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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Used Isotretinoin (Accutane®)? Rate It:

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September 27, 2011

Pros:

Skin did clear quickly for me no initial outbreak , skin was easier to manage and hair was less greasy too ! Made me feel good about myself that was working until.. the other side effects kicked in.

Cons:

Dry Lips
Confusion
Not knowing anything anymore
Wondering about everything !
Doubt on everything
NO CONFIDENCE!!
Panick Attacks
Crying all the time over nothing
Mood Swings
Un Social
SUICIDAL THOUGHTS even to the point of thinking how I could do it and who would miss me.
EXTREME anxiety ! not going out with friends, not going to work as to worried about getting there etc even though i have driven for years !

After going to the derm specialist and telling him i kept feeling like i was suicidal etc and depressed non stop and couldnt go out anymore he increased my dose?!!! which even i thought was stupid , i then went to my GP as i wanted help with the suicidal feelings and not being able to go out because i kept thinking the worse scenario for any everyday task which i am no way and never have been previously to taking this drug , my GP Signed me off work as i constantly had to stay busy with cleaning, over and over again etc to keep my mind busy and my job is office based in a tiny dark room making me more depressed, i have now cut the tablet down to 20 mg as i was on 30mg then increased to 40 which i refused to take and after a week on 20 ill go to 10 and stop completely , the doctors advised that the anxiety, depression etc will most likely remain so i am now attending councelling and hypnotherapy, I have always moaned about my skin which to be fair wasnt SEVERE acne but looking back im suprised the derm didnt give me more info and maybe tried anti-biotics i just agreed after all he was a specialist! now iv started coming off the pills my spots are returning but I have realised now lifes to short to worry about spots ! be you and get on with it id rather be spotty than have this horrible feeling everyday of sickness, panick, stomach pains and constant worry about everything and anything for example im now worrying about worrying !! Everything affects everyone differently but if your depressed anyway or low mood , down etc i would not reccommend i was fine bubbly happy and the most confident of all my friends now i have become the boring, safe, miserable, moody , un social friend, and my poor fiance is getting the whole backlash of my mood changes!! Just try everything else first possible !! im hoping to get a strong cream and anti-biotic to try instead !..... Seriously if you have to sign something to say you wont get pregnant etc and the i-pledge doc you know its bad
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September 27, 2011

Pros:

Absolutely amazing skin, like beyond belief, no side effects, well no scary ones, just the mediocre dry dry dry lips, but that was mostly cause of my brace, and dry skin everywhere, but its so worth it. I wouldn't think twice, people are just out there to scare you with the scary side effects. Okay I'm not saying they're never going to happen, but I'm saying if you have the chance go to on accutane, if need it enough DO IT. Best decision, I'm not spot free, literally, none!

Cons:

Dry lips?
Slightly sore muscles, but I'm an athlete so what do you expect.
Ohh and I had to pay! But you can get it on insurance if you're from the UK like me, dont know about the US, but probs the same

TAKE the chance for Accutane because it'll do more help than bad You end up with spotless skin
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September 26, 2011

Pros:

Perfect Skin!
Free treatment on NHS as I was under 16
No relapse - spots have not come back at all

Cons:

Extremely chapped lips
Very dry skin in nostrils
Sunlight sensitivity
Weight gain from birth control (it was mandatory for me to take it)
Blood tests every month

After suffering from acne for about five years until the age of 15 and trying every possible medicine out there, I finally broke down in tears in my doctors office and begged her to admit it wasnt just 'a part of puberty' but something serious. She finally referred me to a dermatologist, who immediately offered me roaccutane. He talked me through all the risks which im sure you will be aware of now, and I decided to go for it - I literally had nothing else to try. For me the worst part of the experience was the blood tests each month - I am petrified of them. Another downside was the mandatory birth control - I went up a clothes size from this which shook my confidence a bit, and two years later i still havent shaken that weight off! I was fortunate enough not to suffer any serious side effects such as mental problems or joint ache. My skin didnt become dry, however my lips took a big hit. Chapstick didnt do a thing to help and they were so scabbed and painful i literally couldnt smile sometimes without splitting the skin on my lips. I finally ended up using Aloe Vera gel which was basically a miracle product, i highly recommend ANYONE to use this as it sinks straight in to the lips instead of sitting on top. I would shed a layer of skin on my lips everyday and since coming off of Roaccutane it is no longer a permanent problem but when the temperature drops they dryness does return (not to the same severity but still a lot worse than ever before i started Roaccutane). I also remember that my skin inside my nose was very inflamed and dry, and although it sounds disgusting i would have to pick my nose many times a day just to feel a bit more comfortable. For the first three months I was on 50mg a day which reduced to just 20mg for the final two months. Two years later my skin is still great, no relapse for me. As i live in the UK and was under 16 my treatment was 100% free - easily the best decision i have ever made and highly recommend
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20 user(s) found this helpful

