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%
3
15.5%
2
7.3%
1
6.6%

Used Isotretinoin (Accutane®)? Rate It:

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August 11, 2007

Pros:

Works so well to cure ALL ACNE

Cons:

Costs 550$ if your insurance doesnt cover and the rules are REALLY strict while you are one it...you have to coordinate your life around getting the presicription filled and you have to go to the derm once a month.

This is an amazing medicine, I had to take is twice. The first time I took it I was on it for 5 months and my skin was incredible for 5 months, then it broke out so bad but not as bad as before so I went back on it for 5 months again and it cleared my skin even more but low and behold 5 months later I broke out again but only mildly very mild and tolerable and nothing big at all, topical ointments for life i guess... but dont be scared of this med, it is incredible and will make you feel amazing because it is so effective just remember to use sking cream about 2 months after you get oof it so your skin stays clear!
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August 10, 2007

Pros:

all acne (face and body) clears up during use

Cons:

EXTREMELY dry, cracked lips and skin and swollen face
change in mood
extreme fatigue

I was first on a generic brand which worked fairly well. It seemed like a miracle because my skin was nearly completely clear. Then my dermatologist switched me to the actual thing, and my skin cleared completely. However, my personality changed and I was always tired. I look back at pictures from when I was on it, and my whole face was swollen. My lips would bleed because they were chapped so bad (throughout the treatment). After having been off it four months, my skin started breaking out again. After a year and a half, it looked exactly the way it did before I began treatment. For me (and my sister who also too it) it is a temporary fix that was not worth the horrible side effects.
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August 6, 2007

Pros:

I have dealt with cystic acne and very oily skin since age 13. After trying everything, Accutane was my last hope. Within months, my skin was drier than it had been in years, and my cystic acne was gone.

Cons:

Without insurance, Accutane can be very expensive.

Accutane gave me my life back. I would reccommend it to anyone.
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July 9, 2007

Pros:

Cleared up skin. Staring 5th month, and skin is alll clear.

Cons:

dry lips, thinning hair

I am a 14 year old girl. I had comedonal acne before I took this product. Now I am acne free and so happy. The side effects were not bad at all. Lanolin for lips is great.
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June 21, 2007

Pros:

Much less oily skin. Acne cleared on face, and back.

Cons:

Initial breakout was pretty bad, but only lasted @ 3 weeks. Joint aches and dry lips.

I was really hesitant to give accutane a try, but I must say that it has ben worth it. I'm going into my fourth month and I'm so pleased with the results so far. Acne really does a number on your self esteem. I've struggled with acne for @10 years, but it became progressively worse...until accutane. I don't mind the monthly blood tests and pregnancy tests. IT IS WELL WORTH IT! I've tried EVERYTHING from Retin-A, Differin, other topical agents, anti-biotics etc, etc, etc.
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June 16, 2007

Pros:

No more cystic acne! After five months of treatment my severe cystic acne has completely gone away. I have been off for about three months and now only have occasional, small zits.

Cons:

A few side affects-dry lips, bloody nose, and dry eyes while going through treatment. I now have minor hair loss and hyper sensitive skin, but it was totally worth it!

Accutane saved me. I was a mess before my treatment. I cried constantly and was so depressed. I didn't leave my room unless I had to, and couldn't even look anyone in the eye when I talked to them. I was embarrased and disgusted with the severe cystic acne covering my face, chest, and back. It even started to show up in my ears and on my arms. It was so hard. I was giving up hope until I finished my course of accutane. It has given me my life back. I can finally do everthing I use to enjoy with confidence, such as exercise. Before I would spend an hour applying make-up before leaving to do anything, but now I can just wake-up and go. It feels great!
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June 13, 2007

Pros:

works! works! works!

Cons:

nose bleeds, sore joints, super dry lips

i've been on accutane for a little over a month. the first two weeks, my acne was worse than it's ever been in my life. but, now, as i look at before and after pictures, i can see that my skin has been clearing up immensly. this comes from somebody who's tried [literally] EVERYTHING and accutane is my last resort. bottom line is this. if you are willing to cope with the side efects mentioned above, plus monthly blood tests, accutane is the way to go. i'm finally starting to see hope for clear skin!
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June 11, 2007

Pros:

It clears (cystic) acne!!!

Cons:

A lot of TEMPORARY side effects...they may be harsh, but they're temporary.

IT WORKS!
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May 31, 2007

Pros:

Got rid of my acne completly for almost a year and now only hav a few spots that are easy to manage

Cons:

lips were so dry it was ridiculous
face went red because of the sun (but may have been my fault for not using sun cream all the time
break out at 1st although wasnt as bad as i expected

i hated being on it as it made me look worse than i already did but im sooooooo glad i did go on in as my face was completely clear for a long time and now i only have a few spots got it on the NHS too...woop
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May 21, 2007
I am currently into my third course of roaccutane, I have been on it on and off since I was 13... It is not permanent, but for two years after your treatment you have incredible silky, smooth and glowing skin. Yes, your lips get dry, you feel tired and sometimes your back aches and for the first month you break out, but it really is worth it... It removes every imperfection from your skin, and I found it actually made my hair grow really thick and fast. After this course i think that I will stay on a very low dose for a while. Sometimes I worry about health implications later in life, but hopefully ive compensated for that by eating a very healthy diet and getting lots of exercise. I do recommend this treatment, its the only thing thats ever worked for me and its very convenient.
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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