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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December 9, 2011

Pros:

clears acne all over
no more break outs!

Cons:

really dry lips
extreme joint pain in ankles

If you have breakouts a lot and have the time and patience i would highly look in to starting it. My acne got worse as i got older, i was scared to take it. After seeing positive results in a few of my friends i decided to give it a try. Proactive and most face washes made my acne worse. Antibiotics had no effect I tried them two separate times. I am happy to say Isotretinoin has cleared my skin 100% with seldom breakouts. If i do break out its a tiny small pimple not lots.
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November 21, 2011

Pros:

Don't have to wash face every 2 hours
Gets rid of acne

Cons:

Have to moisturize all the time
Very dry lips
Monthly blood tests

I have had bad acne for 3 years. After trying all other products and fighting with my doctor to finally write me the prescription I started accutane. Started at 40mg a day for 1 month. Then 60mg a day for another month. Then 80mg a day. It took about 3 months to see any results. The initial break out came in the second month and lasted about 30 days. it was BAD! I've now been on accutane for about 6 months and am 98% clear, however I do have a lot of scaring which will have to be dealt with. I have decided to stay on the medication for 1 more month even though my doctor has told me to get off of it. "He is probably the worst doctor I have had" I don't believe anything he says. Bottom line I would recommend this product hands down. I had minimal side effects aside from dryness and its nice to look into a mirror and not be horrified with the person looking back. I will never get those 3 years of my life back but at least I can be confident going forward. If you have really oily skin go an accutane its the only thing that works. Don't let the doctor waste your time with creams and all the other crap none of it works believe me.
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November 20, 2011

Pros:

Cleared Acne
Got rid of face oil

Cons:

Joint Pain in Knees
Stomach Aches
Adds more digestive risks to my Hirschsprungs
Dries skin
Dries lips
Causes Dandruff

It cleared my acne. The side effects that I had weren't that bad. I am used to stomach aches due to being born with Hirschsprung's disease. The dry skin went away with the humid St. Louis summer. The dry lips could be fixed by Aquaphor. I got used to the joint pain. I just couldn't run the mile at my school. However, my ensurance company decided to only pay for five months when my dermatologist recommended six... Thus, my acne returned. Not as bad as it was, but it's back... I took 80mg a day.
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November 1, 2011

Pros:

Cleared away 85% of acne, and 95% of cysts.
Great hair during treatment!

Cons:

- Still left with many blackheads, and have occasional.
- Skin, eyes, and mucous membranes dried out during treatment. Aquaphor is a must.
- Complicated and strict schedule for getting and taking it.
- Expensive (had insurance that paid for most of it)
- High cholesterol from treatment
- Treatment took 10 months

Definitely worth it for me.
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October 24, 2011

Pros:

-no more cystic acne
-less oily skin
-haven't a pimple in months

Cons:

-dry lips
-my scars haven't healed

After going on a heavy does of solydn, I started getting cystic acne, needless to say I was pissed and starting college. I met a friend who had went on accutane and jumped at the chance. My face hurt so much sometimes I couldn't sleep on it. I was on it for 5 months and have been off for just under a month. I haven't a pimple in months, I do still have one cyst thats been there forever. The only bad thing is the scars from my old acne hasn't gone away yet. I'm praying that it will soon, I know sometimes it takes time. I recommend that everyone with bad acne take this before college. We all deserve to look our best, its the best cure and works amazingly. You aren't supposed to drink while you were on it, but I did. Your blood is checked on a monthly basis so if anything is wrong your doctor will tell you. Good luck and welcome to your new life.
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September 30, 2011

Pros:

-CLEAR skin while on it
-Skin that was once super oily, is normal now
-clear skin for a year after coming off

Cons:

-DRY lips
-kinda dry skin
-worse acne in the first few weeks of being on
-acne came back after a year of being off accutane

I started accutane when i was about to turn 17 and i was on it for about 4 months. As treatment for acne, it was simply amazing. My skin was sooooo clear. Unfortunately, after being off it for a year, my acne came back. Not worse than it was before, but pretty much at the same severity. Also, my dermatologist is reluctant to give me accutane again due to its reported dangerous side effects. Instead i was prescribed Diane 35, a contraceptive used for treating acne. I will be starting that pill today.
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September 10, 2011

Pros:

Clear, soft, and smooth skin!
Hair isn't oily anymore
NO acne

Cons:

