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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3
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1
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January 12, 2009

Pros:

6 months before improvement, but wow massively improved loads of comments about how my acne has really cleared up

Cons:

very dry lips, heavy nosebleeds weekly,

this medication does work, but for me it took 6 months before i saw any signifcant improvement, constantly had breakouts on my face for 5 months (my back cleared up almost immediately and i have not had a single pimple on my back for the whole 6 months,) I felt like giving up the medication but my derm insisted i be patient and will see results for which now i am, all i have is very very small little pink marks which my derm has said will clear in another 2 or 3 months no scarring which i thought i might,but no new lesions for a month, so please be patient, for me it has been a long 6 months but getting the results are worth it, i was on 65mg a day. good luck to all
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January 11, 2009

Pros:

Cleared my skin up right away. It's a life saver.

Cons:

Expensive!

Best decision ever made.
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January 11, 2009

Pros:

Works well - cleared EVERYTHING for finally flawless skin! Side effects were not bad and went away when doseage was lowered and after my course.

Cons:

For me, it took 11 months on the first course to finally stop getting cysts. Results lasted about 6 months after ending, now the oil is back and I'm breaking out again. Breakouts are higher in quantity than before, but less in severity (no cysts).

I'm starting a second course without reservation. I'd be willing to do a third course if needed. Prior to Tane, after being on years and years of RX topicals, oral antibiotics, oral contraceptives, etc., nothing else cleared my skin. It's the only thing that worked and was a huge confidence booster to not feel embarrased by my bad skin all of the time.
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January 10, 2009

Pros:

been on for about 3 months little improvement

Cons:

dry face lips (exc) little or slow improvement

im depperesed and hopeless
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January 9, 2009

Pros:

It has slightly cleared after a good 3 months, My back is almost completely clear so I can be optimistic about future results.

Cons:

Started at 40 miligrams, then to 60 and now up to 80. As a body builder I experience extreme muscle soreness throughout the day. Dryness has reached an incredibly high level and the skin on my arms have gotten scaly and irritated. Also dry lips.

It causes so many side effects, and you feel like sh*t all the time while it's flaring up. But on the other hand, I have had so many friends who have been successful with it that I knew I had to give it a try. I am extremely optimistic and can't wait until I will clear up and recover my full self confidence I once had before acne. I can't really recommend it yet, but I have read good things on this website and everybody really supports the treatment. I think people are wasting their time and money by buying the otc creams and facial washes because they are scams. This is the only medication that is proven to be effective, and it is basically a dream come true.
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January 8, 2009

Pros:

On week 5 now and starting to see improvement. This is the second time I have been on it. i was on it in my 20's and now again in my 30's. It really cleared me the first time and I have not had a bad breakout until now. Hoping it works again.

Cons:

on day 7 all He** broke out on my face. It has started to clear, but I broke out horribly and in places I NEVER breakout, like forhead and cheeks.

I am seeing improvement, just as I am sure we all are, not as fast as we would like. I do feel like I can go out in public and not be stared at with people wondering what happened to my chin. (It was large, PURPLE, inflammed with cysts. It takes time, but hang in there!
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January 8, 2009

Pros:

Very gradullay gets better, But so slowly

Cons:

Dry lips, Dry Skin, Lack of oil in my skin leaving me looking dull and old. Depression and mood swings. Not being able to enjoy summer.

I am 4 months into my treatment and have only just started to see results and there not that impressive. I am very fearful that my skin will stay dull and old looking. I think id rather have pimples than look older than my years.
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January 8, 2009

Pros:

No more oily skin, hair. gets rid off acne. stop breakouts, no new pimples except for initial breakout (which isnt bad at all, dont be scared,)

Cons:

really dry face!!!! Lotion lotion lotion. i recommend the proactive green tea moisturizer if you can get ahold of it. dont wait for your face to get dry use lotion everyday!!!!! makes you blush sometimes. your face gets red and tight. but goes away.

ive been on accutane for a month and it is the bomb. my face is a little red and i still have some cysts under the skin but im being patient. ive been taking 30mg which is really low. so now im gunna start taking 60mg a day. which should make a dramatic difference. wish me luck!!!!
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January 5, 2009

Pros:

I've been on this drug twice now - same time of year around winter my acne comes back. the first time round it worked a treat, i had 3 weeks left and didnt finish it. It took about 2 months to properly take effect. Second time only 2 weeks

Cons:

Dry lips, slight depression to major depression, dry skin, headaches, muscle and joint aches. dry eyes. BUT not as bad as you might imagine.

Use it - if your acne is severe its worth it, it'll bring your confidence back and you'll be living your life again in no time. This is the mother of all cures :D unfortunately i was part of the 30% of unlucky peeps who have to have a second course. but within 2-3 weeks my body recognized the drug and took effect immediately, im left with scars here and there which take time to heal as do all scars. The chapped lips is no fun at all but its nothing a little chap stick cant solve - as well as dry skin, just moisturize every now and then with something like E45 - dont get any fragrance'd moisturizer as that will burn or just irratate the skin. Your skin becomes a little sensitive over time, so its a bad idea to use any products on it, as well as rough exfoliation. anyway - im still on it for the second time now, and im coming up to 2 months of use. it works alot quicker the second time
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January 4, 2009

Pros:

This medication clears up acne so well-i felt normal again. I used to get irritation from shaving, it went away while on accutane. My nodular acne disappeared and is staying away.

Cons:

Dry skin and lips, blood tests monthly, and hassle with iPLEDGE program.

I have had acne for 8 years. I have always been afriad to wear certain clothes becuase of how much acne was on my chest and back. I have tried so many over-the-counter treatments and prescription drugs, that it's just sad. I was finally recommended accutane and i doubted it at first. I didn't want to have to be on birth control, and i thought a five month program was too long. I tried it about a year ago, and on the second month my face was amazingly clearer. unfortunatly, my acne came back about two months ago, and i think it was because i had a lot of gaps monthly between medication because of the hassle of the iPLEDGE program. My doctor put me on it again exactly 26 days ago-and my face is clearing up again.
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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