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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November 23, 2008

Pros:

Dries out skin like crazy.... should work soon

Can I include my personal insurance as a pro?! haha

Cons:

haha, same as the pro.... dries out your skin.... and also makes me irritable

I've only been on Accutane (well actually generic, but w/e) for about a month now, but I know it will be effective soon. I've known many people who've used this and they're extremely clear now It's extremely expensive if you don't have killer insurance which I have :p So, I feel bad for you if you can't afford it, because the actual cost is about $500 for a month supply
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November 22, 2008

Pros:

this stuff actually works. I had tried everything and this is the only thing that completely eliminated all acne.

Cons:

it made me very tired at times,gave me dry eyes and lips as well.

the bottom line is that you should definately try accutane if you have had prolonged acne. take it, get enough sleep and eat well, and you will see changes. good luck.
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November 21, 2008

Pros:

makes acne disappear!!! smoothes skin texture, my hair wasn't oily anymore either

Cons:

took a few weeks to really start working, my lips were SO dry!, dry hands, mild rash on arms, back aches, joint aches, really dry inside my nose, i still have mild acne 2 years later

IT'S WORTH IT!!! don't be scared of it because it really does work!
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November 17, 2008

Pros:

It really works!

Cons:

Dry lips.

I have used it only for ten days so far and I my skin is looking much better already! Even my old deep scars seem to disappear.
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November 16, 2008

Pros:

its KILLZ! your acne.

Cons:

dry skin and hair and i had a little rash but nothing serious.
chap stick=life for your lips.
if u dont hav insurance its expensive.

AMAZING!!!!
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November 15, 2008

Pros:

Clear skin and much less oily hair. All the awful spots on my back and old scars on my face are gone. Should have taken the pills years ago..

Cons:

I was on it for 2 years and the only side effect was dry skin.. When I went off it the acne and oily hair came back. Not as bad as it used to be but still annoying enough. I get acne even on my scalp...going to try Diane

Perfect to get rid of scars since this type of vitamine A stimulates new cell production.
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November 15, 2008

Pros:

Cleared my skin up after 3 weeks, got It on the NHS cost about £25!

Cons:

Lasted nine years before returning, although not as bad as it was.

The first week of use my acne was the worse it has EVER been, but after that unbelievable.

Defo worth a try
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November 14, 2008

Pros:

Has dried out my skin enormously; I haven't had a visible pimple in two weeks!

Cons:

I had a cyst on the inside of my eye after the first week of my accutane dose; I have less energy and seem moodier.

So far, it has been great. I've had bad acne for over a decade so I'm ready for it to be gone!
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November 8, 2008

Pros:

improving very very slowly

Cons:

dry lips nosebleeds

replying to KP NZ, yes i improved ist month break breakouts then the same 2nd and 3rd month now on60mg daily much improving on 4th month but loads of little red marks but no breakouts as such, my derm told me this will all be gone by end of dec 08, but i sometimes find it hard to believe, told to be very patient with this treatment and not to miss a dose, so goof luck to all
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November 8, 2008

Pros:

not sure yet

Cons:

mild dryness of the eyes so far.

My son just recently started taking accutane. When he developed acne at age 11, we took him right in and he was started on clindammycin gel mixed with Benzoyl peroxide gel every night. This worked beautifully for about a year then the acne came back with a vengeance and nothing would clear it up. I took him to a different dermatologist and he said that all the topical things, as well as oral antibiotics, are minimally effective because they do not stop the excessive production of sebum due to high sebaceous gland activity that some people have, especially during puberty. He said that in the 20+ years of prescribing accutane, he's never had a single patient have permanent physical side effects such as GI problems, hair thinning, visual problems, etc. As an RN, I am skeptical of the stories about permanent side effects from accutane because such effects just do not make sense considering accutane's mechanism of action related to anatomy and physiology but I am watching him closely.
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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