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 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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June 4, 2012

Pros:

Worked fast
Clear, glowing skin

Cons:

Acne and oiliness came back
Thinning hair (still...)
Poor night vision (still...)
Low energy
Dry eyes

I firmly believe the only people who should be allowed to write reviews on here for Accutane are those who've been off it for 6+ months. While you're on it, you can't believe how good your skin looks, and you'll happily dismiss most side effects. Of course you're going to write a rave review. I did exactly that three months into my course. But it doesn't last. Oil glands recover. Within a few months of finishing my skin ramped up the oil production again and I started breaking out. My acne started when I came off the Pill after many years on it. I think I have an underlying hormonal imbalance as a result and have come to face the fact that any medication is just going to augment my system even more, and it will take longer to right itself. I'm also worried about the long term effects people report, not beginning until years after they've taken their last dose. I know what it's like to hate your skin and if the results were lasting I'd even say it was worth it for me.... but to have my skin return to what it was awful - to know I made my body put up with months of toxicity for nothing. I wish there was such a thing as a miracle drug - and it does work permanently without bad side effects for SOME (far fewer than they'd have you believe though) - but I'm going the clean diet, gentle exercise, natural skincare, low stress, general wellbeing route. Not as easy as popping a pill, but protecting your health is priceless. Good luck to everyone in their quest for clear skin.
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June 3, 2012

Pros:

Clears acne. Truly a wonder drug.

Cons:

- Initial breakout for some people
- Dryness of skin and lips (nothing that a good moisturiser can't handle)

If you are worried enough about your acne to come on this forum - take this drug! As with all medicines, there are side effects, some more common than others. If it isnt working initially dont give up, go back to your dermatologist and ask for advice. This is the only 'cure' for acne and I firmly believe it should be used as soon as possible to prevent scarring - rather than the current ridiculous advice that it should be used as a last resort. Good luck and post your results on here.
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May 22, 2012

Pros:

-Cleared up cystic acne
-Worked quickly
-Skin stayed completely clear for about 6 months

Cons:

-Extremely dry lips and skin
-Developed eczema after first month
-I still have acne about a year and a half after last dosage
-Huge commitment

I do definitely recommend accutane for those with severe cystic acne. It is a huge commitment, but it clears up those big, painful zits right away. It's been a year and a half after I took my last dosage, and I have been developing acne again. Not as bad as before accutane, but moderate. It's worth a try, but be sure to ask your dermatologist for eczema cream!
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May 21, 2012

Pros:

Cleared my skin completely
Built up my confidence

Cons:

Dry eyes
Dry lips
Very dry nose
Skin rash
Hair loss
Depression & mood swings

I started taking this medication in January I was on 30mgs a day to start with, my acne has been ongoing for a few years now, controlled my some medication for a while but my body soon got us to them, I ahve been on many different drugs over the past 6 years and I was due to get married April this year so I was refered to a derm which said my last resort would be Accutane, after giving this some serious though I decided to take the drug. The first month was fine no real side effects and no bad breakouts, I went back for my second month and the derm doubled my dose to 60mgs this made one huge difference! After a few days my lips cracked, my eyes dryed and the sores up my nose were so painful I couldn't even rinkle my face without it hurting, I came out in a bad rash all over my arms and I started to get really bad pains in my back and legs. I suffered it for the month and went back for more tablets the derm reduced my dose to 40mgs which helps but the problems still persisted. Into my 3rd month here comes the depression, along with sorting out my wedding my mood swings were uncontrolable screaming one min and crying the next I have never felt so bad and after waking up one morning and not even being able to face going to work I rang my doctors and got an oppointment to be taken of the medication the same day! The effects soon got better the rash dissappeared and the cracked lips and dry eyes got better over the next couple of weeks. Also my moods improved greatly I was back to my old self within a couple of weeks. At this point my skin looked amazing just a few scars which I could cover with make up, I felt great and my wedding pictures look fantastic which was what all this was for! If it wasn't for the fact I was getting married and having to look back on my photo's for the rest of my life I would not have taken this medication the effects are to dangerous and i hate to think what it has done to the parts of my body I can't see.
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May 21, 2012

Pros:

- Only medication that worked
- Completely stopped breakouts

Cons:

- Dry Lips

I had personally tried EVERYTHING before finally deciding to go to my dermatologist. All of the over the counter cremes(Proactive, Neut. ID, others....), pills, natural products, peels, but none of it worked. I would STRONGLY recommend you go to your dermatologist right away when you 1st start seeing signs of acne. I went through several years of pain and stress over my acne situation, but it only took 1 month to stop breakouts. You will get that 1st initial breakout, but that is common....just stay the course.
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May 17, 2012

Pros:

clear skin
confidence
non greasy hair & skin

Cons:

initial breakout
dry skin/lips/eyes

I had been struggling with acne since the 7th grade. I literally probably tried every dermotologist prescribed medication on the market. Finally, my derm prescribed me accutane in 11th grade. My skin at this point was BAD. cystic acne all over my chin mostly. I was so insecure I would leave at the bell and go straight home. I was too embarassed to have much of a social life. I'm not going to lie, the initial breakout was horendous and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. My skin got about 10X worse before it started clearing up. But it was worth it. By the 2nd month my skin was mostly clear. My lips however were suuuuper chapped and cracked. At the end of my 5 months of accutane my skin was completely clear and I was amazed!!!! My acne stayed away for most of 12th grade and I was back to my confident self. However, when I approached 2nd semester of college my skin started to break out agaiun. I am on accutane again and hope to see the same results. The initial breakout was, once again, horendous.but lucky for me I went on a trip and had 2 weeks off of work :) I really hope this is the last time I have to go on accutane but it did change my life for the better. You just gotta keep at it and be educated and prepared! good luck!
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May 17, 2012

Pros:

best acne medication ever

Cons:

dry lips
dry skin

I had rally bad acne, moderate too severe. I used acne.org treatment that worked for a summer. I used all the benzoyl peroxide prescribed by a doctor. I took antibiotics and used 'retin-a' for 3 month and help me reduce some of my acne and I just started using Accutane a month ago and everything changed. It went from very oily skin too non oily in 2 days, I had some initial breakout but not a lot, but the most important is that I am 95 % acne free. Sure you will have dry lips and dry skin. But just use the proper products with it. I use: Lip balm: Blistex complete moisture Moisturizer: acne.org moisturizer Cleanser: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cream Cleanser Also I take 20 mg a day of Accutane
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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