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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November 6, 2008

Pros:

I saw a huge difference in my acne after the 1st 2 weeks, after 1 month it was completely gone. my scars are noticably lighter & skin is not at all oily

Cons:

I've been taking this for 5 months & the worst side effect is I'm losing A LOT of hair, I just got Rogaine to see if that will help. My derm said the hair loss will stop 6 months after I stop taking accutane - hopefully I still have some hair left a

I take 2 vitamin E daily & 2 Biotin to help with my hair/lips/skin. even with the fact that I'm losing a lot of hair, I'd still highly recommend the drug- definitely worth it
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November 6, 2008

Pros:

Cleared up my skin almost entirely. It's been about a year since my treatment, and still no break outs. This has been the only thing that has worked on my face.

Cons:

Made my face beet red for several months. Didn't use accutane until late in the game, so facial scarring is severe. Depression warned about on label occured, including suicidal urges which I had never experienced before.

It is the psychological side-effects which were the worst, because the peely skin/ lips and dry eyes were easily combated with cetaphil cream, aquaphor, and eye drops. But my mood has never really been the same. During the treatment I was very emotional, and would cry at the drop of a hat, which isn't really typical with me. I felt cut off from everyone. If this happens to you, just keep yourself in check, and make sure you realize it's just the meds. It was definitely worth it, though. But if you're already on the depressed side, I probably wouldn't reccomend it.
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November 6, 2008

Pros:

From what I looked like before, this medication is a gift from god. So many health freaks are against it, and people fear of its side-effects, grow the **** and take it. Jesus Christ.

Cons:

Dry lips- use chapstick. Dry Skin/Hair- Use a moisterizer Headaches- pop an advi. iPledge- sucks balls. God the bloodwork was a pain in the ass. Expensive- get the generic brands. Simple.

You know, I tried everything. And I find it stupid to get down on yourself because a treatment is not working. If you're like me, I have tried everything before I hit the accutane treatment. I have hit rock bottom with my skin, and accutane cleared everything away. I am on my sixth month (last month) but I have my dermatologist prolong treatment if I am not COMPLETELY clear by the end of the this month. But I am pretty clear, and pretty thankful. If you're on this medication and if you have suicidal thoughts or horrible depression, talk to you're dermatologist. There is no reason for you feel like this. Its supposed to be a life-changing expierence not a life-ruing expierence. Seriously talk to your demro about accutane. I do want to warn that there is monthly blood work required in addition to signing iPledge forms. Fasting is required day before bloodwork. Also, ask gentle cleanser and moisterizer samples for your dermo when you seem him day of appointment.
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November 5, 2008

Pros:

a miracle drug after years of failed treatments for very severe cystic/nodular acne and very oily skin. don't be afraid of warnings/side effects. you can go from insecure and single to getting a date with anyone in 5 months. that big of a diff.

Cons:

dry/cracked lips. dry nose/nosebleeds. always carry a good chapstick/moisturizer a saline nasal spray to keep nose lubricated. check mirror frequently for small flakes of skin on lips. be patient. will get worse first then completely clear fast.

i took 1st 20 wk. course of accutane in 97'. i took 2 40mg pills per day. severe acne was completely gone after wk. 20 and stayed pimple free until 2001. In 2001 acne slowly reappeared and then turned very bad again. Took a 2nd 20 week course of 40mg pill twice per day. Acne was completely gone again after week 20. I did not have a single blemish again until late 2007. It did not come back as severe as it did after the first course of treatment. It appears to be heading that way though as the skin has become much more oily throughout 2008. The pimples were just that, they were not the large cystic/nodular acne but still disappointing. I just began a 3rd round of accutane today. I was completely clear for 4 years after round 1 and for 6 years after round 2. I am hoping that after the next 20 weeks I will not have to worry about a single zit ever again. The years my skin was completely clear have been the best years of my life. No problems meeting women and getting dates:)
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November 4, 2008

Pros:

Still waiting..

Cons:

Flaky skin dry lips

Ive been on isotane for 3 months now. Is there some sort of cycle with this drug? acne flared up in the 1st month just to get better in the 2nd month and flared up again in the 3rd month. Nivea essential works wonders for dry lips though im not sure about what moisturiser to use for my skin. Also what do i use for the pimples i get while on isotane? DO NOT USE RETIN-A skin peels so badly that it just never seems to heal back. i really need some feedback if any one has had fluctuations with isotane. You have to use it. its the last resort
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November 4, 2008

Pros:

My skin is no longer oily. Black heads are completely gone! My skin is still breaking out a little bit, but its geting better by the day. I've only been on Sotret (a generic brand of isotrention {Accutane}) for about 1 Month and 2 1/2 weeks.