Dry eyes, lips, skin
slightly more irritable
fatigue
can't drink

I remember listening to people who had perfectly clear skin complain that they were "breaking out," which to them meant they had one tiny pimple. My definition of "breaking out" was numerous painful cycts accompanied by multiple zits all over my face. I wanted so badly to think that breaking out meant one or two pimples. I am so happy to say that this is exactly who I have become. Accutane is a serious drug, but so are all medications. Before accutane, I had taken minocycline, doxycycline, sulfa, erythromycin, and tons of topicals all of which only lessened the problem. My dermatologist told me that accutane can do some bad things, but being on drugs like that all my life would be far worse than six months of accutane. I am so glad I listened to her. Now, my skin is smooth and clear. I have a few scars left over from the treatment, but still I can't help but touching my face from time to time and feeling how soft and smooth it is: not one bump to bring down my excitement. My only regret is not doing it sooner. Side effects weren't fun, but I have clear skin and that is totally worth it.
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September 7, 2011

Pros:

No more oily skin
Pimples dissapear completely!
Smaller pores
Beautiful skin:)

Cons:

Acne came back after 1 year
Dry skin
Chapped lips
Nose bleeds

I started getting acne in sixth grade, and it got pretty bad in 9th grade. I have homestly tried everything there is. In 9th grade i started taking diane 35 which is a birth control made specially to treat acne. It kept my skin decent, but the weight gain that accompanied it wasnt worth it to me. After i stopped taking diane 35 my acne came back 10X worse!!!! I kid you not. Finally after begging (i was desperate at this point) my doc gave me accutane. The initial breakout was baaaad, but after 2 weeks it subsided & my skin started clearing up. 2 months of taking accutane & my skin was completely clear. The side effects were minimal & defenitely worth it for the results i got! I virtually did not have one blackhead on my face. If i forgot to wash off my makeup i wouldnt wake up with a million pimples like i had before. This product was a miracle worker! One year after i stopped taking it I unfortunately started breaking out again. So i went to the doc & am now starting my 2nd course. I am actually looking forward to it though. The results that come from this pill are incredible! Just make sure to moisturize ALOT & carry chapstick because there will virtually be no oil on your face!!! I believe i am a rare caase, usually you wont have to take the drug again, i would highly recommend this. It changed my life & boosted my confidence! Another pro is that your hair doesnt get greasy for days so you dont have to wash it eeryday:) goodluck!
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August 25, 2011

Pros:

-No oil production! After years of blotting oil off my face, I could go a whole day with no shine. Also didn't have to wash hair much (every 3 days)
-No cystic acne
-was on 40, 80, and 120 mg for 5 months--now its 2 months later and my skin isn't clear, but much better than how it used to be before treatment

Cons:

-Dry/gross lips (stopped wanting to kiss people...in college this is not okay!)
-Helped, but didn't clear my overall problem which is lots of blackheads and little zits
-Not supposed to drink, but I did occasionally...made me feel guilty
-Slight depression b/c of circumstances...being in college (no tanning, gross lips/overall flakey skin, guilt from drinking) so it kind of made my spring semester suck a little
-dry stool/bleeding sometimes...eeek
-Didn't completely clear my ski

Reading reviews can scare a lot of people, and I hesitated throughout high school to try this stuff. Looking back, I wish I would have done it back then--before college!!! It really isn't that bad. I think the emotional problems come from feeling a little gross (no tanning/sun, dry skin, dry eyes, dry lips), some days are hard and you might feel like crap, but its never that bad. It truly does get rid of oil. I LOVED this. Not looking shiny is so nice. Plus, you don't need to (and shouldn't have to) wash your hair very much---that doesn't mean don't shower haha! Invest in a shower cap :) Big, ugly pimples will be gone--especially after a few months. I didn't notice major changes until my 4th month--so stick with it. Unfortunately for me, I am still left with noticeable pores, blackheads, and some zits here and there. But regardless, my skin looks a lot better than it did before Accutane (Claravis is what I took). I do not regret taking it and am thankful for the changes it did make--even if it didn't go perfectly. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger! For all those you are on the fence, just go for it. Be positive, do your research, try (unlike myself) to follow ALL the rules. I was resistant to really bad side-effects...so take my advice with that in mind.
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August 23, 2011

Pros:

+ no acne
+ smooth skin
+ no dandruff (?!)
+ changed my life for the better

Cons:

- many side effects (for ex. chapped lips, dry/flaky/coarse skin, bloody stools, lower back pain, week nails, ...)
- a massive breakout in the 2nd month
- weakens your body (immune system)

Roaccutane did help me alot. It chaned my life for the better! After 5-6 months my skin was perfect, although it did cause me to develop mild dermatitis (which is now GONE). It has been a year since I stopped Roaccutane. Not long ago my back stopped hurting. So, hearing this you realize than Roaccutane is very harsh medicine. My body needed a year to heal itself and restore its immune system. I would reccomend it 100%, but with caution! The price for me wasn't a problem, since where i live, everything is covered by health insurance. But I payed for the private dermatologist, which let me took Roaccutane in summer and let me took it without birth control pills. It was our agreement.
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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