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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April 9, 2009

Pros:

I used to Always get breakouts and the kind that come underneath our skin now say Good-Bye to acne, I rarely get a zit everymonth now.

Cons:

Dry lips (to a point that it burns and you cant even smile), dry skin (My skin is really sensitive and my hands broke out alot with exzema) Dry Hair, Pregnancy tests every month and blood work every 2 months.

I highly recommend this to people that are sick of their acne. This is the best thing that worked for me. I've tried, differin, tazorac, retinol A, Duac gel, Monocycline, and Doxycycline. Accutane was the best for me. I used the generic Claravis. Ive been off of accutane for about a week now because I finished my 5 Months, and my skin looks great! Now all I have to do is get rid of the light scars that I had before and Im acutally using Modern Friction from Origins, its a rice/wheat scrub that you use twice a week using it for a month is like you did microdermabrasion. Anyways I hope it works out good.
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April 9, 2009

Pros:

big severe acne had dry up, it looks like yellow stuff on the top which is good.

Cons:

dry lips , skin, a lot of white stuffs come out from the pore.

i have had acne for 6years, i had tried everything those people who had acne had said, like the cream or pill they had tried. until three weeks ago , i had tried this medication, so far my acne had gotten worst than before, but all the acne had dry up and become yellow stuff in couple days which is good. after i had read all these reviews, i cant wait to see my own result in future couple months. hope my acne will get better like what it said.
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April 7, 2009

Pros:

Stops breakouts, clears up skin, prevents new breakouts

Cons:

dry lips and skin, somewhat expensive, monthly blood tests

This product is amazing! Im starting my third month and the skin on my face is almost 100% cleared up and feels so smooth! My dermatologist said my face cleared up a lot faster than most people and I'm not sure if it's because I changed my diet and started eating healthy foods or not, but im very fortunate for it to have worked so fast. I still get a few bumps and acne spots every now and then but I haven't had any crazy severe break outs since I've been on Accutane. I don't really like paying for refills every month and having to get blood tests every month but in the end it's totally worth it. Also the dry skin and lips aren't that big of a deal, just use a good product lotion like Aveeno and chapstick. The only thing really left on my face are some acne scars/marks that my dermatologist said will slowly fade and dissapear over time. If everything has failed and nothing is working Accutane is a must!!
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April 6, 2009

Pros:

the accutane eliminated my acne within the first month. I am currently in my 5th month of taking it and am very pleased with the results. my skin and hair are no longer oily.

Cons:

depression, dry lips, dry skin, vision blurriness

I am lucky I haven't had horrilbe side effects like others listed and so far my acne is completely gone. i have not had a pimple since December. drink lots of water and exfoliate, otherwise your skin will be very flakey. make sure you also moisturize and use sunscreen. LOTS of chap stick too.
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April 6, 2009

Pros:

Nothing else worked to get rid of my facial acne. I had very bad self-esteem and needed something to get rid of it once an for all. Easy to take once the right dose was determined, worked quickly in one round of treatment

Cons:

My dermatologist gave me too large a dose in the beginning and i broke out in a full body rash. I started taking Accutane when it was a brand new drug so no one really knew what it could do back then.

It took one course of treatment to get rid of my persistant acne. That was in 1984. My acne NEVER came back. If i get a small blemish from time to time it disappears in 24hrs for the most part. When I started taking Accutane, they had no idea how long the positive effects would last. 25 years later I am still grateful to my doctor for trying this drug. It changed my life and how I felt about myself. Those who claim it is dangerous haven't lived with acne and don't understand that if used properly it can change your life. I highly recommend it.
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March 31, 2009

Pros:

Cleared up my nodules within a couple weeks; stopped excessive oil production immediately.

Cons:

Absolutely none.

I've been off accutane since September 2004 and have not have one breakout since. No teeny tiny pimples, much less those awful and painful nodules. I only wish that I had done it sooner but was scared because of hearing the side effects. I was lucky enough not to go through anything negative.
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March 31, 2009

Pros:

My first son used this product after all else failed and has now been 100% acne free for over 10 years. Another of my sons used it and acheived the same results. Neither suffered from any side effects.

Cons:

They did have to deal with dry skin and very chapped lips, and had follow the other recomondations of the doctor.

It was not an easy decision to make but one of my brothers still fights acne and he is in his 40's. My son had cystic acne and did not want to fight this all his life and now both my sons have beautiful skin, though they do have to moisturize everyday because their face feels dry. My daught had mild acne and was sucessful in keeping it under control with Proactive.
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March 30, 2009

Pros:

Cleared my skin 100%. I no longer wake up with greasy hair or skin. I no longer have to wear make-up to feel confident and pretty.

Cons:

Dry lip's (nothing a little lip chap can't handle), Sore shoulders (I went for the odd message and had warm baths which helped), I got migraines while on my period (DRINK WATER to prevent headahces!!!!)

It has saved my life, my job, and personal relationships. I have never been so happy in my life. NOTE: some advice for people who are going to go on this medication. -DRINK WATER! you have to get your 8 glasses a day. I cannot stress this enough how important it is to drink water. -Watch what you eat, I kinda let myself go while on this drug because it says to eat with something fattening. (this doesnt mean go ahead and eat cheeseburgers) ha ha pick a healthy fat such as nuts, avacado, or fish. -Last but not least, BE OPTIMISTIC! Try and keep yourlself positive. Make sure you have happy and positive people around you, this will change your life. I never thought it would work for me and it did. THANK YOU ACCUTANE! ( I did not have to pay for this medication because my insurance covered it 1oo%)
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March 24, 2009

Pros:

The most effective acne treatment out there. But if you've got REALLY deep blackheads you may need a higher dose or a longer treatment (this may not be true for everyone). Evens skin tone and clears blemishes completely.

Cons:

The side effects are obviously worse than antibiotics but no where near as bad as some people make out.

As I've said, the most effective acne treatment out there, you just need to be patient for it to work. If you feel down about you're acne ask you're GP to refer you to a dermatologist since not only is it for severe acne, it can be used for moderate/mild acne that hasn't been effected by other treatments.
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March 11, 2009

Pros:

It clears you skin fast, if you drink lots of water you barely know you are taking anything, your blackheads come out at night and wash away in the shower!!!

Cons:

Monthly blood tests, iPLEDGE program (while I know why they do it, it still is annoying). can raise cholesterol and tryglycerides

I know a lot of people can have negative side effects, but it is different for everyone and you should consult your doctor. I waited as long as possible to take it (I am now 27) and I am glad because I think it is important to know your body before you take it. While some people really suffer and don't get the results from Accutane, so many people have wonderful, life changing results. If acne is ruining you life and making you not want to go out and be yourself, it is definitely worth the risk of all of the side effects. Most people barely even know they are taking it. I am sorry for all of the people who haven't had the same experience.
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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