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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October 28, 2009

Pros:

definately clears up the skin..

Cons:

dry lips & sensitive skin

it works but may not be permanant as i've completed a course 3 years ago and my acne has come back, so i'm taking it again.
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October 26, 2009

Pros:

Clearer and less oily skin

Cons:

severe chapped lips and some dryness on body

Acutane has saved my life, my skin is clearing up rapidly and im not breaking out at all anymore. The skin on my face hasnt dried out at all the only side effect im feeling is dry lips and some dry skin on my body but its totally managable with a good dry skin moisturizer. SO happy i finally decided to go on the drug..there were so many listed side effects and negative light on it I almost didnt think it was worth it but I feel amazing! Worth the risk :)
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October 25, 2009

Pros:

clear skin

Cons:

dry, raw lips

For my acne, this has been the only solution. I'd tried over the counter creams, prescription topical treatments and several antibiotics. Yes, I have had dry lips but thats a tiny price to pay for my acne disappear. Not only have my spots gone, but my pores are invisible and my skin is so much smoother. 100% recommended!
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October 25, 2009

Pros:

Works great, gets skin clear!

Cons:

Chapped lips

The only thing that cleared up my skin, works great. I've suffered with adult acne for about six years and I finally decided to go for it. I was very hesitant considering all the side effects I've read about, but it turned out to be not a big deal. I'm finishing my 5th month and my skin looks great compared to before, completely clear! The only side affects I've experenced are chapped lips. Just stock up on chapstick, have it everywhere, in the car, gym bag, by your bed, etc. you'll be fine. Go for it, you've suffered too long!
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October 24, 2009

Pros:

had really bad bacne for years and accutane cleared it all up. Not afraid to take my shirt off anymore. Gave me so much more confidence that i had lacked for years.

Cons:

only had dry lips and minor dry skin.

I had perfect skin up until i was about 18, then all of the sudden my back, shoulders and chest exploded with it. My face was still perfectly clear, but body acne can be just as devastating. I tried so many other prescriptions and soaps, but nothing worked. I finally went on accutane and it totally cleared my skin. It gave me all my confidence back. Dont let the horror stories scare you, all i suffered from was dry lips and very minor dry skin. Accutane saved my life.
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October 22, 2009

Pros:

Clear skin!

Cons:

DRY lips and fragile skin

Like many of you on here, I have tried nearly everything to clear my skin. Topicals, anitbiotics (3 different kinds), ProActive and everything over the counter. Acne took many years of my life. Where I went, and what I did depended on how my skin looked at the time. I first got acne when I was 14, I'll never forget that year, and had it up until I was 23. My skin wasn't as bad as some, but rarely was there an occasion where I didn't have at least one or two on my face. I started Accutane about 4 months ago and couldn't be happier. My skin is completely clear, and not oily (it used to be oily all hours of the day), I'm one of the lucky ones who has suffered no side effects other than the dry skin and lips. If acne is causing you not to be yourself, and is pretty much controlling your life, you need to give this drug a shot. It seems like a big decision to make, and kind of a hassle, but it changed my life.
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October 20, 2009

Pros:

Completely clear skin. Fast!

Cons:

Chapped lips, dry skin, muscle soreness

I've never had perfect skin. Always a pimple here and there and the random breakout. But I never experienced anything as horrible as the biggest breakout I ever had at 25yrs old. It seemed that practically over night my whole face was covered in nodular acne, primarily around my chin and cheeks. The dermatologist said the breakout was due to hormones... I wanted to write this message because I remember spending hours on the computer reading blogs and messages about all the different kinds of acne treatments out there. I was severely depressed because having acne ruins your self esteem... My doc finally put me on 40mg of accutane a day and my acne started getting better after 1 wk. Completely gone after 3 months and my skin is the best its ever looked. Going on accutane was the best decision I ever made. The cons are nothing compared to having clear skin.
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October 18, 2009

Pros:

Clears up skin. It took about 4 months for me to really start seeing results. By the end of the 6th (and final) month, my skin was perfect.

Cons:

Super dry skin and chapped/cracked lips, dry/red upper arms, raise in Triglyceride levels which went back down after stopping treatment, slight weight gain (3 pounds, I lost it the month after stopping Accutane), and feeling tired ALL the time.

DEFINITELY WORTH IT!!! Taking Accutane literally changed my life. I was really scared to take it because I had heard of the the horrible side effects, but they are not THAT bad and your dermatologist will monitor you.
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October 16, 2009

Pros:

great clear skin, confidence, joyful life

Cons:

dry skin,dry lips,dry nose,nosebleeds,stomach ache,occasional knee ache

accutane is amazing its done everything i wanted it to do with a side effect here and there. its NOT scary just go to ur dermatologist when u have a problem they can prescribe u something to treat the affects. im on 20mg 3 times a day so i do experience more than the average person.
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October 10, 2009

Pros:

After 2 1/2 months, most of my acne is gone so far on this treatment. accutane is a great way to treat acne!

Cons:

dry skin. the first month my hands were really dry and then peeled. after they peeled they weren't dry anymore. dry lips but after the second month i didn't need to apply chap stick so often. knees weak only when walking up stairs.

Accutane is a great way to go if you have moderate to severe acne. I have nodular acne and it seemed like my acne would never disappear but it eventually did. this drug does the job if you can handle the some what annoying side effects.
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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