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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March 25, 2008

Pros:

I've only been on this for about a month and my acne did about a 270. Almost there! =)

Cons:

chapped lips and dry skin

use this stuff. it works. most of the time all of the side effects that you read about aren't the side effects that you'll get. most of all it's chapped lips and dry skin.
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March 24, 2008

Pros:

Skin is left soft and smooth, redness has gone down considerably.

Cons:

None so far, I haven't experienced the dry lips, depression, or fatigue. The only con is the monthly blood tests but that is minor.

Before being on Accutane I tried everything from various antibiotics and creams nothing worked! I have been on Accutane for only a week now and my skin is soft and smooth, the bumps have gone away and the redness has gone down. I must admit before getting Accutane I was hesitant to start taking it but honestly I don't really feel much different at all. I would highly recommend to those that have tried everything and have gotten no results.
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March 24, 2008

Pros:

Clear face, blackheads cleared up, skin looks great!

Cons:

Chapped lips, dry skin and eyes

Anyone who is battling acne i recommend this drug to! I didn't have any major side effects just dry skin, lips, and eyes. But as long as you drink tons of water with this medication the side effects aren't bad at all. there is a warning of depression or suicide on this drug.. i didnt experience any depression at all on this drug. I am glad my derm told me about it because it worked great for me! I just finished up my last month and my face looks the best it ever has, anyone who is starting this drug it is worth it!
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March 24, 2008

Pros:

Cured acne problem for good

Cons:

BAD side effects, annoying monthly blood tests and derm visits, took forever for results to kick in, bad muscle pains especially back pains, runny nose constantly, dry skin, chapped lips etc....

I had acne for 2 years, nothing worked, no antibiotics and no creams including proactive helped. I finally took accutane. the side effects kicked in right away, however the results didn't. My acne got so much worse for most of the course. I took it 5 months. After month1 my face was worse than ever. I got the worst nose bleeds from this stuff, they were so bad it looked like a murder scene. I had bad depression but not sure how much of that this drug was responsible because i was depressed b4 i srarted this medication. It wasn't working at first so my derm gave me erthromycn pills to take with it, and the combination of the 2 used to give me bad fatigue spells to the point where i was aboutta faint. It was an up and down battle. But finally at the very end my acne went away, only to leave red marks, which was dissapointing, however over time they went away. I finished this drug almost 2 yrs ago and i've been 100% clear since no breakouts at all, and no1 today can tell i ever ha
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March 24, 2008

Pros:

cleared up my skin more than any other medicine, but broke out after stopped.

Cons:

Blood tests every month. chapped lips, dry skin, headaches.

My two brothers and I both have acne. He has ache on the surface and I have acne deep in my skin and continues on the surface. It worked for my brothers but not entirely for me. It cleared up my skin while I was on it, and now I have been off of it for over a couple years and I have pretty bad acne again. I was on accutane for over a year. I received headaches, chapped lips, and dry skin. I have tried everything, and accutane worked out the best, but I cant be on it for more than a year. Most people go for about 6 months. I am trying other medicines at the moment.
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March 22, 2008

Pros:

Acne had severe negative effects on my young life. At age 19, I went on Accutane and shortly after treatment my acne improved to the point of experiencing breakouts only once every few months. Now, at 29, I have very minor breakouts about 2x/year.

Cons:

I go through bouts of major depression and while I was on Accutane I did notice its influence on my moods. If I hadn't known to be aware of this side effect, the consequences may have been devastating.

Accutane, for me at least, was *the* solution to an extreme acne problem. In the end, the negative side effects--peeling, chapped skin, increased feelings of depression, monthly blood tests and the expense--were absolutely worth it. I hardly ever left my house before Accutane, and now I'm more or less a normal adult. No antibiotic or topical treatment I tried had any effect on my acne. Accutane did.
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March 21, 2008

Pros:

Hopeful that it will clear up my acne.
Reading these reviews.
No side effects yet :)

Cons:

So far only dry skin and chapped lips

I have been on the accutane for about a week and so far haven't seen any changes except for dry skin and chapped lips. Aquaphor really helps with this I highly recommend it! My advice is don't base your choice of taking this medicine on these reviews. I probably looked at them a week before I decided to start taking it and freaked myself out. This medicine will work and I can't wait. I will keep you updated on how well it works for me! :) Good Luck!
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March 21, 2008

Pros:

Within 2 months on it, my skin cleared and was crystal clear for the rest of the time.

Cons:

Started breaking out within 2 months after stopping my first try. Even had acne that req'd cortizone injections. Went back on Accutane.After stopping 2nd try, have mild breakouts again.Wicked expensive.Constant bloody noses and lip chapping on accu

Can possibly really work. I did have crystal clear skin while on accutane. It's been about 4 years and back to mild breakouts and blackheads. It's great when it works but frustrating when it wears off. I hope I haven't permanently damaged my reproductive organs.
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March 21, 2008

Pros:

Got rid of acne, left skin smooth and soft

Cons:

Acne came back after a year

I didn't experience extreme drying of the lips or skin. The product works great, just disappointed acne came back after a year. When i was taking it, people complimented me on how beautiful my skin was. It was great!
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March 20, 2008

Pros:

It works.

Cons:

chapped lips, dry skin.(Aquphor, Nivea Creme)

This stuff is the truth. My doctor told me he's seen more problems with people constantly taking advil for headaches. Be serious, acne sucks, if you're thinking about taking it, just do it.... im about 2 weeks in and its clearing up. (The nivea creme is thick but i helps with scarring and redness. Its gonna feel greasy and dont use it til your face starts getting really dried out.)
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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