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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4
34.1%
3
15.3%
2
7.3%
1
6.2%

Used Isotretinoin (Accutane®)? Rate It:

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August 28, 2007

Pros:

Clear Skin, No oil. Dont spend as much money on shampoo or make up while on accutane, although I bought alot of Aquafore. Kept it in my car, in my purse, at work, next to my bed, it worked wonders. Insurance covered it and labtests

Cons:

Acne may get worse before it gets better. Lights at night seem much brighter.Headachs, irritabillity, Dry lips, scars and nose bleads.Nose still bleeds a little. Also I seemed less hungry, which is not alway a bad thing. IPLEGE is a nightmare.

I have been off for 5 months. Oil is starting to come back, I must wash my hair every 24hrs now. This morning I got my first post-accutane zit. Small like a normal persons pimple, not cystic thank god. The one thing I have noticed is scarring is worse. Chicken pox, acne, and other scars I have had before are MUCH worse than they were pre-accutane. If I would have know this would work I would have taken it as a teenager.I would probably have saved myself some scarring. Also I would suggest if you are trying to clear your skin for a wedding or reunion or are on a time line start taking the medication more than 6 months before your event. My wedding was in my 5th month on accutane. My skin was ok. Not broken out at all, but it was a wreck, dark circles, sullen ashy, definatly looked alot older in my pictures. It seemed like my skin lost some elasticity and suppelness. Once I was off the medication at 6 months my skin texture improved. Overall I am glad and wished I had done it sooner
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August 28, 2007

Pros:

Clear skin after trying every other acne product in the entire world. No more oily skin, no more breakouts, JUST CLEAR SKIN!! FINALLY!!

Cons:

nose bleeds (once i had 3x a day), super dry and flaky skin (contained with cetaphil moisturizer very well), VERY VERY sore joints, took 4 months to work, saw no improvements for 3 mos

If you have tried antibiotics and perscription creams, and they have failed, trust me on this one. Take Accutane. Actually, take Sotret, the generic. It was $10 a month with insurance, so, very reasonable. IT WORKS. Yes, it took four months but if I hadn't of used it, I'd still have severe acne and I'd probably also have scarring. Luckily, I took accutane before it scarred. My derm said if I had waited longer, I would have had severe scarring. So, don't wait and do research for a year. I didn't experience anything close to suicidal or depressed thoughts. The acne was making me depressed, and being on accutane made me a lot happier and more hopeful. I'm on my last month, and I can finally look in the mirror and see CLEAR SKIN. Haven't done that in two years.
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August 25, 2007

Pros:

NHS covered all my bills so i got the pills free!!!! Made my skin as smooth as a whsitle...i completed my 6 months treatment about a week ago and the last active spot i had was about 2 months ago and i hope it continues..

Cons:

Very Very Very dry lips, skin, eyes, nose, dry everyfin really.....rash on my arms...sunburnt easily...made me very tired 1 day n then very hyper the next lol muscle aches, head rushs, dizzyness n thats all i can fink!!!

If you cant stand the way you look in the mirror n feel sad/deprest about it and nothing else works and i mean NOTHING.....then try ya best to get on this drug....9/10 people the drug works perfect clearing up there skin....however about 7/10 who have taken the drug and its been successful there acne has returned (within years or months etc) and they might need a second treatment or third etc it cleared up my skin in 6 months (exept 4 red scars/marks that have been left over which will go in time) Bottom Line is this....If you are going to take this drug you must have:- 1)Will Power, 2)Patience 3)and a social life to get your mind off the drug 24/7 when your taking it lol GO SEE YOUR DERM......BEFORE ITS TOO LATE
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August 24, 2007

Pros:

I thought the premise of the drug sounded viable

Cons:

nothing good came of it

I have had moderate acne for years and thought this would be a godsend. NOT! After only 1 month my mucuous membranes were so extremely dried out that my tonsils became chronically infected and eventually removed (I'm 33 and that was painful!). Nine months after my istretinoin trial I still have dry mouth and eyes. Awful experience!
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August 24, 2007

Pros:

Insurance covers $10.00

Hopeful to hear all the pros on this site.....

Cons:

Slight Headaches after taking a pill (using advil to combat)
Nose (sinus) somewhat dry inside.

Just started 5 days ago 20 mg in am 20 mg in pm. Getting a little bit of a breakout on the back - new for me My pores that were not to big at all to begin with are not almost invisible. (5 days! yahooo) Will give an update.....next month! Had one cyst on face that I know by now would have been severe, although it is still there is not nearly the size it would be by now (as in all past cysts)
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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 24, 2007

Pros:

No more painful bumps for now. No more covering the sides of my face & trying to keep my head down so no one notices the bumps.

Cons:

Serious issues with side effects. Rashes, bleeding lips, horrible sunburn despite 70SPF, sore back, vision issues, dry eyes, Ipledge program is a disaster. Suicidal when taken as teenager 1st time.

You will go through hell & jump through hoops if you are female of child bearing age. You spend a ton on bloodwork & follow up visits though this med has come down in price considerably. I am on my third course in 15 years, each time side effects r different. I took this for the first time at 16 years old, I am 35 now. If you are a teenager, make sure that your family knows you could have SEVERE depression. When I took it the first time, they did not know what they know now. I was suicidal. Took it again in mid 20's & had less serious depression issues. No depression in my 30's taking it, but many more minor side effects this time. Serious issues with going in the sun for even 15 minutes. I have perfectly clear skin now. I would look like a monster had I not taken this drug. You should have acne so bad you just can't stand it to take this medication. My acne was so bad it hurt to put my head down on my pillow. A good dermo will not prescribe this b4 exhstng all othr effrts.
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August 21, 2007

Pros:

Temporarily clears acne, if acne returns its not as severe. Also allows other acne treatments to be more effective.

Cons:

Drys out skin, causes severe breakouts before you clear up, if at all. Not permanent for some people. Left really bad scaring on face from tane breakouts.

I have heard people say that Accutane is a cure for acne and I would definitely have to disagree. I have been through 2 courses of Accutane and both times it only cleared my skin temporarily (under a year). My acne returned however not a severe as pre-tane. I still suffer from cystic acne however my skin is more responsive to other acne treatments (antibiotics, creams)
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August 19, 2007

Pros:

Really cleared skin within 3 months and i didn't get a new pimple for the remaining 2 months of my treatment. Also smoothed out skin quite a bit

Cons:

Slight decrease in night vision, really dry skin all over, dry lips, and feeling dehydrated all the time.

If you have moderate to severe acne it is definetely worth a try. Most of the side effects are managable and the bay off for having clear skin posibly for a life time is well worth it.
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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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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