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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March 10, 2009

Pros:

It cleared up my severe acne for which nothing else had helped. And my face was perfect for a few years, with not more than a random white head every couple months.

Cons:

I had severe dryness all over my face and body, sometimes to the point of cracking and bleeding. My face got even worse before getting better.

Up until about 6 months ago i thought the hell i went through on accutane was all worth it. But then it came back. I am now battling pretty sever acne again, and I am headed back to the dermetologist to see what we can do.
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March 9, 2009

Pros:

Very effective. Will completely nullify the most severe acne.

Cons:

Side effects are not only present during the the medication, but sometimes after the medication. Skin is very high maintenance after medication is taken. Excessive moisture is needed, or acne will come back.

Accutane has saved my life. I had disgusting acne, like really bad. When I took accutane, it started to clear up and my skin was perfect. However, during the medication, my face got really red, my eyes were bloodshot almost 24/7, and my skin was very dry. At the end of the medication, my acne was diminished completely, but the redness was still present. Soon after, my acne did come back, but I doubt it will ever be as bad as it was before I took the medication. When taking accutane, I recommend drinking LOTS of water, not only to keep the redness down, but to keep the blood with blood distribution and circulation. Also, I recommend eating a fattening food , or any food for that matter, before taking the daily dosage of accutane. When the criteria of nutrition and moisture are met, you have a higher chance of getting rid of acne for good. And try to miss as few days as possible! P.S DO NOT stop washing your face just because you are taking accutane!
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March 2, 2009

Pros:

clearer skin. the acne that does come up goes away in a day or two.

Cons:

dry skin, nose, lips. some joint pain, but worth it so far.

If you are willing to take the step then do it, it has made my confidence go up and even though I have not been on it for a long time, i already fill that it is worth it.
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February 27, 2009

Pros:

The skin on my face is pretty clear after a 9 month Accutane regimen. Its a lot better than it used to be. I dont feel like I need makeup as often anymore.

Cons:

Often proclaimed to be the end all be all cure, but may not completely get rid of your acne. My body acne is back after 2 months of being off the treatment.

Try it if nothing else works for you. It may not completely cure your acne, but it will make it a lot better.
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February 24, 2009

Pros:

It worked right away.

Cons:

Painfully dry skin, depression, blurry vision. For me, the acne came back just as bad after 4 months.

I am going to try another course again, but only because I don't know what to do anymore. I would only recommend this medication if it is your last resort, though. You make think the side effects aren't that bad and/or side effects rarely effect you, but that is not the case. I also needed a prescription moisterizer for my entire body because my skin was so dried out. I also couldn't put on enough chapstick. Before Accutane I had 20/20 vision and afterwards needed to wear glasses during class because my eyesight was not good. I also had slight depression where I would out of nowhere get really angry.
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February 22, 2009

Pros:

Noticeable results within first day, skin's dry but thats why we have moisturizers.

Cons:

I just wish it wasn't so expensive. Blood work! I HATE NEEEDLES =)

All these kids complaining bout the treatment are punks. Plain and simple, omg my face is soo dry omg my lips omg im depressed, so f**king what, that's what they warn you bout, its in the list of side effects and you're gonna complain bout it? Especially the people complaining bout the flare out in the first few weeks of treatment, if your dermatologist didn't warn you bout it then get a new one! I can't wait to see the results I'll be getting, along with a bit of my confidence back, it saved my friend's social life and hopefully it'll save mine. I just hit the 2nd week of it with 40mg dosage, and I have the flare up but I don't mind it cause that's what its supposed to do before it kicks the oil gland's asses. =)
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February 17, 2009

Pros:

Cleared acne within 2 weeks. Moderate persistant adult acne literally disappeared.

Cons:

Not many side effects whilst on it, but as soon as I came off it the WORST side effects ever kicked in.

Still suffer from SEVERE JOINT PAIN, stomach upsets, mild ED and am often unable to do simple things. This product has ruined my once healthy life, ambition, dreams, relationships, everything. Acne eventually passes - accutane induced side effects do not. YOUR HEALTH IS SIMPLY NOT WORTH THE RISK.
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February 16, 2009

Pros:

Good things about this medicine is the only medicine that will give u clear skin......

Cons:

Bad things about this medicine is that it won't last forever.I try it two times before. The first time I try accutane, it breakout like crazy and its totally unacceptable. Second time I try it, it come back after one month.

this medicine is the best method to cure acne. I didn't experience any side effect, but it doesn't work pretty well on me. Guys who taking it do not expect it will cure you forever. Because it does not work on me either. Final word: I hate acne. ACNE SUCK.
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February 14, 2009

Pros:

It works, I've tried for 4 years to get rid of my acne and nothing worked. I've tried everything from putting morning urine on my face to Tetracyclines. This is the only thing that worked.

Cons:

Expensive without insurence, bowel changes, dry skin and chapped lips. I got back pains for about 4 days but they went away quickly.

I love Accutane.. It was the drug that saved my face from further damage. Insurence covered almost all of the costs with accutane also. The side effects can be dangerous but are mild and rare especially when compared to other medicines such as Septra. My acne has been clear for an entire year and shows no sign of comming back as of yet. The side effects such as dry skin and bowel changes go away gradually after 2-3 months. I really recamend you consult your doctor before you consider accutane though. Use it only if nothing else works.
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February 11, 2009

Pros:

I'm on my third month and my face is glowing! I dont regret taking acctuane at all. Even my hair which annoyed me as it got greasy so easily (had to wash 2 times in a day if I was going out in the evening). Now my hair stays clean and so does my face

Cons:

I've had mental problems as long as I can remember. I didn't think about getting depressed again because I was so quite normal/happy before accutane. Now I feel depressed, it's silly as my face is so much better and I should be happy! But just can't.

I DO NOT REGRET this at all. I'd do it again if it needs. My knees hurt when I do pilates and got headaches randomly but they all passes away. I was practically sh*tting my self becase I was so scared to start this accutane course, but to my surprise they are not that bad. I mean, I will survive this like everything else. I'd just hoped I would've started taking this years ago! Altho my depression returned, I still got a good support from my friends and therapist. If you're cutting your social life becase your face, take accutane if nothing else works. It's really worth it. A miracle drug for me. Still got roughly 3 months to go and I take 40mg/a day (or just 20mg if feel really dry, doctor's advice).
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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