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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September 11, 2008

Pros:

It works

Cons:

It makes you dry!!!!!!!!! dryness causes early set of wrinkles

You're going to go through hell while you're on it! but it works. I had to apply carmax lip balm every 30 minutes, hand lotion and body lotions were my best friend. Needless to say those were not comfortable times. Make sure you stick with the program. I went through it two times before i finished (it was that difficult for me). The only drawback: wrinkles under the eyes that i didnt have before accutane and dry eyes all the time (even after the program). Acne is almost gone... continually using topical cremes. Even with insurance, it gets really expensive- with all the doctor appointments and blood work. Plus Ipledge is a hassle just like everyone else said...
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September 9, 2008

Pros:

This is the only thing that has worked since I became immune to minocycline! Inexpensive since I was given a prescription for the generic (Sotret) and have a low copay for generics.

Cons:

Very dry lips- I think I used more chapstick during the five months on the medicine than the entire 27 years prior put together. Headaches (at least once a week). Felt some moderate fatigue at the highest dose (60 mg/day). Dry/bloodshot eyes.

If you're willing to put up with some fairly minor side effects, this treatment is definitely worth a try. I had dry lips and eyes for five months, but it was totally worth it for me. I haven't ever gotten compliments on my skin until now, and it really does wonders for self-esteem after having years of acne problems. Stock up on chapstick and eye drops (Visine Tears are great!) and you'll be fine :)
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September 9, 2008

Pros:

its cheap in Australia
its almost completely cleared my skin.
complexion has improved.

Cons:

sore knee joints
dry lips, dry eyes, at times feel tired.. not sure if its from the medication though.

i have been using this product for 4 months, and i still have 2 months left, it has almost cleard up all of my acne, it does take a while to see results but its worth the wait if you want clear skin. i have not experienced any mood swings or depression, and the side effects have been very tolerable, they're barely noticeable.
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September 7, 2008

Pros:

Cleared acne everywhere on my body.

Cons:

All the dry skin and bloody noses

I worked. I had 2 seperate treatments. Both lasted only about a year or two then it came back just as bad. I am now 21 and still battling acne but without insurance or money to get accutane ever again. I suggest it, only if you know you can continue using it forever because it DOES come back. I'm trying out zinc right now along with bp. We'll see how that goes.
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September 7, 2008

Pros:

I don't have anymore breakouts. I don't have to worry about having a shiny, oily face. It has made my self - esteem so much better.

Cons:

Regular derm visits, blood work and it gets pricey after all is done.

If you have tried different products with little results, then I suggest you give accutane a try. I haven't been more pleased and happy in my life. I have struggled with acne for so long, and I am so glad that after years and years of trial and error, I decided to give it a try. It's been the best thing I have ever done. And to be completely honest, this is my 3rd month and the only side effect I've experienced is chapped lips, which really aren't even that bad. It's as simple as taking one pill, and the rest is history. I have been prescribed so many topicals, and it ended up being so expensive... especially if they didn't help your skin at all. If you're tired of acne, please give accutane a try. It's been well worth it for me.
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September 6, 2008

Pros:

Clears skin pretty quick

Cons:

Dry lips, Diarrhea, Headaches, Mild Depression

Just about done my first month and I'm already seeing major improvement. It takes a while for it to start working but it's well worth it if you're patient.
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September 3, 2008

Pros:

Clears skin for several months to a few years at a time. Dries oily skin. Affordable.

Cons:

Very dry lips and flaky skin around the mouth. My joints ached in the beginning but got better after a couple of weeks. I didn't notice irritability or psychological affects. The IPledge program is a pain but easy to participate in.

I did three rounds of Accutane a few years apart. The first round cleared my skin for a few years but the acne keeps coming back. The last two rounds have been generic versions of Accutane and clear my skin for a few months. It is worth trying once, but I won't do it again.
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September 3, 2008

Pros:

does exactly what it says helps clear acne

Cons:

dry skin and lips

i have been on 30mg for 6 weeks no bad sign effects for me all small whiteheads and blackheads completely gone, back completely clear, derm now put me on 65mg for 8 weeks cos still getting pimples daily but no where near as bad i recommend this for anyone who wishes to try it and suffers from acne, follow instructions to the book. good luck to all
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August 30, 2008

Pros:

worked extreamly well acne gone i mostly had those puss filled pimples not too much of the red ones and it cleared those away made me happy

Cons:

for everyone who are about to take it read about all the side effects and rethink bout it becuse dont regret later im 16 im done now but found out it stuns your growth made me sad also dry skin and lips very dry and made me mad 24/7

idno take it it works but dont just make a quick decion because you might just end up saying a few years down the road i wish i had never taken it. messes your whole normal life style. also thers a huge chance your acne might come back
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August 28, 2008

Pros:

REALLY cleared up my skin very quickly
Inexpensive if you have health insurance

Cons:

Achy joints, VERY dry lips, irritability, very expensive if you don't have health insurance-even generic. Ipledge program is absurd and pointless, very inconvenient medication to take. DON'T use hot wax while on this medication! (Sugar waxing fine)

I suffered mildly moderate acne for the past 6 years (never cystic, though) When my dermatologist first recommended taking accutane to treat it once and for all, she made me promise not to read what other people say on the internet. I kept that promise until now- month 4- and I'm happy I didn't read comments before! Yes, for me it does chap my lips-aquaphor is my new best friend-and it does make me very mildly irritable, my joints are achy, but my skin started clearing up after one week-it never got worse before getting better for me- and is better and better each month-almost flawless now, scarring is almost gone! I absolutely cannot wait to be done with my fifth month (40 mg 2x a day) but overall everything has been tolerable for me, and has been WELL worth it. My derm is very confident it will be pretty much "cured" by the end of 5 months, so if that's true then it is a miracle drug.
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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