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 30, 2012

Pros:

Skin is not oily anymore (normal skin)
No more acne!
Can go out without makeup on
Saves me time in the morning
I don't have to stress about breakouts
Improved confidence! :)

Cons:

While on the medication:
Very dry lips (aquaphor will be your best friend)
Took about 3 months to work
Some joint pain

This medication, while I understand is a radical treatment, saved my confidence. I wanted to write this review for anyone who is constantly stressing about their skin, looking for new products, and constantly reading tips for acne, as I did. I didn't really have an initial breakout either, so that was a plus but it did take about 2-3 months to completely clear me up. If you have back or face acne that destroys your self confidence, ask your derm about this medication!!!!! Its a life saver!
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December 29, 2012

Pros:

cleared sever cystic acne completely
changed my life

Cons:

very drying
dry eyes
dry skin
dry nose
annoying blood tests

I've had sever cystic acne for over 15 years. My face would hurt and throb in pain just sitting there. Believe me when I say I have tried everything from Proactive, Retin A, Doxycycline , a whole bunch of very painful yet ineffective zit zapping facial treatments, just to name a few. Not to mention, I probably went through about 10 different dermatologists just trying to find something that would work. Accutane was my absolute last resort. It took me 15 years to talk myself into it and it was a pain in the butt while I was on it (super dry skin, eyes, and lips that felt like they would fall off). Seriously, I would forget my keys or phone different places, but I learned very quickly not to forget my chapstick. But after about the third month, my face was almost completely clear. After 15 years of hell, and it only took 3 months on Accutane for my face to clear up. I couldn't believe it! I understand Accutane is not for everyone. I am just so thankful that it worked for me.
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December 8, 2012

Pros:

The clearest softest skin I've ever had!
Confidence booster :D

Cons:

slightly dry lips

Accutane is amazing. I had tried everything from retin-a to minocycline to benzoyl peroxide to most topical treatments you can think of. None of these products gave me any outstanding results. After seeing more than 5 derms over the span of five years one of them finally recommended Accutane. I first scared myself into not using it since I read about all of the side effects but after finally going on a 10mg one pill a day dosage my skin started to respond really well. I couldn't believe it! My skin was clearing up after only one week of taking it, I know it sounds ridiculous since most treatments work after four weeks but its true. The IB was so minimal I hardly noticed it. I only got one or two gigantic pimples but that was about it. My skin became soft and the terribly embarrassing redness caused by topical retin-a finally disappeared. Some of the marks from previous breakouts also disappeared. I was finally truly confident after spending most of my high school years battling acne. I've been on Accutane for a while now and haven't had any of the side-effects most people get which I am extremely thankful for. My lips and chin become slightly dry usually after washing my face but that is the gist of it. Please consider taking Accutane if you have been on several other topical treatments and they've failed. You don't have to go on high dosages if you are afraid of the side effects. Im telling you this because sometimes what you read will scare you but you will NEVER know if you don't try it. :)
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November 25, 2012

Pros:

- It WILL clear your skin.
- Changed my life.
- I know you've probably read all this stuff about how your face will be falling off because it's so dry and that your face will be red as a tomatoe, but DON'T let this scare you. Accutane is amazing, but yes it gives you dry skin and lips, and yes your face will be redder, but it's seriously not as bad as you think it will be. Just regularly applie moisturiser and lip balm (Vaseline is the best for me)!

Cons:

- Dry skin.
- Red face.
- Muscle ache (Had to stop running while on it)

Don't worry, all these side effects go days after your treatment finishes!

Use it, a few months of dry skin is SO much better than a childhood (or adulthood) of acne.
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November 16, 2012

Pros:

clear skin-clearest its been before
smooth skin

Cons:

extremely dry lips (like no other..)
lower back pain
dry skin

I would reccomend this medicine to anyone who suffers with acne. I normally dont write reviews about anything but this one I just had to share my experience. Ive been on accutane for almost 6 months and thought it would not work because I was still breaking out up until 2 weeks ago. When the doctor says give it time..you have to be patient. The end results of this medicine were absolutely incredible. I thought id never get rid of it. And im hoping it never comes back either lol. Hang in there guys! =)
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November 7, 2012

Pros:

Cleared my skin!! I never thought I could obtain clear skin, many products failed and this one actually worked!

Cons:

Very expensive depending on insurance. Lots of side effects. Monthly blood tests.

