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 2, 2008

Pros:

It works! If you haven't had success and are fed up with waiting, Accutane is the best decision.

Cons:

Dry skin and eyes (but it's completely worth it)

I honestly saw improvement within 10 days. I never thought it would work that quickly, but my breakouts stopped almost immediately. I am over a month in, and I am still getting a few occasional zits, but nothing like before I began Accutane. If you are just plain FED UP with dealing with constant acne, you've got to go with Accutane. I already have so much of my self confidence back.
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June 1, 2008

Pros:

Deinitely works. Acne free for about 2 years. Cleared my skin within the first month. I have never had more beautiful skin.

Cons:

Dry,dry,dry everywhere. Hair began falling out at three months. Immediately stopped taking Acutane. Hair began growing back after 6 months to a year.

I am considering going on Accutane again, as my acne has returned. I don't mind the dryness, but the loss of hair does scare me a bit.
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May 31, 2008

Pros:

It works this drug is a miracle i have no spots on my body or face and i used to have loads ive tried everything and this is fantasic!. i got it free on nhs and i had no 'bad' side effects fantastic

Cons:

dry lips and skin but not terribly if you use vaseline and moisturiser all the time.

This is a miracle pill for me I have tried antiobiotics for years,birth control pill,creams,lotions,over the counter stuff,face washes nothing else worked or not for long anyway this was amazing i was on it for 4 months and am 100% clear its given me my life back and would recommend it to anyone! im not sure if it was better for me because i had a lower dose but had no terrible side effects and i hope i stay clear for a long time if not forever! xxx
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May 30, 2008

Pros:

This is not a treatment it is a cure! (for about 2 years)

Cons:

dries skin badly, especially lips, can cause birth defects in pregnant woman.
It can be very hard to get on.

I had sever Acne in HS, I got on accutane and I was pimple free for about two years. Then it got worse again so im going in for another round. Before, I told my new dirm I wanted to get back on accutane but they said 'well we will give you Tazorac and Minocycline'. His plan was for me to drop 200$ a month for these two medicines that in clincal studies published by the parm company that produces them, after three months you will at best get a "66% reduction in leasions". O and you can't ever get off of them or you will be back to square one in less than a week. (unless you outgrow your acne). Accutane can be used for 5 months and you should be completely clear in 5 months of treatment followed by a two year remission. If you have BAD acne and you are sick of looking in the mirror every morning and feeling depressed/overwhelmed/disgusted/filthy/like hinding(I felt these things), Accutane can help you wake up to clear skin in a way no other acne treatment can.
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May 30, 2008

Pros:

95% of acne is gone.
Oil went away.
Confidence in public.

Cons:

Like all good things in life, gets worse before it gets better.
Very dry lips, eyes, inside nose and skin.

I have been suffering from acne since I can remember, all the medications I tried in the past worked but it werent a cure, the acne always came back. This is the first time I feel and see a significant change. In my opinion its all worth it to finally have clear skin.
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May 29, 2008

Pros:

Wonderfully clear skin and pores. Return of self-esteem.

Cons:

Dry lips and nostrils until end of treatment, aches and pains and short of breath for the first few weeks, easily sunburnt.
DON'T drink to excess when taking this because of your liver.

In my early 30's I developed deeply scarring acne around my mouth which I'd never had before, due to hormonal changes and taking the pill. I couldn't get rid of it no matter what I tried, and was getting loads of scars. I went to see my dermatologist and she immediately prescribed Isotane, which I VERY highly recommend. DON'T FEAR TAKING THIS TREATMENT. It took me lots of research & trying Yasmin & natural alternatives such as Vit C, Zinc and Agnus Castus , plus cutting out dairy, (all of which help the healing process) before I made the decision to take this, despite a history of depression, which did not affect me during taking this drug. I was scared about the side effects, but in fact they were easily dealt with. By far the best lip balm (you'll need a truckload of it) is CARMEX with the yellow lid. Better than the most pricey ones. Look around on the internet for NEUTRAL FACT about this drug (Wiki is good) and research the other alternatives to get perspective, & t
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May 28, 2008

Pros:

Clear Skin, no oil, smaller pores, less make-up

Cons:

Dry Dry Dry Everything....body, lips, nose, eyes. Very sensitive to sunlight. Crying spells.

I have had cystic acne my entire adulthood (Im 32 now) and have used every antibotic possible. Finally my doctor put me on accutane. The first two weeks I had horrible breakouts. About the third week things started getting better. I am on my second month and although the side effects are a bit aggrevating, it is so worth it to me. My face is about 90% cleared of the cysts and my pores are so much smaller. I have known several people that have used accutane and have had great results. I use lip balm all day and use Aveeno Moisturizing Lotion daily, which is great. For females, know that the vaginal dryness while on the medicine is horrible, but can be dealt with through lubricants. This is something that the doctor says is very normal and will go back to normal once I am no longer on the medicine. I have a few more months to deal with the side effects but if the medicine works long term i will have no regrets.
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May 28, 2008

Pros:

It clear up acnes within 3 months.

Cons:

Hair loss (Almost alway Diffuse Alopecia Areata or Telogen Effluvium), Scarring, Persistant Red Marks that stay for up to a year or more adnormal bumps.

Only take Accutane if you're suffering from persistant moderate acne to severe cystic nodular acne. The side effects were just not worth it if you're suffering from mild acne only.
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May 28, 2008

Pros:

Almost clear skin
Almost

Cons:

The occasional zit is a DISASTER, chapped lips, redness, blood tests

You have to get a blood test every single month, as well as a doctor's visit. It's hella expensive. You won't have as many but the zits you get will be worse than anything you have ever seen. But it works beautifully, and there will be days you're just so glad you took it.
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May 27, 2008

Pros:

Clears skin lickity split, Eliminates oily skin, Super cheap with insurance (I paid 3.00, I paid 30.00 for stupid doxycycline and other antibiotics)

Cons:

Bloodwork, IPledge if you are a girl, My lips are kinda dry, but nothing that some chapstick can't EASILY cure, This medicine is the TRUTH

If you have insurance and are considering trying Accutane but are afraid of all the online horror stories and/or side effects, QUIT BEIN A B*TCH and MAN UP. This medicine is frickin great. I am by NO MEANS a lucky guy, and I have had ZERO side effects from taking this stuff aside from barely dry lips and ONE nose bleed. Do you have chapstick and kleenex, THEN YOU'RE GOOD, YA DIG? SERIOUSLY THOUGH, Think about the people who visit acne forums like this -- people with ACNE. Of course you're going to see a vast majority of the reviews being people who tried Accutane (maybe didn't do it right, skipped doses, etc.) and still have acne. But then, think about all the people who have taken accutane -- MILLIONS. You don't hear their success stories because they don't post them. Which is why I vowed that no matter my results, good or bad, I'd post and let people know the truth about Accutane. And let me admit, from my experience, this stuff really works. So stop maki
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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