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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September 18, 2009

Pros:

Works AMAZINGLY. All acne (body, face) gone! And usually stays away for a long time.

Cons:

Dry Lips, Suicidal thoughts (depression), Dry Skin. Unfortunatly, it's been about a year since I've last taken accutane and my back has broken out... I get pimples on my hairline too, but I don't worry about those.
Leaves scars!

If you really want to get rid of acne and it's ruining your life, I recommend this medication. But if you don't care that much, and your acne isn't severe, don't take it.
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September 17, 2009

Pros:

supposidly cures acne, will at least help acne and is usually only prescribed to people who have tried alot of other treatments that havent worked.

Cons:

not everyone gets the results they wish for

iv been on isotretinoin for about a month now, im taking 30mg a day and noticed that my lips are really dry and so is my skin, i cant wash my hair evryday as its also dry, i also keep getting nose bleeds as its even drying my nose out! i have alot of spots under my skin as well as blackheads and of course the common spot, i have noticed that after only a short time that my blackheads are clearing up and my forhead which is where alot of my spots are, are also disappering, i will be put on a higher dose later on. even with the uncomfortable side affects it still a great feeling to know your trying to do somthing about your skin, and if it doesnt work you can try another alternative. prviously i was on dianette and that was horrible, it didnt agree with me at all but i stuck with it for 9 months and after seeing no improvment in my skin stopped taking it. talk to your doctor as much as possible so they can get a good understanding about whats going on and continue to make a f
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September 13, 2009

Pros:

Brand Accutane was a miracle drug for me. One 5 month dose and I was cured of Acne for life. I took it in 1984. I am now 45 years old and have never broken out again, even during/after 2 pregnancies.

Cons:

Dry palms, dry lips, dry hair. Acne gets worse before it gets better.

I took brand Accutane in 1984 for 5 months. I had been battling cystic acne since age 15. My skin would clear up on antibiotics and after a few months they would stop working and the cysts would return. I tried several prescription topical treatments in addition to chemical peels and facials. Nothing worked and I begged my parents to let me take it. I am now having to make the decision to put my daughter on it. While I feel comfortable putting her on it, I'm very dissapointed that Roche has taken the brand Accutane off the market. I don't want to wait until she gets all the scarring I got from all the cysts I endured before taking the Accutane. When I took Accutane, it was very new and there was no data linking it to depression. I have depression in my family history and yet I expreinced no side-effects except for dry hand, dry lips and dry hair. All of which went a way a couple of months after finishign my course.
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September 8, 2009

Pros:

it cleared up all my acne that i had for years that was very servere

Cons:

the product worked but at took forever, i almost gave up plenty of time and my lips was dry is ever. it made my face 10x worst and i couldn't deal with it. i had the worst case because it took 12 weeks to clear and that was the biggest pain in my LIF

if there is no solution just get accutane as last resort because i believe it works for anybody its just a matter of patience because im clear and feeling good and acne cause some people insecurity
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September 4, 2009

Pros:

clear up acne and blackheads, less oily face and scalp. My pores are less visible and face feels smoother.
I get one or two tiny zits around my period now; not completely get rid of acne but has definitely helped a lot.

Cons:

dry lips, corner of mouth is flaky. Face is prone to redness and feels sore, especially after washing and brief sun exposure. Also have occasional eczema on arms. Mood swing and was more paranoid.

I am in my mid 30's and suffered from acne since as a teen. Like all acne sufferers, bought most OTC acne products and was prescribed everything my derm could think of and was able to stay clear until one day my acne could not be controlled then I was prescribed Accutane as my last resort. On 40 mg /day and near the end of my 5th month of a six month course. The initial 2 months was the worst because of the IB and dryness. After 2 months, my face started to clear up and I got compliments. Body soreness after exercise and more severe toward the end of my course. Becasue I still get 1-2 small zits around my period and my derm told me Accutance does not help get rid of hormonal acne, so I may go on a low dose maintenance course. My Liver enzyme went up slightly by the 4th month so to say this drug is strong is not an overstatement. It works, but MUST be careful with this drug, get regular check up and blood work is important
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September 4, 2009

Pros:

It did the job. When you put aside all the side effects, it really did clear out my acne all over my body. I had very oily skin, and it was nice having soft, smooth skin for a change. With military insurance, it's basically free.

Cons:

You'll get really chapped lips, and the occasional nosebleed. Everyone complains about skin getting redder, but that's just something you'll have to get over, because your body needs to get used to the medicine first.

This is a product that really did the job for me, unlike Proactive, Clearasil, Clean and Clear, etc. The side effects aren't that severe, and are manageable, but they can vary from person to person. Just make sure you aren't pregnant or have a history of suicide attempts, because it does cause a bit of depression. However, stay positive, because there are things much worse out there than just a skin problem that half the U.S. population deals with. If you keep to a moderately healthy diet, wash your face regularly and drink plenty of water, it'll really help the medicine do its job. Sure the treatment and doctor visits can be a hassle, but just remind yourself how much you want it. It'll probably also take 3-6 months for more severe cases of acne, just wait it out. I've had acne for seven years, from the beginning of middle school to the end of high school. I'm glad I won't have to suffer from it anymore.
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September 4, 2009

Pros:

I took it when I was 17, my skin looked great and stayed that way until now after my third child I am breaking out again.. now 29

Cons:

at least 10 years of clear skin.

I had to bring my son to the doctor today, after he was done with him the doctor asked me what I am doing for my face. I told him proactiv (started last week). then I told him about my accutane treatment 12 years ago. he is going to put me back on once I get my prego test. But after reading the side effects I am not sure if I want to do this again!! I don't remember no side effects with my first treatment.
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September 1, 2009

Pros:

Starts clearing your skin immediately.

Cons:

Dry lips, skin takes longer to heal. dry and flaky face. dried out eyes. headaches. High cholestrol

Works really well! and everyone ought to try it... but every1 will have a different response and u should get your blood tested every month
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August 31, 2009

Pros:

clears up the skin, less oily

Cons:

dry lips, flaky/dry skin

Take it! I'm about half way through with the 6 month duration and it hasn't been bad at all. I was on 60 mg for about 2 months and then my dosage was upped to 80 mg which i just started recently but I am able to go back down to 60 if it bothers me too much. I still get some acne but it's not so bad.
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August 28, 2009

Pros:

Stops oily skin, controls the cyst acne that hurts so bad.

Cons:

Have had every sympton under the meds, dry peeling hands, feet, face, body, nose bleeds, body aches muscle and bone, hair loss, fatigue, mild depression. Cost

I am in my second monyh and I am clearing up after my first month initial break out that was awful. The oil that I was experiencing is gone my skin feels so different so clean . I even though having all the side affects will say this medicine is magic. I suggest it highly.
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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