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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December 15, 2009

Pros:

My face isn't as oily and my face seems to start clearing according to my doctor. I haven't had as many mainful breakouts and I'm on month four.

Cons:

My lips are SUPER dry all the time especially here in the cold winters.. they always bleed. vision blurring, and back aches, gets MUCH worse before getting better, still not sure.. i want my clear flawless skin?

I would recommend this to other acne sufferers but, be ready for some disappointment in the beginning . now i hear that it leaves a lot of scars.. I DONT WANT THAT!! ): well keeping a positive attitude that it will work as it did for others!! Wish me luck!!
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December 10, 2009

Pros:

It cleared my acne from being on it for 3 months. I was on it for a total of 5 months.

Cons:

Well its been a year since I last finished taking accutane. And my acne is coming back again. So I'm re-living this nightmare all over again. ONLY SIDE EFFECTS IS DRY LIPS

Accutane works, but in my case it only worked for a year. I now have acne again. And I don't have insurance, so to get back on acctuane is going to cost thousands of dollars.... But this medicine really does clear your face, the question is for how long?
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December 9, 2009

Pros:

Cleared my severe cystic acne by 99% for approximately 17 years.

Cons:

Side effects I experienced while on Accutane: Itchy scalp, flaking skin on scalp and face. Decreased night vision. Other: Had to monitor diet for cholesterol which was difficult. Mandatory birth control. Monthly blood tests for cholesterol. Thin skin

Was on it for about 5 months. Though it was expensive and there were a lot of "cons", Accutane did what they said it would... rid me of severe cystic acne. Due to skin thinning I have to wonder if it made me more prone to scarring. The Accutane worked for 17 years. Unfortunately, my acne is coming back now. Seems to be hormonal so trying Spironolactone first. If it doesn't work I'll probably go back on Accutane.
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December 9, 2009

Pros:

Not having any severe break outs, no huge pussy pimples like before. Just a few here and there but then again im just finishing my first month of accutane.

Cons:

dry lips! really really dry lips i use so much lip chap and i use vassaline on my lips every night before bed. my eyes get sore and weak, i wear contacts and they get dry really fast which makes it hard to see. lack of motivation(always had that tho)

considering i've only been on it for a month im liking it. i can definatly see its working and that gets me excited for months to come :) im tired of waking up at my friends house's and running to a mirror first thing in the morning to re-apply my make up so they cant see how gross my skin is. Or getting embarssed when one of my pretty friends compains all day about one little zit she has, while im sitting there with hundreds all over my face. i've had a few comments on how dry my lips are but i hope that doesnt last im stoked on accuatane and am glad to be getting rid of it after having it for 6 long years of my life!
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December 8, 2009

Pros:

Claravis worked great for my skin! It took just a couple of weeks before I didn't see anymore breakouts. I stopped using it after 3 months.

Cons:

Very dry lips (constantly putting lip balm on), muscle aches especially in the morning and night blindness. It made me sad and more emotional. Somedays I felt crazy and not myself.

I would recommend at least trying it. It does have A LOT of side effects but like my doctor said "How bad do you want clear skin?" I'm also blessed to have health insurance to afford it otherwise it would run about $600 a month (co-pays + prescription).
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December 7, 2009

Pros:

Clears acne

Cons:

Takes months to work. Dry skin on chin, arms. Dry lips need constant lip balm. Dry inside of nose

I've taken these tabs for 11 weeks now and my forehead + nose are completely clear. Got 1 spot on cheek and had 2 near my mouth last week. Really does reduce the amount of spots. Initial break out is pretty harsh. Skin actually looks worse for a month so ask for some antibios during this time (Not tetracyclines). Lots of side effects, but nothing terrible and can easily be managed with emolients, antihistamines & hydrocortisone
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December 7, 2009

Pros:

Clears Acne when taken in high doses as prescribed with water and fatty food. Beautiful, super model skin.

Cons:

Severe back pain, dry skin, severe dehydration, chapped lips, loss of appetite, fatigue, drowsiness.

Give me awful back pain, disgusting lips and die-hard dehydration any day. I'd rather have it than acne. Accutane works.
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December 2, 2009

Pros:

Cleared up skin tremendously, unbelievable results! Liver status monitored very carefully during treatment.

Cons:

dry skin, nose bleeds, skin rash (in the beginning)

My 17 year old son is on his 4th month of Accutane. I hesitated putting him on Accutane because as a registered nurse, I am well aware of the potential damage this drug can do to the liver. He has tried every topical cream, aggressive skin care system, and prescription antibiotic available, and nothing worked. After 4 years of battling acne, and doing alot of research, we decided to try accutane. He was placed on 40mg twice a day. The first three months were somewhat difficult, in that his acne looked pretty bad, plus his skin was flaking, peeling, and very dry. Our dermatologist kept telling us to be patient, that it would be 3 months before we saw improvement. It was hard being patient, but I'm so glad we rode it out, because his face looks FABULOUS!! He hasn't had any new acne or breakouts for the past month. He still has some redness from old acne, but it's slowly fading away. He has had no depression, or suicidal thoughts. 1 more month, and he's done. Best decision i ever made
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November 21, 2009

Pros:

-PERFECT SKIN as a result
-long lasting results (3 years for me)
-if your acne comes back it won't be as severe as before Accutane

Cons:

-My hair thinned a lot
-regular blood work
-the results are not always permanent

Accutane is a difficult drug to take in that you need to be aware of the side effects. I experienced them all but it was worth it. My skin was 100% clear for about 3 years after wards. I am starting to break out again but it's only on the left side of my face. I have heard that some people need to take it twice for it to work so I'm trying to get back on it again. Even though it didn't clear my skin longer then those 3 years, Accutane has been the only thing to cure my acne long term.
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November 20, 2009

Pros:

THIS STUFF IS TRULY A MIRACLE DRUG, NO MORE ACNE!!

Cons:

the treatment sucks, you will have super sensitive and dry skin!! Try to keep it as dry as possible as my dermatologist said : "the dryer the better"

Stick with it! All you youngsters asre complaining its not working after a month or two! ITS TAKES SIX MONTHS!! but last a lifetime... stick with it, its worth it... trust me!
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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