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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August 14, 2012

Pros:

No acne
No backne
Radiant skin
Smaller scars

Cons:

Dry skin

I did NOT experience any bad side effects whatsoever (besides dry skin). I was worried because of other reviews, but I only had 3 nosebleeds in the 8 months I took it. No soreness, depression, etc. You will get dry, so use lip mosturizers BEFORE you think you need it. Also, your bottom will get dry and bleed when you take a big poop (only because its chapped). That's so rare though. I think the side effects people are listing are actually from the birth control (moodiness, tiredness, weight gain, depression, period changes, etc).
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August 13, 2012

Pros:

clear skin

Cons:

none

i was worried at first but bit the bullet and persevered and now i have perfect skin
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August 4, 2012

Pros:

CLEAR SKIN!
scarring fading
confidence

Cons:

joint pain
mood swings
dry skin
nose bleeds
dry hair
no alcohol
ipledge

i had VERY severe nodular acne. to the point where i didn't go in public. I was very skeptical to start it because I read reviews that acne would get worse, also the crazy side effects. But it got to the point where I had no other choice because no antibiotic or topical could help my skin at all. Within a week my cysts had reduce swelling. It was AMAZING! Within the next month I didn't have a bump on my face and I haven't had one since. I was on it for 6 months and have been off for 5 months and I'm so happy I took it because I can finally look in the mirrior and not cry. The side effects were annoying but tolerable. You just have to be careful and let your doctor know the issues so you can get off of it. The side effects were minimal for me but it's different for everyone but don't let them keep you from taking it if you have severe acne. If I get another flare there's no doubt that I would go on Accutane again. It is a life changer if you have no other choice. I've only gotten a few whiteheads and that was during my period but other than that I'm acne free. I've never been so happy with my skin. I've suffered acne for 8 years. Try it, see if it works for you, don't get your hopes up so your not disapointed. Good Luck!
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August 2, 2012

Pros:

Clear skin
No more oily skin
No more greasy hair
Raised confidence & self esteem

Cons:

Side effects, see below.

Lips - Dry & cracked, I had sores at the sides of my mouth during the whole course regardless of what lip treatments I used. Prone to coldsores during course. Eyes - dry, infections, itchy, blood shot, felt grainy, next to no night vision, occasional blurred vision. Nose - very dry inside, and sore, causing amazing nosebleeds. Sex drive - None existent. Periods - irregular despite being on hormone free birth control. Mood - Paranoid every time I cried or had a short temper, but nothing unusual to report. Skin - awful pigmentation, now having to do chemical peels to resolve. IB was crap and lasted for 3 whole months, came clear the first week of the fourth month. Hair - thinned out, luckily I had very thick hair to begin with. Social - I did drink occasionally during the treatment, suffered extreme hangovers even after only 3 glasses of wine. Blood - I only had 3 blood tests during a 4 month course, which I dealt with. Urine - very dark and smelly in the first month, please drink plenty of fluids, you will dehydrate. Joints - painful, achy knees and back. Headaches - daily. Tiredness - Oh so tired!!!!!!!!!!!!! Activity - I actually quit the gym as I couldn't cope, I did have days where I didn't want to leave the house, my social life was definitely effected. My bottom line is, this medication is extreme and I wouldn't recommend it, at all, to anyone who hasn't got 6 months available to feel and look like complete and utter sh*t. Everyone I know has reacted differently to this medication, some are left feeling suicidal, some seem to breeze through the treatment, please listen to what your body is telling you and form an honest relationship with your derm, do not be scared of them taking the meds away from you, they may just have to adjust your dose. I am acne free, finally, at 30! I wish I had done it sooner. Despite the side effects, it was worth it, for me :) Good luck to anyone considering
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July 23, 2012

Pros:

clears acne in three months
no acne at the end of the course
nice smooth skin

Cons:

dry lips
dry eyes
mild dry skin
tired

ACCUTANE IS AMAZING! it changed my life:) if you have acne issues give this medication a chance. my skin has never been so clear. i've used every acne product in the market and they never worked. finally i went on accutane and my only regret is that i should have went on it years sooner! please don't wait just go on the medication! 5 stars :))))
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July 20, 2012

Pros:

no more oily skin
no more acne

Cons:

chapped lips
dry skin
noise bleeds
body aches (back pain, etc)
liver problems
irregular period
tired all the time

if you can deal with the side effects... IT'S WORTH IT after i finished the course all of my side effects disappeared and now i'm left with clear skin (for now at least)
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July 18, 2012

Pros:

