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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3
15.3%
2
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1
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March 3, 2008

Pros:

clear skin...i hope

Cons:

dry lips---not fun esp when prone to cold sores
dry hair and skin patches----
headaches and earaches back pain ---nosebleeds are the worst for me so far

it sucks...its not gonna be fun...but its going to work ....and im going to have clear skin...so grow up deal with the side effects and look to the future
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March 3, 2008

Pros:

the stuff works wonders...it's true. Don't waste your time with other methods of treatment. after the treatment your skin gets clear and beautiful

Cons:

only dry lips...but I could live with it for 3-4 months. Unfortunately I had to repeat the treatment after 8 years, but it worked wonders again...my skin is clear

when acne insists, accutane is the only solution. no creams or topicals during the treatment that make skin dry and flacking (that was a relief) and after 3-4 months skin as good as new. no make up, no worries, just clear, balanced skin it is worth the try! just take the necessary blood tests during the treatment
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February 26, 2008

Pros:

So far so good, been on it for just over a month. Overall satisfied. Side effects have been kept to a minimal.

Cons:

Very dry lips, using water based lotion on my nose to prevent flaking. Had excema type rash which seems to be spreading.

So far so good, I've been using Accutane for just over one month. I had been on minocycline novo 50mg for quite some time off and on, I increased the dosage to 100mg but my body seemed to be getting immune to it. Since taking Accutane, my acne did not worsen (like the disclaimer said may happen in the first month) and has been improving since. I am using Complex-15 on my nose (water based moisturizer), Hydrocortisone 17-Valerate on my rash (which seems to control it) and Eucerin Emollient from the pharmacist around my mouth to combat dryness. Going to Hawaii in March so will post again when I return to let you know how I did in the sun.
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February 25, 2008

Pros:

smoother skin
clearer skin
non-oily skin

Cons:

Dry lips but not too bad if you keep up with your chap stick :) I recommend Burts Beeswax everyday and at night before you go to bed!! If i forget it at night i wake up with really bad chapped lips.

I've been taking it for almost 3 months and its clearing up my skin wonderfully! i had really bad acne since i was about 11 so im finally happy to see my skin clearing up. i have some scars left on my face but im sure it'll go away by the end of my 5 month treatment. I cant wait!!!
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February 25, 2008

Pros:

Number of breakouts dramatically reduced, smooth clear skin. After my 4 months on it, prescription creams started to actually work!

Cons:

Dry lips, dry skin and joint pains(in knees which was a killer for soccer)

I had used at least 7 prescription creams up to Accutane and went to 4 different dermatologists. Accutane is amazing, I saw improvements within weeks and cleared up skin(shoulders, chest and face) within a month. I have two friends with really bad severe acne and I recommended it to them and they are both seeing the same improvements. If you have severe acne and have tried many other things, then this is definitely for you, I would highly recommend bringing it up with your dermatologist. It, just works. However, when you take this, there are a number of side effects(they are listed on the iPLEDGE form) but, I was desperate and found it worth the couple side effects to finally see clear acne.
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February 23, 2008

Pros:

Had to use it twice in the space of 3 years. Was on it for 6 months the first time. After the 1st round of treatment my skin was great for about 2 1/2 years. Was very happy with the way my skin looked & felt at the time.

Cons:

Very drying to lips, mouth, & various spots on my body. Very expensive. A hassle to go for the blood work. After 1 month on the 2nd course of treatment I had severe problems.

Use you & your Dr's judgement regarding your experience with it and the pros and cons involved. Personally I can't use it again. The second time I used it, I became extremely agitated, mood swings and had panic attacks. Not totally sure if this was from the Accutane, but since then I was diagnosed with MDD,(Major Depressive Disorder). I believe I was suffering while on Accutane, but hadn't been diagnosed or on any medications for it. Because of the extreme side effects the second time around my Dr. and I decide I should stop.
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February 23, 2008

Pros:

I had a year and a half of clear skin and didn't need make-up.

Cons:

It is only temporary. Only lasted 1.5 years after treatment. Now I am worse than before. You have to continue using Accutane forever. It also make me super depressed and I almost blew my graduate school career.

I risked the side effects because I was told it it was a cure all by my doc. After some research, I am now finding that it only works for a small percentage of people and that most have to stay on it forever, or keep repeating cycles of treatment...forever. I suppose if you never plan to have kids and don't experience the other grave side effects, then go for it. Otherwise, the risks are not worth it for a temporary solution. The 1.5 years of clear skin were fun, but I now look at the photos from that time and cry.
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February 21, 2008

Pros:

Clearing up my acne... seems to be GREAT stuff! My skin feels nice and soft and seems to be smoothing out already!

Cons:

Switched to another generic accidentally and did had a massive outbreak. Found out you can't switch or it stops the process.

Haven't really been on it long enough to be sure... but found out something I wanted to share with everyone. I was on Sotret for 30 days which seemed to have cleared my acne up within 4 weeks, then I went and got my new 30 day supply filled at a different pharmacy... and they gave me Claravis. I am breaking out like CRAZY! HUGE cystic boils that HURT. Bottom Line: If you are taking a generic form of Accutane like Sotret or Claravis... DON'T SWITCH from one to the other. You will be starting over from square 1 each time!
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February 20, 2008

Pros:

its great..

Cons:

dry skin, back pain

i've been on accutane for 2 months now...my lips are very dry but i dont mind...i heard ache worsen at one period during the treatment...i think it can't even be covered by makeup:( i hope it wont happen to me..but even if it will, i've seen other boys and girls results after the treatment and it was amazing!!!100% works
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February 20, 2008

Pros:

Works well, made most of acne go away, cystic acne is still there but getting better all the time. I am very oily and this made my face matte.

Cons:

Nosebleeds, backache, very dry skin especially on my arms and on my face, *seriously* chapped lips

This stuff works, no doubt about it. The dermatologist wouldn't let me try it for a long time, the whole routine with topicals and the like. The iPledge rules are really a pain but still well worth it. I've been on it for about three months and made me forehead clear up in less than a week. The cystic acne on my cheeks is still there but is drying up and getting much better. Still got a little while more to go but I'm really excited about how things will work out. The only thing I REALLY don't like about Accutane is that it completely changed my mood and I become very agitated easily.
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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