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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August 13, 2009

Pros:

Oily hair & skin deceased, clears up skin wonderfully, no need to wash face, long lasting results!

Cons:

Very dry skin, red eyes, bone aches, sensitivity to sun, frequent bloody noses, redness of skin, severe chapped lips, IPLEDGE, monthly blood tests, minor depression

I'm only 15 and I decided I didn't want to battle acne for the rest of my teen years. I tried a multiple amount of acne products, but were ineffective and I suffered more than I did on accutane. Yes, accutane has a lot of odious side effects, but nothing that I couldn't handle. The worst was probably the chapped lips, which I soon discovered that the classic Cherry Chapstick was sent from heaven, but I had to keep it with me and apply consistantly. I started clearing up from the first week I was taking it, and from then on continued without breakouts to until now I am 100% acne free. I got a lot of bad sunburns and my face was always red and peeling. The dry skin was almost worse than acne. But I did have oily skin and hair, which I no longer have to worry about. I am fully aware that the results differ for each individual, but I just want to say that it can work, and I have many friends who have benefited from it also. I would recommend this product, it could change your life forever.
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August 4, 2009

Pros:

Less oil (first time in my life!)
Initial breakout not bad with spot treatment.
Less acne on face, chest, and back.

Cons:

Dry, dry, dry lips.
Sensitive and dry skin.
Feeling like it's prohibition all over again.

I have been on accutane for one month now and I LOVE it! I have tried Proactive, Murad, Clinique, Mary Kay, along with every face wash available at Walmart/Target/Dillards/Walgreens/Sephora/ and all else (i.e. Neutrogena, Cetaphil, Dove, Noxzema, and on and on). Like those of you reading this NONE OF IT EVER WORKED. I have suffered from moderate-severe acne for the better part of my life and this is it. Get on accutane if nothing else works. My advice: Drink a lot of water. Lips: Dr. Dan's Cortibalm, Aquaphor (on all my dry spots and don't forget to put it in your nose at night to avoid nosebleeds), Chapstick Medicated lip balm. Face: I use a mixture of JOJOBA AND SQUALENE OIL! It's all natural, soaks into your skin, & feels great. I wear with/without makeup & apply it every time I wash my face. It immediately relives the tightness that dry skin causes. I also massage it onto my lips. I swear by this mixture (& it is credited with improving scars!) Lotion: D
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August 2, 2009

Pros:

Reduces Oil Production Drastically (e.g., no more oily/shiny face); Takes Time But Eventually Clears Acne; Easy to Take & Effective; Generic = Affordable with Insurance

Cons:

Dry Face, Body, Eyes, [inside of] Nose; Chapped Lips; IPledge if Female [hassle]; Makes You Tired & Leaves You With "Cloudy Brain" Feeling. Leaves Body Kinda Achy.

Despite the Minor Side Effects, it is Definitely Worth Trying. I am on my 7th & Last Month & I haven't broken out in a week. It took the full 6 months to finally see the results I was looking for. Definitely try if nothing else works. Side effects are manageable.
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July 31, 2009

Pros:

Clear skin after 1 month hasn't come back

Cons:

dry skin/lips,nose bleeds,muscle/bone ache

got rid of all my acne, only just a few red marks here and there now but they are fading gradually
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July 29, 2009

Pros:

clears up skin

Cons:

dry lips an nose primarily. Dry arms, ears, and very sensitive skin.

I have been suffering from cystic acne for 9 years and have tried everything you can imagine including proactiv and laser/light treatments. This is the only medication that I can say truly worked. It has given me my life back and I encourage everyone who has cystic acne to consider using this drug.
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July 29, 2009

Pros:

This stuff works, and it is the 'Cure'.

Cons:

Dry chapped lips, nose bleeds, avoid direct sunlight.

