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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Used Isotretinoin (Accutane®)? Rate It:

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February 18, 2011

Pros:

Clears skin completely
Gives confidence

Cons:

Can come back - just done a second course
side effects - dry lips, lethargy and some mood swings but nothing serious for me
Very expensive if not on insurance/NHS provided

I recommend this product completely for someone who has seen little progress with over tha counter and antibiotic routes. It is a tough course and not to be undertaken lightly. Also, it can clear your skin completely but as in my case my spots returned and I have taken a second course...currently I am clear and just hoping to stay that way. For me it is worth it. However, if my spots come back again I may try a different route (?) as to me it would signal that accutane isn't truly working.
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February 3, 2011

Pros:

Cleared acne up.
Made hair less oily.

Cons:

Dry skin (face and arms).
Dry/cracked lips.
Rash on back of hands.
Mood swings.

I had been on OTC medicines for a few years before my girlfriend finally convinced me to go to a doctor about it. I got started on tetracycline for around three months, but it wasn't doing much. I went back in, and my doctor asked me if I wanted to try isotretinoin. One of my good friends had gone on it and he now has perfect skin, so I decided to try it. When I first started it, my acne got much, much worse. After about a month, it started to get better little by little, until month three when I realized that I had no acne whatsoever. When I went in to see my doctor for the month four checkup, he decided to have me stop. I was on 30mg twice a day for four months, which worked out to be just about the minimum mg/kg/day. My biggest complaint about it is the chapped lips. I play trumpet in college, and I'm also in the pep band for the basketball team and a ska band on the side. Playing a brass instrument with chapped lips for a long period of time is one of the hardest things ever, but I just put some aquaphor on them after I was done and that helped very large amounts. Tomorrow will mark week one of me being off it. My face has gotten significantly less dry, and the rash on my hands has almost gone away, but unfortunately my lips are still really cracked and dry. Also, if you can, try not to take it in the winter. I started in October, and the drying effects of accutane were amplified by a lot because of the dry air in the winter. Bottom line is that I would recommend accutane, as it did wonders for my skin.
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January 25, 2011

Pros:

Clear Skin
Smooth Skin
Scars went away
Regained Confidence
Not having to worry about what my face will look like in the morning--VERY NICE!
My Insurance Covered it ALL! :D

Cons:

Dry, Cracked and Bleedy Lips
Dry Skin
Lethargic/Tired
Acne came back on my forehead and neck-back is still completely clear

Best decision I ever made. About to go on the second course with a higher dosage. If you want to feel confident or have that "what if" about your face, then give it a shot! :D
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January 20, 2011

Pros:

Less Oily skin, Helps get rid of acne

Cons:

Eyes Sensitivity increased, Have to moisturize hands and face alot.

Its been a little over a month and im just starting to see improvements in my skin. Another more or two and my skin will be looking great.
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January 15, 2011

Pros:

Acne GONE
Highly minimized redness

Cons:

some light sensitivity
dry hair and some hair loss
some dehydration
peeling lips

My acne started at 22, during a severly stressful period of my life. It was the cystic stuff that is deep, red and painful. For 15 months I tried various Rx and OTC topical agents, as well as monthly visitations to an esthetologist. Not only did none of these work, but the acne got worse and began spreading to my jawline and upper neck. After avoiding Accutane like the plague, I finally conceded to it out of desperation. Three months prior to use I also started Ortho-TriCyclin (sorry, men) which significantly reduced breakouts. For the Roaccutane, the Dr. prescribed me 10mg/day- a very low, safe dosage. Thanks to the OTC already clearing me up a lot, I didn't have any of the flaking associated with starting Accutane. I have been on it for 9 months, and today I take my last pill. The most inconvenient side affects are that I can barely drink alcohol or coffee b/c the added dehydration is very uncomfortable and ramps up headaches and the peeling/cracking of the lips. Also, about 5 months into it my hair became pretty dry to the point of some loss and to where I only wash it 2-3 times per week. But that should heal itself soon. For now, I have NO acne and it feels so good to be able to touch my own face and feel how smooth it is. Next step is to improve the scarring. Here are some tips that through my own experience I know for a fact help control acne: - Sugar is the DEVIL! Keep away from it. - Drink alcohol and caffeine sparingly. - Stay HYDRATED. Lack thereof always irritated my skin. Eats lots of fruits and vegetables, drink lots of water, use a good facial moisturizer. Coconut water is amazing for this. - Excersize. If you have any questions, e-mail me at bree_k28@[link removed].
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January 9, 2011

Pros:

-My skin is finally beginning to clear
-Only thing i have found at all effective

Cons:

-Really dry skin
-Lips constantly peel and bleed

Works very slow but will work Extremely dry skin and lips
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January 3, 2011

Pros:

Perfect Skin when it's over
Really Works!

Cons:

Chapped Lips
Red Face
Embarrassing Initial Breakout

Only answer to severe acne sufferers, nothing else works. Sadly my acne did come somewhat within 2 years. I fixed this with high doses of Vitamin A: 100,000 IU's daily for 5 months. Perfect now!
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December 20, 2010

Pros:

- It actually works!!
- No more Oil
- Gives your confidence Back
- does not leave scars....
- fades brown marks.

Cons:

- Chapped lips
- Price

i had acne for 5 years i am 18 now... i completed my 6 month course last august.. And I haven't got a single zit since then... If nothing is working for you then go for it....
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December 19, 2010

Pros:

Clears skin!
Skin feels clean and not oily!
Truly makes you more confident about your skin!
Gets rid of redness!
Soft skin everywhere!

Cons:

Dry lips
Oilyness comes back
Some pimples after months of being off
Cant wax eyebrows

Nothing that I applied worked for me. Like cleansers and creams.I tried just about everything. My doctor recommended isotrentinoin. I had pimples and redness in my T zone and acne on my back and chest. It was pretty scary at first, knowing all the horrible side effects, but I really didn't have any. The only one I had was really dry lips. Which isn't bad at all. It cleared up my skin so well. I couldnt believe how happy I was to have no pimples or oilyness. I didn't feel depressed at all. I was amazingly happy! The one thing that was horrible though was when I got my eyebrows waxed and it ripped my skin off. It healed thankfully. Don't get anything waxed while on this! I've been off it for about 3 months now and I hate that the oilyness is back. Also, ive been getting little pimples above my upper lip just like I used to but not as badly. My acne on my chest and back are completely gone and I only get one pimple here and there but nothing serious at all. Hopefully my face doesnt go back to how it was. Which I am terrified of happening. I think it's up to you if you want to go on this. It was heaven to me but I know everyone is different and gets different side effects. So if you are feeling this will work go for it!
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December 6, 2010

Pros:

-Best way to get rid of acne. Period.
-About 60% of acne gone in a month.
-95% cleared at end of treatment
-Better confidence

Cons:

-DRYNESS! You will be DRY
-Acne came back a year later :(
-Having to carry chapstick around all the time

I love accutane. I would do another treatment of it if my mom would let me. It killed all my pimples and gave me so much confidence with everything. But you need to be careful: it drys you the eff out. My lips were constantly dry, sometimes even bloody. I needed to get nasal spray for my nose because it dried my nose out hella bad. But if you had acne as bad as mine, you would go through hell to get rid of it so it was a small price to pay. I highly recommend it, but if you dont have insurance its really expensive, but that wasnt a problem for me. I took 30mg 2 times a day and it worked wonders. Get it.
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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