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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August 13, 2009

Pros:

It's clear and smooth. It's not greasy. My facial redness is gone. I'M CLEAR!!!!!!

Cons:

I reacted very badly to accutane. It made my nose dry to the point where it was always clogged with dry blood. Very achy and tired. Horrible rashes and redness were almost constant. Hair loss. Stress fractures form bone weakening.

Despite how badly I reacted to Accutane and the price I would definatly recommend it. My acne was very painful and very obvious, so I'm glad to be rid of it for sure!
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August 4, 2009

Pros:

Much less oil after 2 days of treatment

Cons:

Slow healing of existing acne, sensitivity to sun, dry chapped lips, sensitive skin, much worse acne than before beginning treatment

Ive been taking accutane for 2 months now and acne on face is about 2 to 3 times worse than it was before starting treatment, mostly becuase i had alot of acne below the skin before starting treatment so hopefully my breakouts over the past 2 months is the acne coming to the surface, and the fact that accutane slows down the reproduction/healing of skin makes the acne redmarks look worse, hoping to clear up this month or next which is the time most people do. I am currently on 60 mgs a day up to 80 in a few days, i do weigh 190lbs though.
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August 2, 2009

Pros:

no oily skin, less breakouts, less oily hair (if that was an issue to begin with), lasts even after finished with your trial

Cons:

chapped lips, drys out all of you (not just your face)

I loved it. I put some moisturizer on my legs and arms to keep them from drying out. My skin was at least 75% better. I still broke out during my period but nothing as close to as bad as before. Even after I stopped taking the pills and it was washed out of my system a month later, my skin was NOTHING as bad as it had been before. Unfortunately, I went for a second time and it didn't seem to work as well, but the first time was absolutely amazing.
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July 31, 2009

Pros:

none as of now

Cons:

chapped lips, corners of mouth cut, dry nose, intense break outs on face and back of neck, minor nose bleed, mood swing due to seesaw acne effect

I never had acne until my first year of college. Once it got really intense I tried everything from proactive, to differen, to tetracycline. Now I'm on accutane. So far the drug has shown no improvements. If any thing my acne is become worse than it was. I have been on the pill for about 1 1/2 months and am taking 50mg as of now. Doctors say it could take up to 3 months to work or may not even work at all, I hope I'm not one of these people. I cant remember the last time I had clear skin or felt good about my self. ACNE SUCKS! As acne is prevelent to my family, my 2 sisters and brother have used the drug and recieved amazing results. When will I?
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July 30, 2009

Pros:

Clear Skin, No More Oil, gives self-esteem, lesser makeup

Cons:

Dry lips, Mood Swings, Blur vision, Thining Of Hair While Shower, Body Aches,

I would recommend this anyone with medical insurance that has bad acne. It works really well but it is a gamble. Good Luck
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July 23, 2009

Pros:

I took Accutane for about 6 months during high school. I had severe acne on my face and back, and could hardly sleep at night because the pain was so terrible. After my cycle was complete, my face was as smooth as the day I was born.

Cons:

Unfortunately, it caused me extreme depression. I couldn't lift my head off my desk, dealt with suicidal thoughts, mania, and extreme anxiety. I tried 6 different medications in a year with no avail but am much better now.

I don't want to scare anyone. If your acne is very severe as mine was, you must weigh the risk versus reward. I think I made the right decision, but I did sacrifice my mental health, although I am a very successful young man. I am okay now, I found the right medication, but still deal with mood swings. If you are a MALE, you are more at risk for the depression, take my word for it. I know it is hard during high school to deal with the embarassment and low confidence. Sometimes I regret taking it, because the depression ruined my high school golf game, and also caused me to lose the love of my life, but I am confident and successful now. If you decide to go through with it, please, for the love of God, make sure your doctor monitors your psychological health.
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July 18, 2009

Pros:

clearing in some spots.

Cons:

dry skin. lips.

ive been on accutane for four months now entering my 5th month. im breaking really bad still. all along my cheeks and forhead. i went to the derm yesterday and he raised my dosage up to 120 mgs a day. he seemed disappointed, and knew i was too. he said hes going to leave me on it for an extra month and if i don see results. and gunna be doing another course. im an athletic kid. varsity football jus started and im the captain of the football team and theres a lot on my shoulders. so idk if that is why im breaking out. the results are not coming nearly as fast as i thought, but hopefully this month will change my opinion on the medicine.
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July 3, 2009

Pros:

Cleared up skin nicely temporarily.

Cons:

Had four sinus infections during the time I took the medication. It could get very painful, and the sore skin in my nose caused bleeding. Sore eyes, chapped lips, feeling sore and stiff to a degree, etc.

I would have thought it was worth it if it had cleared me up permanent. I was unfortunately in the 20% who get the acne back - I suspect it is because I get the acne due to hormones.
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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 27, 2009

Pros:

After one week of being on accutane, i have been getting a lot of white heads, but no larger pimples. something seems to be happening, and hopefully my skin will get clearer soon.

Cons:

Dry Lips, Skin, Eyes... sensitive skin in general... have been feeling even more fatigued than usual, not sure if that is related to the accutane.

I've only been on accutane for one week. Somethings definitely seems to be happening. I've been getting a lot of whiteheads on my face, but no substantial pimples. I'm hoping after a few more weeks, I'll see a lot more improvement.
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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