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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January 30, 2009

Pros:

This medication worked so well after I first took it. My skin cleared and looked great for a year or two.

Cons:

Unfortunately, I've taken it 3 times--each time my acne (cystic) came back. It did not give me permanent relief. After each course the less success I had. Joint pain/slow skin healing long after I was done taking accutane.

Torn. Worked great at first and felt wonderful when my skin cleared. Unfortunately each time my acne came back and just as bad (cystic all over face). My skin still breaks out ALL the time. It takes forever for even the tiniest zit to heal (always have red marks for weeks after the tiniest zit-whether i pick at it or NOT!!). My skin is very particular/sensitive to everything. I think my skin doesn't look as vibrant or nice as it could. I still have very dry lips ALL the time and my skin isn't as elastic or fresh looking. I have knee pain quite often and I feel it is a permanent side effect from the medication (never have had knee injuries). So, loved it when my skin looked good--but hate that it didn't last. I'll never look good a day in my life.
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January 29, 2009

Pros:

cleared my face (THANK GOD!!)

Cons:

VERY expensive, I have great insurance and I still paid $350! very dry face, with flaking, my skin started to flake around my piercings, gross! Dry lips, bloody nose, dry scalp, dryness in corner of lips.

The first 5 days I used it my acne started to clear, it was great, then the following 5 days my face started to break out, and actually ended up looking worse than it did before I started. I was almost ready to give up, but I stuck it out and after about a week to a week and a half of bad break outs I finally started to clear up. The most annoying part was that I couldn't wear make up because it looked so bad with my skin flaking. I think I applied chap stick at least every hour because my lips would absorb it so fast. If you can apply a lot of lotion, chap stick and moisturizer, and use a hydrating shampoo, (I had good luck with head an shoulders, and it smells good too!) then I would recommend this medication, you just have to have a lot of patience and tolerance for that matter.
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January 28, 2009

Pros:

Helped to get rid of breakouts. For good!

Cons:

Dry lips. Don't go out without chap-stick! Also dry hair - but that I actually liked, because I had to wash hair less often :)

I was lucky - I didn't experience many bad things like sensitivity, headaches and suchlike. I was really scared before using that I might, but I didn't. The only thing was dry lips. It cleared my face completely in 6-7 weeks. I finished course in August last year. My face still is pure and nice.
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January 28, 2009

Pros:

Cleared my face, back, shoulders, and chest of acne.

Cons:

The problem is that it didn't last for long. It's been about a year since my last dose and my acne has already come back. Good thing is that my back and shoulders have stayed cleared.

If your insurance doesn't cover the cost, expect to pay a fortune. Looking back, i don't regret taking it i just wish that it had kept me clear for longer. One of the worst cons of the drug was the redness and long periods of healing time. While i was on accutane my face would turn into a tomato during stress, physical activity, or simply bending over to tie my shoes (however, that symptom has gone away). Also, whenever i break out, it takes at least two weeks for the scars to completely vanish. I hate it.
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January 27, 2009

Pros:

Cleared my skin well when I was put on the medication at age 14, came back within the year. Cleared it up the second time I went on it, came back that same year yet again. Last trial of it worked for only two months after taking the medication.

Cons:

dry lips, dry eyes, dry nose, nose bleeds, headaches. scars, severe loss of hair, thinning of skin, bubbles on the inside of my eyelids, and joint pain, and most of all depression/lack in being seen publicly.

It was the only medication out there for my cystic acne, during treatment severe cysts never cleared but grew smaller, they would grow in size after being off the medication for 6 months. The hair loss also occurred over the course of two months after being on accutane for 6 months. Now sitting at 9months of being off accutane, and that being my third time on the medication, I DO NOT RECOMMEND TAKING THIS DRUG if you find it ineffective after a second trial, I would almost even recommend other options if it comes time for a second option. I'm 21 years old and the acne I get is around my mouth, shoulders, neck, upper back, and sometimes on buttocks , it currently is mostly under the surface, but my skin is so thin now that you can see white bumps that are underneath. I hope this helps, and at the same time doesn't sound too too scary, I have had such a struggle with cystic acne that if anyone can help or would like to talk, feel free.
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January 27, 2009

Pros:

this stuff is the best thing that ever happen to acne, nothing is like it and i would recommend it to anyone with severe acne

Cons:

dry everything

Its a MIRACLE drug
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January 27, 2009

Pros:

Clears skin, actually WORKS, increases confidence

Cons:

dry lips, dry skin, sensitivity to the sun

Accutane is that one product that actually WORKS. I spent hundreds of dollars trying to find a good acne medication but none worked. I am only on my second month of accutane out of a six month treatment but im already 50x better than i was before. My IB wasn't bad at all. Bottom line though if you are wondering whether or not to go on accutane DO IT!!! you will be happy with the ending results!!!
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January 27, 2009

Pros:

Essentially CURED of acne! I have smaller pores, virtually zero breakouts, and soft, glowing skin.

Cons:

Dry lips, dry arms and back, and dry nose--not too bad considering the cons!

For years I was terrified of going on Accutane--everyone's heard how strong of a drug it is, etc, and lets not forget the blood tests (I have a huge fear of blood and needles!), but after trying everything and seeing few results, I broke down and went on it. WOW. Accutane changed my life. I had moderate, perhaps moderately severe acne and I am now 100% clear. I feel so much better about myself and have gained a new confidence, and people will often compliment me on my skin. The side-affects were so much less severe than I expected. Just stock up on Cetaphil's Ultra Hydrating Lotion and Nivea's A Kiss of Moisture lip care and you'll be fine. For anyone who is hesitating about Accutane and has tried numerous prescriptions without results, JUST DO IT! It was worth every blood test (and believe me, that means a lot for me to say that) and the side-affects were easily bearable. Accutane has CHANGED MY LIFE!
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January 26, 2009

Pros:

the only thing that worked for me. It was the only medication that controlled my acne

Cons:

dry lips, red and dry skin.

I don't regret taking it. It worked better than anything else that i've tried. I stayed away from moistrurizer while using this medication to get the full effect.
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January 25, 2009

Pros:

Clears breakouts immediately

Cons:

Dry skin and lips

This is the best thing I ever used. I started it when I was about 15. I used 40mg every other day and my skin was crystal clear in less than 3 months. I had really bad acne on my face, back and chest and this cleared it right up. I had no more scars left and I stopped wearing makeup. My skin also stayed clear for 3 years after taking it. I started to get mild break outs after that for about another 3 years but kept it in check with otc products. Now I'm 27 and I just had a baby and my skin has started to break out pretty bad. I wish I can go back on it but I am on Retin-A and trimethoprim as well as clindamycin lotion. Hope it works as good as Accutane. It was the best!
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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