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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November 7, 2007

Pros:

Can you say 99.99% clear, gorgeous skin?

Cons:

Very expensive, monthly bloodwork and doctor appointments, the evil system of IPLEDGE. Affects did not last for me; acne returned after about two years.

The pro of finally achieving clear skin --after years and years of trying to "cure" my acne through natural remedies, cutting out certain foods, perscription antibiotics, expensive creams, washes and lotions from medispas -- outweighed all the cons. I started on 40 mgs once a day, then increased starting the second month to 40mgs twice a day. I had dry lips and skin, but that was about it. I went broke paying for it, but didn't care. For two years I stayed relatively clear with very very mild acne from time to time, but it has slowly and surely returned. I wanted to see if I could tackle my acne this time on my own through healthy living and natural products, but my skin has still become a living nightmare. An obssession. I am a positive and optimistic person, but I am getting depressed and enough is enough. I am going back on Accutane at 20mgs instead of 40mgs and cannot be happier. I think this is a wonder drug. I am an Accutane Advocate!!!
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November 7, 2007

Pros:

I have been on Accutane for a little over a month. It works pretty fast. Skin is less oily. It is affordable. I have no feelings of sadness, depression or aches of any sort. In fact I feel great.

Cons:

My lips are a little chapped, however I wear lipgloss most of the time so I don't really notice.

The medication works great and it is affordable. I would have gotten it years ago but my dermatologists were reluctant to prescribe it to me because it was such a hassle for THEM. Finally, I switched doctors and he prescribed it. I have never felt better about my appearance.
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November 6, 2007

Pros:

NO oily face to deal with. Acne goes away after three months. It is weird to see my face clear and my pores look great!

Cons:

Dry chap lips, can become bothersome because you will take the dead skin off even though you know not too.

I was offered this when I was in high school, I didn't due to side effects. I regret that. I have anxiety and this drug hasn't really had no emotional problems. I was worried over nothing. Only problems is dry lips, couple of headaches and minor aches in legs. I have had a horrible time with oily skin. Always going to the restroom to wash my face several times a day and even using my hands to take the oil off. But this drug works. If you have insurance use it! Had I use this in high school I wouldn't be dealing with scars today. This is a risk worth taking!
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November 5, 2007

Pros:

I've been on it almost 5 months, and my skin is near flawless. It was BAD before.

Cons:

It began with extremely dry skin and horribly chapped lips. I could wash my face and moisturize and go out, but within an hour my face was so dry AGAIN and flaking off. Somewhat embarrassing, but completely worth it. My skin cleared up after month 3.

Not recommended unless you have BAD acne. The side affects, into my fifth month, got drastically worse. I am more sad, VERY achy, skin is so dry. I recently started getting nosebleeds, chronic UTI's and very constipated. However, I'm almost done and happy to say my skin looks fabulous and it was worth it, overall... I think.
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October 30, 2007

Pros:

Completely eliminated nodules and cysts and therefore prevented scarring.

Cons:

Extremely dry, pale, somewhat wrinkly skin, irritaton, peeling, horrible chapped lips, frequent nosebleeds, dry eyes

There is simply nothing that works better for nodular-cystic acne, especially after all other treatments have failed. It saved my face from the horrible scarring caused by cystic acne. It did not eliminate minor breakouts after the course of treatment. The side-effects are severe, but are worth the price for clear skin.
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October 28, 2007

Pros:

My face doesn't get oily anymore. Kicks Acne's ass.

Cons:

Dry Dry face. inside of the nose became dry, Chapped and dry lips, redness of the face

I'm on my third month and I'm starting to see some good results. My acne has been getting better and then worse and then better than before. So it's working.
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October 28, 2007

Pros:

Few yet, but I am expecting things to clear up!

Cons:

Back pain and chapped lips, REALLLY sun sensitive

I have been on it for about a month now and dont have ANY cystic acne anymore, which is a big plus. My face is really dry but im ok with that. Starting my 2nd month and am excited!
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October 27, 2007

Pros:

Clears up acne a good deal

Cons:

Bloody noses, dry lips, disturbing urinal/intestinal symptoms, joint pains, mucus in eyes

I took this at a fairly high dosage for four months and it got rid of a lot of my acne. However the acne came back (to a lesser extent) within a month, probably because I was taking creatine for the gym. Hopefuly it goes away when I'm done with creatine. This medication had really weird side effects for me. I had strange intestinal pain a week after my treatment ended (its gone now though) and I had painful urination for like a month as well. Hopefully nothing else goes wrong! If you want to take it go for it, but I don't plan on another cycle. Too many possible complactions.
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October 27, 2007

Pros:

Cleared up my really bad skin pretty much in the first two weeks of taking it.

Cons:

very very very chapped lips..dry face..achey

Make sure you take other antibiotics before you go on roacutanne
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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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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