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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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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December 8, 2007

Pros:

This product cleared up my skin for the duration of the treatment and approximately a year afterwards.

Cons:

My skin was constantly dry. I suffered from depression. My acne returned.

For the amount of work required: two types of birth control for women, depression screening, blood tests, vitamin supplements, constant moisturizing, this product is demanding to say the least. If you suffer from severe scaring acne, as I do, the product will only subdue your acne. However, to this date, it is the best result producing product I have taken.
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December 8, 2007

Pros:

My skin is completely clear. I have not had a pimple for over a month now although I do still have the acne scars.

Cons:

My lips and eyes were very dry, but it was not that bad. Definitely worth it to have clear skin.

I just got off of sotret today and my skin is finally clear after 10 years of trying every other acne medication in existence. I still have scars where I had acne before (face, chest, and back) but hopefully those will go away after time. I am hoping that it will not come back. It is the only thing that has worked for me and I LOVE having clear skin finally after so long.
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December 7, 2007

Pros:

gets rid of oil and blackheads. Has completely gotten rid of my cysts on my back.

Cons:

Really chapped lips, I've only had one nosebleed so far, dry eyes, sore back, tired

I've been taking sotret (another form of accutane) for almost 2 months. The first month was at 40mg daily and working toward the second month I take 40mg and 80mg on alternating days. My face got oilier before it got drier. I am on day 58 and I have mild dryness on my forehead and around my mouth and chin. It is a little more like a rash on my arms and hands, but I HIGHLY recommend it so far!
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December 5, 2007
I HAVE USED SOTRET FOR 2 MONTHS AND WITH LITTLE RESULTS HOPING THE THIRD MONTH WILL HELP BETTER CYSTIC ACNE STILL NOTICEABLE NOT AS BIG STILL REALLY DEPRESSED I WAS WANTING INSTANT GRADAFACATION I HAVE NEVER HAD GREAT SKIN BUT WAS HOPING FOR MIRACLE DRUG BUT WOULD STILL RECOMMEND DRY LIPS VERY BAD BUT WANTING HOPING THIS IS WORTH IT TAMMY
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December 4, 2007

Pros:

good price. does just that- it clears acne. and it really does.

Cons:

HUGE breakout for the first month before taking effect. hated the system. hated the blood tests which were expensive as hell. for 6 months i had lived a life of absolute torture. couldn't laugh or eat much cuz skin would peel, no sun exposure..

it WORKS, it does. but screw the statistics almost everyone has breakouts after its done. it wont stay the same way after you're done with it. acne WILL return, just not as severe as it was before. BOTTOM LINE. these small side effects seem so small at first, but they will make your social life a living hell. OH they're so small.. but think about it. 6 months of lost social life compared with having acne temporarily.
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December 4, 2007

Pros:

very,very good!it's the first&fastest treatment that works!after only 6weeks my skin is clearing!i no longer wake up and literly wipe the oil off my face!all my blackheads and large pores have gone!my skin feels and looks better!so pleased!hope!

Cons:

ummm...cracked lips but not bad at all,dryer skin but not bad just not oily :D my skin is a bit redish,i felt tired at first but nothing bad.all in all i can't fault it!

i'm 14 and have had them since i was 10,i've tried every lotion the doctors and shops could give and have been on various tablets for 2 years.honestly i can say none of them have worked as fast or effectively as these!they actually give me hope that they will go!i get craked lips all the time anyway,my skins not falling off just smooth n not dripping in oil and my hair can go days without getting oily(wash it anyway lol)no bad dandruff and i love smothering my face with cooling soothing moisturisers!yes my skin is a bit rosey but thts better than bumpy and horrible!i'm definetly not depressed tho i had been many times before taking them due to nasty comments,looking in the mirror and crying,not feeling able to leave the house without make-up and having a sad false hope of 'with this cream/anti-biotic will make be feel beautiful'.after 3-4 weeks of taking them i began to feel a bit tired for a week or two but i think that was for another reason.i love touching my new,soft,healing skin!x
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December 3, 2007

Pros:

Crystal clear skin .. and for me it happened in about 3 weeks. I suffered no IB and after being plagued with severely oily skin my entire life my skin is now "normal". My co-pay on this drug was $10 per month. (I took Amnesteem).

Cons:

For me, none. Sure the chapped lips are a pain, but sooo worth it. It was also important for me to stay very hydrated.

I took Accutane at age 38. For me, it has been an absolute miracle. I have battled acne since age 11 and in my 30s it has been the most stubborn. My only regret is that I did not try it earlier. Accutane was life-changing for me.
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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