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
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3
15.3%
2
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1
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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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May 5, 2008

Pros:

"Cures" Acne it really does get rid of everything and removes red marks, Gives you Confidence

Cons:

Dry Lips to the point where the bleed, Dry Anus, Dry Skin( YOU MUST MOISTURISE) Mood Swings, Irratibility, Headaches, Confusion

A risk, but one worth taking The physcological effect of acne are worse than the physical effects of medications. Your Choice
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May 4, 2008

Pros:

Gives your skin a real glow, shrinks pores, clears old scars, no oil or grease - THIS IS A MIRACLE PILL!!!!

Cons:

No Cons for me - Roaccutane is a miracle pill and in the space of 2 weeks my skin is glowing, smooth and not breaking out as much as it used to! I can wear make up and no worry about breaking out or it sliding off! Its the best pill out there!

I have tried everything out there Dianette, Erythromycin, Lymecycline, Differin, BP, and spent money on all the best face washes and all that jazz but nothing has cured or helped my skin like roaccutane!!! Nothing compares to this pill - it really starts its job the first day you take it! I am on a low dose and in the first few days of taking it i was unsure and throught it could be too little dosage but within a few days i was pleasantly surprised as i noticed my skin starting to clear and glow. I have no grease or oil what so ever and for the first time in months I can wear make up without it sliding off and looking a greasy mess - I now have confidence and can look people in the eye were as before i was so embrassed and had zero confidence!!! It has really made me smile and i now look in the mirror and smile and like what i see rather than looking at all the pimples and feeling depressed! I could kiss my derm as she has given back my happiness all in the name of roaccutane!!!
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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