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%

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March 21, 2007

Pros:

It works like nothing else

Cons:

Who said that about 'being upset about comments and actions of other people that wouldnt usually upset me'? It's exactly what I am experiencing! I am usually such a calm, stable person. I find myself getting annoyed easily, but not depressed

Accutane, I should have used you two years ago. Because now I have so many scars and I work so hard to get rid of them....lemon, yoghurt, vitamin e, cocoa butter,tumeric, papaya mask....but the scars remain. The emotional scars are perhaps more deep...I lost my confidence, I missed out on socialising like a normal young person in her twenties. And now, I'm picking up the pieces. So please, if anyone is reading this and thinking about accutane...please stop delaying...get on it now. You deserve it.
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March 20, 2007

Pros:

clearer skin, great self confidence and less oily skin.

Cons:

dryness, chapped lips, headaches, acne may return as does oily skin.

I used accutane 3 years ago after 5 years of suffering acne. It worked for me and truthfully was the only thing that did drastically. Your acne does get worse before better. As soon as the dryness kicks in the acne starts drying up too. I used palmers cocoa butter for face and lip balm. works wonders on scars too. Unfortunately my skin has become oily again over the years which has resulted in break outs. I wouldn't use accutane again to treat my condition now as it isn't as bad as before. Therefore I am taking vitamin B5 vilantae to combat oiliness. lets see how it goes. Remember to be cautious on accutane. not to fall pregnant or for 3 months after stoping it. Don't take any other medicines with it or apply anything topically. It works best on its own.
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March 19, 2007
Hi everyone, I red all the letters and found them very helpfull. Thought I'd give my experience too. I have been on isotane for 5 months now. I have been on 10 mg for the full 5 months. Have been told to take it for 9 months. The side effects on the lower dose is much less and still effective. The worst for me is not the dry lips but the mood swings. They seem to happen every 2 weeks or so. I normally feel very sad and unloved or just get upset about a coment or someones actions which would normally not effect me. I dont blame isotane alone for this mood swings but are convinced that it contributes to it. My skin has definitely started clearing after the first two months or so. I'm also on Yasmin contraceptive which is good for acne and PMS. I'm planning to continue on isotane for another few months. I'm praying that it will cure my acne and that the moodswings will dissapear after stopping. In New Zealand the medication is relatavely cheap. Good luck. God bess
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March 13, 2007

Pros:

does clear skin

Cons:

TERRIBLE SIDE AFFECTS

iv been on accutane for 6 months now and have only just started to see results last month.. my skin is getting pretty clear but i get terrible side effects, i get the normal dry skin and lips (bleeding) and dry hair but i get painful muscle and joint aches, nose bleeds (once resulting in coughing up blood), sore throat, and slight depression i advise for you to go on if your acne is really bad like mine was
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March 13, 2007

Pros:

I dont know yet? I havent been on it long enough.

Cons:

no results yet after three weeks.

My skin got really dry the first two weeks but now its fine. I still have dry lips. But im braking out more. I dont see any improvement in my skin and im on my thrid week. I have been taking erythromycin as well but i think im going to stop. im going to try to let accutane work by itself and maybe i will see more resluts. but as of now i still feel bad because my skin is not good at all.it really brings down your self confidence. i really hope this stuff works!
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March 6, 2007

Pros:

Clear skin! Barely have any oil now, whereas before I was always shiny. No more painful or unsightly pimples. I had mild/moderate acne and I think I've had one pimple in the past month. I also love the fact that I don't need to use any other Rx!

Cons:

Really dry lips. Just carry Aquaphor or Carmex with you all the time. I used Cetaphil moisturizer for my face. The dry skin stinks, but I'd rather see some flakes than pimples.

Don't be afraid to try it. I was so scared for the longest time, but now I wish I had done it years ago. Would have saved me a lot of grief. If you have bad side effects, just stop taking it. At least you would have tried. I actually had someone tell me that my skin looked beautiful and that it was glowing!
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March 5, 2007

Pros:

CLEAR SKIN

Cons:

dry lips

It cleared me up by the 2nd month, the dry skin wasn't even that bad for me. The only side effect i had was dry lips. I had nose bleeds and dry eyes for like the first month and then it went away. Just got to be very strict with taking the pills right after meals. Anyways, I LOVE ACCUTANE! It gave me clear skin and I couldn't be happier. I'm almost 1 month post accutane and I haven't had a SINGLE pimple.
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March 5, 2007

Pros:

Smooth, clear skin. Confidence!!

Cons:

Dry skin and lips, mild nosebleeds. You can't wear make-up.

My skin is clear the only blemishes are the red scars left from pimples that have healed. The initial breakout will heal faster than normal, and after the dry skin sheds, your new skin will be smooth and clear. Use Dove moisturizing soap and lots of Cetaphil lotion while taking the prescription. No vitamins, or acne creams. No face wash with salycitic acid!!!!
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March 4, 2007

Pros:

This is my second time to start Accutane therapy. The first time I was 20 and in college. I remember my face being terribly dry … my lips so chapped they bled daily … and getting so very sunburned even wearing sunscreen.

Cons:

After doing my first round of Accutane therapy I was told by a second dermatologist that it did not prove to be effective as my main problem was rosacea, not acne. Well, here I am six years later, having one of many major acne flare-ups since the

first round of therapy. My GP kept giving me the five day steroid packs. I was loving it as the redness drastically decreased and the acne seemed to calm down. I finally got into a new dermatologist as I'm living in a different state from my previous therapy. She informed me that the steroid packs are not good, in fact, they cause scarring. She put me on Solodyn and Tazaroc until I could get my first Accutane script after starting the iPledge program. So today is day three of taking it. I have noticed my lips and face to be slightly dryer, but I can't tell if it's psychological, or if it has already started to effect me. I'm starting to see what others on this board are using for their facial dryness as I will need to stock up soon. Last time around my best friend was aquaphor for my lips, so we'll see what I need this time around. All right, I'll post again once I have more to say about this time around :)
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March 3, 2007

Cons:

VERY dry chapped lips...my skin is dry everywhere - have to moisturize once or twice daily.

I've only been on accutane for about a month, and dry skin and chapped lips aside, I can say that I'm noticing a difference. I was on minocin up till 2 months ago and gave myself a month to detox and flush that anti-biotic from my body. Like I said I haven't been on Accutane for too long, but I can see that its starting to work...I would say that winter is the best time to start using Accutane because of the usual lack of sun (which isn't good for your skin while on Accutane). I also have to say that if your dermatologist or doctor recommends it, then take it; don't hesitate ! the longer you wait the worse its gonna get ! Don't mess around with other anti-biotics, just get on Accutane, and stick it out. Just think about it like this, Accutane gives you bad skin for a month or two, but its definatly better than years of it. If you can get it, take 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