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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April 28, 2009

Pros:

absolutely beautiful skin

Cons:

really dry lips
dry eyes

bring chapstick with you EVERYWHERE you go. other than that, i didnt think it was that bad my skin was absolutely perfect within 3 months of taking this medication and stayed that way for nearly a year. Accutane was the only thing that's ever worked for me.. definitely give it a try! it was one of the best things ever to happen to me. unfortunately, my acne did come back, but only about 20% as strong. i'm starting a second course in june to hopefully get rid of it for good...
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April 24, 2009

Pros:

See results in just one wk and this is my 2nd wk. Lots of people compliment and noticed the results thus far. Finally was able to go out last weeknd after wks of hibernation.

Cons:

The usual dry skin and chapped lips etc. Also noticed more bad/nightmarish dreams.

Love this miracle drug ...SO FAR. This is my 1st round and 4 1/2 months left to go. Doc started out with pretty strong dosage 80mg/day which i was pretty ecstatic that he did because dont have the time and patience to wait for it to slowly kick in. ASK YOUR DERMATOLOGIST TO START OUT W' STRONG DOSAGE and maybe gradually decrease as u get more clearer. As far as mood changes and joint/ muscle pain etc... I HAVE NONE. I havent been more happy and confident in several months until i took this drug. I have been working out and jogging and have not noticed any unsual sore and ache like a a typical workout.
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April 23, 2009

Pros:

Oiliness gone in 1 month

Cons:

chapped lips, dry nose, couple of headaches

I'm only in my 2nd month of treatment but I have to say so far I like this medication. The oil in my face has drastically been reduced and that has caused me to have less acne. I have broken out a little here and there, but it clears up in a couple days, much faster than before. I take Sotret, 20mg 2x a day. Also using Clyndimycin topical lotion and Benzoyl Peroxide 10% face wash in conjunction with the meds. Hasn't dried me out YET but I'm sure it will soon. I am active duty military so I receive this medicine at no cost to me.
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April 20, 2009

Pros:

Fantastic on nodular acne, starts working within a week to two weeks, clears up oily skin as well, extremely affordable with good insurance

Cons:

Extremely dry skin, chapped lips, redness, will take time on blackheads/whiteheads, extremely pricey WITHOUT insurance

This is absolutely the must-try gotta-have if you are trying to get rid of nodular/cystic acne - I've tried every over the counter medication, every antibiotic, every ridiculously priced foam and none of them did ANYTHING for the nodular acne except for this, and this has reduced the amount of them by at least 75% thus far, and it's been about a month. However - as for your run of the mill blackheads, whiteheads, standard acne, it's gonna take time I'm thinking - that is not clearing like magic, but is still having a much better response to isotretinoin than to anything else I had tried.
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April 16, 2009

Pros:

Skin is clearing up

Cons:

Chapped lips, Skin slightly burns when washing, Slight headache, and nose is starting to get dry

My skin is starting to clear up. I have not really getting headaches but this kindof pain in my neck and on the back of my head. My facewash (cetaphil) is starting to burn when i use it. I have only been using accutane for a month but it seems to be doing it's job. Hopefully by the end of treatment i will be 100% clear. The cost isn't to bad for me. I have to pay copay of 32.00 when I go to the derm and 10.00 copay for claravis (generic accutane).
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April 15, 2009

Pros:

Clears acne reletively fast.

Cons:

Very dry skin, redness, and chapped lips.

It's worth it.
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April 15, 2009

Pros:

Cleared up acne for good

Cons:

Slightly dry skin and chapped lips experienced

I had tried every type of acne treatment out there and had heard bad things about Accutane and was scared to use it. But, after discussing it with my doctor and her prescribing it to my weight, I was able to give it a try. Within a month my skin was looking better. And after the full 6 month treatment, my skin was completely clear and now it's been a year later and I have only had 2 pimples since. I recommend this to anyone and urge them not to waste money on other products that don't work.
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April 13, 2009

Pros:

Clears up skin 100%, Results work long term, Success rate of like 95%

Cons:

Dry Lips, Dry skin and eyes, Cost (derm appointments etc) but so worth it.

This is fantastic. Was on it 6 yrs ago and it cleared me up 100%. Asked my derm for it again just to get rid of some acne that is slowly starting to come back. Its awesome tho. I reccommend it to everyone.
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April 12, 2009

Pros:

makes skin less oily, clears up acne scars, skin is smoother than ever before, leaves absolutely no blackheads in the end

Cons:

extremely chapped lips, skin was so dry that i got eczema all over my legs and occasionally arms, the inside of my nose got very dry

accutane is AMAZING. it's honestly a miracle. i'd tried every product out there, and realized i only had accutane left. i was very close to saying no to accutane because of reading about all the scary side effects, but they are honestly exaggerated. having constant chapped lips and dry skin is worth having beautiful skin in the end, trust me. accutane really does the job. i had horrible acne scarring, so even when i didn't have that much acne on my face it still looked horrible. accutane cleared them up for me. really, go for it. but make sure you've tried all the other options first!
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April 10, 2009

Pros:

Eliminated acne for 19 yrs.

Cons:

Chapped lips, dry skin

I was searching the net to see if accutane was still available. I had moderately-severe acne when I was 13 and my dr prescribed accutane. I was looking at the prices paid and I can say wow....accutane dropped a lot....my parents were paying almost $300 a month for the Rx. I used accutane for approx. 3 months and it was a miracle! I haven't had acne or even a zit or blackhead now and I'll be 32 this July. Only side effects were dry skin and chapped lips.......watch out for sun exposure too. You'll burn easy. Use lotion and chapstick and you'll be fine. Highly recommend accutane!!
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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