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

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May 4, 2008

Pros:

i took it for 11 weeks , skin is cleared , no acne in abt last 4 weeks!!! finally my 4 year ordeal ends! :D

Cons:

dry dry dry , dryness of worst form, itchy , red , some sort of eczema appeared on my left hand ( now it has vanished!) , excessive peeling of skin , dryness over eyelids.

i counted the number of nodules/cysts/pimples before the treatment it was beyond my calculation cud take me abt 50 or so :( now its 0 , seriously i loved it , i wish i got this wonder drug before, ppl actually say " wow ur acne has cleared up!" :) though i still hav scars but i don complain , m happy , thanks sotret! here it costs abt Rs. 120/10 tablets (sotret) and 90-100 for cipla , its very much affordable keeping in mind wht all one has to bear by not opting it. (1 USD= 40 Rs.) i had taken it with other medications .
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May 2, 2008

Pros:

Fresh, bright, smooth - wonderful skin! Makes me feel like a "real person" one who isn't afraid to face people and talk.

Cons:

Dry lips, itchy skin, long course of medicine, multiple sets sometimes necessary. I get headaches, but they are manageable.

I'm middle aged, with very embarrassing cystic acne. This product helps me see how "grown ups" must feel - getting up every day without zits! Although this is my second session of Accutane in 5 years - I love the results. My son took it and hasn't had a recurrence in those 5 years. The hardest part for me? Not stopping every person with acne to convince them to use it!
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May 1, 2008

Pros:

Completely cleared my skin with in two weeks.

Cons:

Severe headaches, mood swings, slight depression.

This was my miracle drug! After having mild/moderate acne for almost 5 years, this was the only medicine that i completely satisfied with. I was the most confident i had ever been in my whole life. After being on it for 2 months, i started to get severe sharp headaches to the point where i couldn't take it anymore. Although it worked so well, i felt like i was killing my body.
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April 28, 2008

Pros:

Cleared up my face in 2 months, smaller pores and less breakouts fair complextion.

Cons:

At the beggining of the treatment the breakouts are bad, sever drying of the lips and face, mainly on the jaw line.

all in all the treatment has been going good no miracles though, it's a slow process so far still have a few months to go, most of the side effects are manageble,(moisterize) i definitely recommend this to anyone that has acne or has tried other medications that have not worked, it will really bring your confidence back and be less stressed out, try it!
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April 27, 2008

Pros:

My acne cleared altogether only after 6 weeks of treatment ,and i also becme fair with it

Cons:

i developed a little crusting of my lips otherwise its a drug can be tolerated easily

After about 5 months of my 6weeks course of RoAccutane i m again developing inflammatory acne, i want to get rid of them forever, can i use it again, what should be the duration,i m going to marry in october and i cant use contraceptives , what should i do , i m upset
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April 27, 2008

Pros:

I have only been on Accutane for a few weeks and have already seen amazing results, without the major/horrible side effects you will read about

Cons:

Dry lips/inability to concentrate the first hour or so after taking/very sun sensitive! Blood tests every month. WAY too much $ if your insurance sucks!

I NEVER had acne until I got off birth control; NOTHING worked for 6 months of over-the-counter crap, antibiotics, topical creams ect..If you want something that works & works fast try this! If you experience the really bad side effects-STOP taking it. It's out of your system in 24hrs.
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April 26, 2008

Pros:

It clears acne really fast and none of this "it gonna get worse before it gets better" garbage.

Cons:

Blood work is an incovenience. Dry skin, lips and scalp. Unable to do outside activities. The sun becomes triple the time dangerous when on this medication.

This stuff works. It works if you follow strict dr's instructions. Stay on the plan and get the blood work done so the Dr knows the dose you need.
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April 26, 2008

Pros:

cleared up my severe cystic acne on face, chest, shoulders and back. I was terrified of this medication and still am but it was the one and only thing that ever cleared up my acne. the results were incredible.

Cons:

dry skin, very dry lips.
Also, I'm still worried about the long-term affects this drug might have, since it's only been on the market a little over 30 years.

Starting at age 12, I developed severe cystic acne on my face, chest & back. I tried nearly every prescription medication but nothing worked. When I was 15, I had my 1st course. It helped but I still needed a 2nd course. That worked wonders. My skin was "normal" (a few zits here and there) for around 3 years. During this time, I was also on Yasmin. However, now 4 years later, my acne is returning. I'm considering a 3rd course.
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April 25, 2008

Pros:

this IS the miracle cure. i've had acne forever and had tried everything. was a bit sceptical at first but 6 months later, i had the most perfect skin imaginable.

Cons:

blood work, joint pains,bloody dry lips, acne came back after a year of being off the treatment.

well, the acne's back. but for a year i was at my happiest- skin wise. i'm on antibiotics and topicals now. have also been diagnosed with mild PCOS, so i'm also starting yasmin. if this does not work, i'm going back to sotret. it's truly life altering.
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April 24, 2008

Pros:

My skin has become smoother and I have diffently seen a massive improvement already! I have been on it for 2 weeks.

Cons:

Dry lips, very sore cracked skin on the side of my lips that bleed! Dryer than normal scalp.
Having to stop trying for a baby.
It took me serveal years to get my Dermatoogist to put me back on it, which caused years of frustration!

This is the second time I have been on Roaccutane so I know its not a miracle cure and that chances are my acne will come back. But for now I am happy with the results.
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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