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

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July 12, 2008

Pros:

Cleared my skin beautifully. Once things cleared up, I was able to go out in public without makeup if I chose to.

Cons:

Incredibly drying, sunburned verrrrry easily, at one time felt dreadful while walking in the sun. WARNING: Do not under any circumstances get pregnant while taking this drug, the outcome will be tragic.

I used this product about 20 years ago for 5 months. I had very severe cystic acne from age 12 to age 23. My doctor told me it would make my skin look worse before it looked better. For the first 3 to 4 days, he was right. Then it started to clear nicely. After the treatment was finished, I enjoyed clear skin for about 5 years straight. Any breakouts that I did have (which was very infrequent)only lasted about a day instead of weeks or months.
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July 12, 2008

Pros:

will get rid of the acne after several months depending on severity

Cons:

it will scar your skin, discoloration in areas where you had acne, hair loss after 5 months, rashes on hands, exhaustion, can't concentrate on things

im really divided on accutane. i do have about 15 days left on it (6 month course), and my acne is gone mostly but it left behind TREMENDOUS damage. and when i say scars, i mean both discoloration and dents in my face. prior to taking tane i had persistent acne, mild-moderate at best. tane gave me an incredible break out with CYSTS that i never had before. i went from having moderate acne to full blown cystic severe acne..pencil eraser sized monster cysts. never before have i had that. it was embarrassing walking around in public for 3 months. yeah i cleared, but at what cost? my skin looks SO damaged. now i have shallow rolling acne scars (it looks like someone scooped collagen out of my face in spots). i'm not trying to scare anyone, but i'm just trying to warn you that it is VERY likely that tane will make your skin scar and derms downplay the risk. i thought it wouldnt happen to me since i DIDNT PICK and used expensive moisturizor.. yet here i am, discolored
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July 10, 2008

Pros:

Gets rid of acne and scars

Cons:

dry lips, sun sensativity.

Accutane works great I have only been on three weeks and have only had one pimple and it went away within one day. I tried everything and had very bad cystic acne. I was on ampacillian for four months with a month break and then the accutane. Before the ampacillian I did two treatments of blue light levulan which was a waste of money for acne treatment and every over the counter med you can think of. I was also on retina micro and clyndamician gel for 6 months; no help there either. The only thing that worked for me was the ampacillian got me moderatly clear and the accutane seems to have finished the job and I am only on month one. It looks like my scars will be gone by the time I finish the treatment. My doctor is leaving me on for 5 months.
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July 9, 2008

Pros:

Cures acne, make you feelamazing when you see your clear skin. side effects go away soon after ending treatment.

Cons:

DRY LIPS. some body acks, dry skin, at first i got really angry and sleeppy but it past after first month.

a doctor once told me there is no cure for acne and thats when i had to pay $150 for retna( biggest waste of time) well doc i found the cure and ist called acutane. after for long months fighting dry lips i have a clear face, best it looked in 8 years. if you can get past dry lips( chap stick works wonders) and dry face( the right lotion fixes this problem) then you can cure your acne too. pluse i only had to pay $6 per month for this.
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July 8, 2008

Pros:

my skin looks 50 percent better after two months. Hoping that by the end of the fourth month i'll have a beautiful complexion again.

Cons:

i'm pretty lucky with the dryness and stuff. umm, use burt's bees lip balm with pomegranite oil once every five minutes and you should be good. and try checking out CeraVe moisturizing lotion for a moisturizer.

i'm seriously a perfectionist with regards to my appearance, like i'm the type of person who would sit and mope around all day because i had a new pimple. so it sucked a lot when i broke out really really really bad back in january. i tried everything and finally one day my dermatologistt was jsut like "lets start accutane" so far i'm sor of happy, my face is smooth after about two months, the redness had turned to grayness mostly, i still get two or three zits every two weeks, which is lame.i'm hoping beyond hope that i won't ever get acne again. and i hope this stuff actually clears me up completely. i find that a good face wash is biore's pore unclogging scrub. for some reason it doesn't iritate my skin. i really regret not starting accutane sooner. Overall, i don't think i'll be dissapointed.
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July 6, 2008

Pros:

Makes acne better

Cons:

dry skin achey boness

Skin cleared up a lot all (not all completely gone)but only been on it 3 months i have felt depressed at times should i come of it ? what you think ?
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July 6, 2008

Pros:

EVERYTHING

Cons:

DRY LIPS.

I'VE BEEN ON IT FOR ALMOST 4 MONTHS AND I'M ALMOST CLEAR, ITS AMAZING MY ACNE WAS SO SEVERE AND ITS ALMOST GONE. AMAZING!!!!
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July 4, 2008

Pros:

Worked after 6 months. Cleared my skin for 5 months.

Cons:

Acne returned after 5 months. Dry lips and nose. Aching body.

Worked well for the time I was on it, as nothing else has worked. But as the acne returned wasn't really a point to it. Was very frustrating going through such a strong medication for little result. Furthermore, it is very toxic. However it works for some, and maybe I was one of the few it didn't work for :( I would say try it once if you are desperate, but don't go on another course if it doesn't work the firs time.
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July 3, 2008

Pros:

One year later = acne FREE!!!! AMAZING!!!!!
Totally worth it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The only thing that REALLY worked for me.

Cons:

Lips got pretty dried out. I used vasaline on them = just looks like glossy chap-stick lol
and I had several breakouts throughout & after treatment... take it, wait it out & you'll see!!

TRY IT!!! I know what acne did to my self esteem & feeling like I ALWAYS had to wear makeup... Now I don't have to wear it = I don't even want to! God's miracle pill for acne :) I never thought the day would come where I'd be this comfortable with my complexion.
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July 2, 2008

Pros:

Improvement in my face, but not my back and shoulders.

Cons:

EXTREMELY chapped lips. TO the point where they were cracking on the sides and it hurt to open my lips or smile! Cleared up my forehead and half way down my face, but do get breakouts during my period and every 2-3 weeks.

I say, try everything once. If you have tried the rest, why not?
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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