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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October 29, 2008

Pros:

Really works, all my labs showed everything was functioning correctly during my regimen.

Cons:

Numerous doctors visits, irritating prescription process, and of course the dry lips.

I had moderate acne with once a month nodular cysts. I used the Accutane for 6 months, starting on a low dose and then it was hightened a little bit. I had the regular dry chapped lips and occasionally below my nose. I didn't experience a since idiosyncratic effect, or anything overly adverse. I think all the warnings and hype are the results of too many lawsuits. I still have my blood drawm regularly to make sure everything is normal. My liver is normal, my bones are normal and I have no problems with depression. I have no lasting effects except for much clearer skin!
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October 23, 2008

Pros:

Cleared up my acne for good

Cons:

Dry lips and skin

After many years during which I despaired because of my acne and after all external treatments that I had previously tried failed, my doctor recommended for me to use accutane. I read all of the negative side effects that accutane can cause, but decided to try it and stop if I saw any of these side effects occuring. After using a a low dosage of accutane (talk to your doctor about what is right for you) over a long period of time, changes started to happen. My skin cleared up, and now, two years after being off it, my acne has not come back. I have single pimples like any other person, but no acne and I am completely happy. Get medical check ups for your liver regularly, take the right amount of the medication, watch out for side effects and HAVE PATIENCE, and you will see results. I also saw absolutely no effect of accutane on my mental health while I was taking it for a year. Don't get discouraged if you see no changes after one or two months. Leave it some time. Good
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October 8, 2008

Pros:

It WORKS!

Cons:

Common side effects, dry lips, little body ache, nosebleeds and lazyness... but can all be avoided with proper care such as chapstick, fish oils, nasal spray and LOTS of water!

My last resort for acne after trying everything, Ive been avoiding Accutane for a good 7 years, and finally gave into temptations after seeing good results for my cousin and I must say the best decision of my life! Other then the side affects, my self esteem and confidence has boosted a lot! My skin is a lot clearer and feels alot normal now, I rarely break out. Starting on my 3rd month...
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October 5, 2008

Pros:

acne gone, took a while but it is gone

Cons:

red marks where my acne used to be, im done the 6 month so hopefully the redness goes away soon

it worked alot better then anything else iv ever tried. I still dont know how to get rid of the redness, if anyone figures it out email me damien.mullin@[link removed] thankss
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September 30, 2008

Pros:

acne is getting better. less oil

Cons:

very dry lips, dry skin, joint pains

ok its been a week and a half and my skin is getting better. Less oil production. However, the side effects i'm going throught are dry lips(severe) and dry skin, and dry eyes. My eyes feel like they weigh about a ton. I'm tired most of the time. My acne does get worse for a few times then it goes away.
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September 29, 2008

Pros:

I had this a few years ago, I took it for the entire length prescribed by my dermatologist. It completely got rid of my acne

Cons:

Had to get regular lab tests for liver and see my dermatologist regularly. Also noticed some dryness

If i had acne, i'd recommened everyone to try this as I believe this is a miracle worker :)
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September 29, 2008

Pros:

Accutane has been nothing but good news for me. After my third week, I was about 99% clear. I've had a zit here and there, but it's wonderful having such great skin. I haven't had skin like this in four or five years.

Cons:

Dry skin (particularly the lips) and strict blood work and dermatologist visits. The dry skin is nothing compared to other products I've used though. All topical products I have ever used have dried my skin out much more than this.

This product has been wonderful for me. I'm almost done with month four, so I have about two months left. I hope the results are permanent, like some. I know many people hear a lot of horror stories about Accutane, but I've had no problems with it. The best thing to do is to talk to your dermatologist right away and if s/he thinks it's right for you, start right away. I really regret not starting Accutane earlier.
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September 27, 2008

Pros:

It worked!

Cons:

Monthly visits to the doctor. Nothing else that chapstick or moistoriser couldn't control.
I paid $10 a month for the RX plus $20 co-pay each monthly dr. viist, so that got expensive.

I was on Sotret (accutane) from January 5th to Septemer 5th - that's a long time! Basically my acne is caused by stress, and I learned this through taking accutane, because when I wasnt stressed, I got no pimples and accutane was really that "amasing pill" you heard about. When I was stressed, I would break out, even on Accutane. It changed my acne from slow healing to fast healing, and way smaller pimples. Basically, find out what causes your acne. Mine is stress so hopefully I will be able to maintain the results accutane has given me. I would say try it for yourself, start with a low dose (like i did), work up to higher dosages, and just see how your body reacts. I wish I would have gone on it earlier. Oh and I got bad blood tests going each month, such as "high liver function" and "low white blood cell count." I didn't let that scare me because you just adjust to a different dosage that your body agrees with. Try it and stop wondering! I wish I wouldve gone on it ten yrs ago. (24)
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September 24, 2008

Pros:

After only 1 month and a bit of taking this drug I am free of pimples !!!!!!! which have caused enormous amounts of suffering and disturbance to my life- !! Now when i get a pimple it is much smaller and goes away alot quicker

Cons:

dry scalp (dandruff ew) dry everything. skin. dry lips!!!! my foot blister isnt appearing to heal lol- and calf muscles seem to hurt more after exercising? & have only been taking it for about 6 weeks. so 6 or whatever months to go!!

although i think there must be side effects if not immediately somewhere in the future- so far this drug has been a miracle!!!!! i am not depressed- much happier actully lol im only 16 but my acne was effecting me severly- took about an hour each morning putting makeup on to hide pimples-made it worse took sick days off when it was really bad which i could no longer afford as i am currently doing vce. felt sad. ugly. disgusting. frustrated i didnt get roacutane earlier as now i have scars that seem to be permanent.. but no more pimples YAY!!!!!!!!!!! dermatoligist prescribed it very easily and readily (which suprised me a bit) although it took over 2 months to get an appointment booked after i was referred by the doctor(gr its worth begging screaming crying to your family/ doctor / derm whoever for this drug i think the depression is a myth- just watch out for dryness- i recomend cetaphil cleanser& moisteriser.pawpaw for lips. and get moistering shower wash i
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September 20, 2008

Pros:

So far so good. Nothing changed my face yet but its getting there

Cons:

Cost alot of money if you dont have insurance. My face is starting to get dry and itchy. I only had this product for 3 days.

I only used this product for 3 days. So far nothing has happened. I'm hoping it'll get better. Is there hope 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