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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July 30, 2007

Pros:

This is a miracle drug. Within weeks it starts working, and your skin continuously improves from there on. I also almost never have to wash my hair, my skin is never greasy, makeup stays on all day.

Cons:

My lips were a little dry (seriously, no big deal with some aquaphor), nose a little dry, feet were rubbed more by shoes in summer. The ipledge program is a huuuge pain.

I spent five years battling mild acne. It flared and I found myself spending a huge amount of time putting on different topical medications and makeup. After years of being petrified of going on acctuane, I decided to give it a try. Bottom line - best decision I ever made. It's two months later, my skin is flawless and soft. I love never having to care for, or worry about, my skin. Most of the people who post here have had problems, but the statistics show that virtually no one has severe side effects. I am incredibly upset that I didn't do this earlier.
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July 28, 2007

Pros:

Cleared up my skin for about half a year

Cons:

left my skin very dry, I have to use moisturizer on my face all the time and only worked for half a year.

Seems to help with a lot of people but unfortunately only lasted for half a year with me. extreme cost and nasty side affects ((dryness, bleeding noses etc) and you will get them) are not worth the small time period of clean skin + constant dryness. but based on many of the other reviews i have read I will recommend this as a last resort treatment.
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July 27, 2007

Pros:

VERY VERY effective, clears up skin up within months

Cons:

dry lips and skin, very easy to puncture skin (for me anyways)

If you havent tried this...try it.. itll work wonders on your face.. sadly I am a rare one who is allergic to the medication so I still suffer from acne but when i was on the medication for the 3 months i could tell the acne was going away
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July 27, 2007

Pros:

A month after I started using it, my acne was under control and I'm currently very happy.

Cons:

Very chapped lips (bought La Roche-Posay Ceralip..great stuff!)

Sure, there are a lot of side effects, and once the treatment stops, the acne returns. I've used a small dosage over the year, taking one pill twice a week. In adition I use mild skin treatments like Effaclar K and Stievamycin. I take monthly blood test and checkups to be sure I'm healthy.
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July 26, 2007
I'm 23 years old and have been suffering with acne for about 12 years. I was on accutane twice. The first time was when I was 18 years old and along with the minor side effects (dry lips and skin) it worked wonderfully. I had clear skin up until a year later when it all started coming back again but this time worse. I went to the derm and he prescribed me all sorts of creams like Differin,rentin A, tazorac, antibiotics and nothing seemed to work. I even tried pro Active which did nothing for me (although some of my friends swear it's the best product.) I was put back on Acutane with the highest dose and was on it for about a year. My skin cleared and looked great. About a year and half later my acne came back. Frustrated, I went back to the derm and he prescribed me Tazorac along with an antibiotic Monocyclin. I explained to him that I already been on Tazorac but he told me that after Accutane, your skin changes. Hopefully it works. I don't reccomend Accutane because it comes back.
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July 24, 2007

Pros:

In mon 7 now. Very slow to react for me but it finally seems to be actually working! My insurance covers it so all I have are co-pays but that's still $40 for doctor and $15 for rx. Doesn't matter if it works! Confidence is much higher!

Cons:

Hurt Hurt Hurt! Dry lips, cracked nose, my skin started to peal even on my ears. Joint aches, thinning, hair mood swings. I'm on the maximum dose of 120 mg a day and it's hard to put up with.

If it works completely it's going to be worth it. My self esteem had gotten very low and I was very self conscious, even when I was at home with family, I didn't want them to look at me. I can look people in the face now without any make up on and concentrate on them and what we're saying instead of what they might be thinking.
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July 24, 2007

Pros:

I had acne since I was in the 5th grade (20 now) and I have been on just about every other medication. My doctor finally prescribed accutane and it looked awesome. After a month I saw results and by the time I finished it was clear

Cons:

accutane rash-really dry red patches of skin-ask your dermatologist for a cream for it, mine got cleared in a week.

THis stuff is amazing. my acne came back after finishing the regime, but it is not nearly as bad as it was. I am about to start my second round of this medication.
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July 22, 2007

Pros:

VERY dry skin. constant visits to doctor. constant blood samples. long time to treat the acne. I had to take 3 pills a day...

Cons:

Cleared 95 percent of my acne my acne in 6 months, that's not me saying, that's what the doctor told me. I've been cured from acne for about 1.5 years now.

Although you have to be under the medication for a long period of time (6.5 months for me) it is VERY recommended way to treat the acne for good. My brother tried it and he NEVER had even a pimple ever since he stopped his medication 7 years ago.
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July 21, 2007

Pros:

Less oil on the face and pores seem to look smaller.I am still not finished treatment so can't comment on the full result yet.

Cons:

My face was VERY dry with flakes. Lips are TERRIBLE and constantly peeling- can't go out without petroleum jelly. I get two nosebleeds each day.Dry feet and arms,eczema became torture.Very sore and flaky ears.Sometimes feel sad and have no confidence

I think it is working, but very slowly in my case.It is month 7 and I am still suffering with existing cysts, although they have reduced in size.You have to be patient and think of something else.I avoid make-up so the drugs can work better,plus the skin is so dry that make-up flakes away.My social life and confidence are suffering alot as I feel inadequate about my skin.Sometimes I feel quite sad and fed up, the waiting is very frustrating.Hopefully I will see better results soon and it will all have been worth it.Overall I would reccommend people to try it because atleast now I am seeing changes, whereas before my skin just didn't respond to anything and I hated my appearance.The side effects are harsh and they do make you feel frustrated but I think the untreated acne itself does that, so why not suffer these feelings while you are fighting it rather than suffering from it.
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July 19, 2007

Pros:

Amazing results (What more can you ask for?)

Cons:

Dryness of skin, lips, and nose, especially in the beginning of treatment. The dryness of my skin and nose improved with time. Follow the derm's instructions, buy chapstick, lotion, etc. I also found a humidifier also helps with dryness.

I struggled with acne for years. My dermatologist prescribed everything under the sun(triaz, tazorac, differen, betacline, a number of oral antibiotics, and others I can't remeber). I faithfully followed the regimens with no results. My derm never mentioned Accutane. In desperation, I traveled 2 hours to a new derm for a consultation about the Blue Light Treatment. The new derm looked at my skin, reviewed my file, and decided to prescribe Accutane. I am thankful that she did. It hasn't always been easy. I had to watch my cholesterol intake, keep my skin moisturized, and keep my lips and nose moist (it sounds disgusting, but a little vaseline up the nose before bed helps tremendously). However, I am a month from ending my treatment and couldn't be more pleased with the results. After years of acne, thanks to Accutane, I love my skin.
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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