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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March 20, 2008

Pros:

totally clear, soft, smooth skin

Cons:

VERY dry lips, occasional bloody nose and headache, ipledge program is a total pain

female, 19 about 6 months ago i was looking at reviews wondering if i should go on accutane...nothing else had worked for my acne, and after 6 years battling it my derm finally put me on accutane. i was hesitant...the side effects sounded scary. but honestly, this is THE BEST treatment EVER. the first couple of weeks were rough, but after that my skin only got better and better. the side effects should be that bad...just make sre to have a really good moisturizer and have lip balm on hand at all times. accutane has totally changed my life...i am so so happy i went on it!!
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March 14, 2008

Pros:

It made my skin completely clear and once I got off it, the scars and redness went away.The product actually changes how your skin works. Flawless skin.

Cons:

I had extremely chapped lips, nose bleeds, and I went back to horrible skin about eight months later.

Great product, but I wish it lasted.
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March 13, 2008

Pros:

My face was bad, as with scars and mostly acne. and this thing works and its gone.

Cons:

head aches and hard to PT with.

if nothing alse works for you i say try this product. since i know the price is out ragious but i am in military so they paid for everything! love the military medical services!.
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March 11, 2008

Pros:

I had really terribly cystic acne everywhere on my face. Accutane totally cleared up my acne - perfect skin afterwards - no major side effects to speak off.

Cons:

Slightly dry lips - nothing to complain about. Abotu 6 months after I stopped using Accutane, my acne came right back just as bad as before.

Good to try as a last resort - maybe the effects wil llast for you!
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March 9, 2008

Pros:

Cleared up all but a few spots from my moderate acne, the side effects were minimal, i only experienced dryness, flushed cheeks with are now gone 3 months post tane and occasional rashes the back of my hands which went away after applying moisturiser

Cons:

Left my skin with a horrible texture which i can get rid of with a chemical peel though

6 month course definitly reccomended after all other products i used failed on me and believe me i went through them all
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March 7, 2008

Pros:

no more acne or spots
lots of scars though.

Cons:

LOTS OF SIDE EFFECTS.
i mean it when i say lots.
severe back and joint pain, extremely dry skin, extremely dry lips, headaches.. it goes on.

It's worked for me. I would recommend this to anyone who has tried literally EVERYTHING. I have so many creams and soaps that I've tried that are sitting in a drawer; it is almost overfilling. The back pain is what is most annoying, it's hard to stretch and workout. If you can handle the side effects and want the payoff badly enough.. I say go for it. I'm glad I did.
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March 6, 2008

Pros:

No initial breakout so far (1 month in), smoothe skin, I think it's working

Cons:

If you wear contact lenses and are prone to dry eyes, this is going to be a nightmare as it is for me right now. I got extremely inflamed eyes, had to go to eye doctor. Red irritated eyes is more worse than having dry skin and lips.

It's only been a month so far and I haven't had a bad breakout, I just have tons of redmarks everywhere still. The worst thing so far is that my insurance doesn't cover it and it's $150 a month. My eyes are so irritated, I'm scared there might be some permanent damage to it as I am prone to dry eyes. Since it's only been a month my derm or my eye doctor has not seen such bad reaction to eyes from accutane. ugh. It's worth it if you're willing to sacrifice other important things like your vision.
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March 4, 2008

Pros:

Works.

Cons:

Dry skin, and it gets way worse before it gets better.

Ok i have no joke tryed every thing they sell for acne. I went on accutane last year as a last resort. it was horrible at first but after a few months i had the best skin i had ever had in my life. i swear by this drug it is a miracale.
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March 4, 2008

Pros:

its only been two weeks, im not breaking out on my chest and back as much, but my face has gotten a little worse. so far no serious side effects.

Cons:

extremely dry lips, and im breaking out a little more. and since i dont have full prescription coverage it costs me $430. And i really enjoy going out and drinking, and it kinda sucks that i cant do that either :(

i hope it works, ill repost and let you know how it gos. as is i have spent a small fortune on my skin to begin with. so if it works its worth it.
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March 3, 2008

Pros:

less oil, no blackheads

Cons:

really bad IB, dry skin, weird rashes, moods

Im 15 and its been just over 3 months and i still can't see proper improvement. Am i just kidding myself that its still going to work or is there still hope? My IB was horrible, most spots have gone but they have all left marks that look as bad as the actual spots. Please can someone reply to this and tell me if it could still get better. Im only young and i dont want to be stuck wearing makeup every day for the rest of my life.
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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