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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August 12, 2009

Pros:

Acne completely cleared, confidence, smoother skin, side effects are 100% worth it!

Cons:

Dry lips, skin, nose. Make sure you get nose spray (saline for moisture helped me) Most of the side effects are pretty miserable...got a few headaches, stomach pains, back pain. Though I'd go through it all over again for these results.

Accutane is really a great medication. I truly recommend it for anybody! I had acne for around 5 or 6 years, and honestly tried ever y medication my doctor could give me. Finally was put on accutane and my face is 100% clear, and havent gotten a pimple since about the third month of treatment! my scars remain but it's really a lot better than painful breakouts and not wanting to leave the house. Don't give up on it if you're just starting out! 100% works!!
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August 11, 2009

Pros:

5 days into trial, to early to tell

Cons:

facial dryness, which can get painful

For someone who loved to swim, but becuase of horrible acne across face, neck, shoulders(scarring resembles 3rd degree burns, which will never go away), back and chest, i've had to give that up do to embarrassment, this product is my last chance, acne started at 13 and i just turned 18, i've been cheated out of what is supposed to be one of the best times in your life, girls, pool parties, i never got that...sad, but i finally got this and i pray it helps, parents were to cheap to pay for it, not that we couldn't afford it, they seriously were just to cheap,
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August 11, 2009

Pros:

Fantastic stuff. I had tried everything and doctors would give me regimens that just about burned my face off but this is amazing. After a month my skin was clear and only had a few blackheads (but they were reduced) and temporary discoloration.

Cons:

Dry lips and sun sensitivity (try going off of it for the summer) and pregnancy tests for females

It's all worth it. all you have to do is the basic wash your face and moisturize and take the pill. Thats it. However I highly suggest stocking up on the chapstick. Bring this up to your doctor if they havent!
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August 10, 2009

Pros:

my husband and his family all used accutane and it worked on all of them my husband used it about 10 year or more ago and hasnt had breakout since, my son is getting acne now and has tried different things so i made another appt to get him onit also.

Cons:

dries out your sinuses, he use to complain that his nose was dry all the time, but now they have nasel sprays and gels for that. But it works, and didnt come back.My son is going onit before it gets worse and cause scars, its doesnt go away like acne

Well worth it you will spend just as much trying and spending different stuff that doesnt work..
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August 10, 2009

Pros:

Cleared skin during treatment.

Cons:

No side effects. BUT...breakouts came back after I finished each course of treatment (I've taken this three different times)

I have suffered from numerous painful cysts along my jawline and chin since I was 12. I am now 26 and have completed THREE courses of Accutane. After I stop taking it, the breakouts came right back, same as before. However I did find that Aldactone works wonderfully. Please try Aldactone if you were not completely satisfied with Accutane. You'll be pleasantly surprised and theres no scary side effects. Give it a try.
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August 9, 2009

Pros:

Haven't noticed anything yet but I need to be patient

Cons:

Nothing to bad noticed my lips are becoming dry

I'm tired of looking for medication that I know will have no effect what so ever. So I decided to go on accutane since I have been hearing about it's miracles. Many people say accutane has too many bad side effects but you know what you just have to deal with it and not let it get to you. I guarantee you this is going to be one of my best decisions
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August 8, 2009

Pros:

I dunno not much has happened.

Cons:

Dry lips

I have been using the Australian version of accutane called 'oratane' for 13 days now. Not much has really happened, i have just got a few new breakouts but they don't last to long. I haven't had an initial breakout because i was on doxycycline for 3 months prior to starting oratane. I litteraly went from doxy to oratane in 2 days. I believe that the doxycycline did something and helped get the bacteria to the surface but my derm thought otherwise. I look forward to the next few weeks and for the rest of the program to see the results :) I am going to start taking 40mg instead of 20mg in two days so that should be exciting... Wish me luck! Note: The dry lips are manageable with Lucas's Paw Paw ointment. Another Australian product haha. Trust me it really works.
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August 7, 2009

Pros:

Kept my skin clear for a good 5 months after taking. Not too bad side effects.

Cons:

Dry, dry skin and lips.

Accutane changed my life! I was acne free for 5 whole months. (a big deal to me!) But after those 5 months, I experienced minor breakouts and now I'm on Solodyn to help keep my skin clear regularly. I've read that people haven't had much success with the product, but give it time! It took the full 4 months for me to see any results, but it really does work! Good luck to everyone!!
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August 7, 2009

Pros:

*clears the worst, most hideous acne wonderfully.
*worked better for me than ciplacyproterone acetate hormone pills combined with Ginette birth control pills, or antibiotics.
*take it for six months then usually dont have to ever take again.

Cons:

*have to wait months for it to clear skin totally, dry skin and lips.
*after skin is cleared there will be redness for while.
*possibly contributes to depression.

dont take accutane unless you have seriously bad acne. Seriously bad acne like i had, means that you hardly have any clear facial spot left. It means redness with little yellow puss-filled pimples and other pimples all over the face. It means disfigurement, and a face so oily you can wipe the oil off your face with a tissue every three hours. Accutane worked better for me than antibiotics, hormone pills, birth control pills, and creams or facewashes. Accutane is probably the best acne medication in the world but i recommend u only take it if u have gruesome acne because it may have contributed to my depression. If you can cover up with makeup, then do it! still a product i have a lot of respect for, its a miracle.
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August 6, 2009

Pros:

Clears it up

Cons:

Dry stuff as usual and really red skin

i am completely glad i went on accutane and recommend it to all others. it worked after about a month on it and havent had acne in 4 months. i am 18 years old and drink pretty heavily at least 3 times a week. i was worried at first about the drinking but it never gave my liver a problem. there was a week where i drank at least 10 shots a night and then got a blood test the following day and everything was fine. not recommending it but i wouldn't worry too much about the drinking
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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