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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May 11, 2012

Pros:

-Completely cleared acne
-Hair was never greasy

Cons:

-Constant, never-ending dry, flaky, cracked lips
-Back pain/joint pain
-Dry eyes
-Mild depression

I began taking acne not because of the severity of my acne, but for the bright red blemishes they left behind. Any pimple whatsoever would leave a scar even though I religiously refused to pop or pick at them. Accutane was amazing at clearing my skin, which gave it time to heal and diminish the severity of my scars. I was on accutane for 6 months, the last three months I was taking 80 mg/day. During these 6 months I only got 4 pimples which I think is pretty amazing. I have been off of accutane for about 10 days and I am praying my acne never returns because to be honest, I'm not sure I would ever want to go back on the drug. Yes, it was a MIRACLE at clearing my skin but the depression I experienced throughout the process was very difficult to deal with. However, thousands of people have taken this drug without any depression so I'm only saying this as a cautionary warning. The dry lips were a huge pain but my lips have already returned to their original state! I would undoubtedly recommend this drug to anyone since we all experience and react to drugs differently, but only after telling them to proceed with caution. Accutane can and will give you your confidence back!
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May 8, 2012

Pros:

Clearing up skin
Hair looks great

Cons:

Mild side effects
Dry eyes, lips, nose, skin
Joint cracking and aches
Headache

I'm a 25 year old female who's been struggling with acne for 3 years. I'd classify it as mild-moderate, however very persistent. I have small clogged pores that are impossible to clear. I'm taking 30mg 2x/day. This is my 5th week and I wanted to give a review on my progress, side effects, and products I've been using, so hopefully someone trying to decide to use this will. My skin stayed pretty much the same for the first 3 weeks then I started getting pus filled blemishes in my problem areas. I'd say 4 on my chin and 4 on my right cheek. However, they're drying up very quickly. My oily skin was dramatically reduced by day 5 and continues to by very dry into my 5th week. By week 2, I noticed a huge increase in blackheads that felt like they were sitting on the surface of my skin, but 2 days later I literally washed them away!!! As for side effects I've had quite a few, although they're all mild. My skin is quite dry, which isn't really a problem because not being oily is nice. I've had some nosebleeds and a dry nose. I've also had dry eyes. I have a dull headache as well. Lastly, I've had more muscle aches and joint pain. For products, I use cetaphil wash 2/day and cerave spf 30 day and cerave pm night. I also mix 1/2 scoop philosophy c powder into my moisturizers. For my body I've been using oil of olay anti aging body wash and lotion. I've been slathering aquaphor on my lips and burts bees with mango butter for day. For my eyes I've been using visine and this great product called alcone collyre bleu. Celebrities swear by this to make the whites of their eyes whiter. Takes the redness and any dullness out! I also iced those larger blemishes. This drug has been a miracle worker. I went to the derm last week and she said I was about 70% improved! My face looks good and is very soft. By the way this drug is fat soluble, so taking it with food greatly increases absorption. Try not to drink and keep a healthy diet to prevent any blood test issues
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May 1, 2012

Pros:

- Completely clear
- Only thing that's ever worked for me

Cons:

- Chapped, red lips
- Impossibly dry scalp (spent 6 months not wearing black)
- Overall unhappiness while on the medication

I've had cystic acne my whole life. Tried every Rx available (yes, I always used them properly and for the recommended duration of treatment), every OTC topical, four rounds of IPL with ALA, and as a bonus point for the "homeopathic/holistic health" crowd...yes I tried eating organic, wholesome, low GI foods, changing my exercise and sleep patterns, yoga, meditation, etc. Nothing worked. Accutane did. I found the side effects (mostly dryness) manageable using Dan's jojoba oil and moisturizer. And Aquaphor--lots of it. It also wore me out and made me pretty unhappy by the end of the regimen, but that might be attributable to its coinciding with finals week and semester's end. Hard to tell. Nonetheless, it was a miracle drug for me, and I recommend it.
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April 30, 2012

Pros:

Does everything you want it to!
Hair that basically doesn't get greasy ever

Cons:

Really dry skin which flakes
Really dry lips
Has given me a bad back
Apparently expensive (not in uk though as nhs pays)

It's been almost 10 months since my 6 months of roaccutane ended so thought I'd put an update on here for anyone who is in two minds about whether to give this a go. This sounds dramatic but it really has changed my life so much for the better. I get the odd spot now and again but they tend to be tiny and go away on their own in a day or two. If they started to come back again I would definitely ask to be referred for this treatment again. Does not get rid of all scars so do not expect that to be the case...although it does make skin production a lot quicker so will get rid of some. Being put on roaccutane is the best thing I could have hoped for and stopped me hating to look in the mirror :)
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April 30, 2012

Pros:

-Clear skin on face and body
-Reduces oil on skin and hair
-Confidence

Cons:

