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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March 13, 2013

Pros:

This treatment worked great. I can't explain to people how my confidence has shot up since the tablets began to kick in! It has completely cleared my acne as well as black heads. I have finished the treatment and have been off it for weeks now and haven't seen a single spot or even blackhead appear! I can actually walk in the shopping center and not feel like everyone is staring at me and my spots. Miracle drug!

Cons:

I got very dry skin, had to moisturize everyday. Also, my lips went REALLY dry, even using lip therapy wouldn't stop the dryness. I had a few nose bleeds because my skin was so dry, and did make me depressed at times, but it was worth it.

In the end, it's a means to make an end. Yes I suffered from all the cons but now look where I am. You can see the difference it has made at this link below. Yes, it hasn't removed scars but it reduced a lot of them. [link removed]
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March 10, 2013

Pros:

Only thing that worked at all for me after the age of 26. I've been on it twice since then. I personally had no major side effects from it, and with a decent health insurance plan, it's cheaper than laying out money on tons of treatments that don't work. Even if I eventually have to take it again, I would in a heartbeat.

Cons:

Monthly blood work, logging into their website to get the script renewed. Dry skin issues (dry nose, cracked lips).

Try it. If you feel ill after using it for a few days, you can stop and notify your doctor. I feel that trying Accutane is better than using dozens of antibiotics over time, making your acne bacteria resistant.
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February 27, 2013

Pros:

Clear skin
Great results
Worked fast
Clear skin for years!!!!

Cons:

Dry skin
Chapped lips

I went on Acutane when I was 15, after trying so many different meds for 5 years. My skin stayed flawless for about 10 years until I went on birth control and it ruined everything! For the passed 3 years I have been experiencing moderate to severe acne. I am now 29 and going to the doc to ask for Acutane again. Nothing else has worked for me besides Acutane.
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February 22, 2013

Pros:

Clear Skin
Stays clear for a long time
Easy skin care afterwards

Cons:

VERY dry everything
Expensive$$$$
Back aches
Blood tests, lots of appointments

Accutane is a pain, but it is SO worth it. I took it for about 6 months, and by month 4 my skin was totally clear. I've been off of it almost a year now, and I am just starting to get breakouts again. Scarring went away fairly quickly and the past months of perfect skin have been heaven. The pros far outweigh the cons, accutane is great!!
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February 17, 2013

Pros:

Acne is gone. It's been 5 months since I stopped using it. I didn't get depression, even though I was diagnosed and treated for depression 10+ years ago.

Cons:

Had to stop drinking for 5 months. But, I didn't care because I was getting compliments from women left and right about how good my face was looking.

Do it. Remember that most online reviews are written by the negatives. I almost forgot to post my review because acne has been out of sight and out of mind.
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February 12, 2013

Pros:

HIGHLY Effective
Lasting results
Absolutely clear, smooth, oil free skin
Cheap compared to other treatment options

Cons:

Positive effects take time (8 weeks)
Moderate dry skin (lips, face and some body)
Dry Nose
Mild back soreness
Lethargy (tiredness)

I have been off Isotretinoin for about 2 months after a 7 month course (40mg per/day) of the drug. It is far and beyond the best acne treatment i have ever encountered after trying countless other treatments (antibiotics, LED light therapy, Creams, 3 step programs, topical prescriptions etc). The side effects are well and truly MANAGEABLE. If your acne gets you down, youve tried the other avenues and you are considering using accutane JUST DO IT. It might change your life like it did mine.
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February 9, 2013

Pros:

*20 years old - 5 ft 11' - 40 mg a day
Its only been 10 pills and its been working magic... way less pimples and if i do get one the dry up fast! Little craters on my face , but scarring cream should help
I drink alot of water at work and go to the gymm nd drink water only . No protein etc cus doc said so. I had cyst acne deep in my skin not severe small pimples here and there. Clearing up pretty fast. I was doxy pills bd isotreition for a year. Acne since 17. I recomend it . I feel normal

Cons:

Chapped lips lol

Take it... you control the drug dont let the drug control you ...just live life with it before u know it BAM! You wake up with no pimples!! :))
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January 28, 2013

Pros:

GREAT! Worked so well to help my acne! I have been off it for a while now, over a year and I was on it for about a year and a half. I get the occasional break-out but nothing bad. I still have marks and scarring but accutane worked great.

Cons:

Dry lips (keep chapstick on hand)
Sun burn (ALWAYS wear sun screen)

Worked great and the side effects that I had were minor! Granted I still need to keep chapstick on hand because my lips are constantly dry but it is worth it.
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January 27, 2013

Pros:

Cleared skin
Minimum side effects

Cons:

Chapped lips
Sensitivity to sunlight
Took a few months to fully work

miracle
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January 5, 2013

Pros:

Clear Skin
Non-oily
less oily hair
Started working right away
Most effective acne treatment I've ever come across (tried Dianette, tetracycline, minocycline, doxycycline)

Cons:

Headaches (at times)
Dry Lips
Dry Skin (can be managed with moisturiser)
Sensitivity to light (blurry vision in lots of light)

I had looked at reviews like this for probably a year or so before I could take Isotretinoin, seeing the good and bad reviews and wondering how it would effect me. I took a low dosage of 20mg, and have been taking it for nearly two months now. Hope I'm not speaking too soon, but this stuff is greaaaat! My skin began to clear up after taking it for a bout a week and over the course I have had about 2/3 proper spots. Acne on chest and back has gone, back was last to clear (after 1.5 months).
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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