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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December 16, 2007

Pros:

Clears any type of skin completely ~ The only drug 100% affective :)

Cons:

Tons of side effects including dry lips (no big deal), dry eyes, dry hair (may cause breakage and thinning...only while on treatment), MOOD CHANGES: IRRETABLITY, DEPRESSION, INCREASE IN AGGRESSION, WITHDRAWL FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILY...the list goes on

Im in my second month of treatment and my skin has completely cleared up. I recommend this drug to anyone who is suffering from acne that is negatively affecting thier life. The side effects absolutely suck...but, I feel that they are worth it due to the results that I see in my skin:) The most unbearable side effect I have experienced is my change in mood. I have become extremely reclusive from friends and family...everything seems to get on my nerves. Because I know what is causing this...I am able to keep it under control. Also, because I am a bartender...I am asked to drink with costumers at work occasionally...this should def be avoided. I have noticed that my mood changes get increasingly worse when I drink. In conclusion, if you can deal with being crazy for a few months while on Accutane, this drug is for you because it really does clear up your skin:) THANK YOU!
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December 15, 2007

Pros:

my face looks 90% better. I am at the end of my second month, and i feel fine! No mood changes, if anything i feel happier because my face looks better!

Cons:

nightmares if you take it close to bed time, very dry lips, have to take joint support vitamins. dr. appointments every month.

so far i am very happy with it!
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December 14, 2007

Pros:

my face is SO clear, i don't have to wear foundation, and still look good!

Cons:

face readness, back chest and joint pain, emotionally unstable, dry lips, dry body, dry eyes, dry hands

OMG i've been on it for a month and a week now and it's amazing, the only thing i don't like about it is the side effects oviously, and not being able to drink. but i do love the fact that it's only 5-6 months and your suppose to be ance free!, i here so of your storys of how accutane hasn't worked and i hope im not one of you, but good luck, and i really hope that my scars go away because there everywhere!
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December 11, 2007

Pros:

It cleared my face temporarily. I took it for 6 months then was off for two years, then took it for six months again and I still have acne.

Cons:

A lot of office visits, blood drawns, follow up appoinments. Seemed like my life revolved around derm appointments.

It is the only thing that has ever worke but it is onlu temporary. It will come back with a vengance. My face looks horrible and I am in my thirties. I have battled this for 15 years and still am. Nothing helps. I have spend thousands of dollars on everything on tv, over the counter, and presciption medications. Nothing works.
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December 11, 2007

Pros:

Reduces acne and oily skin. More convenient than topicals.

Cons:

Raised my cholesterol, increased my acne during the first month, increased scarring from cysts. Acne comes back quickly after discontinuing. Expensive if you pay out of pocket.

I've used it 3 times. The first month is hell. I had severe breakouts. But the reason I regret taking it is because it increased likelihood of scarring from cystic acne. I have a number of scars from cysts and virtually all of them occured while I was taking accutane. It's not a coincidence when you've had acne for 16 years, and >90% of your scars occured during the months you took accutane. When I stopped taking it, the acne and oil skin came back within 2 weeks.
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December 11, 2007

Pros:

No oily skin. Thats it so far.

Cons:

Ance is way worse. I used to have moderately bad acne with a few systic lumps. Now my entire jaw line is convered in lumps - incredibly painful. Dry Lips. Super Dry Skin. Rashes on Back of Hands and on Top of Arms. Generally depressed.

IT SUCKS SO FAR!! However, my sister went on accutane a few years ago and her skin cleared up in 2 weeks! She has had maybe 1 pimple a year for the past few years. Her skin is perfect. I was expecting similar results, and am very dissapointed to say the least. Sometimes I forget to moisturize and my face basically completely peels off. SO EMBARASSING. It's been a lifestyle change for the worse, with no positives as of yet. To make matters worse, I am an athlete and I have been experiencing some mild chest pain and shortness of breath that is unusual. My doctor knows about all of these side effects but she seems unconcerned. I am presently taking 80 mg a day. Hopefully better results lie ahead for me in the future, and I can get rid of this terrible acne that has completely drained my self confidence.
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December 11, 2007

Pros:

acne clearing

Cons:

side effects

ive been on it for 3 months and a week or so. for the first 2 months my skin went through ups and downs. i would start to clear fairly well then break out then clear up again. the next breakout was never as severe. about 2 1/2 months to 3 months into it my skin cleared up and stayed clear, except for a few red marks. my body still has a ways to go but i am happy with my face thus far, considering i still have another 3 months to go. i am prescribed 20 mg 1st month, 40mg 2nd month, 60 mg 3rd month, and 80 mg for 4th, 5th, and 6th month. the reason my initial breakout wasnt that bad was because i was only on 20 mg. that is my experience so far but i do have a question for anyone who has been on it. trust me i know youre not supposed to drink. i havent except for twice and my blood work was fine, but i am turning 21 very soon and was wondering if going out would be alright. i have liver supplements that i bought called milk thistle. would this help? if i drank for my 21st would i be ok?
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December 10, 2007

Pros:

Clears skin. Period.

Cons:

Dry lips. This is a big deal! I also had really severe nose bleeds.

I used it for a while when I was younger. I had stubborn acne and this cleared it up right away. I didn't even have any initial breakouts. I still have acne, but it's never come back as badly and I use much milder medication to control it. The dry lips were very very bad. You won't be kissable while you're on it! :)
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December 10, 2007

Pros:

It worked well during the time I was taking it and about half a year after that.

Cons:

So far I have taken Isotretinoin Accutane / Roacuttan 3 different times. Each prescription was half a year. It looks that my forth prescription is needed.

I was quite disappointed since I hope the result to be quite forever. I have had acne more than ten years now. I have tried everything. Isotretinoin Accutane / Roacuttan works but in my cast the result lasted only for a half a year after medication. I really would not want to take the medicine fourth time since now I already think that it will last only for a while and then I am back again :( But at least it works for a while really well. Dont want to be like this forever
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December 9, 2007

Pros:

The only thing that work...seriously

Cons:

i am scare ,will my acne come back,,,,cos i have as long as 12 yr

ohh thank God its work now my face is clear...still scare will it come back i am still using it.in Pakistan its not affordable,it cost 1 tab. more than one $dollar.only one thing is my lips are dry.it dosnt matter
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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