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 13, 2009

Pros:

cleared my acne a little bit no more pimples just small ones i feel my face is better then before

Cons:

very dry skin ,dry eye,dry nose,redness ,slight knee pain ,everyone on accutane have to use a moisturizer to nose and skin and refresh drops to eyes

i had tried so many products like benzoyl peroxide ,salyclic acid , oral antibiotics and i didn't find any progress ,now i'm using accutane for my second month now i hope it can work cos life with acne is horrible noooooooo self confidence i hope it works for me and for everyone else.
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May 11, 2009

Pros:

reduces oil and breakouts as well as white and black heads

Cons:

dryness, skin and nose

I was EXTREMELY SCARED and i mean EXTREMELY scared to do it but i tried mostly every route including natural way and nothing seemed to work, it stopped most breakouts just scarrring and somewhat reoccurance! but overall ACCUTANE isnt as bad as everyone thinks! IT WORKS BUT IT TAKES TIME!!!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! dont be scared honestly, i am like 6 ft 160llbs and i originally started out at 20mg and it worked and there were ABSOLUTELY NOOOOOO sideewffects, now im in about a month and a half and on 60mg, side affects are MINIMAL and acne is clear just a little scarring from before!!! VERY GOOD,m and if scared or nervous start out with a low does like me!! but it does take time remember that!!
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May 10, 2009

Pros:

great medicine. really clearing up my skin

Cons:

dry lips, dry face, and SEVERE back pain

this medicine is great. at first side effects seem intolerable but you get over it in about a month. medicine did give me severe back pain especially when i laid down after a long day or when i had to do something like pick things up off the floor
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May 8, 2009

Pros:

i was on 80mg of accutane and my skin acually cleared up a little i thought i was going to get an initial breakout right away.

Cons:

About to go to the derm massive pulsing headaches and very tired for taking it for a week. 1 in a million can get this side effect and i did.

Accutane is a good product and works well for pretty much everyone i just didnt get lucky and i cought a bad side effect. I am very sad and dont know what to do anymore.
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April 30, 2009

Pros:

Skin clearing up, no oilyness, less acne

Cons:

Severe skin & lip dryness...cannot have dirct contact with sunlight

It's great i love it. It put an end to all the misery i faced from acne. Even though there are side effects, but its all worth it, and i would take it all over again!
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April 26, 2009

Pros:

starting to clear up.

Cons:

dry lips!!!!

im starting on my 2nd month. im on 40 mg. my skin is still breaking out....bad! im hoping this will end soon. its large pimples but i can tell my skin under that is clearing up good. im hoping im a couple months :)
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April 25, 2009

Pros:

Clears skin up fast

Cons:

dryness, high sensitivity to UV, some muscle pain

I'm just about to finish a seven month course, and it worked great. I do still have scarring, but whatever it's better than acne. Get this. It works.
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April 20, 2009

Pros:

None haven seen any difference

Cons:

VERY VERY DRY LIPS n SKIN ON FACE peeeeling baddly

i dont no if this will work been on it for 1 month now havent seen any difference on my back acne
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April 17, 2009

Pros:

Clears up acne well. Skin is less oily too. Works after a few weeks and keeps acne away even after you've completed it.

Cons:

Dry skin and lips. A little more tired than usual

The product is great. And to avoid the side effects, get plenty of sleep, use Cetaphil or Garneir Skin Renewal moisturizers, do NOT use a prescription face wash, use Cetaphil Daily wash. And for dry lips I recommend Blistex Daily Conditioning Treatment-DCT.
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April 16, 2009

Pros:

My skin isn't as oily as it was, and pimples for the most part have cleared out.

Cons:

Multiple bloody noses a day for several weeks at a time (I hadn't gotten a bloody nose for a couple years before this), nose clogs up at night because of the nosebleeds, dry itchy skin on my sides, dry eyes, horrible bad breath, puffy bleeding gums (

If you're on antidepressants already like me, then make sure you have someone around to notice any changes in your behavior so you can get it taken care of. While this stuff is scary, you won't be on it for long. Nothing else was working to get rid of my acne and I was getting sick of trying to get it under control. If you have the nose bleed problem like I do, don't bother with cream inside your nose like they recommend, find a nasal spray that constricts blood vessels and use that. I'm still up in the air about recommending this to someone else.
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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