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 10, 2007

Pros:

It works.

Cons:

Dry lips, eyes, nose and skin. Joint aches and tiredness.

You have to be patient when using this medication. It cleared up my acne and I have been clear for the last 3 months (I've used it for 5 months). It does seem to make it worse before it gets better, so be patient. I'm now off this stuff for 3 weeks and have never felt better. Stopped taking it because of terrible joint aches. The side effects seemed to clear quickly too - my skin is normal, not the oily yuckyness I had before. This is definitely worth while.
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March 25, 2007

Pros:

Cleared my skin 100%

Cons:

Initial breakout lasted for months, very dry lips/scalp/skin/everything, back pains

Accutane didn't start working for me until after month 3, but by the end of month 4 I was 90% clear and by the end of month 5 I was 100% clear. My doctor told me I had another 2-3 months on it but I am a very small person and was already experiencing uncomfortable side effects, so I stopped Accutane after 5 months. This stuff is so hard on your body I think 5 months is PLENTY. One month after stopping, I'm still clear :) And with Aetna insurance, it only cost $10 a month.
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March 22, 2007

Pros:

Works Well! Effects Seen Almost Immediately

Cons:

Dry Lips, Initial Breakout, A Little Costly Without Insurance, Not Able To Wax Eyebrows (For Females)

Second Time On It! Would Not Change A Thing! Had Horrible Acne And Now It's A lot Better.
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March 21, 2007

Pros:

Very effective on acne

Cons:

Dry skin, eyes, lips

This is a medical tip to everyone reading: please have your doctor check you out for underlying hormonal causes of acne. For the girls who have severe acne, are overweight, and may even have a little excessive hair growth, ask your doctor to check your hormone levels and maybe do an ultrasound of your ovaries - the syndrome called polycystic ovarian syndrome affects 5% of women (yes, 1 in 20). It is a common cause of acne, hair growth, and possibly later diabetes, infertility, and heart disease and strokes. This type of acne will not respond to over the counter treatments and although it may respond to accutane, it is likely to bounce back if the cause is not treated. this disorder can be treated - please check it out before you start on hard-core drugs like accutane.
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March 19, 2007
Hi everyone, I red all the letters and found them very helpfull. Thought I'd give my experience too. I have been on isotane for 5 months now. I have been on 10 mg for the full 5 months. Have been told to take it for 9 months. The side effects on the lower dose is much less and still effective. The worst for me is not the dry lips but the mood swings. They seem to happen every 2 weeks or so. I normally feel very sad and unloved or just get upset about a coment or someones actions which would normally not effect me. I dont blame isotane alone for this mood swings but are convinced that it contributes to it. My skin has definitely started clearing after the first two months or so. I'm also on Yasmin contraceptive which is good for acne and PMS. I'm planning to continue on isotane for another few months. I'm praying that it will cure my acne and that the moodswings will dissapear after stopping. In New Zealand the medication is relatavely cheap. Good luck. God bess
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March 13, 2007

Pros:

does clear skin

Cons:

TERRIBLE SIDE AFFECTS

iv been on accutane for 6 months now and have only just started to see results last month.. my skin is getting pretty clear but i get terrible side effects, i get the normal dry skin and lips (bleeding) and dry hair but i get painful muscle and joint aches, nose bleeds (once resulting in coughing up blood), sore throat, and slight depression i advise for you to go on if your acne is really bad like mine was
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March 5, 2007

Pros:

CLEAR SKIN

Cons:

dry lips

It cleared me up by the 2nd month, the dry skin wasn't even that bad for me. The only side effect i had was dry lips. I had nose bleeds and dry eyes for like the first month and then it went away. Just got to be very strict with taking the pills right after meals. Anyways, I LOVE ACCUTANE! It gave me clear skin and I couldn't be happier. I'm almost 1 month post accutane and I haven't had a SINGLE pimple.
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March 4, 2007

Pros:

This is my second time to start Accutane therapy. The first time I was 20 and in college. I remember my face being terribly dry … my lips so chapped they bled daily … and getting so very sunburned even wearing sunscreen.

Cons:

After doing my first round of Accutane therapy I was told by a second dermatologist that it did not prove to be effective as my main problem was rosacea, not acne. Well, here I am six years later, having one of many major acne flare-ups since the

first round of therapy. My GP kept giving me the five day steroid packs. I was loving it as the redness drastically decreased and the acne seemed to calm down. I finally got into a new dermatologist as I'm living in a different state from my previous therapy. She informed me that the steroid packs are not good, in fact, they cause scarring. She put me on Solodyn and Tazaroc until I could get my first Accutane script after starting the iPledge program. So today is day three of taking it. I have noticed my lips and face to be slightly dryer, but I can't tell if it's psychological, or if it has already started to effect me. I'm starting to see what others on this board are using for their facial dryness as I will need to stock up soon. Last time around my best friend was aquaphor for my lips, so we'll see what I need this time around. All right, I'll post again once I have more to say about this time around :)
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February 24, 2007
I read here that some people are taking antibiotics with Accutane....stop now! If it's a tetracycline ( like doxycycline, lymecycline) it actually hinders the work of the Accutane, so no wonder you dont get the great results. Just use it alone and it will work best. Remember dont even take vitamin supplements. Dab on some diluted lemon juice to your scars evry night and they fade, fade, fade...
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February 4, 2007

Pros:

smoother skin

Cons:

worsening of acne at beginning of use, blurred, tired vision

waiting to see if this really works. My acne has worsened and i hope it will not scarr too much. The dry lips are nothing really, when you think of the benefit. I often have burning eyes and fuzzy vision. what we won't do for our good looks, huh?
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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