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

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December 23, 2009

Pros:

Easy to take, gets rid of oily skin (and hair), and most of all, it gets rid of acne!

Cons:

I got really bad eczema while on Accutane (my derm prescribed me some cream for that), some minor aches and pains, and nosebleeds. Also, Accutane left pretty bad scarring on my skin, in texture (indented scars, which I had never gotten before), and hyperpigmentation. Blood tests monthly.

Accutane changed my life. I had pretty severe acne that would cluster in groups on my face, as well as extremely oily skin. It was a really difficult time for me, so humiliating. I tried so many different things (including topical and oral antibiotics), and nothing worked for me. I felt hopeless until I got Accutane. It really started to work around month 3-4, after that my skin stayed clear until the end. I've been off it for a month and my skin is still clear, although it's oily again because I'm on Retin-A now. Although my skin is oily and I do still have a lot of red marks left, I'd gladly take this over acne anyday. Accutane saved my life!
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24 user(s) found this helpful

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December 20, 2009

Pros:

Skin is not oily anymore. Acne was completely gone after about 2 to 3 months. (I'm on my last month now, and my skin is looking great)

Cons:

Besides the chapped lips that seem to be almost mandatory, I suffered from having rashy arms/hands, minor depression, slight erectile dysfunction lately (lets hope that'll go away!) and apparent worsening of eye sight (which is temporary apparently)

I would definitely recommend this product. Side effects aside, it works wonders getting rid of your acne and helps you get more self-esteem!
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19 user(s) found this helpful

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December 18, 2009

Pros:

It cleared up tremendously within just the first two months.I cant wait to see what is to come in the next few months!

Cons:

Dry lips, skin, eyes, and hair! It increased my appetite but it didnt really make a difference in my weight. My nose so far just gets really dry but has never bled.

I love this product so far! I mean I would rather have all of these symptoms than have acne! It is well worth is at two months so I know it will definately be worth it in the end. Everyone will experience it differently but so far mine has been a great one!
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27 user(s) found this helpful

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December 17, 2009

Pros:

Clears skin fast! No more oily face and scalp. Face looks and feels smooth.

Cons:

Dry lips and eyes. Flaky skin around mouth and chin. Slight mood swings, but this could be put down to Christmas shopping!

I have used this product for about a month. I started off on a low dose and worked up to 60mg a day to allow my body to get used to it. Results were near enough instant! I was extremely dubious about using this drug after researching it, but after half my life (15 years) suffering with acne and all else failing I gave it a go - best decision of my life so far!!
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37 user(s) found this helpful

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December 16, 2009

Pros:

My face is perfect with no scars. I took this drug in 1999 and now I'm 28 and looking great! It worked after 5 months of use and I have had maybe 5 zits ever since then:) Nuke it before its too late!

Cons:

Dry lips and if you lift weights your tendons become sore

Either horse around with creams your whole life or end it once and for all. I'm happily married now and my wife never knew I had acne. Couldn't be happier
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December 13, 2009

Pros:

less oily skin and hair, less bumps

Cons:

dry lips, skin, scars easily

i've been on accutane for almost 5 months now and so far ive seen improvment but i'm still having constant breakouts on my face. my skin scars very easily also. on my back and chest however i've seen amazing results. no more at all! scars have also faded. im still waiting for results on my face and hopefully it will get better in the next couple weeks or so. im trying to stay positive:) also, of your thinking about trying it i would say go for it. dont listen to all the people who give bad feedback.
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11 user(s) found this helpful

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December 13, 2009

Pros:

Clear acne fast.

Cons:

Dry lips. Need to drink a lot of water.

Even with all the possible side effects, it's all worth it. Who wants to live a life with acne/scaring all over the face? ;)
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14 user(s) found this helpful

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December 10, 2009

Pros:

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No spots whatsoever

Cons:

Who cares about dry lips. Im loving looking in mirror again

I had severe cystic and nodular acne. Hated looking in mirror. Accutane has changed my life!!!!!!!!!!!! It has made it back to the way it was before stupid acne. I really recommend this drug
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34 user(s) found this helpful

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December 10, 2009

Pros:

Totally cleared up my acne. It reduced the size of my pores and my hair is not oily. I have been on it for two months and I love it. I am see such great success.

Cons:

Nose bleeds

Dr. Dan's Cortibalm is the world's best chapstick and is meant for Accutane patients. It's a patented formula and works wonders!!
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14 user(s) found this helpful

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December 9, 2009

Pros:

cystic acne completely cleared after 5 months, Skin and hair is no longer oily, miracle drug!

Cons:

dry eyes, chapped lips, some back pain....nothing too bad though

I was so scared to try accutane, but after trying everything else I started coming to this site and reading reviews and finally gave in and decided to try it. I was so sure I would have horrible side effects but to my suprise I had almost none! Just dry lips and eyes. I noticed smaller pores and non-oily skin after about 2 months and after 5 my break-outs completely stopped. The only thing I wish is that I would have tried it sooner so I wouldnt have so much scarring from having such bad acne over the years....I recommend this to anyone, It saved my self-esteem!
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15 user(s) found this helpful

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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