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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5
37.1%
4
34.1%
3
15.3%
2
7.3%
1
6.2%

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September 30, 2008

Pros:

accutane cleared up my face completely.

Cons:

it left my lips a wreck even with chapstick

it does the job just as it should but be prepared to suffer the side effects
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September 30, 2008

Pros:

acne is getting better. less oil

Cons:

very dry lips, dry skin, joint pains

ok its been a week and a half and my skin is getting better. Less oil production. However, the side effects i'm going throught are dry lips(severe) and dry skin, and dry eyes. My eyes feel like they weigh about a ton. I'm tired most of the time. My acne does get worse for a few times then it goes away.
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September 29, 2008

Pros:

I had this a few years ago, I took it for the entire length prescribed by my dermatologist. It completely got rid of my acne

Cons:

Had to get regular lab tests for liver and see my dermatologist regularly. Also noticed some dryness

If i had acne, i'd recommened everyone to try this as I believe this is a miracle worker :)
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September 29, 2008

Pros:

Most effective treatment I have used, and I have used a LOT of them.

Cons:

After a few years, the effects slowly wear off. As you age, the side effects become more severe and dangerous.

I am in my late 40's and have had acne since I was 11. I have used almost every treatment invented. They invented Accutane when I was in my early 20's and I immediately took a course. At that time, the side effects were not severe, some dry cracking lips, dry skin spots, that was about it. The effects were miraculous, no more acne! All over my body it was gone. About a year after treatment acne slowly started to return until about 8 years later, in my early 30's, I took it again. It was still effective, but this time the side effects were more severe. Joint pain, hair falling out, nosebleeds, dry eyes and the weirdest side effect of all, bleeding from under my fingernails. About 5 years later, toward the end of my 30's, I tried to take it again, but had to quit after a couple of months. Very severe, life threatening side effects, my triglycerides shot through the roof, plus all the old side effects and new ones. It works, but be CAREFUL.
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September 29, 2008

Pros:

Accutane has been nothing but good news for me. After my third week, I was about 99% clear. I've had a zit here and there, but it's wonderful having such great skin. I haven't had skin like this in four or five years.

Cons:

Dry skin (particularly the lips) and strict blood work and dermatologist visits. The dry skin is nothing compared to other products I've used though. All topical products I have ever used have dried my skin out much more than this.

This product has been wonderful for me. I'm almost done with month four, so I have about two months left. I hope the results are permanent, like some. I know many people hear a lot of horror stories about Accutane, but I've had no problems with it. The best thing to do is to talk to your dermatologist right away and if s/he thinks it's right for you, start right away. I really regret not starting Accutane earlier.
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September 28, 2008

Pros:

Only been a week but have had comments already about better complextion

Cons:

so far dry lips, sore eyes ,
light headache & some upper back/neck pain

Had light to moderate acne including shoulders/back & chest thats been VERY persistent since teens . ive had good & bad weeks were i didnt want to go out ! tried over the counter stuff including Minomycin and Erothomycin worked someout but never did the job & the usual array of products face washes, creams, even diet. ive heard great things about liver cleansing which when done right will help regulate and correct hormone release and ultimately reduce oil production = less acne . BUT time consuming & doesnt happen overnight. so far ive had light headache and dry lips and some upperback / neck pain but nothing dramatic. must say i was scarred out of my mind when i read alot of the sideffects , like most im desperate for good / clear skin, make sure youve tried other treatments before going on this , it shouldnt be a light decision. id suggest monitoring your symptoms (write a weekly log) & tell family/friends your on it so they can give you feedback t
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September 27, 2008

Pros:

clears skin, hair doesnt get oily, skin isnt oily.

Cons:

dry lips

this has really helped my skin to improve, the side affects are very minor and easily tolerated, i have not felt depressed or anything. my eyes do get dry in the afternoon/night. my complexion has cleard and i dont have any pimples, i still have a few blackheads, with a month left on the medication. it can get annoying not being able to go in the sun without sun screen, but the pros outweigh the cons by far. im really happy with the results ive been seeing, for the first few weeks my skin was sorta red, luckily that was during the holidays.
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September 27, 2008

Pros:

It worked!

Cons:

Monthly visits to the doctor. Nothing else that chapstick or moistoriser couldn't control.
I paid $10 a month for the RX plus $20 co-pay each monthly dr. viist, so that got expensive.

I was on Sotret (accutane) from January 5th to Septemer 5th - that's a long time! Basically my acne is caused by stress, and I learned this through taking accutane, because when I wasnt stressed, I got no pimples and accutane was really that "amasing pill" you heard about. When I was stressed, I would break out, even on Accutane. It changed my acne from slow healing to fast healing, and way smaller pimples. Basically, find out what causes your acne. Mine is stress so hopefully I will be able to maintain the results accutane has given me. I would say try it for yourself, start with a low dose (like i did), work up to higher dosages, and just see how your body reacts. I wish I would have gone on it earlier. Oh and I got bad blood tests going each month, such as "high liver function" and "low white blood cell count." I didn't let that scare me because you just adjust to a different dosage that your body agrees with. Try it and stop wondering! I wish I wouldve gone on it ten yrs ago. (24)
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September 26, 2008

Pros:

waking up to MAYBE one zit as apposed to ten news ones... face is very clear already & no side effects.

Cons:

Lips are a little dry, but nothing chapstick and extra water isn't curing

I've tried the strongest medications for topical, oral, and even top prescription face washes with a combo of birth control and it never was enough. Now just washing my face with Cetaphil (recommended for the dryness) keeps my skin smooth and hydrated. I hope it stays like this once the treatment is over! I love it!
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September 25, 2008

Pros:

Less oil production (shine), only have to wash hair twice per week MAX.

Cons:

Dry, cracked, sore lips, dry skin but nothing that moisturiser can't cure

Only using this accutane for a month now. On 30mg but this will increase next month to 60mg. So far not suffering too much. Im not half as depressed as i was when my face was covered in HUGE red spots. Can now only wear tinted moisturiser going to Gym : ) instead of a cake of makeup.
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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