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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3.9
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Read All About Isotretinoin (Accutane®)
Compare To Other Treatments
5
37.1%
4
33.4%
3
15.6%
2
7.4%
1
6.6%

Used Isotretinoin (Accutane®)? Rate It:

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August 19, 2009

Pros:

Clear skin, no oily scalp/face, more confidence.

Cons:

Headaches, some back pain, trouble sleeping, DRY skin, occasional nosebleeds and a little over-emotionalness.

It's worth it, I'm nearly finished and would do it all again for these results. I have had acne since I hit puberty, and am now 28. Working as a professional with acne is embarrassing, so Accutane was a good choice for me. The hardest thing was the dry/flaky skin and the chapped lips. I soon learned that the key is to moisturize often! For chapped lips I picked up the Aquaphor from Eicerin (it's in the lotion aisle of most stores), it works wonders. The only thing I had a hard time with was the time and cost. With monthly bloodwork and appointments, it was hard to schedule with work and the cost got a little out of hand, but that was due to my lame insurance company. Overall, I'd do Accutane again.
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August 17, 2009

Pros:

Does a good job of reducing oil. Still waiting to see major improvements.

Cons:

Facial redness and dry lips and skin. Initial breakout is a downside.

I've read a lot about accutane before actually taking it. I've read that it DOES get worse before it gets better and I still have strong confidence that it will work and that these first few weeks are bad, but I'm just so tired of acne that I can take a few weeks of breakouts to have the results that I've seen and heard. I also believe that the depression is not a result of this medicine, but instead a result of people not seeing results fast enough or to their standards. Patience is key.
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August 14, 2009

Pros:

cleared up 100%, look great feel great, easy to use

Cons:

dry skin, dry lips, really dry red eyes, takes awhile to see results

WAYYYYYY WORTH IT... half way through i wanted to quit sooo bad but just dont quit! seriously the stuff is the sh*t
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August 9, 2009

Pros:

Haven't noticed anything yet but I need to be patient

Cons:

Nothing to bad noticed my lips are becoming dry

I'm tired of looking for medication that I know will have no effect what so ever. So I decided to go on accutane since I have been hearing about it's miracles. Many people say accutane has too many bad side effects but you know what you just have to deal with it and not let it get to you. I guarantee you this is going to be one of my best decisions
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August 8, 2009

Pros:

I dunno not much has happened.

Cons:

Dry lips

I have been using the Australian version of accutane called 'oratane' for 13 days now. Not much has really happened, i have just got a few new breakouts but they don't last to long. I haven't had an initial breakout because i was on doxycycline for 3 months prior to starting oratane. I litteraly went from doxy to oratane in 2 days. I believe that the doxycycline did something and helped get the bacteria to the surface but my derm thought otherwise. I look forward to the next few weeks and for the rest of the program to see the results :) I am going to start taking 40mg instead of 20mg in two days so that should be exciting... Wish me luck! Note: The dry lips are manageable with Lucas's Paw Paw ointment. Another Australian product haha. Trust me it really works.
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July 24, 2009

Pros:

It is a wonder drug. you end up having the soft and pretty skin that babies do. I love it.

Cons:

dry lips, some joint pains but nothing that you can not handle.

I stopped my birth control pills 5 years ago and I started having acne in my chin and very irregular skin texture that was caused by enlarged sebaceous glands, My face was bad and with make up looked even worse. I also had Rosecea. nothing helped until I went on accutane and even after three days taking 40 mg each day, my daughter noticed a difference. After a month my skin was perfect. After 5 months the redness and irregular shape of my pores were completely gone. I stopped and they gradually came back, not as bad a before.I have to be on, at least, 60 mg a week to maintain my look. I look so much younger and feel so happy with accutane. No depression whatsoever.
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July 6, 2009

Pros:

It does work and that is the only pro.

Cons:

I experienced horrible side effects. My lips were always super dry, I became depressed, had suicidal thoughts, and I had irritable bowel syndrome, panic attacks and I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. I had to get of after just 2 months.

I do not recommend Accutane to anyone. I understand that not everybody experiences the side effects, but please don't take a chance because that's exactly what I did. For acne scars I recommend laser surgery. It might be expensive, but it really works.
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June 28, 2009

Pros:

It's humid where I live and for once my face isn't oily and broken out. Less makeup. Hair is less oily. Seems to be working?

Cons:

dry lips, eyes, hair, and skin. blurry vision. lower back pain (helped by drinking A LOT of water and tylenol). thinning hair around temples and top of head (not noticable to others yet). slight rash on arms. very sensitive to sun even w/spf

Getting ready to go speak with my doctor about the side effects and if it's actually worth staying on. I am sensitive to perscription drugs so I seem to be seeing a lot more side effects than most. Very costly for me. I have very good insurance and it has covered just about everything I have ever been on BUT accutane. I take the generic Claravis- one 40 mg pill twice daily. Keeping my fingers crossed and hoping this will work. I like the results I'm seeing, but it's summer and I can't go outside during the daytime because I burn even with high spf.. so much for music festivals, baseball games, and pool during the day... I haven't been on long enough to recommend it or not.
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June 28, 2009

Pros:

I went through two total Accutane treatments. It a lot of work to remain strict to diet and deal with side effects. It worked well after the first 6 weeks and for a year following treatment. But acne returned.

Cons:

Acne returned approximately a year after the first 6 month treatment ended. I tried a second 6 month prescription and acne returned about 18 months after treatment ended.

Had I known I would not have a lasting effect from using the Accutane I would never had taken it. I had tried several antibiotics before Accutane with luck, but did not want to stay on them for extended periods of time. I have actually had my best luck and am totally clear after finding out about this web site and giving Dan's regimen a try (with nothing to lose). After two weeks my acne has totally cleared up and has remained away for the past month. I hope it continues to work as well as it has been. I wish I would have found out about this site earlier and saved me time and money.
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June 26, 2009

Pros:

It cleared my skin! Absolutely Amazing! Still works after treatment, for a few months!

Cons:

Dry skin. Limited sun exposure. Oil production was cut off big-time! Some mild acne continue to show up after treatment.

Do it. Its worth it all the way. I read about all these dangerous side affects, but it turned out it was worth it. Nothing else would work for me, and this did it!
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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