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 24, 2008

Pros:

Definitely works - it is amazing the way it literally unclogs pores.

Cons:

Your skin will be dry and I experienced flushed cheeks, but only slight discomfort really.

Definitely worth trying. I used this five years ago and haven't had more than the odd whitehead since. I've also been taking diane-35 for the past five years and it has kept my hormonal related zittage under control.
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June 23, 2008

Pros:

stops acne, abs no oil and confidence

Cons:

dryness, redness

someone whos reading this also suffers from acne and wondering whether he has to take accutane, plz follow that i say. Dont take topical Retin-A,and other oral antibiotics.They wont work.They will screw ur face. Ask your Derm for Accutane - No Generics!I was prescribed Sotret for 4 months, and it only dried me out.5th month i took accutance, and dryness was gone and acne stopped. Moisturize your face always.I failed to do so and i have severe dryness and redness failed to fade away.But eventually they have to :) This drug was no miracle for me.I was always unlucky.So no big deal.But it WILL work for you.Dont bother to even think abt scary comments by few others.Please use this drug before you repent for the rest of your life - like me. Trust me guys.This drug WILL make you HAPPY!Cheers and wish you a very good luck and clear face! :)
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June 22, 2008

Pros:

Drys out pimples, scars slowly fading, skin not as oily, and can see that I am slowly gettin great skin!

Cons:

easily sunburnt, dry skin, which makes me itchy and occasionly pimples

I am taking Sotret, which is generic of Accutane and its really slowly but surely working. I feel so better, and its worth all the money!!!
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June 22, 2008

Pros:

Gives you the beautiful face you've always wanted.

Cons:

Super uper dryness, 3 doses a day.

I took Accutane the same time I had one of the worst fevers of my life. After 3 days, I started feeling super depressed and irritated. I immediately stopped taking the medication, and though my depression slowly went away, I had clear skin for a week or so. This stuff is amazing, and no matter what the side affect is, you could live through it. After all, I heard that only 2% of Isotretanoin users are affected with depression. I was one of those :[ You guys are lucky!!! You all deserve it though so go for it
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June 20, 2008

Pros:

After two months, my skin was completely clear. Its now a month after I stopped using it and my skin still looks perfect.

Cons:

I understand that some people experience much worse side effects. I may have been lucky in that mine were very mild. Only side effects were dry lips and dry eyes.

In my opinion the only treatment that actually works. I spent many years trying everything and just got more frustrated. I could have never imagined then that I would ever have skin this clear. It is a risk though, and anyone who takes it should be aware of the side effects and should have monthly blood tests and all that. Also, make sure to drink lots of water, because it tends to dry out your body. At the end of the day, I am very happy with the results.
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June 19, 2008

Pros:

Dries out the pimples and smoothens the skin and it seems like my redness is down alot.

Cons:

When you start taking it you will notice that your lips will dry and crack and your skin starts to peel and go dry, even if you moisturize it. You will get a big pimple or two, some little ones (and if you're lucky you'll get some redness too)

I was prescribed to take Sandoz Isotretinoin (an alternative to Accutane and Roaccutan, it cost about 50eur per box or so) and started taking it on March 28th. I've been taking it for 2 months now so far and I did get some back/joint ache, cracked and dry lips, dry skin, a big pimple or two along with "normal" ones tho they all did dry out quickly. But now after almost 2 months I don't have many side effects. Exercise helped with the back/joint ache during the beginning, my lips and skin aren't very dry but I do get some pimples tho, guess I have to be patient?
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June 18, 2008

Pros:

My acne was the best it ever looked while i was on accutane. All the scarring i had was also disappearing. I took it for 7 months/40 mg a day.

Cons:

I finished my first course about a month and a half ago, and im starting to see my acne coming back. It's not horrible though so I am scared my doc won't put me on for a second course even though I want it really bad.

Has anyone had a great and permenent success after 2 courses of accutane? Accutane is all in all a life saver.
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June 13, 2008

Pros:

It clears up acne. It's easy to use, pretty inexpensive.

Cons:

DRY EVERYTHING (Can someone let me know about a moisturizer that won't irritate my skin?) , sometimes makes you sad, crying spells. Oh and if I start picking at my skin, it comes off chunk at a time, which is kind of gross.

It's good, just watch out for the dry skin and eye, and nose.
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June 13, 2008

Pros:

Life-saver for me, got rid of the tough blotchy ones that would hurt when touched and the fine acne too.

Cons:

Very dry skin, to the point where you can peel off the flakes. Chapped lips were a problem too.

Use this product, you can deal with the dry skin if you have a good moisturizer and really want to rid yourself of acne. It helped my confidence rise tremendusly.
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June 12, 2008

Pros:

Will get rid of all your acne and will make you look like you've never had a pimple in your life.

Cons:

Dry eyes and lips. Possibly contributed to minute hair loss.

I had really bad skin as a teenager. About 3 and a half years ago I took Roaccutane for 9 months. My skin cleared up completely. I then left school, travelled around Europe and North America, got married and did a whole lot of things that I never would've enjoyed if I was still covered in zits. My acne never returned and I've basically forgotten what it was like to have acne. Look after yourself while you're on it and you'll be fine.
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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