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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August 12, 2008

Pros:

Really does clear you up...it is the only thing that has worked for me in the past.

Cons:

slight lip chapping.
my acne came back 4 months after my treatment ended.

Hello everyone. I'm a 16 year old female (junior in highschool). I've had acne since I was about 12 or 13...I used to have it just on my forhead back them. Then when I turned 14 I started to get it on my forehead and cheeks. When I turned 15, my acne was all over my face. It wasn't nodular/cystic acne...but it was persistent and embarrassing. I had tried every medication you can think of. Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, tea tree oil, minocycline, tetracycline, retin a, ziana, differin, benzaclin, birth control pills and many other treatments. Most of these treatments helped slightly, but not enough to really make a difference. I still had visible acne and thanks to some of the treatments, I also had peeling and redness. That's when I decided to try accutane. My mom and I were a little nervous to do it at first because of everything we'd heard about the side effects, but we were desperate. I began it in June during the summer
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August 10, 2008

Pros:

too soon yet to tell

Cons:

very dry lips and itchy scalp

I am 49 and fed up with the constant battle to get rid of the spots etc. Was prescribed minocin for 15 years ( which I have since found out was far too long) This had a detrimental effect on my liver, so was taken off them and put on Isotretinoin 3 weeks ago. Cholestrol level has risen slightly, but liver function has now returned to normal. Just waiting patiently for an improvement in my skin now.
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August 10, 2008

Pros:

works for a good year while your off it.. got rid of 80% and now i only have a few pimples here and there. but nothing compared to how bad it was before.

Cons:

beautiful skin while ur on it. u glow. no makeup near the end. not oily.

i loved accutane. i read so many horror stories but it was great. i didnt break out at the beginning like many people do. the minute i started using it it just got better and clearer. its amazing. dry lips defintely. but nothing sum lip conditioner from MAC didnt fix. i had occasional nose bleeds which sucked, i would get them at the weirdest place.. a girl once asked if i snorted coccaine. was totally embarassing. i was dry and always thirsty. (use cetaphil mosturizer). no depression.nothing. it was amazing and believe me..my friend coaxed me into doing it and im so thankful. now i get compliments on my skin. defintely give it a try! my acne was ruining my life. now i feel the way i should. great.
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August 5, 2008

Pros:

skin improved first month of using it, but i do get zits and acne but no more than 10 zits within the first month. very very happy with the result.

Cons:

chapped and split lips (solve with chapstick), dry nose (solved with nasal gel), occasional dry eyes (solved with eye drops). itchy dry scalp (solved with using moisturizing shampoo made for dry hair).

my skin is definitely not oily anymore, but also not dry enough to the point it sheds. it is quite a scary sight when my blackheads automatically ejects itself from the skin, leaving a disgustingly huge pore. my dermatologist has increased my dosage, and going into the 2nd month i hope things will only get better. my hair is doing fine, and i wish to keep it this way, just because its so nice and thick and shiny and beautiful :D no other side effects really, im as happy as ever.
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August 5, 2008

Pros:

- has taken away all the oil from my face
-generally zit free now

Cons:

-cant tan in the middle of summer cuz i just burn :(
-kinda chapped lips, not as bad as people say
- depression isn't that bad, it's bearable and generally only happens when you are alone or at night

I've been on accutane for about 3 months, i have 2 mothns left to go, and so far its pretty good. I occasionally get a zit or 2 but they usually arent that big, and i dont have an oily face anymore which is good I'd recommend it, it seems good so far and i can only pray that i never get acne again, and so far as for bad side effects, all of them are bearable you just have to suck it up think about it , acne=depressing, ruins social life, etc effects of accutane=no ance, so cancel all the stuff up there yea u get my point so the benefits far outweight the negatives, just forget about the bad side effects and you wont even realize them trust me Good luck, i recomend
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August 1, 2008

Pros:

Clear skin, Smooth Skin, no blemishes

Cons:

chapped lips, itchy hair, hair loss
relatively high price, doctors appointments,

I'm 22 and i've been on accutane for 7 months. Got 3 months left. It cleared my skin up after 2 months, my skin is so perfect looking i don't even have to wear make-up anymore. No blackheads, no acne. It's like a miracle. However i've noticed my hair shedding at a much more rapid rate than usual after 4 months into accutane. It's nothing scary yet, but i'm quite worried if it continues... My doctor said all the side effects like chapped lips, dry skin feeling, being sensitive to light is temporary, it'll stop after my treatment. I've also been reading about people saying their acne have returned. My doctor said accutane heals my skin forever... i can only hope for it to be the truth. Otherwise it just doesn't worth it.
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July 30, 2008

Pros:

its worked very well for me, i still have another 3 months left, im really happy with the way its been working.

Cons:

it makes your skin dry, and quite sensitive. but the pros definatley outweigh the cons.

its worked wonders for me, my skin is still continuing to improve, and it does take patience, but its worth it. i havent noticed any changes in my personality and i have not experienced any depression. my knees do get sore at times but its tolerable. my hands are dry, but i think that might be a combination of winter and the tablets. its an effective medication and i do recommend it.
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July 28, 2008

Pros:

i had mild acne but either way :
gets rid of pimples
reduces sebum oil production, inexpensive.

Cons:

dry skin and lips
sensitive skin and im on a second dose now because my skin became very oily and i got TINY pimples so yeah im taking a second dose of sotret for another 2 months

i had a mild case of acne but and started using it in october 07 till december 07, benefited , but like i said skin became oily again, i dont know why that happened but yes :S , so now its end of july 08 and i will continue treatment till september 08. hopefully ill be oil.pimple.scar freee , cant waiiiiiit :D ! Oh and in india since everything is like super cheap i am paying only 3.8 dollars for 10 pills. so yeah thats pretty insane :D
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July 28, 2008

Pros:

It did clear up my skin all together and the acne is not as bad as it was be4

Cons:

my acne did come back 3years later and i did have side effects

Would i go back??? well i'm trying EVERYTHING be4 i do go back as a last resort .... side effects:: Dry lips (very sore) and eye brows (flakey) my face did swell as well but i heard this is because my dose may have been to high!!! i do now have pains in my joints to the point i can't move have been 4 tests and scans and nuthing is "wrong" pain killers wont fix it i don't no 4 sure if this is to do with the drug but i have seen a few people who have the same thing as me and have also been on this drug...the only reason i would use this as a last resort is because i have had acne since the age of 12 and i'm now 22 by this point you do want to do ANYTHING to be acne free..
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July 27, 2008

Pros:

it clears up your skin in ways no other acne medication can

Cons:

it makes you very depressed, possibly suicidal

It truly works wonders for your skin, but it will make you depressed. Numb to feelings, people, and anything else. I lost my prince charming because he used this drug and became a changed person. This medication will clear up your acne, but leave permeant scars on your life and the people who care about you the most. It is not worth the risk, trust me.
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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