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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July 8, 2009

Pros:

Clears skin when nothing else works!!!

Cons:

Extremely dry lips and face.

THIS MEDICINE IS THE BEST THING THAT HAS EVER HAPPENED TO ME! I've struggled with adult acne since I was about 20 (I'm 25 now), and this is the only thing that actually worked for me. I had previously tried about 10 different prescription topicals, oral antibiotics, and even laser acne treatments. I noticed results immediately and have not had a severe breakout since. I am nearing the end of my six month treatment (40mg daily), and I am somewhat nervous about what will happen when I stop taking it. The last few months on Accutance have drastically improved my confidence, and I am extremely thankful for that. THE BENEFITS GREATLY OUTWEIGH THE SIDE EFFECTS based on my personal experience.
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July 7, 2009

Pros:

Completely clear!!! Beautiful smooth skin, no scarring and reduced the use of makeup! I want to believe that it reduced razor burn as well :)

Cons:

Dry skin, dry lips, dry nose, itchy scalp. Irritability, frequent nightmares, depression,

I used accutane for the first month and it completely cleared everything! My acne was not as severe as some, but I did have those huge nodule-cyst-like pimples under my skin, mainly around my chin. It took care of those painful, embarrassing F***ers in the first month. The cons I listed above are worth the end results. Of course everyone is different, so bottom line, if you have acne of any kind, take accutane, follow the doctor's instructions, be consistent with the medication and listen to your body! It knows best!
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July 7, 2009

Pros:

Will clear up all of your acne. Will make skin much less oily. If you have good health insurance, it's really affordable ($10 a month for 60 generic isotretinoin pills & free bloodwork, but $30/month for the derm visit).

Cons:

EXTREME dry peeling lips EVERYDAY. Bloody nose EVERYDAY. Very achy muscles (back and legs especially). Dry skin: face and body. Annoying to get bloodwork done monthly and answer ipledge questions.

I was on a five month program from April to the end of August. I took 80 mg worth of isotretinoin everyday. My acne was all gone by the end of the fourth month. If you have horrible acne, and you've tried everything else, go on this medicine. I strongly recommend going on it during summer months, because you're skin won't be as dried out as it would be in the winter. (I layed outside and tanned about an hour almost everyday. I put lotion on before I go out, and my skin doesn't get dry or flake or anything.) It's very important to moisturize daily. If you are hesitant, at least try it! You can always stop the treatment if it disagrees with you. I could not be happier with my decision. My skin is so smooth and clear now. This is a miracle drug.
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July 7, 2009

Pros:

- works well
- EASY
- good cost($)/reward(-acne) ratio

Cons:

- Everything will be dry. (my only real side effect)
- Initial breakout period (wasn't too bad for me because as an acne sufferer I was used to random breakouts on top of the usual stuff)
-iPledge

Accutane has been the first treatment (of oh so many) that I have found to be significantly beneficial in my fight against acne. Visible results may take time but they are entirely worth the wait for me. Compared to every other treatment/regiment/etc, Accutane is undoubtedly the easiest-my favorite part. I swallow a pill 2x/day with a meal and that's it. Yeah, I wash my face with a gentle cleaner maybe 1-2x/day but that is NOTHING compared to the hassle of putting on 10 different creams 2x/day, every single day. Generic formulations + insurance = cost is minor. For Dry : skin = moisturizer, eyes = good eye drops, & lips = Vaseline "Lip Therapy" (Small Tube-style [Vaseline without the awkward tub basically]). The worst part about Accutane treatment is the ridiculous hoops that the iPledge program makes patients/doctors/pharmacists jump through. Frankly, Accutane has made me a happier person instead of a depressed one. Acne made me depressed, Accutane made me believe in mir
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July 1, 2009

Pros:

The best thing that happened to my skin. Its amazing.

Cons:

takes 6 months. may be side effects.

THIS STUFF WORKS MIRACLES. there may be little side effects. I was 100% clear of severa acne and bacne in 6 months. wow.
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June 27, 2009

Pros:

Has cleared all of my acne within the first week. Clear skin, and increased self image

Cons:

Dry lips. Minor intial break out ( 1-2 days).

After suffering from acne for 7 years I finally went to the dermatologist and was prescribed this accutane along with Skinorem cream. I am very pleased with my results and have clear skin for the first time in a long time. price covered by insurance.
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June 27, 2009

Pros:

cleared my severe bacne,

Cons:

dry lips and facial skin(my face is still dry even though i came off it like 3 months ago)

i got rid off my severe bacne,but when i stopped taking spots stared to show up once again:( It might be my doctor's fault cos i didn't take the minimal cummulative dose-120mg/kg) But still,it worked wonders,now i'm on dianette,the are no spots and finally after 4 years of nightmare I can enjoy my life.
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June 25, 2009

Pros:

None yet

Cons:

None yet

I just started this but I just wanted to point out how much I paid. I have NO insurance. My last visit to the derm alone was $420. That was for blood work and visit. GET INSURANCE!
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June 22, 2009

Pros:

My acne cleared immediately, no initial breakout. I began getting acne at 29 years old, and extremely oily skin cam along with it. I have been taking Sotret (generic) for almost nine months now, and I could not be happier!

Cons:

Sticky skin (when it is humid), occasional red face, DRY LIPS!

This is the only product that worked for me. I have tried everything OTC as well as prescription. I woke up one day with acne and oil (who knows why) and thus began my search for a cure. I went to all sorts of doctors to find out what happened, and it turns out that I just have acne! Do not mess around with topicals and lasers...they just waste your money and damage your skin. Be healthy while you take accutane, and all will be well!
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June 15, 2009

Pros:

no more acne!

Cons:

irritable bowel syndrome, nightmares

took accutane ten years ago when i was in high school. i was on the lowest dose for a little under a year. it worked miracles for my skin. and it has stayed clear ever since! the only side effect i had while on it was alot of REALLY scary nightmares. a year or two after taking it i started having stomach problems. i've been diagnosed with IBS which could have been caused by accutane. if someone had severe acne that didn't respond to any other treatments i would probably recommend taking this as long as they were well aware of the side effects, some of which can be long term
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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