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

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February 19, 2008

Pros:

Cheap

Cons:

It has a lot of side effects

Accutane sucks! It's a false hope for people suffering from acne. While using it started to notice small improvements in a months time, then all of a sudden my skin was back and this time worse. I stopped and started using Clear Pores, which worked miracles for me in a short period of three weeks. Thanks Clear Pores.
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February 18, 2008

Pros:

it works. this stuff just...works.

Cons:

the iPLEDGE rules are ridiculous, and my stupid dermatologist doesn't make it any easier.

i've wanted accutane since i was 14---my breakouts were mild at first, but then the derm started prescribing antibiotics and two different topicals and outlining regimens...you know the drill. does it ever seem like that actually works? no, it doesn't! i watched my face worsen over the months as scars developed and the----actually, you know this already! STOP WASTING TIME WITH TOPICALS AND ANTI-BIOTICS AND GET ON ACCUTANE! this stuff works---there's no depression, there's no hair loss, normal sun exposure doesn't become more damaging---all you get is clear, soft, super smooth, even-toned skin that stays matte all day and doesn't oil-up after an hour. you'll save time and headaches by only having to wash your face once per day (not feeling greasy at the end of the day was my favorite part!)...being able to take pictures from any angle and not worry about shine or spots...it's wonderful! MAKE YOUR DERM GIVE YOU THIS STUFF! HE/SHE will try and talk you out of it so you keep coming back!
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February 17, 2008

Pros:

It cleared my skin 50 percent in a month. I only have to be on it for 3 more months.

Cons:

Drys the!@$% out your lips,face and body. I dont like needles for bloodwork.

Its worth and brought self esteem back to me. I not afraid to talk to girls anymore. I can live with the side affects. Only reccomended for serious cystic acne tho.
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February 16, 2008

Pros:

Clear smooth skin
matte complexion

Cons:

chapped lips, dry skin, no alcohol, iPLEDGE systems a pain, bloodwork every month, Doctor vists..but SO worth it.

I've only been on it for 1 month on 20 mgs and It cleared my skin up. I used retin A micro a month before I started my accutane treatment and it made my moderate acne severe. I didn't have a patch of clear skin, it was horrible. Then a month on accutane it cleared me right up and totally changed my skin from very oily to normal and matte. I'm only on 20 mgs once a day but every month I move up on the mgs. My face is totally smooth, so if this is what I get after just one month I can't even fathom what my skin will be like AFTER the treatment which is 6 months long. I HIGHLY recommend it, don't let those " suicide stories" scare you. If you take it, cetaphil cleanser and aquaphor are you best friends. If you've tried everything and didn't get results go to your derm and ask about accutane. Im only 18 but I still wish I took this sooner. This prevents scarring, but I've you've already got acne scars this medicine helps it too. Good luck with your treatment!
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February 14, 2008

Pros:

Definitely started to work fast and stayed consistent with nothing to worry about

Cons:

Took getting used to in my head and with my body. I felt more aggressive and easily agitated. But never got violent which is good.
Chapped Lips consistently through treatment and dry skin, flaky, at first. Dont pick!

It definitely worked, and kept my skin clean for about 5 months after 2 months of treatment. had to stop because of how easy it was to damage my skin and bones. While snowboarding, small falls in terrain parks became painful for days. Even slipping on gravel would cut hands deep. And never needed stitches once in my life until i was on this med. and then needed it 3 times in 2 months. So if you can live your life indoors tho, and not do too much activity this medicine may be right for you. But I wasn't the biggest fan for that reason. and now 11months after i started i am trying something new but wont try accutane again.
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February 12, 2008

Pros:

Completely cleared my cystic acne within just a few months.

Cons:

Dry skin, chapped lips, face bled very easily, couldn't be in the sun, backaches. Very expensive with no insurance.

Even with the expense and all the other cons, it was well worth my time and money. I would reccommend it to anyone that has large cystic acne. I've been off of accutane for 3 years now - no acne.
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February 11, 2008

Pros:

I had bad acne over my back, neck and face. This med dried out my skin almost from the first tablet and got rid of the acne at the same time.

Cons:

Chapped lips ( used a lip balm which helped). I woke up one night to blow my nose and had blood all over the tissue. That only happened once thankfully!

Worth trying to see if it would help you as much as it helped me. Be wary of possible side-effects. I had to see a skin specialist to get this medication which was subsidised by the Australian Goverment
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February 10, 2008

Pros:

bloody awesome!!

Cons:

bit of dry skin

this stuff is seriously good! i have been on it for bout 6 weeks now and I have started to see some improvement already! Doctors say you cant go to the gym, but i still do 4 sessions a week, plus take creatine and have had no side affects, apart from seeing some good gains in the gym! dont think about it just do it! it is worth the initial breakout and all that!
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February 10, 2008

Pros:

When I was taking it, it was like a dream come true. Acne went away, no spots, no oil, nothing. People say it causes depression, but I'd never been happier in my life, with my appearance.

Cons:

Chapped lips all the time, tight feeling in skin. And another major thing: I took it for about 5 months and it was great. But come month 9 or so my acne started again. My oil was out of control. Took another course. Same thing happened =(

When you're using it, it's amazing. But I dunno so much about AFTER you're done with it. And I've talked amongst friends, I'm not the only one it started up again. I'm gonna look into some other treatments.
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February 10, 2008

Cons:

i took a full round of accutane and it did nothing for my acne. it should be noted that if you have acne that is NOT cystic, this may not be effective. it doesnt improve the texture of your skin unless you have larger, cystic nodules.

if you have cystic acne- go for it. if you have any other kind of acne (smaller bumps all over), dont get too excited.
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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