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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October 31, 2008

Pros:

CLEAR SKIN! ...also free thanks to NHS

Cons:

The usual dry/chapped lips; Acne has returned (not as bad as originally) a few months since coming of isotretinoin.

Do your best to persuade your dermatologist to let you take isotretinoin if your acne is moderate to severe. Then if it returns persuade your dermatologist to put you on it again! (I am currently attempting this!). It's the only treatment I've ever used that has cleared my acne, no other medication has come close. The side effects for me personally were very minimal and I'd gladly take isotretinoin permanently (at a low dose) to keep my skin clear.
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October 30, 2008

Pros:

Clearing up my skin, face not as oily.

Cons:

Super severe dry cracked lips. Very dry skin, a few nosebleeds and knee joints are in pain

Ok, i had acne since i was in 2nd grade :(. Now as the years went by my face has gotten worse. In 7th grade I thought "omg i cant let nobody see me like this" In 10th grade I looked at my 7th pictures and i said to myself" Dang i didnt have acne at all!" In 10th grade my face was really bad. Between Nov. and Jan, I used Benzaclin and my face was pretty much clar but then it came back horribly. I then used Retin a micro and that crap really made my look liked pizza :( Omg i was so depressed. I been using that for a few months and I decided its time to use the ultimate weapon, Accutane!. Well my doctor put me on 40mg and the firstr weeks my face got worse. I had pimples about the size of a penny!!!!!!!. Then that zit went away like a day later. I've been on this for 1 month and a half and i have seen major improvments. I have acne still but not a s bad.
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October 29, 2008

Pros:

Really works, all my labs showed everything was functioning correctly during my regimen.

Cons:

Numerous doctors visits, irritating prescription process, and of course the dry lips.

I had moderate acne with once a month nodular cysts. I used the Accutane for 6 months, starting on a low dose and then it was hightened a little bit. I had the regular dry chapped lips and occasionally below my nose. I didn't experience a since idiosyncratic effect, or anything overly adverse. I think all the warnings and hype are the results of too many lawsuits. I still have my blood drawm regularly to make sure everything is normal. My liver is normal, my bones are normal and I have no problems with depression. I have no lasting effects except for much clearer skin!
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October 28, 2008

Pros:

very effective, clear face, better complexion

Cons:

No cons. Just a little expensive

I have been taking accutane for four months. I am on 20mg per day. I really had a very very bad skin. My skin is now a lot better than before, although its not totally clear. I dont have single acne on my face now. Its true its a miracle drug. Just try it you will not regret.
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October 26, 2008

Pros:

Completely got rid of my oily face and hair. I have been lucky as far as side effects go. Only dry chapped lips, dry hair and a little pain in my shoulders. Just started my 3rd month, up to 80mg a day. I see a difference but still not 100% clear.

Cons:

dry chapped lips, dry hair, pain in shoulders.

I would highly recomend this product. It's worth a try when nothing else works.
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October 25, 2008

Pros:

Its cleared my skin, with only 6 days left on this treatment after almost 7 months. my complexion has cleared dramatically.

Cons:

biggest con, my lips wont stop chapping, but nothing that cant be handled. i do get a little tired at times, not sure if its from the medication. my skin is sensitive and i dont go into the sun without sunscreen.

my hair and skin are no longer oily, i have been on 20mg for 7 months and am 6 days away from finishing the treatment, im hoping this change is permanent and my acne does not come back. my acne was only moderate and i am suprised by how much it has improved. the key is patience, it does take a while to see chnages but in my opinion it is worth it, the first few weeks my skin was red and very sensitive to the changes in climate. my dry lips drive me crazy because they're constantly peeling, its important to find a good chapstick. with daily maintenance i think these moderate side effects can be kept under control.
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October 24, 2008

Pros:

My oily skin is gone! My oily hair is gone! And no more blackheads!

I could'nt fit this anywhere else. Has anyone else had alot of ringing in there ears? This happens to me once or twice everyday. I dunno about it.

Cons:

I know there is a lot of side effects to Accutane but I really have'nt had any, all except the dry lips and a lil flaky skin.

If your afraid to try Accutane, just DO IT. Don't freak about the stuff you read. Just trust your doctor.

I've been on Sotret (a generic brand of Accutane) for 1 Month, 1 week and 1 day :]] so i don't think that my review would be helpful or not. But, if i've only been on it that long and my oily skin is GONE, then just think how pretty my skin will be once my treatment is over. I'm on 20 mg per day, but i'm going to ask my doctor if she'll up it to about 30. I have pretty moderately severe acne. I get cysts every now and then but i'm not breaking out as much as i was since i started and i'm only 15 years old so it was a real social killer to have bad skin like mine since i'm in highschool. I've had two friends who have taken it and there skin looks awesome. I don't pay a butt load for Sotret, its 409$ with out insurance but i only pay 5$ for it YAY! If your thinking about taking Accutane or a generic of it, DO IT! Its working for me so far! What to use? Buy Aquaphor Healing Oinment it really helps my lips. Use Purpose gentle cleansing face was :]] Good luc
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October 23, 2008

Pros:

It will clear your skin!

Cons:

can have sever side affects, (nosebleeds, dry skin, SEVERELY dry lips, depression, anger, liver problems, etc...) but not everyone will experience all the side affects. i just got the nosebleeds and dry lips.

accutane will work (at least it did for me) if you stay on it for the time you are perscribed to it. My friend cut it off after the 4th month of his 6 month treatment and it came back. i stuck it out and stayed on my treatment, and my face is perfect. bottom line....its a tough treatment, but i think its worth it to have your face FINALLY clear of acne.
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October 23, 2008

Pros:

It works...

Cons:

dry lips, nosebleed

i wish i had taken this medication much earlier.. my prescription is 20mg a day for a year... i'm nearly on my 5th month now... those cystic acne is finally coming out... it looks like this med pushes the junks out of the skin... and those white heads and blacks heads stopped forming.. very happy with the results.. doctor said.. it's gonna get rid of my acne forever.. i doubt it.. but i hope for it
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October 23, 2008

Pros:

It does what it's suppose to, treats acne, makes it go away while you're ON the medication.

Cons:

This will put HUGE amounts of strain on your liver - FACT. Whether or not your liver can handle it is up to your own body.

Not worth it. This isn't a cure and for most, the acne returns once you're off this toxic medication. But not only do you have to deal with acne again, you deal with all the side effects that damaged your body. Won't surprise me to see this stuff banned in the near future, it's risky and dangerous. Bottom Line: Find Another Treatment!!
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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