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®)
Compare To Other Treatments
5
37.1%
4
34.1%
3
15.3%
2
7.3%
1
6.2%

Used Isotretinoin (Accutane®)? Rate It:

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August 15, 2007

Pros:

gives you near clear skin

Cons:

makes the rest of ur skin really dry, lips dry

if u have acne, just do it, its worth it you will NEED: Cetapil face wash a very good moisturiser WILL power Keep ur heads up sky high
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August 15, 2007

Pros:

it works

Cons:

none

Do not be afraid to use this product. I wish I had used it years ago. Had no side affects. 114 lbs female 80 mg per day. 100% clear month 4. Do not be afraid. As everyone else, had tried everything. Very fair strawberry blonde.
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August 14, 2007

Pros:

Accutane is a very strong drug. I have had 3 courses and my acne has returned much less each time. It has definately helped clear up my skin and i have been without it over a year and its not too bad.

Cons:

It really dries out your skin. I would avoid strong sun and sea water. Always carry vasaline for your lips and drink penty of water. Can be very irritating and can occationally caused me some tiredness and aching. Cant really drink so much alcohol.

I am really glad that i have finished with Accutane but it really did make alot of difference. My skin is 90% clear now and i definately recommend it to anyone with suffering from severe acne. My advice would be to do plenty of excercise, clean your skin regularly and always follow the intructions. I would definately recommend anyone with acne to STOP HAVING ALL dairy products. I have also stopped having fizzy drinks and I avoid fast food and sugar, except the occational chinese takeaway. I take zinc and multi vitamins too and it all has made a difference. My acne is definately genetic and is really effected by diet it will be different for everyone, but keep fighting it because eventually you will find something that works. Good luck
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August 11, 2007

Pros:

EXTREMELY SMOOTH CLEAR SKIN FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE I WAS 8 YEARS OLD MY SELF CONFIDENCE HAS SHOT THROUGH THE ROOF. THANK YOU ACCUTANE FOR GIVING ME MY LIFE BACK!! :-D

Cons:

DRY CHAPPED LIPS, INITIAL BREAKOUT IN THE 1ST MONTH WAS PRETTY SEVERE, I HAVE NO INSURANCE SO I HAD TO PAY FOR IT MYSELF $$$$$.. STILL A SMALL PRICE TO PAY IN ORDER TO GET MY LIFE BACK

I TRIED EVERYTHING TO TREAT MY SEVERE ACNE AND THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT WHEN IT COMES TO ACNE TREATMENTS THIS IS THE MECCA OF THEM ALL.
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August 11, 2007

Pros:

Vast improvement in my skin

Cons:

dry nose, sore joints, dry lips, tiredness, expensive

It didn't work for me until month 3. I'd severe acne, and my skin has been reletively clear with a number of months now. I could go a month without a spot! My mood hasn't changed, but I find it quiet expensive at nearly €160 a month! Well worth it though.
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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 10, 2007

Pros:

None yet

Cons:

Huge Nodules all over my face.

I started medication about 2weeks ago and i can hardly see any smooth space on my face now. I'm really tempted to stop but some ex acne victims i know have encouraged me not to cos it's all coming out to get better. I honestly can not wait to see how wonderful my face would be cos i'm a naturally pretty black girl, but my acne has really oppressed me.
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August 10, 2007

Pros:

1st product that has ever worked for me in 15 years of having acne

Cons:

hard to get a script, dry lips

So worth it... I wish I had not been so scared to use it in the past, otherwise I would not have rolling acne scars. For me, it worked instantly and I wasnt expecting it. Within 2 weeks I was down to 1 cyst. I have experienced dryness, but nothing in comparison to Retin A or Benzoyl Peroxide, etc. Paula's Choice Lip and Body Balm and Aquaphor are highly recommended. Any negative side affect is NOTHING in comparison to both the physical and emotional scars of acne.
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August 9, 2007

Pros:

i used this in high school when i had very bad cystic acne. i was on it for 6 months.

Cons:

dry everything: lips, scalp, eyelids.

now, a couple years later: i have never broken out with the intensity that i had previous to taking the accutane. unfortunately my clear skin miracle was short lived, after about 6 months of being off it i have had mild acne every since. the doctors dont want to put me on it again because they say that my skin isnt bad enough for me to be on it so now i am stuck for a lifetime of topical medications. i would highly recommend though because my skin was terrible before and my worse day now doesnt come close to my best day then- face, back and chest!
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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