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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December 11, 2007

Pros:

No oily skin. Thats it so far.

Cons:

Ance is way worse. I used to have moderately bad acne with a few systic lumps. Now my entire jaw line is convered in lumps - incredibly painful. Dry Lips. Super Dry Skin. Rashes on Back of Hands and on Top of Arms. Generally depressed.

IT SUCKS SO FAR!! However, my sister went on accutane a few years ago and her skin cleared up in 2 weeks! She has had maybe 1 pimple a year for the past few years. Her skin is perfect. I was expecting similar results, and am very dissapointed to say the least. Sometimes I forget to moisturize and my face basically completely peels off. SO EMBARASSING. It's been a lifestyle change for the worse, with no positives as of yet. To make matters worse, I am an athlete and I have been experiencing some mild chest pain and shortness of breath that is unusual. My doctor knows about all of these side effects but she seems unconcerned. I am presently taking 80 mg a day. Hopefully better results lie ahead for me in the future, and I can get rid of this terrible acne that has completely drained my self confidence.
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December 10, 2007

Pros:

Clears skin. Period.

Cons:

Dry lips. This is a big deal! I also had really severe nose bleeds.

I used it for a while when I was younger. I had stubborn acne and this cleared it up right away. I didn't even have any initial breakouts. I still have acne, but it's never come back as badly and I use much milder medication to control it. The dry lips were very very bad. You won't be kissable while you're on it! :)
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December 10, 2007

Pros:

It worked well during the time I was taking it and about half a year after that.

Cons:

So far I have taken Isotretinoin Accutane / Roacuttan 3 different times. Each prescription was half a year. It looks that my forth prescription is needed.

I was quite disappointed since I hope the result to be quite forever. I have had acne more than ten years now. I have tried everything. Isotretinoin Accutane / Roacuttan works but in my cast the result lasted only for a half a year after medication. I really would not want to take the medicine fourth time since now I already think that it will last only for a while and then I am back again :( But at least it works for a while really well. Dont want to be like this forever
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December 8, 2007

Pros:

This product cleared up my skin for the duration of the treatment and approximately a year afterwards.

Cons:

My skin was constantly dry. I suffered from depression. My acne returned.

For the amount of work required: two types of birth control for women, depression screening, blood tests, vitamin supplements, constant moisturizing, this product is demanding to say the least. If you suffer from severe scaring acne, as I do, the product will only subdue your acne. However, to this date, it is the best result producing product I have taken.
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December 5, 2007
I HAVE USED SOTRET FOR 2 MONTHS AND WITH LITTLE RESULTS HOPING THE THIRD MONTH WILL HELP BETTER CYSTIC ACNE STILL NOTICEABLE NOT AS BIG STILL REALLY DEPRESSED I WAS WANTING INSTANT GRADAFACATION I HAVE NEVER HAD GREAT SKIN BUT WAS HOPING FOR MIRACLE DRUG BUT WOULD STILL RECOMMEND DRY LIPS VERY BAD BUT WANTING HOPING THIS IS WORTH IT TAMMY
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November 29, 2007

Pros:

Effective treatment after taking for 5months i didnt get any acne for around a year.

Cons:

Disturbing side effects like seriously dry skin which no matter how much cream you apply it doesnt really help,also lips crack easily and watch out if you have to eat alot as you tend to bleed at the corners of your mouth.

I would look into oral anti-biotics first and try every known brand as taking this drug isnt the first thing you should try.I would try oxytetracycline and also erythromycin as these do work for a while.If you have mild acne try anti-biotics however severve go for roaccutane
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November 20, 2007

Pros:

This is the only product that has cleared up my face and I have been dealing with acne since I was 12 years old and I am now 23.

Cons:

I suffered a stroke from the combination of this medication and the required birth control that you must take with it when I was 17. Now my acne is back and I am trying to find a method to clear it up.

This product works but be careful of the side effects. I had to get a blood test every month and thought that I would be ok health wise but then I suffered from a stroke. I know have to deal with having a stroke on my medical history which increases the risk of other things in my life like having a baby.
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November 10, 2007

Pros:

This works cleared acne up 100% made skin look translucent

Cons:

Severe dehydration, always carried water and lip balm with me.

This really does work but unfortunately didn't fix my acne permanently (I've been on two courses and it has still come back - only after several months though). In NZ it is subsidised if you visit a Dermatologist so the price is very affordable. Skin not only clears up on this drug but if good skincare is used in conjunction with it, becomes very translucent almost like baby skin :0)
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October 30, 2007

Pros:

Completely eliminated nodules and cysts and therefore prevented scarring.

Cons:

Extremely dry, pale, somewhat wrinkly skin, irritaton, peeling, horrible chapped lips, frequent nosebleeds, dry eyes

There is simply nothing that works better for nodular-cystic acne, especially after all other treatments have failed. It saved my face from the horrible scarring caused by cystic acne. It did not eliminate minor breakouts after the course of treatment. The side-effects are severe, but are worth the price for clear skin.
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October 28, 2007

Pros:

My face doesn't get oily anymore. Kicks Acne's ass.

Cons:

Dry Dry face. inside of the nose became dry, Chapped and dry lips, redness of the face

I'm on my third month and I'm starting to see some good results. My acne has been getting better and then worse and then better than before. So it's working.
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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