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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5
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4
34.1%
3
15.3%
2
7.3%
1
6.2%

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September 3, 2012

Pros:

-Clears acne
-Gave me back my self-esteem. Infinitely happier and more confident.
-I don't think about my skin constantly anymore, which is about the biggest complement I can give to this stuff
-got it on the NHS, so minimal expense

Cons:

-dry/flaky skin
-facial redness
-backache
-initial breakout

ALL TEMPORARY

Quite frankly, I'm not sure that I've ever made a better decision in my life. The drug has a very bad reputation, much of it undeserved in my opinion. Of course, as a beneficiary of this wonderful drug, and not one who has suffered any of the horrendous permanent side-effects that are rumoured to exist, my words should not be confused with wisdom. However, its success-rate is unparalleled in the dense world of scams and uncertainty that prevail in the acne medication market. As an acne sufferer, I know of how infuriating it can be when people with acne are accused of 'deserving' their condition, because of the preposterous stereotyping of those who label sufferers with their unhygienic lifestyle. As we know, THEY KNOW NOTHING. Its not about simply 'washing your face more' or 'eating less chocolate'. Often, face washes or a better lifestyle will not improve your acne. Sometimes you just have to entrust your treatment to science, and more to the point, PROVEN science. Not the holistic method, which may work for some, but of which I am not an admirer of as it never worked for me despite many attempts. No, sometimes medication is the answer, and people should not be so contemptuous of those that chose this path. Right, rant over, now I'll briefly explain my own experience: Having read at length the pros and cons of numerous people's experiences, and many an internet horror story, I was under the impression that I was putting myself in for a rough deal. Not so, as it turned out, at least for me anyway. The initial breakout was horrid, worst my skin has ever been, but it only lasted for 2 weeks. My skin took a little longer to see sustained clearing than I had hoped, it wasn't until after I'd passed the 3 month mark that I was seeing definitive improvement. That aside, the other listed side-effects were largely manageable and at worst just annoying, nothing more. Think long and hard about it, but if you're informed and level-heade
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September 1, 2012

Pros:

Clears acne

Cons:

Do not drink alcohol whilst using this drug. In my case it caused acute pancreatitis which is very unpleasant (look it up).

Be very careful
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September 1, 2012

Pros:

Clears acne

Cons:

Side Effects:
Dry eyes
Dry nose (and bleeding)
Stomach ache
Joint pain
Extremely dry skin
Aggrivated eczema
Dry, cracked lips
Low mood (for a short period)
Social life affected - little alcohol and sun=not much fun!

I'm 22 and had been considering using this for a long time due to persistent moderate acne. I had tried a lot from aged 15 til 21 including Zineryt, Antibiotics (3 kinds), Benzoyl Peroxide, Differin and all the various OTC treatments to no avail. Started the treatment (30mg) on 11 May 2012 and started seeing reduced acne from a few weeks in, at the same time all the side effects started kicking in. After 1 month I started suffering low mood and was advised to lower my dose to 20mg for 4 weeks. This helped and my mood picked up, but my skin started getting the odd pimple again. I then went back up to 30mg for 5 weeks and then up to 40mg for a further 5. This is where I am at the moment and I would say my skin is more or less clear. I am under no delusions that I still have a long way to go and that the acne could return at any time following treatment. I thought long and hard before deciding to go on this and also looked at the various issues surrounding long-term conditions that this is suspected to cause. I will always be confident that I didn't rush or make any quick decisions. I would recommend it only if someone has tried all other options and researched the risks of taking such a powerful drug because although some have a fairly easy ride - not everyone does.
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August 29, 2012

Pros:

Has cleared my skin up conpetely all over my body after about 3 months of treatment. It's also quite cheap here.

Cons:

Takes some time to get results, some purging in the beginning, side effects such as dry lips, some dry skin, back soreness and some lethargy.

After trying countless treatments for my acne, topical creams, antibiotics, cleansing program's, 3 step program's, led light therapy, salt water etc this has been the only treatment to have fantastic and prolonged results. As someone who was very concerned about the side effects, I was surprised by how easily they are managed and a lower dose at the beginning helped me ease into those. If your acne really gets you down and nothing else seems to work, then GO TO A GOOD DERM AND GET A PERSCRIPTION FOR ACCUTANE it could effectively change your life.
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August 26, 2012

Pros:

Clearer skin
Much less oil

Cons:

Slightly dry and fragile skin.

