure you discuss taking it with your family and friends, I didn't and wish I had, but I guess you get so fixated on the acne that nothing stands in your way.
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November 12, 2009

Pros:

cleared all my major acne and the really nasty stuff under my skin

Cons:

the usual, and my knees hurt alot during medication

i took it for 8 or 9 months and it was crazy cause the medication makes your face worse during the process, so i did loose my girl sadly( she was the hottest in the whole school) and i did have social problems due to shyness of having acne. i do get some cyst there and there but its mostly all!!!!! gone crazy!
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October 28, 2009

Pros:

well i've heard so many good things about it but i havent seen any results.

Cons:

Super dry lips and face!

Well, the things i have heard about accutane are amazing! The problem is i haven't seen any good results. I hear all these stories of peoples face clearing up after 3 months and im on my 3rd month and i feel my acne has gotten worse. I also have extremely try lips and face. At this point im really discouraged. I just really hope it starts to work.
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October 8, 2009

Pros:

clear skin.

Cons:

broke out at first .. DRY LIPS AND SCALP NOSE AND SKIN. made my stomach hurt for a month or so... pretty okay.

it works. you should definantly consider it if you have bad acne and the side efffects you can just deal with there minor.
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October 5, 2009

Pros:

Hoping it will clear acne when finished

Cons:

Dry lips and face, dry skin on arms.

I started on 40mg a day for 1 month then my doc bumped it up to 40mg twice a day. I've been on 80mg for about two weeks and just started breaking out bad with cystic acne around jaw line. Nothing else has worked for me so I will stick it out with the Accutane and hope for results.
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October 5, 2009

Pros:

Dries oily skin. Eventually clears up breakouts.

Cons:

Headaches, nosebleeds, eczema, hair loss, headaches, dry skin, chapped lips, dizziness, occasional joint pain, breakouts, fatigue, difficulty focusing.

This stuff is *rough* on your body: it's no picnic, but if you can make it through all the side-effects, you should see results. Be warned, though, that it can interrupt your concentration. If you have a particularly mentally-intensive job (or schoolwork), you may not feel up to it all the time!
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August 19, 2009

Pros:

Did clear skin after 6months

Cons:

dry skin, lips turned a very pale color (color restored after treatment), eyes looked dry, very serious health risks, had to visit doctor once a month to check for liver complications, made my kinda irritable

This did not work well for me. My acne was moderate, but it was persistent. My skin cleared and stayed clear for months after the treatment, But now, about 1 yr later my acne has returned and im back looking for other solutions :( I know this does work for some, but its not work the health risks or the money to me. I tryed Doxycyclene a few yrs back, and that, paired with a healthier diet, lots of water and and a consistent skin care regimine offered better results than Accutane ever did for me, without the scary side effects.
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August 13, 2009

Pros:

Really helps clear skin up, giving you more confidence.
Side effects are no where near as bad as i had read!
A wonderful product!!

Cons:

really dry lips, get some vaseline.
mild nose bleeds
dry skin

This is a great product much better than anything else out there. Was worried at first about the side effects but no where near as bad as there were made out to be, might be worse for girls. If you have a chance to use roaccutane do it as it 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