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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November 13, 2010

Pros:

*clears up acne - have near perfect skin
*boosts confidence because skin clears up
*results are permanent (apparantly) :)

Cons:

*dries out the lips and they become sore
*dries inside the nose and have nosebleeds
*affects moods (or it did for me)

i have just finished and i am very happy with my skin. i feel good enough to go out with no make-up on! :) however - please think very carefully about going on. i would say it's worth it, but it affected my moods soooo bad :( i'm going through a rough patch in my life anyway - so whether or not that influences whether the medication affects your moods - i dont know. just be carefull :)
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November 10, 2010

Pros:

-Got rid of acne in about 3-4 months
-Oli free skin
-Your skin becomes extremely soft
-Redness is gone
-Small scars disappear
-Your self-esteem level sky rockets (Trust me!)
-Girls barely have to wear make-up

Cons:

-The beginning months suck
-Bad breakouts within 2-3 months of the treatment
-Backaches/headaches
-Extremely dry skin in the first months
-Dry lips
-Takes a while to start
-Long process to get the medicine

I stopped my accutane treatment 3 months ago. My face has been clear except for a few tiny zits which I treat with Clindamycin. The first few months was slow, but I was excited to finally be on my way to having clear skin. I had backaches for about 4 months, and my headaches weren't so bad. The hardest problem I faced (pun!) was trying to give my face some moisture. Up until the 3rd month my face would peel if I didn't drench my face with moisturizer (I used Cetaphil CREAM which was godsend) Also, try not to pop your zits because the skin around your skin will be VERY flakey! My lips were bothersome too, they would peel around my lip which was very embarrassing. The way I controlled that was applying a lot of Vaseline during the day and putting it all over my lips at night. Other than that, I just met with my dermatologist monthly, and I took my Accutane religiously. I recommend you set an alarm for the day & nighttime so you never forget! Best of luck.
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November 7, 2010

Pros:

- Starting to control break outs, looking like its going to heal soon
- black heads on nose are about 80% gone

Cons:

- dry lips
- extremely dry eyes (makes it hard to focus)
- nosebleeds
- tiredness
- dry skin and patches of eczema
- hair becomes brittle
- skin peeling everywhere
- acne flare
- got cystic acne when got hardly any of it before

tired everything known to man to treat acne, antibiotices did not work in the slightest way If you want clear skin dont stuff around trying everything for your acne and just go on accutane, works in 95% of case. Im 19 now and I really wish i went on this earlier
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October 29, 2010

Pros:

BEST ACNE TREATMENT EVER!!
completely rid my face and neck of acne
MIRACLE cure

Cons:

Only dry lips and face
But i wouldnt consider it a con becuz my doctor warned me beforehand that this would happen

GET IT.. dont waste your time & money with over-the-counter crap if you have bad acne... the only traetment is ACCUATNE and alll the side effects are like a 1 in a million chance!!... Dont be scared to go to your derm and ask about it!! itll change your life
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October 20, 2010

Pros:

- cleared my horrible cheek acne within the first week or so
- skin and hair is a lot less oily

Cons:

- chapped lips
- flush a lot easily

When I first decided to go see a dermatologist, my problem area was only around my jawline and neck. My derm put me on mino, BP and retin-a. It worked wonders, I was cleared within 4 months. Maybe 7-8 month later my acne returned a bit, so I was put on mino again. I was clear within a month. Last year my acne started to return, this time it wasn't on the jawline and neck, it was on my cheek. It was horrible. It was a clustered of semi-big pimple on my cheeks and there was so many. I couldn't bare looking in the mirror. I was so depress, I couldn't look at people without feeling embarrass. But the thing is I started breaking out like crazy when I started to diet and exercise, before my diet, I was super clear, barely broke out. So I'm no sure if it got anything to do with my weight loss. So right now, I'm on my third month, and I'm pretty much clear, except for 1 or 2 pimple here and there once in a blue moon. My acne cleared up during the first 2 weeks. It was amazing, I couldn't believe it. Right now my only problem is the red marks and scars. I have tons of it on my cheeks. The only problem I have with accutane is the flushing. I turn red so easily, it's insane and it drives me nuts when it happens. Even when thinking turning red, I turn red!! Overall, accutane saved my skin!!
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October 14, 2010

Pros:

Cleared my skin after 2 weeks, I am 18 and have been breaking out with moderate severe acne since I was 14 (plenty of white heads, zits, a few cysts here and there). I went through tons of different OTC treatments, retin a, antibiotics and this is the only thing that worked at all.

