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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June 15, 2009

Pros:

It cleared up everything & it gave me back my confidence.

Cons:

It made my acne way worse during the first couple months & i had to take it for about 6 months & too much blood word & my side effects were: really dry lips, gave me some kind of rash on my arms and hands for a couple weeks, my skin was too dry.

Well. I had the worst acne ever, it was actually grose, i was afriad to show my face to anyone. So then i took this. My acne was even worse when i first took it, then it started getting better around the 4th month. Anyways i been off my accutane for about 9 months now but you know what, im starting to get my acne back :( & apperantly once you took it it cleared your skin forever...
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June 12, 2009

Pros:

Significantly decreased oil production. Cleared all acne and blackheads. Skin is radiant. Fine lines/wrinkles diminished. Hair is less oily. Only thing that worked for body acne (back/chest.) Before accutane I tried EVERY product/med out there!

Cons:

Chapped lips. Blood tests a little inconvenient.

I am now on my second course of accutane (had acne on my back that returned.) I have to admit I had NO side effects other than chapped lips. No horror stories of thinning hair, mood swings, back pain, nosebleeds, anything like that. I only wish I had taken it in high school! One tip - I had lower back pain when I first started but figured out it was due to the vitamins I was taking. You should not take vitamin A while on this medication, as the overdose will cause joint/back pain. Now, instead of a multivitamin I take separate vitamin d, vitamin c, calcium and fish oil supplements. Fish oil definitely helps with the dryness. Also Aquaphor for the lips. Highly recommend accutane!
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June 11, 2009

Pros:

My skin is clear and the scars are going! Improved confidence - not looking in the mirror constantly and spending a fortune on cover up sticks.

Cons:

The first two weeks were awful - lots more acne but gradually it's got better - all cleared up after 5-6 weeks. Very achy after any physical exercise. Dry lips - not too bad though. Tiredness but I think this is because I ache all the time.

I've always had mild acne but two years ago when I was 36 it became very bad and was scarring. I tried all the natural remedies and if I ate a 'acne friendly' diet my skin was ok but that just wasn't practical - I wanted to live a little! I went to a doctor privately and he put me on antibiotics to start with but after the course, the acne just came straight back. I started on isotretonin two months ago and I can't believe the difference - my doctor says there's a very good chance that it'll never come back. Happy Days!
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June 10, 2009

Pros:

Absolutely no pimples anymore, and my scars went away. My skin is now soft, smooth and almost flawless. Everything all together is more evenly toned and no redness anymore.. :)

Cons:

chapped lips, sometimes they crack and bleed if i forget to put chapstick on. Bloody noses everytime i sneze, cuz of a dry sinus. Spine is always sore, mainly my lower back. I feel tired alot, sometimes moody.

Well the cons are pretty bad, but its only temporary and the results are forever, so 5 months of hell and in return you get clean skin for ever so worth it. my aunt and my mom took acutane when they were my age and they never break out ever and my aunts now in her 40's and my mom is in her 50's and im currently 18. its really rasied my self esteem :D
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June 10, 2009

Pros:

gives self-esteem and confidence, cleared my mild acne completely

Cons:

blood work, joint pain, sensitive skin, dry eyes, dry lips,

It cleared my mild acne completely. Now all I have are little red marks to deal with! Really this drug has helped me become more social and has really raised my self-esteem and confidence. If this is your last result likeit was fpr me, just TRY IT! You won't be disappointed.
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June 8, 2009

Pros:

Reduces the acne and starts reducing the oil glands immediately. My face has become more soft and more evenly toned and brighter. This has been the only thing that has worked so far. Blood Work, assists you in knowing levels!

Cons:

I mean honestly, I have not really experienced any side effects except for dry mouth and minor chapped lips. This medication does not cause depression either.

Accutane is the only real drug that does not work on controlling your acne, but on actually removing it, while reversing your DNA transcription. I reccomend finding a younger doctor because they are more apt to give you the treatment in comparison to the older doctors.
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May 30, 2009

Pros:

clear skin & confedince

Cons:

dry lips, occasional dry skin, joint pain

I finished my accutane treatment of 6 months last month. IM CLEAR! during my treatment i still had a few breakouts especally around my period but nothing compaired to before. It does make ur skin worce right after u start, but within a month i had about two weeks where i was clear! Sure, im going to break out again but only like 2 pimples (maybe) around my period. TAKE THIS MEDICATION. i was so scarred to take it when i read the ppl saying it wouldnt work.
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May 26, 2009

Pros:

Has completely cleared acne, only medicine that worked for me. Skin is smooth. No more acne breakouts.

Cons:

Very dry skin, some post hair loss,

as a last resort its amazing
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May 25, 2009

Pros:

Reduces oil output, removes any outward acne (i.e. bumps on the face), and basically improves your complexion 100%... amazing amazing results

Cons:

Dry skin while on the drug, increased sensitivity to the sun, heart palpitations (though I don't know if this was from the drug), dry lips, dry nose

The pros far outweight the cons. And even if the side effects were more dangerous, I would still recommend this product to people like me who just COULD NOT GO ON with damn acne. It ruins your social life, and if you have a bad self image it will drive you to suicidal thoughts. Accutane is the only drug and/or treatment on the market today that ACTUALLY gets rid of acne and ALL OF ITS PROPERTIES, including oily skin/hair, and breakouts. I used the product from January to May 2007, and two years later my skin is completely acne-free and there are no indications of any acne returning. DON'T LISTEN TO THE HATERS!!! Side effects are easy to deal with and even if you get bad side effects its STILL WORTH IT if acne is too much for you to handle in your life.
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May 19, 2009

Pros:

Reduces oil so i can go all day without reapplying make up, stops me getting any spots, makes me feel more confident about my appearance.

Cons:

having to see derm every 4 weeks

I am on week 5 of my 20mg roaccutane course for moderate persistent acne on my face. I've tried everything from contraceptive pills to antibiotics and creams. Roaccutane is really working for me, my lips are a little drier but its nothing a little carmex every few hours doesnt fix and i apply e45 twice a day so my skin isn't bothering me. I would advise anyone starting roaccutane to moisturise with e45 twice a day for a few weeks before you start taking it and apply carmex lip balm to the lips a few weeks earlier too. Keep this up when you start taking the roaccutane as it has really helped me. One thing i have noticed though is i am drinking a lot more water than usual. I didnt get an initial breakout and i have only had 1 tiny spot since which disappeared after 2 days, my scars are starting to fade and my skin-which looked like someone had rubbed butter all over it after about an hour of washing-is now clean all day! Good luck everyone, i hope you have as much success as i am having.
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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