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 17, 2008

Pros:

Well your breakouts really get under control in literally like two weeks and I never got the initial breakout.

Cons:

It really extremely dries you out from the inside out. EVERYWHERE! I MEAN EVERYWHERE!! Also plays with your hormones which is exactly the problem with my acne.

The purpose of me posting my experience was because the hormones in the pill clogged up my breast ducks that produce milk and got severely infected. My breast felt literally about 30 pounds each. I had to go the ER two days in a row because the situation just got worse. It was an extremely scary experience and highly embarrassing that I had to go through this because of acne meds. Overall during the infection I felt INTOXICATED AND READY TO DIE!!! Bottom line acne is a part of my life and anyone who is on this page so I really think being positive is the only thing that will improve the situation for us all.
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December 1, 2008

Pros:

Got rid of all of my blackheads and made my pores invisible, cleared up any acne anywhere on my body and kept it gone for about two years after I finished taking it.

Cons:

Really expensive, annoying blood tests every month! Dried out my skin a little, but mostly dry lips. Breakouts may come back after a year or so.

I took accutane over two years ago and was on it for 9 months. Now, even though I get small breakouts around my period, it is easy to get rid of and nothing like before! My skin isn't even oily anymore after two years, its really changed my skin and my life!
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November 2, 2008

Pros:

Completely gets rid of cystic acne and leaves skin much smoother.

Cons:

Constantly dry skin that can leave your lips especially chapped.With joint pain, headaches, dizziness and almost always thirsty. Sunburn easily and lots of doctor's visits with blood tests.

I would only suggest using this as a treatment if like me you have already tried a myriad of antibiotics, topical treatments and acne systems. It is the only thing that has ever taken care of my cystic acne that was incredibly severe and sensitive. But even though there is so much you have to put up through it was completely worth it for because after having to take it for 7 months now and just finishing up treatment this week and finally have no problem going out without makeup on.
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October 23, 2008

Pros:

It does what it's suppose to, treats acne, makes it go away while you're ON the medication.

Cons:

This will put HUGE amounts of strain on your liver - FACT. Whether or not your liver can handle it is up to your own body.

Not worth it. This isn't a cure and for most, the acne returns once you're off this toxic medication. But not only do you have to deal with acne again, you deal with all the side effects that damaged your body. Won't surprise me to see this stuff banned in the near future, it's risky and dangerous. Bottom Line: Find Another Treatment!!
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October 21, 2008

Pros:

after several months the drug became my miracle worker! and the dryness of the skin and lips clears up a week or two after you finish taking the drug

Cons:

dry lips, nose bleeds, dry skin...

WONDERFUL.... but now that i've been off the drug for 6 months, my acne is starting to catch up again...........................................................
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October 19, 2008

Pros:

Clears up for the first few weeks

Cons:

Dry skin, swollen lips also chapped and split, sore joints* ankles and heel* lower back pain and very dry skin, mild nose bleeds, restless nights, loss of appetite and wieght loss, moodiness

Started my course of 60mg in september, first course is now over and now that i have stopped my acne has come back twice as bad and now i am having acne on my face aswell as my back. The side effects are terrible i'm having trouble walking due to severe pain when i move my feet.The dry skin and chapped lips have cleared up just slight chapped lips now, not looking forward to course 2 Not been myself while taking these tabs and everyones noticed around me and theyre taking the blunt of my mood swings
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October 16, 2008

Pros:

acne is starting to clear up.

Cons:

very very very chapped lips. and very dry flaky skin because of it (my skin was perfectly normal besides form the acne with the amount of oils on it. so i guess thats y i am so dried out )

i have been on it for a month and it seems to be doing the job slowly.. ill check in again on month 2-5
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October 11, 2008

Pros:

Got rid of my acne and blackheads for a few months.

Cons:

Chapped painful lips, nosebleeds, dry skin. Breakouts came back.

I was on Accutane for 5 months. I have a history of depression but had no feelings of it while i was on Accutane. It's worth a try but 5 months after being off it i've been having mild breakouts. It's so heartbreaking, i really thought i was cured. I'm begining to think i'm going to have acne for the rest of my life. So try it if you have the insurance and really bad acne. But hold your breath, my doctor told me it has like an 85% cure rate just my luck that i fell into the 15%....
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September 30, 2008

Pros:

Seemed to work great at first, after around 3-4 months of the accutane the acne was cleared up almost completely.

Cons:

The acne came back. Had to do another course of accutane. Very dry lips and hands.

The acne has reoccurred again. I don't know that we will do any more. It seems like the best cure for most. Unfortunately not for me.
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September 29, 2008

Pros:

Most effective treatment I have used, and I have used a LOT of them.

Cons:

After a few years, the effects slowly wear off. As you age, the side effects become more severe and dangerous.

I am in my late 40's and have had acne since I was 11. I have used almost every treatment invented. They invented Accutane when I was in my early 20's and I immediately took a course. At that time, the side effects were not severe, some dry cracking lips, dry skin spots, that was about it. The effects were miraculous, no more acne! All over my body it was gone. About a year after treatment acne slowly started to return until about 8 years later, in my early 30's, I took it again. It was still effective, but this time the side effects were more severe. Joint pain, hair falling out, nosebleeds, dry eyes and the weirdest side effect of all, bleeding from under my fingernails. About 5 years later, toward the end of my 30's, I tried to take it again, but had to quit after a couple of months. Very severe, life threatening side effects, my triglycerides shot through the roof, plus all the old side effects and new ones. It works, but be CAREFUL.
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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