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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June 11, 2008

Pros:

I really want to believe this will work

Cons:

I'm so scared to start after reading all the reviews across the internet. I've been on lots of stuff form minocin, retin-a, blah blah blah...but my spots keep coming back.

My acne is not severe or even moderate probably...but I've tried a lot if things and I just constantly have 5-6 acne bumps under the skin at any given time and splotchy foliculitis on my neck...sometime big raised bumps in back of hair line. I can't stand it anymore and my derm recommended - with ful disclosure of all side effects and iPledge stuff... Now I'm 'having second thoughts about filling the prescription.
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June 11, 2008

Pros:

It did clear up the acne and decrease the oil on my face, for the time I was on it and a couple months after the 6 month treatment.

Cons:

I finished the treatment about a year ago, and although my face does not break out as bad as it used to. There is still acne on my face, lately it's been a bit worse.

Dryness, cuts take longer to heal, I developed a form of psoriasis.

If you have absolutely tried everything and anything out there, with no results. Go for the Accutane. The side affects can be annoying, but as long as you stock up on good moisturizers (My favorite was Aveeno) and drink plenty of water, they shouldn't be that unbearable. Be prepared for plenty of blood tests, only 1 week to drop off and pick up Rx, and if your not careful about what you eat you might gain weight. Like I said, I repeatedly developed some form of psoriasis on my hands and arms, but It went completely away after one or two applications of Vanos cream. Your dermatologist should have free samples. I recommend starting your treatment around spring, that way you don't have to deal with the dry winter months.
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June 11, 2008

Pros:

Starting to work after 1 n a half months

Cons:

Dry lips and face, nose bleeds

It worth getting but for me it is taking longer then i wanted it to but im very glad im on it becuasse i can see a difference and have not broke out in a long time.
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June 10, 2008

Pros:

Clear, beautiful skin!

Cons:

EVERYTHING is dry-- My eyes, ears, lips, skin, and even down there... also experienced fever and chills one day. You can't wax, get a facial or have anything lasered. Sun sensitivity. Huge pain to have to take a pregnancy test every month.

I'm about a month into my second course of accutane and absolutely recommend it! For me, the side effects are pretty minimal-- I religiously apply aquaphor on my lips and use cetaphil lotion on my face/body. I had a bit of an initial break out, but now my skin is looking great! My skin is almost completely clear, skin tone evening out, scars are getting lighter. I even feel like I look younger... The best part-- I've been getting compliments on what beautiful skin I have by strangers and friends. I think this is probably the best my skin has ever looked! Also, I think my pores are shrinking and there is definitely less oil. Usually by the end of the day the makeup on my t-zone is totally gone; it's 9:30pm and my makeup still looks fresh! Despite the side effects, I AM SO HAPPY THAT I WENT ON ACCUTANE!! Nothing else worked for me... I've tried all the topicals, antibiotics, over the counter, light therapy, facials... like I said, THIS IS THE BEST MY SKIN HAS EVER LOOKED!
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June 10, 2008

Pros:

Works very well and makes skin acne free within 2 months.

Cons:

Dries your skin, lips and eyes. Also damages your hyperthyroid.

Don't use longer than 3 months, take a break after 3 months for about a month and repeat if needed.
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June 8, 2008

Pros:

Finally! Something that works!

Is clearing my skin, pores look smaller, confidence is back!

Cons:

every hole in my buddy that is supposed to produce mucus is dry.Skin is dry and sensitive. Some headaches, now and then... but I don't mind because it's working! Feel a bit weak and tired.

I've been taking it for a month, had an initial breakout but my skin is so much better now. It works, but I'm just hoping my acne won't comeback after my 5/6 month treatment.
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June 7, 2008

Pros:

Acne Clearing up:]

Cons:

blood test, CANT WAX i just got waxed anndd yeahh...my skin was ripped so dont do it haha, sunbun easily. But that's it!

umm..def get this product. I've done 23982938 other things like pro active, retina A, and literally every pricey treatment and product out there. I just started it but I feel improvements already:] I wish i heard of this product earlier. You face should be the main concern even if it was 135 a month it's worth it if it work.
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June 1, 2008

Pros:

Deinitely works. Acne free for about 2 years. Cleared my skin within the first month. I have never had more beautiful skin.

Cons:

Dry,dry,dry everywhere. Hair began falling out at three months. Immediately stopped taking Acutane. Hair began growing back after 6 months to a year.

I am considering going on Accutane again, as my acne has returned. I don't mind the dryness, but the loss of hair does scare me a bit.
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May 30, 2008

Pros:

This is not a treatment it is a cure! (for about 2 years)

Cons:

dries skin badly, especially lips, can cause birth defects in pregnant woman.
It can be very hard to get on.

I had sever Acne in HS, I got on accutane and I was pimple free for about two years. Then it got worse again so im going in for another round. Before, I told my new dirm I wanted to get back on accutane but they said 'well we will give you Tazorac and Minocycline'. His plan was for me to drop 200$ a month for these two medicines that in clincal studies published by the parm company that produces them, after three months you will at best get a "66% reduction in leasions". O and you can't ever get off of them or you will be back to square one in less than a week. (unless you outgrow your acne). Accutane can be used for 5 months and you should be completely clear in 5 months of treatment followed by a two year remission. If you have BAD acne and you are sick of looking in the mirror every morning and feeling depressed/overwhelmed/disgusted/filthy/like hinding(I felt these things), Accutane can help you wake up to clear skin in a way no other acne treatment can.
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May 30, 2008

Pros:

95% of acne is gone.
Oil went away.
Confidence in public.

Cons:

Like all good things in life, gets worse before it gets better.
Very dry lips, eyes, inside nose and skin.

I have been suffering from acne since I can remember, all the medications I tried in the past worked but it werent a cure, the acne always came back. This is the first time I feel and see a significant change. In my opinion its all worth it to finally have clear skin.
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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