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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April 16, 2009

Pros:

It cleared up my skin really well, really fast!!

Cons:

Can be a burden for girls with the bloode testing and checkups. Along with the noted side effects. Can be expensive. Iv been on it 3 times for a few months each time.

worked very well while i was on it, iv never had more luck with a treatment. i have been on it 3 times and about a month after i got off of it, each time my acne came back. To this day my acne is less sever then before, but here I am still fusterated and looking for a treatment that works! Iv seen it totally clear up a friends severe acne for good, and theirs was worse then mine, so there is hope! but if your acne is cronic and has been around for awhile, i would suggest using it, but dont let your skin go when you are threw with it. and continue looking for a good cleanser that works for you and maybe you will have better luck!
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April 16, 2009

Pros:

Its cheap. I only have a co pay of $10.

Cons:

Dry everything!! light joint pain. Blood in nose when I wake up.

I am on week three and I am still getting break outs. I am praying for recovery and clear skin soon.
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April 15, 2009

Pros:

it cleared up my acne.

Cons:

my joints hurt a little but it was nothing compared to the joy of getting rid of my acne.however, ive been off it for about 4 months and im breaking out again.sooo i dont know anymore...gotta go back.

it works.
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April 15, 2009

Pros:

clears up acne, FOREVER. a true cure not just a treatment.

Cons:

incredibly expensive, side effects.

I experienced absolutely none of the side effects from this medicene and benefitted fully from its miracle powers. I was on it about a year ago, and have had about two pimples since then. I had moderatly severe acne and had been through everything from two years of anitbiotics to countless topical treatments. My derm finally brought this up to my mom and I, I was all for it. There is monthly blood testing, not so bad. And appts. But it was SOOO worth it. Even my paretns (who were the ones paying through the nose for this stuff) agree. The reason it was so incredibly expensive for my family was our insurance policy did not cover it, our perscriptions all go toward a ridiculous monthly deductable (we have since changed this).
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April 14, 2009

Pros:

Completely cleared acne

Cons:

Experienced all the side effects

After trying everything from antibiotics, differin, retin-a, etc. the derm finally (as a last resort) prescibed accutane. This was nearly 6 years ago, I stayed on the drug for about 4 months. Unfortunately, I experienced horrible side effects such as aching joints, where it was actually hard to get out of bed, worst joint pain was felt at night and in the morning. My face was terribly dry and literally flaking off. I also experienced severe depression. If you are prone even slightly to depression, I would advise taking an anti-depressant before and during accutane. I was fine for the first month and then out of the blue started crying one day and couldn't stop. My GP put me on prozac and then switched me to Zoloft. I had never been on an anti-depressant prior to nor since being off accutane. However, even with all the side affects, I swear by accutane. I am starting the cycle again, this time w no insurance. The Dr. said it will average about $700 per mo. but it's worth every penny!!
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April 13, 2009

Pros:

Clears up skin fairly well; smoother skin

Cons:

Didn't clear up acne completely, dry skin, chapped lips, severe headaches, back pain

Accutane definitely improved my skin, but after treatment (now a month and a half) every morning there are new pimples, although less extreme than before. Also, my face is extremely red still. I'm going to wait a month to see if the redness goes down and the pimples go away, but I'm a little disappointed with the results.
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April 10, 2009

Pros:

clears up most of the acne, blackheads r gone, whiteheads r much less noticeable.

Cons:

dry skin, dry lips, terrible mood swings

overall this really helped me. i had very bad acne and i tried everything, i just finished accutane this past month and i read tons of reviews on all kinds of sites and after hearing of crazy side affects i was very hesitant. when i was on it my mood swings were the worst out of everything your always crabby and very emotional but as the months progressed i didn't have a problem with it. tips- use vasoline for your lips, it works like majic and any kind of chapstick or anything like that didn't work at all for me. also use clinique's dramatically different moisturizing lotion because it moisturizes your face without looking oily and if u use it often u will have no peeling and if u do it will only be a tiny bit. also make sure u do your ipledge right away or your account will get locked and its a big pain to call in and to a million things before u get your perscription. i think this is an amazing product and as long as u don't get pregnant and r safe while on it u should be fine
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April 7, 2009

Pros:

Still on the 1st month & I've already had several people notice a difference! I now have very little oil in my hair & on my skin which has always been one of my biggest issues. My back & arms are almost all clear and my face is clearing up every day.

Cons:

Very chapped lips, almost makes it difficult to smile. Dryer hair and obviously skin. Little fatigue. Occasional headaches and joint pain.

Since high school, I have struggled with acne and have never found a solution other than birth control to fix the problem. Because I experienced mood swing on the pills, I decided to stop and my acne returned immediately. I have probably spent thousands of dollars on beauty and skin care products just hoping that one of them will do the trick. Although I have found an amazing makeup line called Jane Iredale that definitely does not clog your pores and a wonderful oil-free moisturizer by Peter Thomas Roth, I have yet to find a cure for my incredibly oily skin and consistent breakouts on my face, back, and arms. I am in the fourth week of Accutane and cannot believe how much of a difference it has already made. My back and arms are pretty much clear and areas on my face have already stopped breaking out. I still have small bumps under the surface of my skin and a few red areas but I know that over the next few months, these areas will continue to clear up too! Pretty amazing product!
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April 6, 2009

Pros:

Cleared my skin up. ive had acne for 7 years and tried countless pills and creams but this is the only thing that worked. All my oil went away and acne slowly cleared up.

Cons:

easily sun burned and dry lips! probably the worst thing about it but it wasnt that bad. acnes coming back

do it. if ance is ruining your life like it has for so many just do it. the medication effects everyones body differently but it does the job. once my acne cleared up i became so happy and confident. bad news is ive been off of it for 8 months and ive been breaking out again so i may go on another course.
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April 5, 2009

Pros:

this medication works, im starting my 3rd month and so far i have results, i feel better about myself, im regaining my confidence and self-esteem. i still have 3 months down the road but im happy i looking forward to a acne-free summer!! :D

Cons:

dry lips, skin, constipation

i think it is worth to take this medicine if you have severe acne, although the side effects are scary, which hold me back for two months, i have not experience any of them. the side effects are different for everyone, just be confident and positive, and follow your doctors advice. my blood results are good, everything is going well, i would strongly recommend anyone to start on it. it could be expensive if your insurance does not cover it 100 %. but i still believe is worth to do it. im happy these days, unlike months ago...:D
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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