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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4
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3
15.3%
2
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1
6.2%

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July 16, 2012

Pros:

Clears acne
Reduces Scars
SELF-ESTEEM

Cons:

The side effects*
Taking Isotretinoin will be difficult regardless.
*with up-keep the side effects are tolerable, also because your skin is clearing nothing feels better than acne going away, only people who have acne can understand this phenomenon

I AM JUST LIKE YOU. I read all of these reviews before I went on this medicine. Before Isotretinoin I tried Doryx, Solodyn, Ampicillin, Bactrim DS, and Every topical that big pharma has produced during each oral course of treatment, now after a 6-month 40mg/day course I am acne free and the red marks fade quickly. The key is to do it right, blood tests are a given and side-effects. So research Vitamin A toxicity and you'll see to take the vitamins (D,E, Calcium) that compensate for the large amounts of Vitamin A which is the cause of ALL of the symptoms. Moisturize to keep your skin from becoming one of these review horror stories. Use the lip moisturizer Aquaphor by Eucerin (The larger bottle is cheaper as opposed to the small tubes which have an artificially high price). Fish oil is also a necessity to keep your joints from becoming too dry (Joint pain horror reviews should have taken this). Jojoba oil (oil from plant that is the closest to human sebum but has antibiotic properties so it won't make you breakout) is what I put in my hair to keep my scalp moisturized and it prevented dandruff. Probiotics (Healthy,Acidophilus bacterium) will keep your digestive functions running and keeping you from constipation and irritable bowel, I got hemorrhoids for a few weeks because I wasn't taking my probiotic (resulting in harder stool and means I pushed harder while pooping and then got a swollen vain, it's okay guys my face is clear). And lastly is sun exposure, don't turn into a vampire like people here say, just use a high SPF sunblock such as Neutrogena Ultra Sheer and apply when you go outside to avoid damage. Don't have any illusions, You need to be prepared to go through the treatment and have to do it the right way with blood-tests and proper self-up keep. Bottom-line is You can do it. I did and it was when I was at my lowest so I know that you'll pull through it as well. Good luck and God bless
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July 13, 2012

Pros:

Cleared my skin right up
Gave me confidence back

Cons:

Dry skin around mouth
Dry lips
nose bleeds (occasional)
Acne returned a few years later, went on a second course and a year and a half later has returned again.

I Started getting acne when I was around 14 and it got progressively worse. I tried everything and having it made me very self conscious and gave me anxiety. Went on Roaccutane when i was 18 and it defiantly worked, although was left with scars. Had clear skin (occasional spot) for about 2.5 years but acne returned and had to go on a second course. Again worked very well but now 2 years later I have been prescribed a 3rd round. Hesitant to start it as I just think that my acne will return again. Also its a catch 22 as I can suffer from anxiety which can be caused by my bad skin, but the only treatment that really works can also cause anxiety/depression etc, so its just weighing up the risks. I would defiantly recommend this to anyone with bad acne that brings them down. At the very least you will have a happy few years acne free.
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July 9, 2012

Pros:

Clear skin within a month

Cons:

Hair loss, eyelashes started falling off, eyebrows are also weak.

After years of debating, I decided to finally give it a try. I took accutane and the next day, my hair started falling out. I was on 40 mg, I weigh 123 an am 5'u. About a month into it, my eyelashes started falling out so I decided I couldn't deal with all this hair loss. I stopped after a month and it's been 6 months since and my hair still falls. It's decreased, but I never dealt with this problem. I couldn't believe my body couldn't properly handle it because I was always so healthy. It's worth a shot, but make sure you listen to your body and see how it's reacting! Good luck to all! Stay strong.
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July 3, 2012

Pros:

Clears acne
No oily skin for years

Cons:

Only lasted 5yrs after treatment
Extreme dryness (skin, hair, mouth, sex, ect.)
Hair loss
Depression
Monthly blood tests

I've had moderate-severe acne since I was 8yrs old that did not react to antibiotics or birth control. I went on Accutane when I was 13yrs old. My acne cleared up immediately. In fact I had clear, not oily skin for 4 yrs after that. The dry skin was treatable with lotions. However the dry hair and hair loss was not as treatable. It took 3yrs for my hair to grow back completely and had to deal with embarrassing clumps of hair coming out (in a 8th grade class room...so embarrassing) Now I'm a freshman in college and my hormonal acne is back to the same severity as before Accutane. I was told 13% of users have to go on a 2nd round but I can't deal with the hair loss, monthly blood tests, and mood swings again. I still suggest taking Accutane for acne suffers but it has serious side effects and may not last.
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June 18, 2012

Pros:

Fixed my skin

Cons:

Dry skin initially
Big break out initially

Did the job when nothing else could! As a nurse, I was worried about the possible side-effects of such high doses of Vit A, so I lived with acne for 20 years until I had finally had enough. First 6 weeks was a bit of a breakout nightmare - lived in isolation! Lips were very dry but that was it. Couldn't believe I had lived with acne for so long when there was an answer. Good luck!
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June 15, 2012

Pros:

fast working
clears skin
reduces every kind of whitehead and blackheads
cystic acne and papules gone!