Cons:

SOMEONE please reply to my post! Is anyone else having Weight Gain? Werid high pitched ringing in the ears? I've gained a little bit of weight i'd say 6-7 pounds and i've only been on it about a month or so. Also, I'm worried about my ears! Tinnitus?

I'm having some side effects nothing i can't handle I'm just wondering about my hearing situtation. I want to clear my acne but damaging my body at the same time doesn't sound any better. I'm on 20mg per day but I'm seeing my doctor in 2 weeks which i think she might raise it considering I've been having a strange flare of acne. Its better now, but I'm still breaking about. Products I use: *Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Foam Cleanser (I like this wash because it feels like its really geting my skin clean. It feels so re-freshed and glowing afterward. *Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Combination Skin (This is a really good moisturizer! It leaves my skin feeling rich and not to over-done. It controls oil and tones!) Thats all I use on my face but as a spot treatment at night you should really look into Proactiv's Refining Mask. Anything else by Rodan and Fields is sh*t. :]] Good luck Guys! Oh yeah-Your chaped lips? Its gonna get worse, pick up some Aqaphor
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November 4, 2008

Pros:

clears acne completely, no more oily skin, better complexion..CLEAR SKIN!! need i say more?

Cons:

(in my case, everyone reacts different to medications) extremely dry lips, moodiness, fatigue, it made me anxious, cuts took longer to heal, hair thinning, redness doesnt go away.. and last but not least EXPENSIVE if you dont have insurance.

i just finished my 6 month treatment yesterday.No matter how many cons I had, I would say every single one of them is worth it.. TAKE accutane! it will change your life...it will give you confidence...dont wait any longer, because one of my biggest regrets is waiting and spending money on lasers, topicals, and antibiotics that DO NOT work. So just do yourself the favor and take it. Don't be scared of all the horrible side effects you read about it, because a lot of those comments are the reasons why people are so scared to take such an effective drug that will only help you and make you happy. Oh yea and carry chapstick 24/7! Good luck!
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November 2, 2008

Pros:

Completely gets rid of cystic acne and leaves skin much smoother.

Cons:

Constantly dry skin that can leave your lips especially chapped.With joint pain, headaches, dizziness and almost always thirsty. Sunburn easily and lots of doctor's visits with blood tests.

I would only suggest using this as a treatment if like me you have already tried a myriad of antibiotics, topical treatments and acne systems. It is the only thing that has ever taken care of my cystic acne that was incredibly severe and sensitive. But even though there is so much you have to put up through it was completely worth it for because after having to take it for 7 months now and just finishing up treatment this week and finally have no problem going out without makeup on.
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November 2, 2008

Pros:

Definite improvement, though it takes time. Skin no longer oily, pimples decreasing as treatment progresses.

Cons:

Perpetual Side Effects: Infinitely dry lips, dry arms (I didn't really get a dry face)
Side Effects Early On In Treatment: extreme fatigue in the first month of treatment, dry eyes, strange appetite, moodiness, muscle stiffness

I'm 17 and I was prescribed a very high dose right off the bat, with no adjustment period. I think that attributes to the severe side effects I experienced early on--I was taking 2 naps a day, and never felt good. I was moody and my appetite was off. But, after a few weeks, that went away almost entirely. I am a runner and only when stretching do I feel muscle stiffness. In my third month of treatment (80mg/day for five months), and acne is finally starting to get much better. The medicine TAKES A LONG TIME TO WORK, AND YOUR ACNE WILL GET WORSE BEFORE IT GETS BETTER. I still have acne on my neck and lower jaw, but I notice an improvement on a weekly basis. I recommend the treatment. But, be prepared to buy a TON of chapstick.
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October 31, 2008

Pros:

Accutane works! It honestly cleared my face within a few days, and continued to work throughout the entire 5 month treatment. My face is clear. My derm took before and after pictures and the results are incredible proof!

Cons:

The dryness (lips, eyes, skin) is an inconvenience, but completely worth it. I didn't have any other major side effects, and I would gladly do it all again to get this clear face.

I've been off Accutane for a month, and as long as these results last, I am infinitely happy with Accutane! My face looks terrific, all my friends and family compliment how great it looks. My only fear is that the acne will come back. Hopefully not!
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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