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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December 19, 2008

Pros:

Cleared up my acne very well
Prevented outbreaks for a while
Easy to take

Cons:

Crazy dry skin and lips
I felt depressed a lot
I got angry extremely easily

I took two regiments because my acne was so severe and it worked great to clear up my skin. I was finally comfortable enough to been seen without a shirt on haha. My skin and lips were dry, but I was willing to deal with that. But looking back on my experience, my opinion is different. I got angry very very easily when I was on the drug (guessing it had something to do with hormones) and i felt depressed a lot. Thinking of it in that regard, I would never take it again.
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December 19, 2008

Pros:

clears up pretty well, gets rid of active acne, feel like help is on the way

Cons:

EXTREMELY, extremely dry lips, and the corners of my mouth got very bad, i got a lot of bloody noses too

I got off Accutane about a month ago. My active acne didn't go away until about the very end of my fifth and final month. I still have some scars but I think time will take care of them. Accutane was a pretty big commitment for me because I had to take monthly blood tests, take my pills everywhere i went because i took 2 a day. But the bottom line is it did it's job, event though they were definitely side effects. Active acne is very blatant and it feels good to know that all i have left are scars. If you are deciding whether or not to go on, i would recommend you do.
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December 17, 2008

Pros:

Clears up your skin, no oil on your face, no more acne!!!!

Cons:

dry/peeling lips (carmex works wonders), made my anxiety worse, and irritated my eyes (bloodshot and watery)

I had constant acne on my face for over years. I tried everything there was to get rid of it accutane seems to be the ONLY thing that has cleared up my face. I have been on it for about two months now and am happy with results. Just becareful with the medicine and listen to your doctor! As long as you take it correctly you should have no problems! It is a miracle worker.
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December 17, 2008

Pros:

Cleared up my skin completely within a month!

Cons:

Monthly blood tests, acne may come back after treatment is over.

My face was covered in large painful acne all the time and antibiotics and other creams and washes did nothing to help. My doctor prescribed me accutane and my skin was clear within a month, by the third month my scars were almost completely gone. In the beginning my face was really dry and peeled allot, but that soon subsided. Accutane changed my life, I don't have to wear loads of make up anymore or constantly feel self conscious of my skin! I was scared to take accutane at first because of all of the side affects. I did not experience any side affects.
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December 15, 2008

Pros:

what can i say...IT WORKS PEOPLE :) fantastic results. I was on it for five months did not get intial breakouts at the begining, and wasent that dryed out. Bottom Line ive Finished my 5 months of acutane with a Beautiful clear face :)

Cons:

sensitive skin,redness,dry skin..other then that none! :)

WANT THE ANSWER TO CLEAR BEAUTIFUL SKIN? .....ACCUTANE!:)
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November 29, 2008

Pros:

Dries out skin. Still waiting for the results...

Cons:

Lips really dry( vaseline does the trick), whole face dry(e45 works well), Tiredness and a little moody. Expensive if not insured (i wasn't!)

I have been on accutane for nearly 2 months now, for the first month i saw improvements, but in the second it has got alot worse, i expected this though and i am going to be patient. For the past 6 years i have had severe acne and i have tried other treatments and none have worked, with accutane i know it's working from the dryness, it just needs time. Don't be put off by the side affects, it affects people differently. If you are on this drug and like me it has got worse, just stick it out, i mean whats a few months compared to clear skin? From other reviews my impression is after about 4 months it improves for most people, with 2 down already, i cannot wait!
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November 26, 2008

Pros:

Completely cleared the acne on my face, chest, and back and left my skin smooth. Also, my hair isnt greasy anymore

Cons:

Very dry lips-words cannot describe! pretty much everything is very dry, especially in fall/winter. Blood work was also a pain. OH and DONT get anything, such as your eyebrows waxed!

Although there may seem like a lot of risks, and its a long and tedious process, it was really worth it. The first few months are tough, but from there on out its pretty good! If you stuggle with bad skin, you should definetly give accutane a try!
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November 25, 2008

Pros:

not only did it get rid of ALL my severe acne that ive had for almost a year, but it gave me back the self-confidence to be me, and have fun, which ive been lacking..

Cons:

really really reallyyyyy dries out your lips!, so be prepared!
and my joints were and still are sore once i was done with it.

this pill is i friken LIFE SAVER! no joke
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November 25, 2008

Pros:

It does work. My daughter has been on it for 3 months and her skin does look great. It also makes her hair less oily. I would definitely recommend Accutane.

Cons:

It does dry your skin out. She has had no major problems. Dry around the mouth area. Keep Aquaphor available at ALL times.

Accutane does work, but it will get worse before getting better. Be patient and be persistant with your daily regimen.
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November 23, 2008

Pros:

EVERYTHING! got rid of all my spots

Cons:

Really dries out skin

So Far- Great..Wish I USed This Product in School.
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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