I have been on Accutane for 3 weeks, the only side effects so far have been slightly dry skin that is more fragile. I am on 40 mg a day. Face is much clearer and make up looks great all day. Chest and back are completely clear. I only get a few small pimples here and there, however they take a long time to heal if I pick at them. I love love love this product!
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August 26, 2012

Cons:

BE VERY VERY

Did the job like a champ! Simply a miracle!
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August 15, 2012

Pros:

Mostly clear skin
Slightly dry skin (pro for me because my makeup lasts longer and it's easily controlled with moisturizer)
No greasy hair
No light bacne
Scars have almost completely faded
Confidence!

Cons:

Still get a pimple here and there
Still have a few clogged pores
Dry hands (for about 2 months)
Dry lips
Expensive (in my opinion)

To start off, I'm a 16 year old female and I started accutane with a lot of clogged pores on my face (mostly forehead), regular cysts about twice a month, 2-3 pimples a week (that would go and I'd get new ones), ugly hyperpigmentation/scarring, oily skin, and no confidence. Now I barely have any of that. Basically, I started accutane taking 40mg every other day for the first month. Then I was taking 40mg every day for the second month. Then I was prescribed to take two 40mg pills on MWF, and the rest of the days of the week, only one 40mg pill. I had this prescription from month 3 to month 8. I had to get a blood test every month which was no problem for me. I did have an initial breakout for a good month, then it calmed down a bit. I started seeing results and much clearer skin in month 3 and 4. I continued having ALMOST clear skin through month 4 to month 7, still getting a pimple here and there but no cysts. Month 8, my supposedly last month, I got 2 cysts right beside each other and then another cyst a week later. I got one pimple since then but I stopped taking accutane after month 8 because I ran out. I haven't taken accutane for about a week now and I don't see my derm for another 2 days. I'm frustrated with the fact that I still get a pimple even though it's month 8, and not to mention 3 cysts.. but i'll have to see what my derm says. My skin has improved dramatically, most of my scars have faded a lot and I'm glad I took accutane. I love not having oily skin and my hair looked and felt great, and I only wash it like twice a week. BIG PLUS for me because my hair goes down to my lower back. Overall accutane did make my skin much more clearer, and I breakout a lot less frequently. I am dissapointed that in my "last month" I broke out with 3 cysts, but they are gone now and I have yet to see my derm for possibly further prescriptions of accutane. Accutane was overall about $620, and it was $86.91 every month from month 3
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August 14, 2012

Pros:

No acne
No backne
Radiant skin
Smaller scars

Cons:

Dry skin

I did NOT experience any bad side effects whatsoever (besides dry skin). I was worried because of other reviews, but I only had 3 nosebleeds in the 8 months I took it. No soreness, depression, etc. You will get dry, so use lip mosturizers BEFORE you think you need it. Also, your bottom will get dry and bleed when you take a big poop (only because its chapped). That's so rare though. I think the side effects people are listing are actually from the birth control (moodiness, tiredness, weight gain, depression, period changes, etc).
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August 13, 2012

Pros:

clear skin

Cons:

none

i was worried at first but bit the bullet and persevered and now i have perfect skin
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August 13, 2012

Pros:

Clears up acne

Cons:

Doesn't last
Severe dry skin
flakyness
Itchyness
Regular appointments mean taking time off work

I started off taking 30mg a day and my skin started to clear up really quickly. However i also developed severe eczema over my face/hands/arms/legs/feet. Before the treatment i only ever had slight eczema patches on my hand but 4 weeks into treatment i was covered in it. The eczema looked a whole lot worse than the acne did! I also suffered an extremely itchy scalp and dry lips throughout treatment. Having regular appointments is also a pain, two appointments a month - one for the blood test and another for a pregnancy test/ represcription. Taking time off work for these was a hassle. Overall the treatment was good at first however the side affects / blood tests were not worth all the hassle and a few months after stopping treatment my acne came back anyway. If you suffer from eczema i would really reccommend trying something else :(
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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