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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January 22, 2009

Pros:

Clear skin as advertised, boosted confidence, brighter outlook, no active acne!

Cons:

Dry lips are biggest problem, dry skin i found to be manageable with a good moisturiser, blood checks are a slight hassle

The decision to go on Accutane was a big one. I had tried everything, and had pretty bad acne, but had heard al the whispers and warnings about accutane and was a bit worried. I did my research, as someone reading may be doing right now, and chose to go on it. IT IS ONE OF THE BEST DECISIONS I HAVE EVER MADE. I wholeheartedly reccommend accutane to anyone who has moderate to severe acne, or is at all emotionally affected by their acne. My acne has cleared, and I feel amazing! I had a six month course of 40 mg daily. Glaxall base moisturiser is perfect, and using this on yours lips with vaseline over it did amazing work for dry lips. The second month was my "IB", though it wasn't especially bad. Knowing it will get better gives you confidence. By the fourth month I was noticeably better, and by the fifth month I was all but clear. For months after I was completely clear using only Spectro-Jel. I now have a couple pimples, but there barely anything. Accutane is amazing. Please
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January 21, 2009

Pros:

Works great. Positive results after only 2 weeks. I used it in high school and my face stayed clear for about 8 years. I just had a baby 5 months ago and my acne flarred up again so I am back on accutane. I am now on my second month of treatment.

Cons:

Very dry lips and scalp. Skin on face/neck/scalp are very sensitive and breaks easily.

If you have any issues with moderate to severe acne, get on this medication. I have used it before and it works wonders!! It is well worth the time and money. I totally gained more self-confidence knowing that I had clear skin.
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January 19, 2009

Pros:

Clear skin, boost in confidence.

Cons:

Dry skin and lips, mild muscle ache, monthly blood test, but still worth it.

I have been suffering from acne for many years now. Recently (for the past one year) my acne became very severe. I used to get huge red and painful cysts around my chin, jaw line and upper lip. Have tried every thing from otc to antibiotics. Nothing worked like accutane. I started noticing a difference after two week. My derm put me on antibiotic (bactrim ds) one month before I started accutane (40 mg)which I continued until one month of taking accutane, so total of two months. It helps with flare up that occurs with accutane in the first couple of months. I started noticing a difference in two weeks after taking accutane. Never had a new breakout after that. For dry lips I use aquaphor. Its the best! I am about to pick up my second prescription. I am very optimistic about it and hope that my acne will be cured. I really recommend it for anyone who is suffering from acne. This stuff is really good and it works. The side effects are not as bad as people say.
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January 19, 2009

Pros:

clear skin, gets rids of deep acne, helps scarring, helps me feel better about myself

Cons:

dry lips, sensitive skin ( bruise/cut easier) bloody noses

Its so worth the money, I have been suffering from horrible acne since seventh grade, and once i got on this program its been clearing up quicker than ever. the dry lips suck, but i use the lip gloss/chapstick from bath and body works and it works great. bottom line: its the best stuff ive ever used
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January 17, 2009

Pros:

Clear skin, less break outs

Cons:

Very dry, chapped lips and skin. Very sensitive to any products or sun.

The drug really does work. Be patient because it takes longer than the 6 month period to show results. Pain in the butt to get prescripted but very well worth it!
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January 8, 2009

Pros:

No more oily skin, hair. gets rid off acne. stop breakouts, no new pimples except for initial breakout (which isnt bad at all, dont be scared,)

Cons:

really dry face!!!! Lotion lotion lotion. i recommend the proactive green tea moisturizer if you can get ahold of it. dont wait for your face to get dry use lotion everyday!!!!! makes you blush sometimes. your face gets red and tight. but goes away.

ive been on accutane for a month and it is the bomb. my face is a little red and i still have some cysts under the skin but im being patient. ive been taking 30mg which is really low. so now im gunna start taking 60mg a day. which should make a dramatic difference. wish me luck!!!!
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December 31, 2008

Pros:

No more acne
Better looking face

Cons:

Some flare ups
Chapped Lips

This product is a miracle
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December 30, 2008

Pros:

I completed a 6month regimen of accutane in July and have been off of the medication for 5 months now. My skin is doing fantastic and I have not had to use any meds (rx or otc) since.

Cons:

Chapped lips, dry skin - nothing that couldn't be fixed with chapstick and lotion! Blood tests/pregnancy tests every month were a pain as was dealing with the pharmacy/iPledge. That being said, the treatment was still completely worth it.

I had moderate to severe acne for 7yrs & have been on almost every prescription and over the counter acne medication there is. Nothing worked. I finally found a derm who listened to me & suggested accutane. I personally had fewer side effects on accutane than many of the other medications I had been on. My skin began clearing up within the first 2 months. I have had a couple of pimples since being off the medicine - usually around my period. They have been VERY small and clear up very quickly. Before going on this medicine realize that everyone reacts differently to different medications. What works for one person may not work for you and side effects differ from person to person. Also, it's easy to get excited when you start seeing results but you MUST finish your regimen or the medicine will not work properly and your acne could come back. If you've tried most everything else and are frustrated I would highly recommend you give accutane a try. I'm very thankful th
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December 26, 2008

Pros:

VERY effective. Absolutely worth blood tests and dryness. Accutane changed my life for sure!

Cons:

Dry, cracked lips. Blood tests, and very expensive w/out insurance. I had mood swings also.

I had the worst acne before i went on accutane...and now my skin is completely clear! accutane is totally worth every blood test and every time you have to put on chapstick. i would definitely recommend accutane, especially if you are self-conscious about your acne.
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December 23, 2008

Pros:

Been off of Accutane for a year and a half. I had cystic acne and my face has been completely acne free every since! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!

Cons:

Normal side effects like dry skin, dry lips. Follow your derms instructions and you will be fine.
Its only really affordable if you have insurance that covers accutane.

Struggled with cystic acne for over 15yrs and if I would have known sooner about accutane and how well it works I would have saved myself alot of grief, time and money. Accutane is totally worth it to anyone thinking about getting on it. Keep in mind though that accutane works its best on people with moderate severe to severe acne or cystic acne. I was a walking poster child for 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