Cons:

a little dryness around eyes and lips, NOTHING OTHER THAN THAT!!!

this is amazing and life changing, honestly i dont know why i waited so long, the side effects were more like absolutely absent with me, i've been put on a 20mg dose for 3 months, it a miracle worker gives u so much confidence, stepped out without makeup for the first time in 7 years! :) so happy
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June 15, 2012

Pros:

.Acne is gone just a few marks still to go
.Wont have a spot again(i hope)
.Best thing for bad skin
.Confidence is back!

Cons:

.Dry lips-Really bad(on 40mg)
.Dry skin
.Bad moods
.Acne get MUCH worse before it gets better
>REALLY sensitive to the sun

I took accutane back in Febuary, as I was honestly running out of ideas with my skin, which would not clear after a massive breakout.I was put on 40 Mg at first, but recently been put down to 20( because the side effects were alot to bear). The first month was hell, my spots got much worse, and the side effects just made everyday life unbearable. I was really tired alot and had to constantly apply lip balm becaus emy lips were so chapped. But then I got to about month 3 and as if by magic by spots started to dissapear rapidly. I'm now got aorund a month to go and theyve completley gone, I have got abit of scarring but honestly it fades by the day. Now i'm more confident then ever and I feel really happy now. For those going on accutane, its a hard journey, youll go through some bad times, but I cant express how much this stuff is worth it if you have bad skin, The only things I'd say is that you are HYPER sensitive to the sun, so put a sun block on, I burnt in British weather its that bad! But i reccomend this to anyone!
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June 9, 2012

Pros:

Clears acne for a period of time; Decreases production of skin oil

Cons:

Acne coming back after some time; oil production restoring to the same level; flushing, facial redness; dry skin; eczema; Hives; bloody nose; sore joints.

Accutane does help with acne but sadly the acne returns after some time- can be up to a year. So considering all the side effects (apparent and possibly long term not so apparent) this drug fails to live up to its miracle status. During the accutane treatment the side effects worsen the longer you take it, and it does clear up the skin, but my face was terribly red all the time, so hard to enjoy disappearance of acne during this period. The other major concern I had is hives which I got twice. There is no official link between hives and accutane, but I never had it before and researching the Internet I found lots of other people who suffered from it while (and after) they were on accutane. Hives is basically this terribly blotchy rash popping up all over your body that itches like crazy. I would not mind side effects if the oil and acne have not come back since. After stopping the accutane you will see oil gradually building up again and after some time you realize that you are back at square one. The oil glans recover over time. I've read the reviews and most of the positive ones are written by people who have just finished accutane or even still taking it. One reviewer even has been on it for only two weeks (please). It's been a year since I stopped taking accutane, my acne is not as bad (yet) but its back and the oily skin too. So I do not believe accutane can change how your body produces oil forever. And considering the side effects you can't keep taking it to control your acne.
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June 8, 2012

Pros:

Clear skin
Scar reduction
Better self esteem

Cons:

Side effects:
I have mood swings , drowsiness (like I'm tired all the time/unusually tired), I don't do anything and nothing really motivates me/ lost interest in normal activity (that could be from my accident though too) I'm more irritable, lol then I dunno if this is from it but its in the book- I get headaches (hypertension), I'm more thirsty and I urinate frequently and get head rushes (that's under the signs of changes in blood sugar level) that seems to be it and most of the commo

I am still on accutane and this is my 3rd and hopefully final month they said between 3-4 months . Ill write another review after I'm off it a couple months and see if my side effects have subsided and if my acne is fully gone and what not. Another con: couldn't drink :(
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June 5, 2012

Pros:

Smooth Skin
Acne Free

Cons:

Dry Lips
Facial Dryness
Body Aches

This is an amazing drug. For all the horror stories that are out there, there are infinitely more success stories, something my dermatologist pointed out to me. If you're considering accutane, I say go for it. Your skin will improve very significantly, and the side effects are minor. You will need chap stick with you at all times, and to moisturize, but other than that, you just take the pills and watch your skin clear up. Highly reccomended
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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