I was a Guinea Pig in 1983 when I took this. I took the drug for 3 months, took a month off, and took it for 1 more month. I was cured for life (well, for 26 years so far). I have no regrets, and to this day would call this a miracle drug. It changes peoples lives. Carry lots of chap stick for dry lips, and kleenex for bloody noses. 3 to 4 months of dry lips, nose bleeds, and staying out of the sun is a small price to pay for life long acne free skin.
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July 28, 2009

Pros:

It is a miracle in a little pill that you easily swallow each day. Ive only had a few of the minor side effects(only a few people have the major ones)

Cons:

If you dont have insurance the blood work, dermetologist appointments and medication adds up to big money! Like 500 dollars a month(but I only have to use it for four months)

Ive been on accutane for a little over two months and I went from tons of red bumbs ontop of red bump all over my neck, cheeks and entire face, to about one on each cheek that are going away more each day. Ive had dry lips and a few scabs in my nose but its nothing and way worth the outcome.Drink lots of water, and try not to be in the sun to much and you will be fine. I went to the beach a few times and was fine but only for a few hours. My hole life has changed! I walk with my chin up and am comfertable going to the beach, talking to girls, and not havnt to feel bad everytime someone looks at me or I look in the mirror! Some people may have worse side effects then me or take longer to clear up then me but it is still the best choice you could make in your life today and for your future. It has changed everything for me and I wish everyone with this horrible problem would give this a chance.
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July 26, 2009

Pros:

I am nearing my 3rd month and as of now I have 2 little pimples on my chin and cheek and thats it. Its so easy just to take a pill everyday, add that with a mild cleanser and thats all.

Cons:

dry lips(use aquaphor twice a day) dry skin, dry eyes, lost a lot of sleep in my first month. Nose bleeds!!!(had a nose bleed every day from month 1-month 1 1/2)

Get through the first 2 months and your set, best decision I ever made! The only problem now is the scarring and red spots??!! USING Jojoba oil for it
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July 24, 2009

Pros:

It is a wonder drug. you end up having the soft and pretty skin that babies do. I love it.

Cons:

dry lips, some joint pains but nothing that you can not handle.

I stopped my birth control pills 5 years ago and I started having acne in my chin and very irregular skin texture that was caused by enlarged sebaceous glands, My face was bad and with make up looked even worse. I also had Rosecea. nothing helped until I went on accutane and even after three days taking 40 mg each day, my daughter noticed a difference. After a month my skin was perfect. After 5 months the redness and irregular shape of my pores were completely gone. I stopped and they gradually came back, not as bad a before.I have to be on, at least, 60 mg a week to maintain my look. I look so much younger and feel so happy with accutane. No depression whatsoever.
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July 20, 2009

Pros:

I WISH I TRIED THIS EARLIER! After suffering with acne for 7 yrs I have tried every possible treatment, not to mention paying £100 a time for microdermabrasion.. I have finally found somethin that really does work 1 month in & my skin is almost clea

Cons:

Severe dry lips that split- Carmex lip balm works best
Dry skin- moisturise each day (oilatum for eczema works well)
Dizzyness/ poor vision, tiredness, muscle aches especially when exercising, headaches and dry eyes- HOWEVER THESE ARE ALL BEARA

Initially I was worried about starting this treatment as I have had depression previously and when reading about this treatment I was worried it would return- and I am still cautious. However, one month in and my skin has never looked so great! My skin is very red at times and can be sore BUT one month in and I am getting one or two pimples a WEEK if that! This to me is already like a miracle and I am excited to see how my skin will improve within the last two months. I am taking 70mg a day for a total of three months. Do not worry about the side effects, you are closely monitored by dermatologists and as soon as the effects become too much (if they do) you can come off of them, its as simple as that!! Dont get me wrong some of these side effects are pretty harsh and I am often left tired and sore from muscle pain but the clear skin outweighs all of that! Also, do not go out in the sun without sun screen! I was VERY badly burnt on a mild day (EVEN IN ENGLAND!!) I am still peeling now!!
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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