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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May 10, 2008

Pros:

It really works!

Cons:

Dry face, lips, and eyes

I"m going on my second month and it's already cleared my face.I have such soft clear skin finally!I'm not depressed at all I'm actually happier because it's working!Use aquaphor for your lips.Cetaphil face wash and face lotion it really moisturizes because I've tried like 5 lotions and none of them work lol so the cetaphil lotion is great!Your scalp my get dry so you should use head and shoulders dor dry scalp that's making a big difference.You pretty much just dry up but it's worth it because your skin will be clear!
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May 9, 2008

Pros:

Cleared my skin completely after 3 months. I first saw results within the first two weeks- my acne started to clear and the oil on my face disappeared. Once I stopped breaking out- the spots on my face cleared.

Cons:

Having to keep up with the blood work.

Took for 6.5 months. 1 month since last dose. I wished I had researched and gotten a prescription years earlier! Take the medicine seriously, but don't be afraid of all the warnings. I NEVER experienced any emotional issues while on accutane and I have a history with depression unrelated to acne. People complain about the dry lips/skin/nose/hair/etc. but the truth of the matter is that its all manageable- and its apart of the accutane doing what its supposed to do. Go buy some lotion, conditioner and lip balm (which you should use regardless of accutane) and make sure that you always use it and you'll have no problem. Also give it a couple months for dramatic results. You owe it to yourself to at least try!
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May 9, 2008

Pros:

clear skin

Cons:

chapped lips, dry peely skin, blood tests.

welll . . the first 3 weeks i was on it i was on the 20mg dose and ALL my acne went away. then the next week all of it came back ? so i got put on the 60mg dose amd ive been using it for 3 more weeks and there have been no improvement at alll . i hope its just pushing it all out before it gets better ? but im not sure why it got really good before then got worse again.
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May 8, 2008

Pros:

Takes about 2 months 2 c results kickin in.

Cons:

Chapped lips. Dry skin. Soreness in knees and middle of back. U can scar easier and takes a while 2 heal.

Best acne killer available. Been on it 4 4 mos. Ok. I'm a guy and b4 I started my acne was horrible 2 the point where I couldn't look at myself in the mirror and had 2 put on concealer. Which isn't ez 2 say comin from a guy. But it didn't do much because they were huge, red, painful, and were impossible 2 cover up and I could tell ppl can notice and that's the worst feeling. When u try talkin 2 ppl and instead of lookin at u they're starin at ur zits. Its very depressing cuz I didn't feel normal. I felt like I was Quasimoto or sumthin. Well I'm happy 2 say that I no longer feel like that. Its such a great feeling goin out in public and not feelin insecure about urself. And I still got 2 more mos left of medication 2 take. And best of all. No more concealer! Here's my regimen: I take 1 pill once in the morning. I wash my skin with gentle cetaphil cleanser 4 all skin types. I then moisturize with spf 15. Cetaphil. I bathe with dove body wash 4 gentle skin. I use regular aveeno m
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May 7, 2008

Pros:

My face wasnt getting oily the first day i started using it!! And it wasnt even really that dry either!

Cons:

My face/lips arent really dry. Im getting back pain but I havent been moody. I feel the same and I feel great (excpet for my back, but its not too bad)

Its awesome so far! I dont think Im getting much results yet because I just started but I think its been helping prevent breakouts because I havent had a breakout since. :) Just be careful while taking it! If you feel suicidal or depressed, PLEASE remember its just the medicine. If its getting out of hand, please please please stop taking it immediately!
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May 7, 2008

Pros:

Made it slightly better but nothing amazing

Cons:

Dry lips, Itching scalp, Dry skin, Redness/soreness of the face.

Im 20 years old and have been on isotretinoin for 4 weeks on a dose of 80mg a day. So far I've had all the Cons everyone are saying but not much of the Pros. I'd be lieing if i said it hadnt got better at all, but the it has hardly made a dent in getting rid of the acne. Its early days I guess and still have another 3 months on it. I jsut got back from holiday and the sun helped a lot but since i've been home they seem to get worse again. I would reccommend it just because of other peoples reviews not my own, as everybodies different it may work better with them!
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May 6, 2008

Pros:

FLAWLESS skin for the first year!!

Cons:

Veryyy dry skin lips and hands (my hands still get extremely dry in the winter)

I know many people than have one used it once and it has given them PERFECT skin (I' couldn't even believe they have acne before!) It was did wonders on my skin since the first week of use and it didn't get any worse at first. However, about a year and a half later I got the acne bad maybe not as bad since it greatly controls cystic ance but I'm still very unsatified for the moment. I will soon go ton it again for 2 months. I DEFINETLY reccomend it thought!!!! It's the only thing that "cures" (to whatever extent depending on the inividual). SOOOOO worth it!
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May 6, 2008

Pros:

Definitely cleared my skin. it works great! im completely clear and staying clear with little effort. its certainly the final solution to acne if you just want to be done with it.

Cons:

dryness,(not that bad though), stomach ache, sunburn, (not to mention some other pretty extreme side effects on the warning label) and for people who have eczema or rashes- it make them worse

A good solution for ance, no more daily face regiment, just clear skin! worth it all the way.
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May 5, 2008

Pros:

no more oil on my face, my skin is clearing up,more confidence

Cons:

Extremly dry lips, dry skin, nose bleeds, slight back pain and redness in my face!! blood tests

Its a great product, but extremly slow, its a long treatment which sux!! but i dont have a problem going for the blood test im on the 40mg per day dose and the first 2 weeks were horrible i got worse acne then i started out with and nose bleeds i had around 8 of them!!! around the 4th week i started clearing up dramastically im now on the 6th week and im almost completely clear!! No nose bleeds, skin is not as dry!! good stuff!!!!! take milk thisel with it so it protects your liver!!! Go to Gnc or sumthing!!!!
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May 5, 2008

Pros:

Cleared out my skin completely, and I'm still acne free 6 months after stopping it (although I'm on Diane 35 now). Accutane was covered by my university health plan so I paid only about $20/mth

Cons:

Severely dry lips, diminished appetite. It took a while to start working, I was on it for 6 months. I lost appetite which wasn't great because you need to eat fatty meals for accutane to work best

Recommended, but make sure you are under supervision of a dermatologist and have blood tests done at least once per month. Now, my only problem is getting rid of old acne scars.
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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