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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February 14, 2008

Pros:

Definitely started to work fast and stayed consistent with nothing to worry about

Cons:

Took getting used to in my head and with my body. I felt more aggressive and easily agitated. But never got violent which is good.
Chapped Lips consistently through treatment and dry skin, flaky, at first. Dont pick!

It definitely worked, and kept my skin clean for about 5 months after 2 months of treatment. had to stop because of how easy it was to damage my skin and bones. While snowboarding, small falls in terrain parks became painful for days. Even slipping on gravel would cut hands deep. And never needed stitches once in my life until i was on this med. and then needed it 3 times in 2 months. So if you can live your life indoors tho, and not do too much activity this medicine may be right for you. But I wasn't the biggest fan for that reason. and now 11months after i started i am trying something new but wont try accutane again.
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February 12, 2008

Pros:

Completely cleared my cystic acne within just a few months.

Cons:

Dry skin, chapped lips, face bled very easily, couldn't be in the sun, backaches. Very expensive with no insurance.

Even with the expense and all the other cons, it was well worth my time and money. I would reccommend it to anyone that has large cystic acne. I've been off of accutane for 3 years now - no acne.
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February 10, 2008

Pros:

bloody awesome!!

Cons:

bit of dry skin

this stuff is seriously good! i have been on it for bout 6 weeks now and I have started to see some improvement already! Doctors say you cant go to the gym, but i still do 4 sessions a week, plus take creatine and have had no side affects, apart from seeing some good gains in the gym! dont think about it just do it! it is worth the initial breakout and all that!
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February 8, 2008

Pros:

This medicine is great. It gave me a ton of confidence iv only been on it for a month and my skin is almost completely clear.

Cons:

dry skin and lips,tiredness, costly

If you have moderate to severe acne i wouldnt waste time with anything else i wish i would have done it sooner
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February 2, 2008

Pros:

SO far SO good. Only been on it for a month. Face is really dry but no actives AT ALL!!!

Cons:

Nothing too bad! DRY LIPS, SORE MUSCLES

For the month ive been on it,GREAT! Hoping its worth it=))
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February 1, 2008

Pros:

Amazing. Only pill that cleared ALL face/chest/back acne. Also, it kept my hair mysteriously clean and shiny while I was on it.

Cons:

Dry lips? Also a year later I had a few months of bad hair loss. But it wasn't like I had chunks of bad spots-- it was more like I had hair balls on the ground (which I have NEVER had) so I knew I was losing hair. It stopped after 5 months.

I had tried every pill that my dermatologist knows of over the span of 6 years. I responded to nothing until Accutane-- it kept me clear for abut 1.5 years (which, to an acne sufferer, is a LONG LONG time to not be ashamed of your skin). However, I now break out on my face again, and a tiny bit on my chest, but my back has stayed clear. I recommend it to ANYONE who has tried everything with no satisfaction. The only regret I have about it is that I didn't try it sooner. It was the best 1.5 years, especially since I was in high school and overly self conscious about going to dances, pool parties, etc. where I had to show a lot of skin.
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February 1, 2008

Pros:

No more serious acne, skin is the clearest it has been in more than 5 years.

Cons:

Dry lips and flakey skin,which are easy enough to deal with. Developed something like a coldsore after lips got dry, crackad and an infection developed. also some mild depression and am burnt easily by the sun.

All the side effects are worth it and the whole getting sunburnt easily thing is also doing wonders for my skin because Im extra careful with sunscreen when outdoors. Has literally changed my life and now I can start working on the scars.
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January 30, 2008

Pros:

Get rid of Acne for two years
Your skin are all clear

Cons:

Might come back after 2 years
Leave so many Scar after Initial Breakout
The initial breakout is really pain

I suffer depression while I am on tane.....the initial break out is totally unacceptable.....while the acne come back after two years.......I suggest people to try everything first before try accutane as it will breakout like crazy......or consult ur doctor first before even attempt totry but overall it is a good treatment for severe acne
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January 30, 2008

Pros:

Really worked! It cured my acne, although some acne did come back approx. a year after I stopped taking it.

Cons:

Sever dryness. I had to keep moisturizer and lip gloss on me at all times. If I went to school without lip gloss, my lips would be cracked and bleeding by lunch time.

Serious medication. If you really have problem acne and don't want to mess around, get Acutane, but be ready to deal with the side effects.
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January 24, 2008

Pros:

It cleared my face, I had severe acne in the area of shaving, those were big acne under my skin, it's totally cleared now and I only need to remove the scars.

Cons:

Dry Lips, skin and nose, Depression.

I used 20mg a day for 2 months, And then the doctor told me to use it for 45 other days and make it 10mg a day. will be on it until March 2008. It totally cleared my face, but I still get a "few" acne on my chest and back somedays. I hope by the time my course ends, I will not have acne anymore.
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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