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
34.1%
3
15.3%
2
7.3%
1
6.2%

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April 1, 2008

Pros:

Easily takes care of light and moderate acne.

Cons:

Dry lips

I've had acne since I was 13, tried a lot of stuff (the regimen, zinc supplements, doctor's advise stuff) but nothing seemed to quite cut it. The regimen was just a pain to keep up (but it did clear my face after about 3 months) so I just stopped it, and the acne came back although it was less than before. My only advice is use it when you have a full grown body, this stuff is pretty severe and can seriously damage joints. Side effect were just dry lips and occasional dryness around my nose. Best thing, here in the Netherlands it's fully covered. A free cure to my everlasting acne!
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March 30, 2008

Pros:

it has really started to clear up my acne. And made me less oily on my face.

Cons:

At the third week I started getting acne is other places such on arms and legs. It does get worse for a week. If you are a girl and you are at child bearing age you have to go on birth control. WATCH VITAMIN A INTAKE!

Try it!
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March 28, 2008

Pros:

Works pretty well, easy to use, on lighter doses (up to about 30, 40 mg's) there were no tangible side effects

Cons:

There ARE side effects. And loads of them. Just not so tangible in the first months.

Ok, this product is the only thing that really helps so far. I've tried lots and all I can say- don't waste your time/money/patience with other medicaments. BUT. Even if your doc says you can freely use it, THINK ABOUT IT TWICE. Seriously now, this is one of those medicaments which has LOADS of side effects. And pretty serious ones. My hearing got weak, my sight was poor, the skin was a bit dry but nothing serious and then came the most serious part- my doc told me this thing will really stop my bone growth, and proved it, it fuses the bones. At least, for me. So, if you wanna grow- DON'T USE THIS. For others who are already stopped growing or whos acne is hardcore bad, I can only suggest it, it will most defo help. Don't believe in bull about depression and stuff. I only felt better using it. This thing cheered me up. Unfortunately, I stopped using it. I still want to grow. Think twice before using though, consider the good and the bad; unfortunately it's 50/50.
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March 28, 2008

Pros:

Clear skin is finnaly here.

Cons:

dry eyes, nose, lips, face, arms (especially arms and lips), horrible joint pain, had to stop wearing contacts while on it.

I've ad acne since i was 13. I never had bad acne until right before i was 16. I had tried everything on store shellves including proactive(whichsucks) to no avail. All the standard Rx drugs never helped they just made it worse. It took me so long to try accutane because of how slowly the acne crept up on me. small patches at a time before it was finally all over my face. I never thought it was bad until my 10th grade picture when i was so embarrased by it not a single relative saw it that year. As soon as i heard about accutane i got on it. First four months were not good. Acne didn't improve at all and yet i put up with almost all the side effects you can have other than depresion. I thought being young i'd be spared the negative effects (wrong). Finallly in the fifth month witch is where i'm currently at about o be on sixth the acne has dissapeared leaveing nothing other than red marks on my face that will heal with time. Even with all the negative side effects i would recomed this
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March 27, 2008

Pros:

Cleared up all the little acne on my forehead. Got rid of the major, deep, painful acne that seemed to pop up around my period on my back and chest.

Cons:

Still having 1-2 deep pimples pop up by my cheeck/chin and one showed up just above my lip. Dry lips and dry nose are the most noticable.

I can deal with the occasional "deep" pimple. My doc has me on this for one more month so hopefully those flare up will straightened themselves out. I'm extremly happy to get rid of the pimples that popped up in my cleavage. My self-confidence is up just becasue of that fact. I strongly advise checking with your insurance coverage first. I did and they accidently told me they do cover that but my policy actually stated "no acne coverage". Luckily because I correspondended before I began treatment they are covering the costs (except the co-pay of course. Overall I say go for it.
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March 25, 2008

Pros:

I've only been on this for about a month and my acne did about a 270. Almost there! =)

Cons:

chapped lips and dry skin

use this stuff. it works. most of the time all of the side effects that you read about aren't the side effects that you'll get. most of all it's chapped lips and dry skin.
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March 24, 2008

Pros:

Skin is left soft and smooth, redness has gone down considerably.

Cons:

None so far, I haven't experienced the dry lips, depression, or fatigue. The only con is the monthly blood tests but that is minor.

Before being on Accutane I tried everything from various antibiotics and creams nothing worked! I have been on Accutane for only a week now and my skin is soft and smooth, the bumps have gone away and the redness has gone down. I must admit before getting Accutane I was hesitant to start taking it but honestly I don't really feel much different at all. I would highly recommend to those that have tried everything and have gotten no results.
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March 22, 2008

Pros:

Acne had severe negative effects on my young life. At age 19, I went on Accutane and shortly after treatment my acne improved to the point of experiencing breakouts only once every few months. Now, at 29, I have very minor breakouts about 2x/year.

Cons:

I go through bouts of major depression and while I was on Accutane I did notice its influence on my moods. If I hadn't known to be aware of this side effect, the consequences may have been devastating.

Accutane, for me at least, was *the* solution to an extreme acne problem. In the end, the negative side effects--peeling, chapped skin, increased feelings of depression, monthly blood tests and the expense--were absolutely worth it. I hardly ever left my house before Accutane, and now I'm more or less a normal adult. No antibiotic or topical treatment I tried had any effect on my acne. Accutane did.
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March 21, 2008

Pros:

Hopeful that it will clear up my acne.
Reading these reviews.
No side effects yet :)

Cons:

So far only dry skin and chapped lips

I have been on the accutane for about a week and so far haven't seen any changes except for dry skin and chapped lips. Aquaphor really helps with this I highly recommend it! My advice is don't base your choice of taking this medicine on these reviews. I probably looked at them a week before I decided to start taking it and freaked myself out. This medicine will work and I can't wait. I will keep you updated on how well it works for me! :) Good Luck!
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March 21, 2008

Pros:

Got rid of acne, left skin smooth and soft

Cons:

Acne came back after a year

I didn't experience extreme drying of the lips or skin. The product works great, just disappointed acne came back after a year. When i was taking it, people complimented me on how beautiful my skin was. It was great!
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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