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 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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37.1%
4
33.4%
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15.5%
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7.3%
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Used Isotretinoin (Accutane®)? Rate It:

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January 10, 2008

Pros:

Does the business, cleared up all acne - didn't have one single spot for about a year whilst on it and then off for 6 months, had a couple for a year after.

Cons:

It doesn't last! Have had recurrences but to be fair nowhere near as bad as it used to be. Got a nasty case of dermatitis when I came off it.

Amazing drug, gave me the best two years of my life after a few pretty miserable ones. As for side effects,dryness, chapped lips - when you look inthe mirror and see a flawless complexion for the first time will you really care about having to use lip balm? Thought not. *Important* when you come off, as the drug works it's way out of your system, oil returns and this can cause some problems like dermatitis for me anyway. Make sure you don't carry on just using cetaphil and nothing else, you'll need to return to some regimen after the drug to make sure the oil returning doesn't give you a flare up.
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November 29, 2007

Pros:

Effective treatment after taking for 5months i didnt get any acne for around a year.

Cons:

Disturbing side effects like seriously dry skin which no matter how much cream you apply it doesnt really help,also lips crack easily and watch out if you have to eat alot as you tend to bleed at the corners of your mouth.

I would look into oral anti-biotics first and try every known brand as taking this drug isnt the first thing you should try.I would try oxytetracycline and also erythromycin as these do work for a while.If you have mild acne try anti-biotics however severve go for roaccutane
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November 14, 2007

Pros:

Very affordable with insurance -- I have paid $10.00 per month for two daughters and myself (I am on my second course -- it's been 23 years).

Cons:

Dry lips were the worst aspect for me. Derm said "DO NOT LICK YOUR LIPS -- YOUR SALIVA WILL DRY THEM OUT EVEN MORE" but honestly it can be hard to follow that advice when you don't have a tube of lip balm nearby. Spend lavishly on that stuff!

Nothing else could compare to the effect Accutane had on my skin. In the 1980's they only kept you on it for about 4 months. That is probably why I need it again. Regarding the initial breakout, I have this to say -- what is your priority? Do you want to look good (controlled acne) without interruption but always deal with it, or do you want to get rid of it for at least two decades? Further, accutane works by drying up those little oil wells in your face/skin. It stands to reason that in the process of expelling sebaceous matter and shrinking the pore area, there can be some disturbance! Have you ever had a facial done? You get a breakout from that too. If the IB is long in duration, I would imagine that you had a tremendous amount of oily goo that the accutance had to expel and/or dissolve. I contend it's worth the setback of the IB, and let me add, consider the costs -- can you keep ProActive and make-up manufac. rolling in $$$ forever?
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October 29, 2007

Pros:

Clear skin after a few months.

Cons:

Have been on medication 3 times in the past 4-5 years. Keeps coming back!

It was the only thing that worked after trying every single topical medicine and oral antibiotic.
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October 25, 2007

Pros:

Skin became clear in two months

Cons:

The first month was the worst month as the initial breakout really make depressed.

Worth a try but do not go up more than 40mg as you may suffer slightly more severe side effects.
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September 26, 2007

Pros:

Acne cleared finally and minimal pimples since treatment stopped. Nothing and I mean NOTHING else worked. 16 years old looks human again!! Skin is clear, no scars-like my relatives and my self esteem is much improved.

Cons:

Extreme dryness resulting in freq and occas. long lasting nosebleeds, HUGE expense if you don't have insurance coverage (Would have been over 1000 monthly due to the very large doses I had to take) alittle bit of moodiness, dry body skin.

Needed 90-100 mg daily (based on weight and resistance to medication). TOO expensive for private pay! Very few people could afford this amount if it was out of pocket--but my insurance was GREAT. Nose bleeds, dry skin and lips, shorter tolerance for contact lenses. All very worth the 8 months on medication because now only occas. individual pimples on face, no cystic acne and nothing on my back. My self esteem has soared. Must bear in mind the potential for birth defects and take this very seriously!!
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September 25, 2007

Pros:

Significantly reduced oil production on face during the first 2 weeks! Half way through and praying that it rids my mild and persistant acne for good! Have tried everything, spent houndreds of dollars over the past 3 years on creams etc.

Cons:

Side effects are real. I have most of them but they are mild. Dry skin all over body, except face (which is wierd), change in mood (depression) but for me worth it if it clears up my skin!, slight joint pains. Will update when finished taking it!

I am half was through my 6 journey. Skin was looking great until my dermotologist performed ance surgery to remove deeply pitted white heads under my skin, marking was not so bad until i started picking at them myself! Do not pick your face on this medicine! I have been scabbed up for 3 weeks now. I suffer from persistant (over the past 4 years) ance that would probably have cleared up by now if i never picked at it. Picking caused my pores to enlarge and capture excess serebum oil. I feel my pores shrinking while on acutane. I am a very healthy eater (natural foods only) rice, vegtables, oatmeal, lean meats, fruits, veggies etc. So acne cant be from poor nutrition! I also excersise 5-6 times per week. ALSO dont drink alcohal while on this medication. Had a friend whos husband drank while on it and started LOOSING HIS HAIR! not to mention what he did to his liver because this medicine is harsh on your liver. I would reccoment this medicine for people that have tried EVERYTHING!
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August 24, 2007

Pros:

I've been using Oratane... a cheaper version of Accutane and it works well! I don't have an oily face anymore and I've been on it for.. hmmm.. wow 11 months! It works!

Cons:

I get the occasional pimple but they are not so big. Dry lips, dry skin, and thirsty. My dermatologist said it worked so well my Asian skin are building up keloids.. but they look like pimples rather than something out of a horror movie.

I'm happy with it! I feel much better and it is a big confidence boost. Try it... or go see your doctor or a dermatologist a.s.a.p. because I waited for four years and left it too late.
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August 18, 2007

Pros:

Wipes out breakouts the first month! And knocks out all of the oily-ness I have put up with for several years, so it makes your skin a lot more manageable and feels and looks so clean.

Cons:

Skin is desert dry and very tight; Lips are extremely chapped outline of mouth is especially cracked, so that it may bleed if you do not use Vaseline, Aquaphor, or any other medicated lip treatment for it; lower back and chest pain may occur

It is definitely a must try if you are fed up with acne and such oily skin. It will boost your confidence to the max, so do not be afraid to ask for this medication if you are a good candidate for it, or if your dermatologist recommends it.
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August 15, 2007

Pros:

it works

Cons:

none

Do not be afraid to use this product. I wish I had used it years ago. Had no side affects. 114 lbs female 80 mg per day. 100% clear month 4. Do not be afraid. As everyone else, had tried everything. Very fair strawberry blonde.
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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