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...

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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Read All About Isotretinoin (Accutane®)
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5
37.1%
4
34.1%
3
15.3%
2
7.3%
1
6.2%

Used Isotretinoin (Accutane®)? Rate It:

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September 14, 2007

Pros:

All oil on body and face goes away while you are taking the medicine.

Cons:

Feels like you are poisoning your body, horrible headaches, hair loss, skins worsens the first two months, acne returns within six months after treatment, tired all the time, mood swings

I have been on acctane for two treatments. 6 months in 2005 and 6 months in 2006. Both times acne returned just as worse. It it not WORTH the horrible side effects. It's just a shame there is nothing esle that works. The FDA should take this product off the market.
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September 10, 2007

Pros:

Clears up and stays for a while.

Cons:

It is expensive with out insurance.

Reduces oil glands which clear up a lot but they can grow back. I have been fighting acne and I would rather have clear skin than anything else. I am thinking about getting on it again because nothing else works and it is the most depressing thing someone can go through in my opinion. Especially when you cant even look yourself in the mirror.
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September 7, 2007

Pros:

did provide slight improvement in my skin

Cons:

made my triglycerides go into the 1000s when it was only in the 100s prior to the medication.

The i Pledge system sucks. I could only take the medication for 3 months because of its effect on my triglycerides. If you do take this medication, be sure to get blood work done every month.
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September 5, 2007

Pros:

It dose work

Cons:

Dry lips and monthly blood test

I have been on the treatment for 5 months now and I would say my face is 50% better. The first month my face broke out worse than it ever has, that was pretty depressing. For that reason I don't recommend starting treatment while in school however everyone reacts differently. Slowly my face started progressing to the point were actual nodules were few and far between. An offshore fishing trip burned my face beyond belief however after the skin finished peeling my acne was gone. Now it is starting to resurface I guess I have to do a second set,
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September 3, 2007

Pros:

none

Cons:

permenent long term side effects (back pain,insomnia,neuropathy,joint pain,depression and so on)

This posison ruinned my life. I did not have much side effects during the treatment but all the side effects showed up once I stopped taking it. This drug should be off the marcket!!!
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September 3, 2007

Pros:

CLEAR SKIN!!!!! excess oil disappears within about 5 days of starting it

Cons:

Dry skin, dry lips. You must drink alot of water in order to keep hydrated

Closest thing to a cure for acne. Before accutane i would avoid going to social gatherings and was constantly checking the lighting of certain places in hopes that my acne would be less noticable, but now i just do whatever i want without even thinking about my skin. I was on accutane twice as i had quite oily/resistent skin, but both courses were well worth it. My pores were quite clogged and i broke out for the first two months, but after that i was 100% clear. Such a great feeling waking up in the morning knowing your not going to see one pimple. My face would sometimes get a bit irritated from shaving and i'd get a couple of pimples but while on accutane i had none of this. I've been off accutane for 3 months and i havnt had a single blemish on my face in 8 months. IF YOU HAVE ACNE GO ON ACCUTANE - ITS AMAZINGGGGGG
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September 3, 2007

Pros:

After about 6 months my skin was absolutely flawless! It appeared as though I had no pores. My skin was oil free and super smooth.

Cons:

The first time on it symptoms may be uncomfortable for some. Most common symptoms include dry lips, bloody noses, and skin sensitivity. Also after a yr or so of being off of it, acne may come back. Monthly blood testing is often required.

Over the past 8 years I have been using this drug off an on (started at age 14). The first time my symptoms were more apparent, super dry lips and bloody noses sometimes daily (granted I've always been prone). This was because when you are initially on this drug the first time you are required to take 1-2 pills a day for a treatment period of 6 mo. (typically from what I know). Once I finished this treatment my skin was absolutely incredible!! I cant stress it enough; perfectly even, smooth, and soft. Although after a year or so of having this gorgeous skin I started to break out again. So I went back on but only took 1-2 pills a week. This was ideal, absolutely no side effects or skin sensitivity except if the air was dry I would get a slight bloody nose (this can be controlled with saline nose spray to moisten your membrane though). Again my skin was completely free of imperfections. Not only does this skin clear acne but it improves the skin tone and texture, which I loved.
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August 31, 2007

Pros:

Really I know this sounds crazy, after 2 weeks 14 days, I notice a real improvement.. I not only am not depressed and tired, I feel fantastic, I am really excited about month 2 and three. Don't wait. If you and your doctor feel like its right.

Cons:

Tiny bit of dry lips, using chapstic, blistex, using aveeno calming for somewhat drier skin, but really no cons at this point. Yahooooo!

RECOMMEND: Don't wait until you are depressed,scarred and just overall saddened by acne,especially cystic. The hype of bad news about accutane, I personally feel are people with issues of one sort or another previous to accutane, read the blogs they start out horrible and 90% of the time are so thankful to accutane in the end. Good wishes to everyone at the end of there acne rope, There is help.....Accutane is my answer!
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August 31, 2007

Pros:

Got rid of my sever acne. Never came back.

Cons:

None!

I had very severe acne for years! almost instantly gone after taking for six months. I have been off for two years and have not had ONE break out since.
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August 31, 2007

Pros:

It really does work!!!

Cons:

DRY, CRACKED LIPS are the worst part. You must have lip balm with you constantly. My face also got quite red - so I kinda looked like I ws blushing all the time. My other side effects were quite mild.

Its great. I've struggled to find a 'cure' for my acne for 10 years. Tried everything - creams, antibiotics, natural remedies etc etc. I hoped as a teenager that I would just grow out it but when I reached 28 I realised this wasn't going to happen. So Accutane was my last resort and I'm so happy i finally got it. I've got clear skin at last!
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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