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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May 31, 2009

Pros:

Clear Skin, less oil all over, no more oily hair, no body breakouts at all!

Cons:

dry lips, sunburn easily, occasional nose bleed, leg cramps

I love this stuff! I tried everything for years. I no longer have acne. My skin is flawless which i haven't had since I was in my 20's. I would definately recommend this to anyone struggling to find something that works and continues to get breakouts on their face or body. I was a but discouraged at first because it took a little longer than I expected to clear up but by the second month I started to notice real results. I am now on my 6th month and will be on it for at least 3 more months. This is definately worth the time and money to do the treatment. This treatment was extremely expensive since I do not have prescription coverage.
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May 29, 2009

Pros:

Clear Skin, better hair

Cons:

Dry lips, peeling skin, back aches

I love love love it! It was the only thing that ever worked for me. It has made me so more confident and happy. My skin was perfect for a while, but after about 4 months (after finishing my course) I started to get a few SMALL pimples here and there so I re-started using retin-a. Accutane is worth every nose bleed and cracked lip. I have to wash my hair less, and it's wierd but my feet don't smell anymore, and I don't even get BO anymore. My body acne is 100% gone. I think every teen should get a perscription from their 13th birthday or something. There is nothing to lose and everything to gain!
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May 29, 2009

Pros:

Saw immediate results, skin feels great

Cons:

dry lips, dry cheeks, and dry hands, and joint aches

It is the best thing I have used. I have tried everything, and this finally works! Even though the dryness and joint aches increase everyday, tylenol helps the aches and lotion and chapstick helps the dry areas. Other than that it is WONDERFULLLLLLLL!
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May 27, 2009

Pros:

amaazing results, cleared my skin up completely in 2-4 months, i didn't have to wash my hair as often as i had to before the drug, amazing skin!

Cons:

dry lips, make up didn't stay on my face one the dryness hit, and about a year after taking it, acne is starting to come back :(

great short (ish) term product for teenaged acne
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May 26, 2009

Pros:

It WORKS!!!!

Cons:

Dry lips, nosebleeds, dry rashes on the back of my hands. But nothing that is not manageable.

I am on my fourth month of accutane (40 mg-1 on odd days and 2 on even days) and my face has never been so clear. I am getting compliments on my skin and the comment 'something is different'. Cetaphil face wash and lotion worked great for me, I even started using it before I started to medication so my face would get used to it. The dry lips are taken car of by carmex every hour or more often, but it is worth it. Yes, the process is annoy and time consuming but once you get into the routine of the blood work, doctor visit, ipledge, the pharmacy it is not to bad.
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May 24, 2009

Pros:

oil greatly reduced on skin, no more body acne what so ever

Cons:

price, dry lips and skin, stomach pains

been using this for 3 months now. im still getting break outs but they are becoming less severe. i used to get spots on by back and shoulders but they have completely disappeared. hopefully my skin will start to improve more soon but it will take time! have had no other side effects apart from dryness and stomach pain once in a while i.e no depression, fatigue etc... hopefully it will "cure" my acne so i wont have to go on the treatment again in years to come
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May 23, 2009

Pros:

About two weeks after I began taking Accutane, my skin began to clear up. Within two months, I didn't have a single blemish on my face save for a singular whitehead I got somewhere around my lips right before my period.

Cons:

I developed a moderate case of eczema on my arms, hands and back. After about month four, my eyes became so dry that I couldn't wear my contact lenses. My lips chapped until they blistered and bled.

I would highly recommend Accutane to anyone who has tried several less aggressive treatments and has not seen results. Although Accutane's drying side effects are not always pleasant, I feel that they are completely worth it. If you are diligent about moisturizing twice a day, the dryness isn't too bad (and my dermatologist was able to give me steroid cremes for my eczema). Although my prescription was a very affordable $10, all female patients are required to be on two forms of birth control (with one of them usually being the Pill), which adds to the cost. I normally picked up the two prescriptions together, paying a total of $45 a month.
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May 20, 2009

Pros:

less frequent breakouts, skin is much less oily, severity of breakouts is already improving.

Cons:

monthly blood tests (i hate needles)
the usual dry skin and chapped lips aren't too bad, but i have had severe joint and lower back pain. also, if not taken with food or milk, the medicine causes upset stomach.

The pros definitely outweigh the cons. If you take the medicine with yogurt, the stomach aches are completely manageable. I definitely recommend using a good face moisturizer and plenty of chapstick prior to, and during the course of treatment. Also, I've found that Neutrogena Gentle Face Wash (it's the one in the blue bottle) doesn't irritate the skin compared to other cleansers I've tried. Your skin will initially get worse before beginning to improve, just be prepared for that. The cons are mostly just nuisances that are completely manageable. It's totally worth it to put up with the few side effects.
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May 17, 2009

Pros:

So far (43rd day). ALL blackheads pushed out within first month. Clearing skin very well. Havnt had ANYTHING big since started. WORKING.

Cons:

first 2 weeks kinda suck. Hair was really dry the first few weeks. Dry lips. Nothing too harsh my hair is good again.

43rd day. Ive gone from moderate(kinda M.S) to mild acne. Not amazing mild but like not many pimples at all. Jus a few scabs and redmarks from before.. My T-zone,nose, forehead, jaw, temple, mouth are PERFECT. I dont even have redmarks. The only remaining problem areas are my cheeks. Which it is jus mostly redmarks. Cheekbones still rnt going away. I figured they would take the longest. Im loving this product so far, side effects r exadurated. I was at the point where Id do ANYthing for clear skin. Im confident Ill be clear by the end of it.
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May 15, 2009

Pros:

reduces oil, improves texture of skin, simple to take

Cons:

Can be costly for some, I had a few side effects like lower back pain and nosebleeds

I am going into my third month on it and have seen little to no improvement in the actual break-outs! In fact, it got much worse in the first few months with them most painfull acne i have ever had. But the oil is greatly reduced and i don't have to constantly shlop on topical medications. Hopefully i will see improvements soon.
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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