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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November 21, 2008

Pros:

makes acne disappear!!! smoothes skin texture, my hair wasn't oily anymore either

Cons:

took a few weeks to really start working, my lips were SO dry!, dry hands, mild rash on arms, back aches, joint aches, really dry inside my nose, i still have mild acne 2 years later

IT'S WORTH IT!!! don't be scared of it because it really does work!
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November 19, 2008

Pros:

amazing

Cons:

horrible side effects

I had severe acne for about 4 years, all through high school and it was tough. I started taking accutane and i had weird side effects, but mainly my nose was so dry. I have been off of accutane for about 3 years and haven't had any trouble with acne ever since. its definitely worth it. i didn't have to pay for mine because i was living at home and my parents paid for all that stuff, but i would say it is worth it even if you have to work 2 jobs to pay for it. trust me.
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November 17, 2008

Pros:

It really works!

Cons:

Dry lips.

I have used it only for ten days so far and I my skin is looking much better already! Even my old deep scars seem to disappear.
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6 user(s) found this helpful

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November 16, 2008

Pros:

its KILLZ! your acne.

Cons:

dry skin and hair and i had a little rash but nothing serious.
chap stick=life for your lips.
if u dont hav insurance its expensive.

AMAZING!!!!
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November 15, 2008

Pros:

Clear skin and much less oily hair. All the awful spots on my back and old scars on my face are gone. Should have taken the pills years ago..

Cons:

I was on it for 2 years and the only side effect was dry skin.. When I went off it the acne and oily hair came back. Not as bad as it used to be but still annoying enough. I get acne even on my scalp...going to try Diane

Perfect to get rid of scars since this type of vitamine A stimulates new cell production.
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November 15, 2008

Pros:

Cleared my skin up after 3 weeks, got It on the NHS cost about £25!

Cons:

Lasted nine years before returning, although not as bad as it was.

The first week of use my acne was the worse it has EVER been, but after that unbelievable.

Defo worth a try
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November 14, 2008

Pros:

Has dried out my skin enormously; I haven't had a visible pimple in two weeks!

Cons:

I had a cyst on the inside of my eye after the first week of my accutane dose; I have less energy and seem moodier.

So far, it has been great. I've had bad acne for over a decade so I'm ready for it to be gone!
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November 12, 2008

Pros:

Old pimples are disappearing, and few new pimples are appearing.

Cons:

Dry lips, eyes... flaky skin

It's been a week and a half and i've noticed a tremendous change and people who don't even know I'm taking the drug have commented about how my skin is getting better. I looked really sunburnt for a few days which is fine if the zits are going away... then I peeled A LOT. Now I'm back to red but my face really does look a little better. Can't wait to see what the next four and a half months bring if it's so much better after just a week and a half. Although, I must say... I'm a little apprehensive about the whole hair loss thing. My hair is half way down my back and I'd be horrified to lose it :( Any take on this experienced accutane users?
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November 8, 2008

Pros:

VERY effective; Inexpensive(if You have insurance)

Cons:

If You pop a pimple while on it, it scars much easier; Constant dry lips; Dry skin; Excessive muscle aches after work outs or runs(if You do those things); Having to take those pills on a daily basis

The side effects did not even phase me when I heard about the drug, I didn't care, as long as I got rid of my acne, and now it's gone for good. Dry lips: Brush them gently with a clean toothbrush every night during the last part of Your shower(to exfoliate the peeling dead skin) then as soon as You get out, put on a good amount aquaphor(feels so good) then sleep, in the morning You have soft lips and from then on keep adding some aquaphor throughout the day to keep them from getting dry, burts bees will work too throughout the day. I would reccomend the Honey type. Dry Skin: I use anything from St. Ives. overnight-so that i wake up with smooth, moisturized skin Muscle Aches and Pains: Stretch a lot and don't hold the stretches too long-like You're normally supposed to because I noticed that actually makes things worse. Take an aleve if You must Moodiness: Never experienced anything other than how I normally am, I'm actually less moody now that my skin is cle
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November 8, 2008

Pros:

improving very very slowly

Cons:

dry lips nosebleeds

replying to KP NZ, yes i improved ist month break breakouts then the same 2nd and 3rd month now on60mg daily much improving on 4th month but loads of little red marks but no breakouts as such, my derm told me this will all be gone by end of dec 08, but i sometimes find it hard to believe, told to be very patient with this treatment and not to miss a dose, so goof luck to all
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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