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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July 1, 2008

Pros:

It works like magic once you take it for a little while. It is as simple as swallowing a pill once a day and your acne,as severe as it may be, clears up!

Cons:

The list of side effects: Insane dry skin, aching bones, hair falling out, eye problems, nausea..and the more serious like abnormal fetus, liver failure, depression.

My skin was so dry that my lips were bleeding all the time. My skin was so dry that I could not wax my legs, eyebrows, etc because it would tear the skin. Forget about wearing contacts becaue of the dryness. My hair began to fall out and I was taken off after 2 months because of liver problems.DANGEROUS. It seemed worth it at the time, because I was young and wanted to get rid of my acne, but I don't know what this did to my body. Blood tests once a month were brutal but that is how the docs discovered the liver damage. AND your acne will come back!!!It disappeared for about 2 years, but now I am back in the same boat once again. But I refuse to take Accutane because it makes me uncomfortable.
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June 29, 2008

Pros:

directly after coming off it my skin was great except some minor scarring

Cons:

its been 2 years and im starting to break out again in different areas... besides that the stuff increased depression and suicidal thoughts and i ended up in the emergency room

it helped alot... i shouldve gone back on it but if u have a history of depression and anxiety BE CAUTIOUS. it made me lose my ability to enjoy anything. i weighed 110 and lost 20 pounds and all i wanted to do was die. it messes with ur head.
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June 29, 2008

Pros:

reduced severity of the acne on my face, for sure. fewer nodules. cleared back acne for the most part.

Cons:

made me terribly terribly depressed, failed to clear skin entirely.

they strictly monitor this drug for good reason. i took accutane in tenth grade and refused to acknowledge the depression symptoms. in my case, it did more harm than good. SERIOUSLY. heed the warnings, yo.
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June 29, 2008

Pros:

it cleared up my acne to a certain extent. i was one of the 10% of people who it didn't work completely for.

Cons:

super dry skin (face, lips, etc)

it was worth it, but it didn't clear it up perfectly. i still use the topical tazorac for breakouts.
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June 28, 2008

Pros:

Makes acne nonexistant, takes away ALL pain from it.

Cons:

Face a bit dry - Just use a moisturiser twice a day
Lips crack - Use a lip balm/chap stick

This stuff is so good. I have been using it for 3 & 1/2 months now and have enjoyed it so much. I never had an "initial breakout" or anything, and my face is completely smooth (although there are still a few red spots, but not that red) and I havent had any problems whatsoever while being on isotretinoin.
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June 26, 2008

Pros:

Take it and you will never have acne ever again

Cons:

Dry Lips

I've had acne for 6 years; face, back, and chest. I started taking Accutane and my acne was gone in the first month. I broke out pretty bad at first and then it was gone. This is definately worth it.
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June 24, 2008

Pros:

definitely works so I give it a 5, though it doesn't last.

Cons:

doesn't last, acne comes back like before sometimes worse than before, which was the case for me

i totally regret using accutane, it cleared my skin for about 1.5 years. for all the money and the damage it probably did to my liver and body, not worth it. the acne came back after 1.5 years and it was worse, felt like all the acne was suppressed inside and all 1.5 years worth came back all at once. ARGH!
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June 24, 2008

Pros:

Definitely works - it is amazing the way it literally unclogs pores.

Cons:

Your skin will be dry and I experienced flushed cheeks, but only slight discomfort really.

Definitely worth trying. I used this five years ago and haven't had more than the odd whitehead since. I've also been taking diane-35 for the past five years and it has kept my hormonal related zittage under control.
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June 23, 2008

Pros:

stops acne, abs no oil and confidence

Cons:

dryness, redness

someone whos reading this also suffers from acne and wondering whether he has to take accutane, plz follow that i say. Dont take topical Retin-A,and other oral antibiotics.They wont work.They will screw ur face. Ask your Derm for Accutane - No Generics!I was prescribed Sotret for 4 months, and it only dried me out.5th month i took accutance, and dryness was gone and acne stopped. Moisturize your face always.I failed to do so and i have severe dryness and redness failed to fade away.But eventually they have to :) This drug was no miracle for me.I was always unlucky.So no big deal.But it WILL work for you.Dont bother to even think abt scary comments by few others.Please use this drug before you repent for the rest of your life - like me. Trust me guys.This drug WILL make you HAPPY!Cheers and wish you a very good luck and clear face! :)
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June 22, 2008

Pros:

Drys out pimples, scars slowly fading, skin not as oily, and can see that I am slowly gettin great skin!

Cons:

easily sunburnt, dry skin, which makes me itchy and occasionly pimples

I am taking Sotret, which is generic of Accutane and its really slowly but surely working. I feel so better, and its worth all the money!!!
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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