Isotretinoin (Accutane®)
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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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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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November 23, 2006

Pros:

My skin has never been so beautiful. I had acne for nearly 15 years before going on accutane (and had tried EVERYTHING). Accutane worked wonders and I have never felt more confident about my skin.

Cons:

I did experience some uncomfortable side effects: lower back pain, very dry eyes, the typical cracked lips, and some headaches. The medication is also quite expensive if one does not have insurance, although the generics available help alot.

Accutane is an amazing medication. I feel that have been 'cured' of my prior skin ailments (which include severe oilyness, perioral dermatitis that did not respond to ANY treatment--oral contraceptives, differin, tazorac, duac, three types of oral antibiotics, retin-a, nicomide-t gel, topical corticosteriods, azelic acid, proactive, you name it!, and constant breakouts into my mid twenties). The side effects were annoying and occasionally distressing, but i just had to remember that I was making an investment in my skin and my self esteem. Find a dermatologist that is invested in your treatment, and be informed about your decision to use accutane. You need to be able to recognize the side effects and treat them appropriately. Overall, however, it has been one of the best decisions of my life. I have *perfect* skin! I haven't had a pimple in over a year, and I've been off accutane now for 7 months.
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November 22, 2006

Pros:

Clears your face, lessens the appearence of scars, and gives you healthy smooth skin.

Cons:

Entire skin on your body dries out. Cracked lips,peeling skin,itching, sensitive skin, sunburn,bone pain, upset stomache,headache.

Effective as a last resort treatment. Not the most pleasent expirence.
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November 14, 2006

Pros:

Skin goes very smooth and acne fades. I would say it works. I can see a huge improvement at 2 1/2 months.

Cons:

dry peeling skin, dry lips, sore joints and muscles - sometimes, very sensitive skin - only on face. I got really sore and puffy skin on my face when I started to take 3 20mg pills a day.Sensitive to sun when on it.

My acne only started to break out when I was 18 and it was only on my cheeks. I have been on Isotnane for about 2 1/2 months - first two months I was on 1 20mg pill a day and then at the 2 month mark my derm told me to go on 3 20mg a day - I did and my skin went really puffy and sore - so now only on 2 20mg a day. My derm said that I have to go on 3 20mg pills a days if I want my acne to go away forever. Can someone tell me if this is true and if two 20mg pills a day is enough to get rid of it forever??
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November 13, 2006

Pros:

While this medication did not completely eliminate my acne, my skin is significantly clearer than on any medication or other treatment. It also does not negate the effectiveness of birth control as the antibiotics I previously took did.

Cons:

There are mild side effects -- severely dry skin and chapped lips, headaches, back aches, etc.

While I did have side effects which were frustrating at times (especially the chapped lips and headaches) to me it was still well worth using this product. I have been seeing a dermatologist since my freshman year of college (almost 6 years ago) and nothing has worked. I have tried multiple antibotics, different kinds of birth control, topical creams, other medications, etc. While I still get some pimples, they are much smaller, less frequent and fewer in number than before. To me this means a world of difference. The advice I would give anyone would be to be realistic about your outcome and give the medication time. I didn't end up seeing dramatic results until a few months into my treatment. It's also important to be honest with your doctor about the side effects and your progress.
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November 12, 2006

Pros:

It works very well, but it is not permanent.

Cons:

The side effects are horrible, the severe chapped lips and dry eyes were the most irritating side effect, and the mood swings could get pretty scary. Do not think you will not get the side effects, because you will.

I have taken Accutane twice, both were 6 month regiments and both times after about 2 years of having clear skin my acne returned, but a little less severe each time it has returned. Now my acne is managable with topical treatments. I am going to recommend this drug because you will see results, but it is HORRIBLE while you are on it. The side effects may sound unreal but they will happen in some form, so I highly suggest researching this medication before deciding to take it, to make sure it is the right thing for you. If severe side effects and having blood tests done every month are not your thing, then neither is this drug.
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November 11, 2006

Pros:

Acne got better but not entirely

Cons:

SEVERE dry skin and eyes. I could no longer wear contacts my eyes were so dry. 1 year later the acne returned. Monthly blood tests were a pain and they showed high cholesterol. My joints ached.

It was good in reducing the amount of acne for a time but it is not worth the side effects and the fact that my acne returned a year later.
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November 9, 2006

Pros:

After 5 months I was all clear, this product does the trick. It's simple, just follow a good regime and take x ammount of pills per day. Nothing difficult about this.

Cons:

I am very suseptable to side-effects, in the case of any medications. Needless to say I had a little problem with the known side-effects of this product. Weak joints, minor hair loss, and very dry skin were the extent of it.

This product is worth the money. In the long run the side-effects faded and I eventually got back to my good old self; minus the acne. Some people say the acne returns after the treatment, and I will agree with them...but only if you don't keep up with a regime. Face it, some of us are prone to acne and we have to watch it. Accutane can clear your body of acne, but it's up to you to keep it clear. I use a mild acne cleanser and follow up with a moisturiser twice a day, I may have to do this for the rest of my life...but it's a small price to pay to have great looking skin.
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November 3, 2006

Pros:

IT WORKS GREAT. WORKS FAST. NO OTHER PRODUCT BROUGHT FASTER RESULTS. WAS VERY SATISFIED.

Cons:

IT CAN CAUSE DEPRESSION BUT ITS A MATTER OF SELF CONTROL AND PAYING ATTENTION TO YOUR SYMPTOMS will make you more suitable for the medication.it does cause mood swings but hey who cares i look beautiful and know what you need to take care of.

Its not for everybody. not every patient can deal with the drawbacks as you can see in the other ratings. respect the medication and its not a permanent one. your acne will come back in a year or so. mine did but i took the medication again for a month in a half and i was fine. its all about maintanence. Acne is a part of life is your born with it. so learn to control it and move on with you life with out the depression and dry skin for that month or two. use moisturizer!
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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