Cons:

SUPER dry skin, hair, eyes, nostrils
Decreased night vision
Some aches after running or working out
Monthly blood tests
can't drink alcohol
red marks heal really slowly

Acne was literally crushing me, I was anti social and deathly insecure, I avoided any socializing with anyone besides my closest friends, I mostly just spent my time playing wow or getting stoned by myself (I blame this destructive behavior solely on my insecurities rooted in my acne symptoms.) Accutane, despite its negative side effects gave me a life, I am slowly gaining much more confidence in myself when it comes to meeting new people, talking to girls etc. I am now proud to go and hang out with friends at the football game, go to parties and flirt with the opposite sex. I should have taken this back when I was 14
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October 9, 2010

Pros:

Gets rid of your acne and even when you do get an occasional pimple all i have to do is put a little cream on it and its gone the next day.

Cons:

Will dry out your skin, and make your face red even after the treatment is done. Will dry out your face so much you could get cracks in your face and get staff infection.

If you have been struggling with acne for months even years, i would recommend this product. This product is a life saver and a confidence booster! I love being able to touch my face without touching a zit! I would recommend, after the treatment, that you wash your face twice a day, put moisturizer on at LEAST once a day, and where minimal make up.
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October 8, 2010

Pros:

Cleared up facial acne in ten days flat.

100% clear now after 3 weeks

Cons:

Bacne is taking a little longer

Low dose = No side effects whatsoever!

Low dose at 20mg cleared me up in 10 days flat! Miracle drug I had tried everything! The only thing I could contemplate calling a side effect is occasionally I have dry lips. If you are on the fence like I was for 4 years - do it at low dose! I regret not taking it years ago. Forget self-diagnosis and reading on this forum, the derm will prescribe it if you need it and it will work. This forum persuaded me out of using it for 4 years. I decided to just take it and see how it went. 10 days was all it took for me to realise what a fool I had been researching papers & studies - leave that to the docs and derms.
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October 6, 2010

Pros:

Cleared up my acne on face, chest and back.

Cons:

Dry skin.
Dry lips.
Dry scalp.
Loss of focus.

I had acne since the start of 7th grade up until about this summer. I am now a Junior in college, so it is a long time. I tried just about everything! Tazorac worked well for me in getting rid of some acne but it just kept coming back. After the first month on Accutane my skin looked great. I have one month left and hope it stays clear. I do have some red marks and scaring but hopefully that will go away too. The dry skin, scalp and lips didn't bother me that much. I used cetaphil face wash and lotion, A LOT of chapstick and head and shoulders. Also, am a swim lesson instructor and in chlorinated water at least 5 days a week for about 3-4 hours at a time, which made my skin more dry. The lack of focus sucked...since I am a Junior in College but it was worth it if my skin stays like this. I recieve tons of comments from people about how clear and soft my skin looks. It is amazing. The monthly blood tests and derm. visits are a drag. Overall a great product.
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October 1, 2010

Pros:

I took 40mg per day for 5 months
GOT RID OF MY ACNE!!!!!!!
Something that worked for once in my life!
Worked in about 3 months of taking it, which is alot quicker than anything else!

After 3 months of taking it I have had NOT one single pimple!!! Its been nealry 4 months since I have had not had one single spot!

Cons:

I really can't say anything bad about accutane because I did not suffer any severse side effects, but did have dry lips, dry arms, there was a intial breakout but it really wasn't that bad.

The best decision for my life I wish I had tried it years ago, i could have saved my getting some nasty acne scars :( If you are suffering from acne, I would say talk to a dermatlogist and consider trying accutane. Goodluck!!
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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