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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December 16, 2008

Pros:

Had acne since I was 12, was on acne long time ago, but my parents couldn’t afford it so I didn’t take it enough or long enough. Now I’m 25 and I asked my doctor to put me on it. I’m on a killer dosage of 120mg per day, but it is totally wort

Cons:

Very, very dry lips! Keep ChapStick handy. I have them in every pocket, every corner and every drawer of the house work and car!

Try it! Might be pricey without insurance. I pay $75 per month for brand (3 pills x 40 mg x 30 days), but my insurance picks up $1800, so I'm no complaining + monthly visits to the doctor and lab - worth every penny!
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December 3, 2008

Pros:

cleared up acne!

Cons:

It changes your mood at first. I was very irritable. I even had some stomach pains. These all subside though. It is pricey! But worth it. Take a few months to work. Might come back. This I am unsure of. Dry lips, fatigue

I am currently on my 5th month of accutane. I was really worried when I first was told I should go on it. All the side effects definitly ease up as time goes on. I did not see any results for about 3-4 month treatments so just be patient! It works! My scars are finally healing up and ive grown to live with my dry lips. The dryness of my skin is even bearable now and no longer flakes. I do not even have blackheads anymore!! And my hair is no longer greasy. No more bacne as well! This stuff is great. Don't ever be scared to take this drug as I was. Be patient and stick with it! The benefits are amazing.
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November 24, 2008

Pros:

It does clear acne up really fast, even though my acne isn't severe, it's moderate. Accutane is a miracle. My mom got adult acne a while ago and it completely cleared her skin in just 6 weeks. That's a big deal!

Cons:

I think the chapped lips are the worst, and skin does get dry/flaky. My mom, nor I, had any signs of depression or joint aches, which is good!

I took some of my mom's Accutane twice a week back in winter 07/08, and it worked wonders for my skin! Now, my skin is THE WORST it's ever been. My mom started giving me some of her Accutane, but i'm only taking them twice a week. I have to call the dermatologist to get some of my own, even though he said it wasn't severe enough. It's pretty bad to me though, and it's hard to cover up with concealer. It's mostly red annoying bumps on my forehead (not bad), nose, and cheek area (the worst) near my nose. If it works wonders for people with cystic acne, it's worth another try!
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November 21, 2008

Pros:

gets rid of acne and drys out over oily skin

Cons:

dry lips and nose

The first few weeks my skin started to dry out and clear up. Not soon after that, it was the worst it has ever been. After the second month, I began to have flare-ups and thought that it would not work at all. I asked the doctor to up the dose. He would not because I already take 80mg a day. Now that I am in my third month, I am starting to clear up. Because my acne is so severe, I think I will request to take the medication for an additional month. The results are great. For the first time in a long time, I am giving people eye contact. It is doing wonders for my self esteem. For those of you who are having trouble with dry hair and hair loss, start taking vitamin E. This helps to keep you moisterized from the inside out. Also, regular hot oil treatments work. The point is to put back the moisture that the accutane is taking away. This keeps the hair on your head. I recommend this drug to anyone with skin as horrible as mine. I did not pay anything due to insurance.
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November 19, 2008

Pros:

amazing

Cons:

horrible side effects

I had severe acne for about 4 years, all through high school and it was tough. I started taking accutane and i had weird side effects, but mainly my nose was so dry. I have been off of accutane for about 3 years and haven't had any trouble with acne ever since. its definitely worth it. i didn't have to pay for mine because i was living at home and my parents paid for all that stuff, but i would say it is worth it even if you have to work 2 jobs to pay for it. trust me.
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November 8, 2008

Pros:

VERY effective; Inexpensive(if You have insurance)

Cons:

If You pop a pimple while on it, it scars much easier; Constant dry lips; Dry skin; Excessive muscle aches after work outs or runs(if You do those things); Having to take those pills on a daily basis

