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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June 30, 2011

Pros:

Decreased oil production
Zits disappearing by the day

Cons:

None thus far

I have been on Accutane for about a week, and I just had to come on here and write a review. I'm one of those people that can fill up 3 Clean n Clear oil sheets in a row... after one week of Accutane I can barely fill up one. All acne on my shoulders has gone away, and the zits on my face are disappearing. I haven't gotten the dry eyes/lips yet, but I am a contact user and haven't noticed a difference yet. It is super cheap with insurance, and I totally recommend it!
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June 16, 2011

Pros:

It gets rid of so many types of acne.

Cons:

It has severe side effects!

It did clear up my acne. I had moderate to severe acne. I used to get the big red ones that hurt like crazy. I was put on accutane when I was around 16 years old. I am now 31 and I have had complications with my stomach. They told me I had crohns disease because of the accutane I was on. I was put on it for 6 months. It did wonders on my face but not sure if it's worth the side effects and according to almost everyone that has used it, they have complications years later. I did rate it a 5 because it did work but I'm not sure if it's worth it because of the side effects.
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10 user(s) found this helpful

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June 2, 2011
Just wanted to state that my last review should have been five stars (or whatever those little people are meant to be!), not zero! That's the trouble with doing this on your phone, rather than a computer!
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May 29, 2011

Pros:

Cleared my skin in 2 weeks

Cons:

None- (unless you count the fact I can't stop raving about Accutane)

This is the only product that worked. I had severe acne for 2 years (I could not touch my face and sitting hurt my bacne was so awful) My doctor informed me we had run out of options. It was Accutane or nothing. In two weeks my skin cleared. I had NO side effects (seriously). I went to Europe on this stuff for two weeks and went without makeup. I pray at the altar of Accutane. Also I have NO SCARRING!!!
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May 17, 2011

Pros:

cleared up whiteheads, blackheads and all other red pimples
stopped skin from being so oily

Cons:

Dry skin, dry chapped lips
some headaches
mild back pain

I was very happy with the results I got from taking this med. Even though I would get headaches, they were taken care of with advil. The dry skin wasn't too bad, just have to lotion a lot ( I used CeraVe) . I had a lot of whiteheads that would pop up during the day, blackheads all over my nose, and red, painful zits on my chin and cheeks. This took care of it within 2 months. The positive results outweighed the negative in my situation. I was nervous at first to take it, but I am so glad I did.
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May 16, 2011

Pros:

If you do have a breakout on your skin while on this, it clears up a lot quicker then if you werent on this medication. The texture of your skin starts to look a lot better.

Cons:

Dry eyes, dry lips.

I'm on 20 mg a day. I really have had no side effects. If anything my lips are dry, and my eyes feel slightly dryer (I wear contacts), so I wear glasses now whenever possible. But I do wear contacts once in a while. I go about my daily life, work 7a-4p. People keep commenting how great and clear my skin looks.
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May 6, 2011

Pros:

-amazing confidence
-can go out without foundation and not worry
-clear skin

Cons:

-chapped/dry lips
-skin becomes very, very dry
-mild depression
-having to get shots

i started accutane last summer ( i was 15 years old) I've been off accutane for 4 months now, i took it for 6 months. My skin is so much better than before. i've only had 2 pimples since i got off, but they were small. my skin wasn't oily for the first 2 months i was off but now it's starting to get oily, but it's nothing i can't deal with. Before accutane i Hated leaving the house, every time i took my makeup off i would cry. I would lie to my friends about why i couldn't go out. On top of that i'm a cheerleader so i'm around the prettiest girls, which gave me the lowest confidence. now i feel like i'm equal with them. I'm not sure if the acne has stayed gone because i continues using birth control afterwards or if it's just that good. Also not all of the scars go away but they dramatically lighten.
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15 user(s) found this helpful

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May 4, 2011

Pros:

CLEAR SKIN!!!!!!!!!
I cant say it enough times

Cons:

dry skin (extremely)
cracked dry lips
dry eyes(bloodshot)
dry nose
depression
very achy and tired
Very expensive without insurance

If you have 'bad" skin then you will do anything. I didnt care about the side effect before the treatment and still dont. For the first time in my life I get compliments on my skin. It took about a month to start seeing results. Its soooooo worth it. You have to be mentally prepare for it though. If you know that something may depress you, then you just dont react to it. I knew when it was the medication effecting me and had family members constantly keeping me in check. I took it for 5 months. Sooooooo worth it.
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April 29, 2011

Pros:

cleared acne, face has never been so smooth and clear! took a good 4.5 months. my acne pretty bad and this product was a life saver!

Cons:

dry skin
dry eyes(bloodshot)
dry nose
fatigue
great depression
very achy and tired

this product was amazing. it really worked. I would not recommened this product if your acne isnt that severe. The side affects are very serious and there is no need to take this is not needed. Try everything else first, but if you have to take it be strong! have a good mental thought process all the way through. Hope this helped
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April 28, 2011

Pros:

Accutane cleared up my skin within a month and a half.

Cons:

The usual minor side effects. Dry lips, dry eyes, slightly dry skin. Nothing too unbearable.

I am a 25 year old acne sufferer, and after trying out every topical cream, face wash and medication for acne with continuous failures, I decided to use Accutane. I was afraid to, because of all the negative hype about the drug. It was definitely my last resort. I am so glad that I went on it. I didn't have any major side effects, I did not have an initial break out, and my skin began clearing up within a month of taking the pill. I was on it for 7 months on 60 MG, and now, 3 months after Accutane, my skin is still glowing and beautiful with a few tiny pimples here and there (Mostly monthly/hormonal pimples that clear up the next day) But nothing even noticeable. Other benefits of the drug are that my pores shrunk drastically, my skin is so much smoother than its ever been, and the scars have pretty much disappeared. I can walk outside without an ounce of make up on and I feel BEAUTIFUL!!! I hope my skin continues to stay this way, and I recommend Accutane for anyone who has tried it all and wants to give up. Best wishes to all on your journey to getting healthier skin!
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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