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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May 17, 2008

Pros:

Very Effective, cleared skin and back in 2 weeks. Easy just take with food, combats resistant acne, unlike antibiotics no tolerance is built up

Cons:

Plenty, but, not all are expreienced. I experience dry skin and lips, however, both are taken care of by moisturizer and lip chap. Expensive! And, must avoid alcoholic beverages.

After trying OTC acne treaments, many kinds, Retin-A, Clindamycin, and Differin XP (adapalene), eventually minocin (antibiotic) and then to breakout with acne on the back, it is necessary to turn to Accutane.
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April 27, 2008

Pros:

I have only been on Accutane for a few weeks and have already seen amazing results, without the major/horrible side effects you will read about

Cons:

Dry lips/inability to concentrate the first hour or so after taking/very sun sensitive! Blood tests every month. WAY too much $ if your insurance sucks!

I NEVER had acne until I got off birth control; NOTHING worked for 6 months of over-the-counter crap, antibiotics, topical creams ect..If you want something that works & works fast try this! If you experience the really bad side effects-STOP taking it. It's out of your system in 24hrs.
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April 14, 2008

Pros:

cleared up severe acne,scars have reduced.

Cons:

sinustis.

everytime i used the isotretinoin gel i have difficulty breathing. this gel caused acute sinusitis. but it was effective against acne.
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April 3, 2008

Pros:

i've been on this for a month and it's cleared up my forhead very well and my back has cleared up dramatically already but not my trouble spots around my mouth

Cons:

It has gotten a little worse so far. Dry Skin...dry, cracked lips but not too bad

i have a great feeling about this medicine after being on everything else, and i mean EVERTHING...proactiv, oxy, duac, benzaclin, ziana, soloyn, phisoderm,u name it i was on it....i just went on this about a month ago and everythings clearing up pretty well except around my mouth which is where its pretty bad....forheads great and my back looks awesome already. I'm goin to th derm tommorrow and hopefully hell bump me up from 40mg's to 80mg's
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April 2, 2008

Pros:

DEFINATELY clears skin up. Got a nice lip-moisterizing prescription from my doctor that i still use :-]

Cons:

started taking it over 3 years ago, havent taken it for about a year due to the fact that i got TERRIBLE mood swings, i had crying spells, my skin dried out real bad for the first couple months, and i got nauseated sometimes after taking it

I had real bad side effects, majority of the ones that they warn you about. -but- It's worked perfectly for a girl i know. it's different for everyone i guess
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March 30, 2008

Pros:

Cleared up serious acne by about 90%.

Cons:

Serious side effects. While I was on it, I had dry skin and lips. I suffered hearing loss while on it (and never recovered).

I don't know if the hearing loss was worth it but it did give me substantial relief from my acne.
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March 24, 2008

Pros:

cleared up my skin more than any other medicine, but broke out after stopped.

Cons:

Blood tests every month. chapped lips, dry skin, headaches.

My two brothers and I both have acne. He has ache on the surface and I have acne deep in my skin and continues on the surface. It worked for my brothers but not entirely for me. It cleared up my skin while I was on it, and now I have been off of it for over a couple years and I have pretty bad acne again. I was on accutane for over a year. I received headaches, chapped lips, and dry skin. I have tried everything, and accutane worked out the best, but I cant be on it for more than a year. Most people go for about 6 months. I am trying other medicines at the moment.
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March 21, 2008

Pros:

Within 2 months on it, my skin cleared and was crystal clear for the rest of the time.

Cons:

Started breaking out within 2 months after stopping my first try. Even had acne that req'd cortizone injections. Went back on Accutane.After stopping 2nd try, have mild breakouts again.Wicked expensive.Constant bloody noses and lip chapping on accu

Can possibly really work. I did have crystal clear skin while on accutane. It's been about 4 years and back to mild breakouts and blackheads. It's great when it works but frustrating when it wears off. I hope I haven't permanently damaged my reproductive organs.
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March 4, 2008

Pros:

its only been two weeks, im not breaking out on my chest and back as much, but my face has gotten a little worse. so far no serious side effects.

Cons:

extremely dry lips, and im breaking out a little more. and since i dont have full prescription coverage it costs me $430. And i really enjoy going out and drinking, and it kinda sucks that i cant do that either :(

i hope it works, ill repost and let you know how it gos. as is i have spent a small fortune on my skin to begin with. so if it works its worth it.
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February 23, 2008

Pros:

Had to use it twice in the space of 3 years. Was on it for 6 months the first time. After the 1st round of treatment my skin was great for about 2 1/2 years. Was very happy with the way my skin looked & felt at the time.

Cons:

Very drying to lips, mouth, & various spots on my body. Very expensive. A hassle to go for the blood work. After 1 month on the 2nd course of treatment I had severe problems.

Use you & your Dr's judgement regarding your experience with it and the pros and cons involved. Personally I can't use it again. The second time I used it, I became extremely agitated, mood swings and had panic attacks. Not totally sure if this was from the Accutane, but since then I was diagnosed with MDD,(Major Depressive Disorder). I believe I was suffering while on Accutane, but hadn't been diagnosed or on any medications for it. Because of the extreme side effects the second time around my Dr. and I decide I should stop.
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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.
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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.
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Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

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  • 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.
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