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September 22, 2011

Pros:

Amazing skin
Confidence!
Cured my hopelessness

Cons:

Chapped lips
Dry skin
(both temporary)

I had the worst acne ever. Everyone thinks theyre acne is bad but I hated going to school because every day I was constantly aware and checking my face in my phone's reflection, even though I wouldn't be able to make it look better. Nobody said anything (usually) but I knew they noticed, especially since they told me when it got better. My cheeks were incredibly inflamed, my face was as chubby as a baby's while I'm a pretty skinny guy, and that was a normal everyday thing. In fact, I just saw an old picture on facebook where you can see it clearly, and that's what reminded me to write this. I have chiseled cheekbones and I have a completely clear face, except for the marks of some old acne, but that's been going away with time. Accutane is a MIRACLE DRUG. Sure it has some side effects, but if you do youre research, the serious ones are INCREDIBLY UNLIKELY, and almost all of the others are only temporary. I have so much confidence now, girls like me (more than my girlfriend is comfortable with), and I wouldn't mind taking pictures of myself just with my cell phone and putting them on facebook all the time (except that that'd be weird haha). Anyone who mentions my face looking good, I tell them all about accutane. Not just oh yeah, thanks, I took accutane. I give them the whole story. And I'm begging you, if you're having problems, try this. The side effects are easy to deal with (don't be afraid to use mousterizer guys), and it is amazing. It really changed my life. 3 months after my accutane is done and I still worship it.
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September 21, 2011

Pros:

Clear Smooth Skin, Not as Oily throughout the day, Wear less makeup

Cons:

Chapped Lips, Can't drink, Can't Wax or have facials, Sensitive Face

I was very nervous about starting Claravis (generic to Accutane) because of the possibility of long-term side effects and liver damage, but I must say I am very pleased. I am 24 year old female and I just finished my 1st month and my face has definitely cleared up and gotten smoother. I still get breakouts on my face and body but I know it will decrease as the months progress. Chapstick is my new best friend, but luckily I can say I haven't experienced any other side effects such as moodiness and depression. I would definitely recommend thinking about it before you start because everyone is different. I will definitely keep up with routine blood work and doctor visits after I have completed the treatment because I want to make sure there won't be any long term side effects which I fear. I am very excited to see how great my skin will look at the end of the treatment. Keep you posted!
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September 21, 2011

Pros:

no more acne even whiteheads and blackheads are all gone.
clear smooth skin
shine free skin

Cons:

expensive
chapped lips
dry flaky skin

I used roaccutane for 4 months 20 mg. I can say that this drug really do wonders on my skin. It dramatically clears my skin. I had severe acne since I was in high school until before I used roaccutane,(now I'm 26) My self confidence then was too low. I visited lots of dermatologist and gave me tons of facial wash and creams but still the severity of my acne is still the same. I even had regular facials to remove the white and blackheads just to lessen my acne. When i came to Saudi, I went to the Dr, and he directly prescribed me with roaccutane. I did blood works to see if everything is in normal. So i started taking the pill and i didn't noticed any major side effects that would worry me. My skin was so dry so i just increase my fluid intake to hydrate myself and used vaseline as a moisturizer. Just make sure before using this drug that you know the side effects and used it with caution because this drug is so strong and teratogenic. Now I'm so happy that i used this drug. I just hoped that i used this years ago. I gain self confidence and my life back. I have no regrets on using this drug 'coz its really effective on clearing your acne like no other drugs can. I'ts been 7 months now after using roaccutane and my skin is still acne free. I just really hope that it won't relapse as some user experienced. Now i'm just maintaining my skin with isotretinoin cream and benzoyl peroxide facial wash. Don't be afraid to use this pill because it's really worth every penny. Hope this is helpful. Goodluck...=)
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September 15, 2011

