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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3.9
2449
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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June 29, 2007

Pros:

really cleared up my severe, constant acne mostly by 3 months.

Cons:

Made me very aggressive and impulsive, a way i would not naturally act NOT on the drug creating harmful situations where i was VERY unpredictable. and of course the normal side affects such as dry lips.

My docter had to stop writing my prescription for me because my family and friends believed i was a threat to myself or others. i was truly addicted to the drug emotionally. i did not want to live again with acne. I HAD TO GET THE DRUG. the emotional strain has forced me to get a psychologist. I'm thankful my acne cleared but regret how i acted toward myself and others...
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June 27, 2007

Pros:

Gets rid of acne. My acne wasnt that bad just persistant, I have tried everything from glycolic acid peels to proactiv this stuff rocks!

Cons:

Severe dry lips

for me back pain but only for the 1st 2 weeks

this stuff works...yup it sure does nothin better it works from the inside out shrinking oil glands go to your dermo, or get 1 and discuss ACCUTANE With doctor
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June 27, 2007

Pros:

IT WORKS, YES, NO ACNE, NO OIL, CLEAR SKIN, NO NEED TO SPEND HOURS IN FRONT OF MIRRORS AND KEEPING UP WITH REGIMENS. YOU "FORGET" U HAVE ACNE WHEN U 'BEGIN' CLEARING UP. Had to write the Pros in capitals, its really that important.

Cons:

Dry lips, sore joints/muscles but only if u exercise otherwise nothing. Nosebleeds if u blow ur nose too hard when u have flu

Lifesaver. It changed my life, from dull to bright. All the oil has disappeared and I dont even run to a mirror as often anymore. In fact I dont even think of my acne anymore because I dont have any acne worth complaining about. Almost finished 6 months and im 99% clear. The other 1% retin-a will finish off :) Read the horror stories? I know, so did I. At least u know what the WORST-CASE scenario is but its a TINY minority. The majority are here giving you their excellent feedback. I was on a low dose throughout my course so did not have many side effects other than dry lips. SAVE YOURSELF the hassle and time, leave the antibiotics and get yourself on the tane. IF ONLY I done this 10 years ago, would have saved me a decade of hell. Dont make the same expensive mistake like me and the rest of us. This WORKS.
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June 27, 2007

Pros:

Virtually cleared up my skin while I was on the medication.

Cons:

Blurred vision and of course dry skin. Acne reappeared about a month after I finished. It's not as bad as it was before but it's close. Also, my skin feels oiler than it did before I was on the medication.

It's worth a try and if it works for you, that's great. I thought it would work for me because my skin cleared up while I was on it, but now it's back to the way it was before.
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June 27, 2007

Pros:

Skin clearing well and is developing a smooth and silky look!

Cons:

Have had all the symptoms - dry skin, cracked lips, dry eyes, back ache, muscle pain, bleeding noses and mood swings but with the use of a good moisturiser, lip balm, artificial tears, panadol and understanding friends and family it was worth it!

Prior to Isotane, I had spent an estimated $1000 on cleansers, skin treatment packages, antibiotics, hormone contraceptives and make-up trying to get rid of and hiding my acne. Isotane has cost $485(NZ) for the skin specialist appointments, prescriptions and much needed relief treatments for side-effects but it is $485 well spent. Yes, the side effects can be rough but be prepared and purchase moisturisers, lip balm etc before you start as the symptons come on quick. And yes, for me it did get much worse before it got better but I timed it so that I starting taking this just before the school holidays so the worst was over by the time I got back to school!
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June 24, 2007

Pros:

Cleared up my skin beautifully for months during treatment and about two years after. Breakouts started returning after that but haven't reached as bad as they were before.

Cons:

While dermatologists would disagree, I believe it's responsible for the keratosis polaris I've developed. Only a month or so after the end of my treatment KP started. Also horribly chapped lips started almost immeadiately and remained thru treatment.

If your acne is bothering you, use this stuff. It really does work wonders. I've seen friends with horrid acne have smooth skin and I know how good it worked for me. The KP I've developed may or may not be a result of acne but it's definitely much less of a problem than my acne ever was.
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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 21, 2007

Pros:

made my skin completely clear up

Cons:

muscle aches, dryness, chapped lips, takes awhile to work

i'd go for it if you really want your face cleared, but if you're an athlete it's harder because you can get really bad muscle pains
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June 18, 2007

Pros:

Gives flawless skin - literally!

Cons:

Dry lips.

I had horrible cystic acne, many red lumps and inflamed spots that really got me down. I started a six month course of accutane on June 1st 2006 and finished on December 1st. I am happy to say that the last zit I actually got was on August 13th 2006. I never get spots anymore, but the occasional SMALL blackhead on the edge of my nose, but that's it. Accutane works wonders... I really recommend it as it's a wonder drug!
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June 16, 2007

Pros:

Really helping my skin clear up.

Cons:

Really dry lips (elizabeth arden 8 hour cream really helps), dry skin (moisturise all over EVERY DAY), can't wax or use any scrubs. Worst is that my skin became heaps worse about 3-4 weeks into treatment.

I'm glad I have gone onto it. My skin has been difficult for years. I'm 26 and it has been a constant but mild problem. I have been on Isotane for 4 months and finally it is looking better. Don't give up on this, even if your skin gets heaps worse to begin with. It did with me and then it got HEAPS better.
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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