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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4
34.1%
3
15.3%
2
7.3%
1
6.2%

Used Isotretinoin (Accutane®)? Rate It:

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February 27, 2009

Pros:

It seems to be the most effective acne treatment that I know of. It is really a pain to use for most people, but it works wonders for a lot of its users. It worked for me after the third try, but sadly, my acne came back a few months later.

Cons:

Expensive, dry, peeling skin everywhere, cracked lips, bloody nose, have to have your blood tested monthly, pregnant women can't take it.

Accutane is a severe method for treating acne, make no mistake about it. That said, and even though it ultimately didn't work for me, I have met a number of people who have had their acne virtually 'cured' permanently by this medication. If you have a very tough case of acne, I would highly recommend talking to you doctor or a dermatoligist about considering Accutane. It has more side-effects than any treatment I'm aware of, but it the ends can justify the means for many people.
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February 27, 2009

Pros:

So easy versus applying creams and gels everyday. Simply take a pill twice daily and that's that!

Cons:

Don't get hung up on all the warnings. The prescribing information makes it sound like the world will stop spinning and plunge into darkness, but all it really does is give you dry lips. Buy a product called Cortibalm for dry lips.

Worked extremely well for the 6 months that I took it. Unfortunately it's been 6 months and I'm already back on Doxycyline Hyclate tablets, Differin gel, and Duac gel. However they work MUCH MUCH MUCH better than they did prior to Accutane. That's the one thing to remember! Accutane is not the be-all-end-all guaranteed "cure" from acne for life. Many people have their acne come back. But it's less severe and way less stubborn. I tried Aczone gel and it didn't really work for me. But using the Doryx, Differin, and Duac post Accutane my face has remained completely clear.
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February 27, 2009

Pros:

Clears skin, on face, back, chest and in your scalp.

Cons:

It takes like every fluid out of your body, so I was always dehydrated and dry, but moisturizers and water will help that, if you have nothing to be depressed about than you won't be. I'm not at all and my life is amazing.

Don't use any more cream treatments. Proactive is full or S*IT. this Accutane is the way to go. you will get use to the dry lips. chap stick will help that. this will dramatically change your life.
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February 27, 2009

Pros:

The skin on my face is pretty clear after a 9 month Accutane regimen. Its a lot better than it used to be. I dont feel like I need makeup as often anymore.

Cons:

Often proclaimed to be the end all be all cure, but may not completely get rid of your acne. My body acne is back after 2 months of being off the treatment.

Try it if nothing else works for you. It may not completely cure your acne, but it will make it a lot better.
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February 27, 2009

Pros:

none

Cons:

I lost my night vision because of acne. No amount of pimples is worth that, trust me.

It should be illegal. No medicine this strong should be used for a non life threatening condition.
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February 27, 2009

Pros:

Completely cleans up your skin. Fantastic.

Cons:

Dry Lips, Dry Nose kind of and a Red Face for a while after the drug, but to be hones that's all I experienced... Pretty good huh?

This is worth taking... I would even recommend it to people with moderate acne...you want to catch it why its early, you don't want scarring, trust me. Its a miracle drug. It changed my life.
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February 26, 2009

Pros:

been 2 weeks and my pimples are still same old

Cons:

Dry lips ..... big deal

yah
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February 25, 2009

Pros:

got rid of acne completely. no side effects... at all

Cons:

sometimes dry lips in the beginning.

i took accutane for 5 months at the maximum dose. i am 21 and have had acne for like 5 years. the last couple years have been a little rough though. not cystic, but not healthy either. i have tried pretty much every topical and oral there is. some of them worked for a while and some didnt work at all. i got on accutane 5 months ago and have had no major side effects. i had dry lips for the first month, but after getting the carmex sticks that went away. i also got the occasional bloody nose, but that subsided too. today is my last day and i have not had a zit or anything for a couple months id say. bottom line is, go into it cautious but there really is nothing to worry about until there is something to worry about.
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February 24, 2009

Pros:

Skin is left clear, acne went away and never came back.

Cons:

dry skin, chapped lips, easier pains

Although the side effects can be horrible, after a while you get a lot of confidence because your skin becames so much clearer.
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February 24, 2009

Pros:

It worked right away.

Cons:

Painfully dry skin, depression, blurry vision. For me, the acne came back just as bad after 4 months.

I am going to try another course again, but only because I don't know what to do anymore. I would only recommend this medication if it is your last resort, though. You make think the side effects aren't that bad and/or side effects rarely effect you, but that is not the case. I also needed a prescription moisterizer for my entire body because my skin was so dried out. I also couldn't put on enough chapstick. Before Accutane I had 20/20 vision and afterwards needed to wear glasses during class because my eyesight was not good. I also had slight depression where I would out of nowhere get really angry.
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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