I was on this for 7 months and finally got the clear skin I have been waiting for! It took a long time to clear me up, a little over 3 months actually. I got the common side effects. Very chapped lips ( like no joke chapped lips ) sore joints ( my knees and ankles ) and a sore lower back. Dry eyes.
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November 7, 2012

Pros:

Gets rid of Cystic Acne

Cons:

Depression
Irritability
Dry Skin (Arms and face)
Dry Lips
Minor back pain
Insomnia
Rashes during the last couple months

I've literally just gotten back from my skin doctor and have just finished my 5 months of Accutane. I had many side effects, but I feel as though that they were all worth it. I remember during my Freshman and Sophomore year of high school I didn't even want to come to school sometimes. My face would be in extreme pain, and would swell because of the cysts all over it. It was hard to put on a football helmet, or wrestle other kids in practice. At the end of my Junior year I started taking Claravis (Accutane). The results started showing maybe after a month or two. However, my face was dry and I was very moody. I had to carry around blistex with me. My lower back hurt very little. I felt depressed, but I knew it was the accutane and tried not to let it bother me. I've always had insomnia, but accutane made it worse, so it was hard to sleep at night. I still had a few cysts when I decided to up my medication from 40mg to 60mg a day. Shortly after, I broke out in hives on my back and had rashes on my arms. I then had it changed back to 40mg and stuck out my last month, and here I am. My acne is pretty much 98% gone. My face is VERY clear and my family and friends tell me how good it looks often. My honest opinion is if acne is ruining your life like it was doing to mine, you'll "suck it up" and stick out through the side effects. Trust me, you'll be happy you did. P.S.: If you have trouble with facial dryness, ask your doctor to prescribe a cream. Mine gave me Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream USP, 0.1%. Put it wherever you are dry or having rashes. Should help.
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November 6, 2012

Pros:

It completely got rid of my acne
The acne has stayed away.
Made me more confident
Made me a happier person in general

Cons:

Price
Dry hands and skin
Chapped lips

Using accutane was the best decision of my life so far. After trials of tetracycline and minocycline that didn't work for me my dermatologist told me that the only thing that would help me would be accutane. Although my lips were chapped for the majority of my 7 month trial (carmex is a life saver while on accutane) I was still happy the entire time i was on the drug. I used to be afraid to go out in fear that I would be judged for the hideous amounts of acne on my face. Now I have all the confidence in the world thanks to accutane and the beautiful clear skin it brought me. My parents were worried with its link to chron's disease and links to depression and suicidal thoughts. Apparently there has only been one documented correlation between Chron's disease and accutane. And I didn't see myself getting depressed or upset if the drug would be taking the biggest problem out of my life. After a year being off accutane I still don't get breakouts. I've had maybe 7 or 8 small pimples since I got off in June. I would reccomend accutane to anyone who suffers with their acne as much as I did. It does help and it does make it better.
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November 6, 2012

Pros:

Cleared acne VERY QUICK
cleared whiteheads
made skin much, much smoother

Cons:

very dry lips. my lips bled day and night
first week I had a bad appetite and trouble in bowel movement.

Accutane is a great product. It may have side effects, but for me, it worked fine because my acne stopped popping up after just 3 months. It was amazing. Acne simply stopped. My skin got a lot smoother too. However, I recommend users to consult a doc first. It might have bad side effects for others.
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November 4, 2012

Pros:

-Cleared severe acne almost entirely
-Skin no longer oily

Cons:

-Needed frequent blood tests
-Dry skin, although not too bad

I have had severe acne ever since I was 10 and tried almost everything for six years until I simply couldn't take it anymore. I've tried proactive, accupuncture & basically everything under the sun. I cannot speak highly enough of accutance. My mum was really opposed to me trying it because of all the possible side effects, but EVERYTHING has side effects and one must consider were those who got depression from accutance just looking for something to blame. My doctor also said a side effect of panadol is death because everything has to be reported. Bottom line, yes it is risky and yes you must follow all rules that come along with such a potent drug and if, and only if you are willing to do this you may be as lucky as me. Also, if you have depression perhaps it's not the best drug to go on if you think it might worsen it. I had hundreds of pimples on my face at any one time, not just tiny ones, I had pimples on pimples, the whole lot. My skin was also very VERY oily and putting fountation on it was probably the only reason I got by with acne for so long. On accutane I incurred very little side effects other than skin sensitivity and some dryness, particually on the lips. It has been 2 years since I've been on accutane and I still get a few pimples but overall my skin has improved so much and has gone from severe to very light. If you have tried everything and are willing to use this drug wisely I really think it's worth it because I know there are worse things in this world than bad skin but I know first hand the toll severe acne can have on ones confidence. Good luck x
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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