Pros:

clear skin

Cons:

dry skin

I started having acne when I was about 11 until 25. I tried different kinds of antibiotics and over the counter and presciption creams but they did not work well. The antibiotics would only work while i was taking them and within a month my acne would come back. I also tried lasers to treat the acne, but they made it worse.It really worked wonders on my skin. At the age of 25 i was at my wits end. Quite a few of my friends had taken accutane and it had worked wonders for ridding them of thier acne. I remember crying myself to sleep after counting 30 some odd pimples on my face. I made an appointment at UCLA derm. for the folllowing week. The derm told me it was time for me to try accutane. Within the first month I started seeing improvement. I had to do blood work every month to ensure that the accutane was not hurting me. My sking became very dry and tight and my lips were always chapped. I used the oly serum on my skin and it really helped with the dryness. I was on accutane for 6 months, this was over 5 years ago. I have to say it was an amazing experience. My skin has been clear since with the exception of one to two minor pimples monthly. I wish I had done it sooner and if you're thinking about doing it please please please go to a good doctor who will check your blood monthly to make sure your health is not at risk! Now my only worry was the moderate acne scars left behind from over a decade of acne. About 4 years after I stopped taking accuntane I decide to do something about the scars, I believe you have to wait at least a year to do any kind of treatment after accutane. I've done 3 fraxel treatements. I saw an immediate improvement on my skin after the first one, but that's because your face becomes swollen the week after so it appears that the scars are gone, but within a few weeks most of the scars came back. After the first time I saw a 20% improvement. I was excited and made an appoinment 6 weeks later. the second treatment did nothing. I
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12 user(s) found this helpful

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September 14, 2011

Pros:

It really works...Just be patient. I used low dose (20mg), for 4 monthes, and I got rid of acnes and greasy hair and skin for good. It˙s been a year since I ´ve stoped, and nothing came back. Woohoo... :)))) Keep the good faith and belive!

Cons:

dry lips, need to have chapstick all the time, dry face, not intensive, but still present mood-swings and that is it! ;)

Just belive, be strong and don ´t pick your bumps! I have a few scars because I was no good ;) Wish u all the best, be strong and get rid of those acnes for good! Kisses from Serbia Ana
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September 12, 2011

Pros:

It works
Does not require use of topicals/creams/gels. etc

Cons:

The course of treatment must be completed for it to be effective.
Dry eyes
Chapped lips
Blood tests thoughout the process
Can relapse / Flare ups

Roaccutane works; It cleared off my acne permanently. I have subsquently relapsed after 5 years due to an arising hormonal issue. It may be pricey and the duration(I took 5 months) may seem long but it is so worth it if you are looking for a permanent solution.
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September 10, 2011

Pros:

+Cleared All Acne Including my Severe Cystic Acne !
+Dramatically Reduced Skin Oiliness
+Gained Confidence Back
+Changed My Life

Cons:

Normal Side Effects
- Dry Skin
- Very Dry Lips

Around Christmas of my Junior year in high school I started to get cystic acne. In about two weeks it progressed into severe cystic acne that persisted mainly on my cheeks. (* Note: Prior to the break I my face was 100% clear) I tried over the counter acne products for the next month, which I now realize was a horrible mistake, due to the fact, if I would of went to a Derm instead of wasting a month I would have a lot less scarring. However, that was not the case. After about a month I finally went and visited my derm, where she immediately started me off on Accutane. My dosing started at 40 the first month, 60 the next, then 80 after that. Unfortunately, when i was on the 80 my liver test came back a little high and my derm dropped my back down to 40. All in all, I ended up taking Accutane for 7 months. I never had an initial breakout or some of the side effects people have listed, such as sun sensitivity. I was even a lifeguard during the middle of my course, and never experienced any sun sensitivity. My parents ended up paying $3,200 because we do not have a pharmacy card, but it was completely worth it. When my acne was severe I strayed away from contact from everyone I knew. But now my face is clear and I'm extremely out going because I have regained my confidence. This drug was a miracle for me.
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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