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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January 27, 2009

Pros:

Essentially CURED of acne! I have smaller pores, virtually zero breakouts, and soft, glowing skin.

Cons:

Dry lips, dry arms and back, and dry nose--not too bad considering the cons!

For years I was terrified of going on Accutane--everyone's heard how strong of a drug it is, etc, and lets not forget the blood tests (I have a huge fear of blood and needles!), but after trying everything and seeing few results, I broke down and went on it. WOW. Accutane changed my life. I had moderate, perhaps moderately severe acne and I am now 100% clear. I feel so much better about myself and have gained a new confidence, and people will often compliment me on my skin. The side-affects were so much less severe than I expected. Just stock up on Cetaphil's Ultra Hydrating Lotion and Nivea's A Kiss of Moisture lip care and you'll be fine. For anyone who is hesitating about Accutane and has tried numerous prescriptions without results, JUST DO IT! It was worth every blood test (and believe me, that means a lot for me to say that) and the side-affects were easily bearable. Accutane has CHANGED MY LIFE!
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January 26, 2009

Pros:

the only thing that worked for me. It was the only medication that controlled my acne

Cons:

dry lips, red and dry skin.

I don't regret taking it. It worked better than anything else that i've tried. I stayed away from moistrurizer while using this medication to get the full effect.
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January 23, 2009

Pros:

Works wonderfully. I've been clear for well over a year now.

Cons:

I was on accutane for about 6 months and was absolutely miserable for the duration. I had severe headaches, was constantly tired, and had the typical back pain and pain in the hips and knees. Also extremely dry skin and bloody noses occasionally.

What's 6 months out of your life to have some inconveniences? The drug is not going to prevent you from going about your daily life. To me it has been amazingly worth it to carry around chapstick and saline solution for a few months. The payoff is amazing, and I would recommend that anyone who is even considering this treatment just go for it. I spent too many years of my life being insecure about my skin, and spending thousands of dollars on products that didn't work. Just do it, it will without a doubt be worth it.
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January 17, 2009

Pros:

MY SKIN HAS CLEARED UP SO MUCH.
I get compliments all the time on it.

Cons:

my scalp is dry. which makes my hair kind of dry.
and my lips and skin are really dry and peely. i'm not really sure if i'm supposed to be exfoliating or not, but i am and it seems to be working. I'm worried that my dry skin will not look nice aft

it works, but your skin and lips and hair/scalp gets dry.
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January 13, 2009

Pros:

gave me confidence knowing that it would go away soon, very cheap with insurance, anddd stopped most my forming acne in its tracks

Cons:

dry @$$ lippsssss nd face, sore joints, flaky hair sometimes, and thats about it. but im in track and field, so when i run my ankles throb, and sometimes my legs also

cleared my blackheads right away from my nose, stopped backne, face is clearin up more and more as time goes by, im just anxious to finally be clear so i can be more social and interact with girls more ya diiiigggg
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January 12, 2009

Pros:

6 months before improvement, but wow massively improved loads of comments about how my acne has really cleared up

Cons:

very dry lips, heavy nosebleeds weekly,

this medication does work, but for me it took 6 months before i saw any signifcant improvement, constantly had breakouts on my face for 5 months (my back cleared up almost immediately and i have not had a single pimple on my back for the whole 6 months,) I felt like giving up the medication but my derm insisted i be patient and will see results for which now i am, all i have is very very small little pink marks which my derm has said will clear in another 2 or 3 months no scarring which i thought i might,but no new lesions for a month, so please be patient, for me it has been a long 6 months but getting the results are worth it, i was on 65mg a day. good luck to all
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January 9, 2009

Pros:

It has slightly cleared after a good 3 months, My back is almost completely clear so I can be optimistic about future results.

Cons:

Started at 40 miligrams, then to 60 and now up to 80. As a body builder I experience extreme muscle soreness throughout the day. Dryness has reached an incredibly high level and the skin on my arms have gotten scaly and irritated. Also dry lips.

It causes so many side effects, and you feel like sh*t all the time while it's flaring up. But on the other hand, I have had so many friends who have been successful with it that I knew I had to give it a try. I am extremely optimistic and can't wait until I will clear up and recover my full self confidence I once had before acne. I can't really recommend it yet, but I have read good things on this website and everybody really supports the treatment. I think people are wasting their time and money by buying the otc creams and facial washes because they are scams. This is the only medication that is proven to be effective, and it is basically a dream come true.
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January 8, 2009

Pros:

On week 5 now and starting to see improvement. This is the second time I have been on it. i was on it in my 20's and now again in my 30's. It really cleared me the first time and I have not had a bad breakout until now. Hoping it works again.

Cons:

on day 7 all He** broke out on my face. It has started to clear, but I broke out horribly and in places I NEVER breakout, like forhead and cheeks.

I am seeing improvement, just as I am sure we all are, not as fast as we would like. I do feel like I can go out in public and not be stared at with people wondering what happened to my chin. (It was large, PURPLE, inflammed with cysts. It takes time, but hang in there!
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January 5, 2009

Pros:

I've been on this drug twice now - same time of year around winter my acne comes back. the first time round it worked a treat, i had 3 weeks left and didnt finish it. It took about 2 months to properly take effect. Second time only 2 weeks

Cons:

Dry lips, slight depression to major depression, dry skin, headaches, muscle and joint aches. dry eyes. BUT not as bad as you might imagine.

Use it - if your acne is severe its worth it, it'll bring your confidence back and you'll be living your life again in no time. This is the mother of all cures :D unfortunately i was part of the 30% of unlucky peeps who have to have a second course. but within 2-3 weeks my body recognized the drug and took effect immediately, im left with scars here and there which take time to heal as do all scars. The chapped lips is no fun at all but its nothing a little chap stick cant solve - as well as dry skin, just moisturize every now and then with something like E45 - dont get any fragrance'd moisturizer as that will burn or just irratate the skin. Your skin becomes a little sensitive over time, so its a bad idea to use any products on it, as well as rough exfoliation. anyway - im still on it for the second time now, and im coming up to 2 months of use. it works alot quicker the second time
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January 4, 2009

Pros:

This medication clears up acne so well-i felt normal again. I used to get irritation from shaving, it went away while on accutane. My nodular acne disappeared and is staying away.

Cons:

Dry skin and lips, blood tests monthly, and hassle with iPLEDGE program.

I have had acne for 8 years. I have always been afriad to wear certain clothes becuase of how much acne was on my chest and back. I have tried so many over-the-counter treatments and prescription drugs, that it's just sad. I was finally recommended accutane and i doubted it at first. I didn't want to have to be on birth control, and i thought a five month program was too long. I tried it about a year ago, and on the second month my face was amazingly clearer. unfortunatly, my acne came back about two months ago, and i think it was because i had a lot of gaps monthly between medication because of the hassle of the iPLEDGE program. My doctor put me on it again exactly 26 days ago-and my face is clearing up again.
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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