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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5
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4
34.1%
3
15.3%
2
7.3%
1
6.2%

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December 21, 2006

Pros:

It will get rid of all your acne in less then 2 months.

Cons:

I had joints that ached and dry lips. You'll still get pimples occasionally when you get off of it.

IT IS THE ONLY MEDICATION THAT REALLY WORKS FOR PIMPLES and well worth the money. If you have a lot of acne and do not have a problem with depression you need to try it. It'll work and is a sure thing. I just wish I would have taken it earlier. Now I have some scars from the previous pimples.
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December 11, 2006

Pros:

Does clear up acne for a short while.

Cons:

Extremely dries you out. Lips are the worst. Toward the end I got bad headaches.

I took accutane twice... yes twice. The first time it worked wonderfully (except for the expected dryness... the lips dried out the worst... you need to use more than just lip balm... i found that aquaphor healing ointment from eucerin worked wonderfully for dry lips.. i actually still use it!) I was on the treatment for the reccomended 20 weeks or whatever it was. About 6 months after I got off accutane, I started to break back out again. My dr put me back on and it worked some but again soon after i was broken back out again. Also, towards the end of the second time I got horrible head aches... I've never had migraines but im pretty sure thats what they were. They stopped as soon as i stopped taking accutane. Long term effects: dry skin. you dont hold a tan as long. slightly more sensitive skin. accutane helped the current breakouts while i was on it, but not future ones. Maybe its just my stubborn skin b/c ive heard of a lot of people that this has worked on.
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December 4, 2006

Pros:

Clear skin, no more breakouts or oily skin. Look much better than before.

Cons:

VERY dry lips and dry eyes, sore joints and makes you feel more tired than normal.

Even though the side effect are horrible, you get to have beautiful skin. Thats enough for me!
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December 3, 2006

Pros:

slight improvement initially

Cons:

dry dry dry lips,face,bleeding

I've been taking Isotane for about 1 1/2 months acne did worsen for the first week then a welcomed change did oocur although the dryness and bleeding nose still happens the improvement so far is well worth it.
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November 30, 2006

Pros:

My face is no longer oily and i have no more zits. Since i live in canada my health insurence covered very cent! It would of cost me about $200+, if i hyad to pay that I would of!

Cons:

- very dry lips and i have super high cholesterol now :S.

100% worth it!
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November 29, 2006

Pros:

cleared me up completely 4 almost a year

Cons:

horrible being on it, face was soooo red, but i dont know if that was cuz i didnt wear enought sun cream, lips were ridiculous...so dry and flaky and nothing could stop it!

sooooooooo glad i took it! but spots starting to come back now but nothing like before but i am sooo glad i took it!
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November 28, 2006

Pros:

Has worked well while I was on the medication
Skin is less oily now

Cons:

Bad breakout at first
Depressing feelings & concentration troubles during treatment that never completely got away
Acne came back

I've been prescribed that twice (for 6 months each) a couple of years ago for MILD acne. Even though my skin was almost clear at the end of the treatment, acne never failed to come back both times although it's about 30% better now. I think it must really work for people with severe acne, but in my case, mild acne, doctors were just trying to prescribe me their stuff. A diet change (atkins), liver flushes, healthy habits and investigating on candida and digestion worked for me more than accutane
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November 25, 2006

Pros:

clear forehead, jaws... except cheeks. T_T

Cons:

Extremely dry lips, dry face. more severe breakouts during end of the first month.

there is scarring, red marks on my cheeks ever since i went to shanghai. (china is really badly polluted) i am taking 20mg per day after the heaviest meal. normally it is at night. some topical gels apply 2x daily at pimples. I just start using it for 1 and 1/2 months, so i shall not jump to the conclusion so soon. normally the procedure to cure acnes topical gel -> antibiotics -> isotretinoin
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November 25, 2006

Pros:

beautiful clear, smooth skin really fast,dont need ta wash ya hair for lyk a week as your body just dosn't produce any oil!less of an apetite= lose weight 2.

Cons:

dry lips! can literally peel them off,get sunburnt easily.rash on arms and hands but goes away,joint pain-woke up one morning and thort my foot had broken,itchy skin!dry eyes-water all time coz hurt.cracks in your nose.cost

this drug IS a miracle drug! i've had acne on chest back and face since was bout 12,now am almost 18.had tried dozy(antibiotic),the pill(estel) and made me gain 10 kg, also all the drying face washes and pimple gels...oviously didn't work.i started izotane (1 pill 4 2 weeks) and saw instant results! wud look forward to lookin in mirrow everymrnin to c how much beta it was.have been on it now for about 1 month 2 weeks and my skin is just amazing! i'm tempted to give my dermatologist a big hug next time i c him.i no longer hav to pack on the makeup! yay.everyone who needs to go on this stuff shud!its expensive for the dermo appointmnts but i wud pay mor if i had to, its that gr8!
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November 24, 2006

Pros:

clearest skin ever.

Cons:

dry dry dry and initial breakouts before clearness

I've been on this for seven months now, and I've never been happier with my skin!! It's incredible. It dries EVERYTHING out, and its kind of gross. but I would rather have my classmates call me a green anole than a pizza face. try it out and wait it out.
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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