-Initial Breakout
-Dry skin and lips
-Initial Depression

I've been on Accutane the full 6 months and it's been a crazy journey! The initial breakout was horrible and it took a few months to clear up but it was completely worth it. It took much longer for the acne on my shoulders to clear up but now in the 6th month, I'm acne free. I completely recommend Accutane! Especially before you or your children develop acne scars which are irreparable. It's a tough journey but I have battled acne all throughout my adolescent years and 6 months on Accutane is much better than years of struggling with acne. I'm 20 now and I have acne scars that won't ever go away and I only wish that I would have done Accutane when I was younger. I went through a few days of depression during the initial breakout but it lasted no more than a few days and wasn't detrimental. I just didn't feel like going out or being with people due to the initial breakout. For those of you who are going through the initial breakout, stick with it! It hasn't been until just recently that I've seen consistent results so don't give up after month 4 and 5. Also, my doctor told me that the majority of Accutane users see more results after they get off of the Accutane. 6 months goes by faster than you think so hold on, you'll see clear, beautiful skin soon!
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April 24, 2012

Pros:

Works fast
Oil reduction
Black heads gone

Cons:

Dry eyes
Dry lips
Eczema on back of hands

First question I have to ask my self is why I waited so long to use Accutane? I have been on it for 2 months now and am extremely happy with the results. Black heads that even anti bios (which I have taken for years ) that wouldn't clear on my forehead are gone. I am taking it mostly to clear my backne which is now %80 better then it was before I started taking the Accutane. I first started at 40mg for the first month and am almost finished my second at 80mg. I have all the usual side effects like dry skin, chapped lips, daily nose bleeds, dry eyes and very dry hands. But I expected them after reading some reviews. It is manageable but for the first month this whole using moisturizer thing was pretty new to me. I had never bought a bottle of it in my life till Accutane. Either than that I get a touch lethargic from time to time but dont know if its Accutane related. I have not experienced any other side effects and still have the occasional beer from time to time. Ill list a few products that have really helped along the way. Aquaphor for lips.. amazing. Taro-Mupirocin ointment to jam up my nose for nose bleeds... pretty good. Natural tears 2 for dry eyes... amazing. Nivea ( in the jar only ) for dry skin.. amazing. Spectro eczema care... its ok.. not that it doesn't work, it actually works extremely well. But to well as it makes my skin ... soggy??.. and I can scratch it off the next day very easily. Last . for day use, Aveda chap stick ( $14 a stick : O ) But it works very well and doesn't give me that wet lip feeling I get from the Aquaphor. The next question I have to ask is, why are people paying so much for Accutane in the states? I have read people saying they had to pay up to $5000 a treatment??? Good greef, name brand Accutane in Canada is $60 a month. I have insurance but have seen the pricing if I didn't. Good luck with your treatment and we will see you pruned on the other side as thats what I feel like right now.. l
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April 24, 2012

Pros:

-Clear Skin
-Smooth skin
-Great Skin
-non greasy skin

Cons:

-depression
-dry lips
-dry skin
-sensitive skin

Understand that this is a game changer. It will clear your skin. Now im not sure about whether it will come back cuz im still on it (hope so!!!).
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April 22, 2012

Pros:

Glowing skin
GREATLY diminished acne in just 1 week

Cons:

dry lips
flakey skin

Hear me out for a second: if the fine print on this medication said that the symptoms consisted of extended periods of elation, happy moods, butterflies, and high energy levels, those are the exact symptoms the majority would have reported. Yes, I understand that different bodies react differently to certain medications, but the mind behaves the way you tell it to. If you're anything like me and you read that after taking a pill, your hands will begin to shake, well gosh darnit, my hands will start shaking. It's called the placebo effect. Prior to taking this medication, reassure yourself that you'll be fine. Seriously, you will. At first I was very hesitant about being put on isotretinoin after reading all the horrible side effects (joint pain, gastrointestinal discomfort, depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety), but I decided to take a leap of faith and am glad I did. Give it a try. If you begin to feel like the side effects are too much to handle (which I am sure will not happen), you can stop taking them immediately. The pros outweigh the cons (which really mostly consist of dryness) by 1,000,000,000!!!! I am a 20 yr old female and have been on this for only a couple of weeks and cannot wait to continue to see the amazing results. I haven't gotten to the point where I can walk out without any foundation on, but I am not too far away either. Previous acne scarring is beginning to fade away which is GREAT! Be sure to apply moisturizer very frequently, even if you don't feel dry. Keep the SPF close by, as all acne medications make you more sensitive to burning in the sun. AND MOST IMPORTANTLY!!!!!: Take this pill after your most fatty meal. Since isotretinoin is essentially vitamin A, taking it after the consumption of fatty foods will increase its effectiveness and prevent your liver from working too hard at breaking it down. Be patient and stay POSITIVE! Good luck :)
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April 18, 2012

Pros:

completely clears acne
works fast

Cons:

none as long as you take care of yourself (make chapstick your friend and get some eye drops)

Great medication that works perfectly. it is stupid this drug has such a bad rap.changed my life
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April 13, 2012

Pros:

-Completely clear skin after 3 months
-No breakouts the entire course and after

Cons:

-Dry skin
-Hair loss! Lots of hair loss.
-Really, really dry and cracked lips. Aquaphor/lip balm/etc. did little to stop them from drying despite applying multiple times throughout the day.
-Redness and flushing of face
-Eczema breakouts on arms
-mild liver and stomach problems

I had severe acne from age 13 to 19. I had tried literally anything and everything and all had failed. I went on Accutane and was cleared up within 3 months, not a single breakout since. This is a miracle drug and was completely worth it to me. I can finally get my life back on track after dealing with this acne for so long.
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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