The side effects did not even phase me when I heard about the drug, I didn't care, as long as I got rid of my acne, and now it's gone for good. Dry lips: Brush them gently with a clean toothbrush every night during the last part of Your shower(to exfoliate the peeling dead skin) then as soon as You get out, put on a good amount aquaphor(feels so good) then sleep, in the morning You have soft lips and from then on keep adding some aquaphor throughout the day to keep them from getting dry, burts bees will work too throughout the day. I would reccomend the Honey type. Dry Skin: I use anything from St. Ives. overnight-so that i wake up with smooth, moisturized skin Muscle Aches and Pains: Stretch a lot and don't hold the stretches too long-like You're normally supposed to because I noticed that actually makes things worse. Take an aleve if You must Moodiness: Never experienced anything other than how I normally am, I'm actually less moody now that my skin is cle
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November 7, 2008

Pros:

Acne all gone, skin no longer oily.

Cons:

Waiting to see results and FINALLY finishing the treatment, the sensitive skin, at times joint pain, dry chapped lips.

I've just commenced taking this medication after 6 months, and my skin is still continuing to improve. i finished 10 days ago and my skin has gotten even better than it was whilst i was on the medication, my skin is not as sensitive and it does not appear shiny when i apply moisturizer. it is not as sensitive to the weather and my lips are no longer dry, joints no longer hurt. the side affects that appeared whilst on the medication have decreased dramatically. i would recommend this product to anybody who is serious and ready to get rid of their acne, however, side affects vary for each individual. just prepare yourself mentally before starting, and dont let other peoples stories scare you away from using it, just trust your dermatologist.
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November 6, 2008

Pros:

From what I looked like before, this medication is a gift from god. So many health freaks are against it, and people fear of its side-effects, grow the **** and take it. Jesus Christ.

Cons:

Dry lips- use chapstick. Dry Skin/Hair- Use a moisterizer Headaches- pop an advi. iPledge- sucks balls. God the bloodwork was a pain in the ass. Expensive- get the generic brands. Simple.

You know, I tried everything. And I find it stupid to get down on yourself because a treatment is not working. If you're like me, I have tried everything before I hit the accutane treatment. I have hit rock bottom with my skin, and accutane cleared everything away. I am on my sixth month (last month) but I have my dermatologist prolong treatment if I am not COMPLETELY clear by the end of the this month. But I am pretty clear, and pretty thankful. If you're on this medication and if you have suicidal thoughts or horrible depression, talk to you're dermatologist. There is no reason for you feel like this. Its supposed to be a life-changing expierence not a life-ruing expierence. Seriously talk to your demro about accutane. I do want to warn that there is monthly blood work required in addition to signing iPledge forms. Fasting is required day before bloodwork. Also, ask gentle cleanser and moisterizer samples for your dermo when you seem him day of appointment.
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October 31, 2008

Pros:

CLEAR SKIN! ...also free thanks to NHS

Cons:

The usual dry/chapped lips; Acne has returned (not as bad as originally) a few months since coming of isotretinoin.

Do your best to persuade your dermatologist to let you take isotretinoin if your acne is moderate to severe. Then if it returns persuade your dermatologist to put you on it again! (I am currently attempting this!). It's the only treatment I've ever used that has cleared my acne, no other medication has come close. The side effects for me personally were very minimal and I'd gladly take isotretinoin permanently (at a low dose) to keep my skin clear.
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October 30, 2008

Pros:

Clearing up my skin, face not as oily.

Cons:

Super severe dry cracked lips. Very dry skin, a few nosebleeds and knee joints are in pain

Ok, i had acne since i was in 2nd grade :(. Now as the years went by my face has gotten worse. In 7th grade I thought "omg i cant let nobody see me like this" In 10th grade I looked at my 7th pictures and i said to myself" Dang i didnt have acne at all!" In 10th grade my face was really bad. Between Nov. and Jan, I used Benzaclin and my face was pretty much clar but then it came back horribly. I then used Retin a micro and that crap really made my look liked pizza :( Omg i was so depressed. I been using that for a few months and I decided its time to use the ultimate weapon, Accutane!. Well my doctor put me on 40mg and the firstr weeks my face got worse. I had pimples about the size of a penny!!!!!!!. Then that zit went away like a day later. I've been on this for 1 month and a half and i have seen major improvments. I have acne still but not a s bad.
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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