Clear skin, confidence boost (major!), don't have to worry about waking up with a new breakout, only take for 5 months, cheap (with insurance)

Cons:

very strong drug, dry skins and lips, be careful with alcohol (which I haven't really been :( ), takes a month or two to work, sun sensitive

totally worth it for me. I haven't felt depressed or any more moodiness than usual. In fact, I am more happy and confident due to my clear skin. I have taken spiro, minocycline, birth control pills and numerous topical medications in the past to control my acne. While they all worked temporarily, none of them fully and permanently cleared my moderate acne. I stopped leaving the house without tons of makeup and avoided sleepovers with friends for the longest time due to my acne and self-conciousness. I was depressed due to the state of my face. Now, I am so so so much happier thanks to accutane. I have one month left to go (4 months so far) and can only hope that my skin stays this clear after I am done. If you're suffering from acne, please try this!
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July 16, 2012

Pros:

Clears acne
Reduces Scars
SELF-ESTEEM

Cons:

The side effects*
Taking Isotretinoin will be difficult regardless.
*with up-keep the side effects are tolerable, also because your skin is clearing nothing feels better than acne going away, only people who have acne can understand this phenomenon

I AM JUST LIKE YOU. I read all of these reviews before I went on this medicine. Before Isotretinoin I tried Doryx, Solodyn, Ampicillin, Bactrim DS, and Every topical that big pharma has produced during each oral course of treatment, now after a 6-month 40mg/day course I am acne free and the red marks fade quickly. The key is to do it right, blood tests are a given and side-effects. So research Vitamin A toxicity and you'll see to take the vitamins (D,E, Calcium) that compensate for the large amounts of Vitamin A which is the cause of ALL of the symptoms. Moisturize to keep your skin from becoming one of these review horror stories. Use the lip moisturizer Aquaphor by Eucerin (The larger bottle is cheaper as opposed to the small tubes which have an artificially high price). Fish oil is also a necessity to keep your joints from becoming too dry (Joint pain horror reviews should have taken this). Jojoba oil (oil from plant that is the closest to human sebum but has antibiotic properties so it won't make you breakout) is what I put in my hair to keep my scalp moisturized and it prevented dandruff. Probiotics (Healthy,Acidophilus bacterium) will keep your digestive functions running and keeping you from constipation and irritable bowel, I got hemorrhoids for a few weeks because I wasn't taking my probiotic (resulting in harder stool and means I pushed harder while pooping and then got a swollen vain, it's okay guys my face is clear). And lastly is sun exposure, don't turn into a vampire like people here say, just use a high SPF sunblock such as Neutrogena Ultra Sheer and apply when you go outside to avoid damage. Don't have any illusions, You need to be prepared to go through the treatment and have to do it the right way with blood-tests and proper self-up keep. Bottom-line is You can do it. I did and it was when I was at my lowest so I know that you'll pull through it as well. Good luck and God bless
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June 15, 2012

Pros:

fast working
clears skin
reduces every kind of whitehead and blackheads
cystic acne and papules gone!

Cons:

a little dryness around eyes and lips, NOTHING OTHER THAN THAT!!!

this is amazing and life changing, honestly i dont know why i waited so long, the side effects were more like absolutely absent with me, i've been put on a 20mg dose for 3 months, it a miracle worker gives u so much confidence, stepped out without makeup for the first time in 7 years! :) so happy
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June 15, 2012

Pros:

.Acne is gone just a few marks still to go
.Wont have a spot again(i hope)
.Best thing for bad skin
.Confidence is back!

Cons:

.Dry lips-Really bad(on 40mg)
.Dry skin
.Bad moods
.Acne get MUCH worse before it gets better
>REALLY sensitive to the sun

I took accutane back in Febuary, as I was honestly running out of ideas with my skin, which would not clear after a massive breakout.I was put on 40 Mg at first, but recently been put down to 20( because the side effects were alot to bear). The first month was hell, my spots got much worse, and the side effects just made everyday life unbearable. I was really tired alot and had to constantly apply lip balm becaus emy lips were so chapped. But then I got to about month 3 and as if by magic by spots started to dissapear rapidly. I'm now got aorund a month to go and theyve completley gone, I have got abit of scarring but honestly it fades by the day. Now i'm more confident then ever and I feel really happy now. For those going on accutane, its a hard journey, youll go through some bad times, but I cant express how much this stuff is worth it if you have bad skin, The only things I'd say is that you are HYPER sensitive to the sun, so put a sun block on, I burnt in British weather its that bad! But i reccomend this to anyone!
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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