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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June 25, 2009

Pros:

it cleared acne very fast

Cons:

dry lips blurred vision abdominal pain joint pain and alot more.

it works very well but it can do so much bad stuff to you. i am not taking it now i was but my doctor said to stop do to side effects and now she wants me to take it agian and i think that i will cuz i am already breaking out agian. You may want to do it or you may not but you have to check risks and benifets is it worth all side effects it may or may not be.
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June 5, 2009

Pros:

clear skin

Cons:

dry lips/arms, eyes
tiredness
breakouts when switching doses

I'm on my final course of it, just started again. I absolutely love it. Was actually able to not wear makeup when going outside. major plus!! I noticed that during the couple of months in between my hair started falling out alot and my nails were really brittle and kept breaking. but i went on pre-natal vitamins and that all went away. I'm not too excited to go back to the sporatic breakouts, but hopefully now that i can kinda wear less foundation everyday that will help. But i totally recommend it, the results cannot be beat!!
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May 21, 2009

Pros:

reduce oil dramatically,slow down possibility of new acene

Cons:

dry eyes and chapped lips

when i had the worst acene,the doctor recommended Isotretinoin to me,i tried it but afraid of its side effects. However i still insisted to use it for one year,i found my skin get better and the acene will almost not come to me. So i stopped taking it,two months after that,nightmare!,my acene came back again and become severe day by day. I feel desparately now and i am hestating if i should take it again to cure my acene.I am planning to marry my boyfriend this year and we won't refuse a child then.If i take it now,i will not be a reponsible mother. who can tell me what should i do?
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May 19, 2009

Pros:

been on this for 2 weeks and have had not 1 new spot in that time, i have zero side effects so far apart from constant belly ach, but if my skin stays spot free i will take the belly aches every day!!!

Cons:

none yet apart from stomach pain

seems to be working so far
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May 8, 2009

Pros:

Oil reduced. No more breakouts after 1st month. Face feels much smoother.

Cons:

Has done nothing for large closed comedones yet- maybe even a little worse.

Nearly at the 2 month mark of Accutane and although I can feel a difference in the texture of my face, the photo comparison from day one isn't impressive. I'm happy that the large pustules and cysts have stopped forming completely, however I'm still plagued by hundreds of bumps which are very visible, even under make-up. My face is also very discoloured and uneven from the previous breakouts (which ceased after month 1) however I am reassured that these marks will fade over time. Hopefully only a few light scars will remain, which I will tackle post treatment. Overall Accutane is doing what it's meant to: successfully reducing breakouts.
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May 6, 2009

Pros:

20 years of serious acne are finally over.

Cons:

During 6 month regimen: Lips dried up and scabbed over. Inner nose scabbed over and bled constantly. My arms got scabs in patches (like eczema). Took another month for side effects to wear off. Monthly blood tests and a week of sobriety before them.

I really disliked going through the treatment. It was incredibly uncomfortable. I hadn't picked my nose this much since the 3rd grade, though I was picking at scabs and not digging for gold. I figured I'd get used to the side effects eventually, but they remained annoying through the whole regimen. Also, the blood tests are to check the affects on your liver, which means NO DRINKING for a week before the blood test - every month. And THEN you have to get a new prescription a couple days after the blood test every month, which means another copay ($50 per, for me, and of course the pills, which cost about $10 under my insurance). But in the end, my face and back are completely clear. No matter what I've used for the past 20 years, I've never seen my face this clear - even on good days. I Highly recommend this, but due to the side effects, agree that it should be a last resort.
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May 4, 2009

Pros:

It gets rid of your acne within a month or two while you're on it.

Cons:

It comes back afterwards. Hassle with all the blood tests.

I used Accutane when I was 16, it got rid of my acne, but it all came back within a year. I used it again about a year ago, and my acne has not come back full swing again. I do get some mild acne here and there but it's nothing like before.
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May 3, 2009

Pros:

Reddish bumps gone completely, barely any oil on face,

Cons:

Extremely chopped lips(actually started to peal off), horrible skin breakout around mouth, expensive,

I would definitely recommend this pill to anyone but my acne is still very visible even after the full 4 month phase. My doctor said that all of the reddish dots on face and the acne left will fade away slowly. I still think accutane has really helped. Best product i used so far.
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May 2, 2009

Pros:

It did reduce break out and oiliness of skin, temporary.

Cons:

IT CAME ALL BACK after eating it for 1 year. Thin hair.

It caused hair thinning, it gave me false hope. and suddenly, it came ALL BACK.
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April 22, 2009

Pros:

It's going to work! I have been trying stuff for 20 years and I know this is it. I am moving on with my life in 3 months when my treatment is finally over! It's like chemo for acne.

Cons:

I am trying not to focus on the price I pay in my body... aches, chapped lips, dry nose, eyes, mood swings - pretty emotional a lot of the time. Scabs on my head from it being so dry, and I itch all over but its worth it!!! : )

This is my bottom line. My ticket out of skin obsession hell. I am ready to put in my time lik a big girl and get through this treatment and then enjoy the rest of my life without the stress and anxiety and frustration of having problem skin! If you have tried everything, then try it! And take it right, with a meal, use the same brand the entire time you are on it, don't miss a dose. And get support on this site when you get discouraged because it feels like its too hard. You can make it! : ) Blessings, ClaraB
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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