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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3.9
2451
5
37.1%
4
34.1%
3
15.3%
2
7.3%
1
6.2%
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June 26, 2011

Pros:

Helps clear skin

Cons:

Drys out eyes
Drys lips and rest of the body
Depression!!!
Reactions to water and other products
Super sensitivity.

I used all the acne medication there is and was referred to a dermatologist who prescribed me Accutane. At first it didnt really work but I've been on it for 7 months and seen minimal changes in my skin. I havent had a breakout since I've been on it which is a positive sign!
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June 25, 2011

Pros:

Clear skin (:

Cons:

SO SO easy to get cuts and big red scratches, red skin within the first couple months, very dry lips (to the point where they bleed) , itchy skin, dry skin

Accutane is definitely amazing at clearing your skin. It worked great and I'm so happy with how clear my skin is now. Ive been on it for 4 months and my skin looks so good. But, it caused me alot of stress from all of the constant and many scratches I got so easily. Honestly, the only way I could avoid scratches is by sitting home, doing absolutely nothing! But, I do think its worth it and I would go on it all over again if I had to because it works great. I call it the "magical pill" haha. The side effects do suck but in the end it was worth it (:
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June 24, 2011

Pros:

It works (for a while at least)

Cons:

dry skin, dry eyes
nausea
headaches
nasty side effects AFTER quitting

I started taking it after trying antibiotics but they didn't work, so the Dr. suggested Accutane. I was 20 years old and had had acne only for a few months, but it was severe. After taking it what looked like open wounds on my cheeks cleared with almost no scarring. While taking it I could tolerate the side effects (headaches, dry eyes, nausea and even vomit) but when i came off of it , it was horrible. I had severe depression, lost weight, hairloss and my bloodtests showed that it messed my system. AND my acne came back (about 3 years later) so, i think it's not worth to put your body through it, consider other alternatives before taking it
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June 21, 2011

Pros:

cleared acne 100%

Cons:

dry chapped lips
heart palpatations
hands were always shaky
acne returned after a year

I feel like the accutane helped in the short run with my acne which was wonderful, but for my long term health, i don't think it was a smart decision. Doctors don't even know how it exactly works, and because it is a relatively new drug, the future potential long term side effects aren't known. Use caution when putting drugs into your body. I still have problems with my acne, but I know one day that it will get better!
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June 16, 2011

Pros:

It gets rid of so many types of acne.

Cons:

It has severe side effects!

It did clear up my acne. I had moderate to severe acne. I used to get the big red ones that hurt like crazy. I was put on accutane when I was around 16 years old. I am now 31 and I have had complications with my stomach. They told me I had crohns disease because of the accutane I was on. I was put on it for 6 months. It did wonders on my face but not sure if it's worth the side effects and according to almost everyone that has used it, they have complications years later. I did rate it a 5 because it did work but I'm not sure if it's worth it because of the side effects.
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June 12, 2011

Pros:

-Dramatic clearing of acne: systs, pustules, papules, even blackheads all gone.

-Improvement in skin tone

Cons:

Although Isotretinoin can have many many side effects, these are just what I experienced over my treatment:

-Dry skin and lips
-Dry scalp (only in first few weeks)
-Back pain at night
-Hyper-sensitive thin skin all over body. Its very easy to get cuts and skin yourself.
-Inflamed, sunburned-looking face at times.

With some bothersome(but tolerable) side effects, Accutane absolutely DESTROYED my acne. :) I'd say that the side effects that one may endure are definitely worth the clear skin. TO THOSE WHO ARE THINKING ABOUT GOING ON IT: If nothing else has worked for you, just give it a shot. It's the most effective medication and will most likely clear you up. If you're worried about the side effects, just make sure you're prescribed the medication by a caring dermatologist. They will take care of you if you encounter any problems and if you're having trouble, your dosage will be reduced.
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June 6, 2011

Pros:

dramatically better skin! less oily hair

Cons:

change in eyesight, dry eyes, dry nose/bleeding, rashes on the back of my hands, lower back pain, chapped lips, consuming alcohol is not recommended, monthly blood tests

PROS: after a week or so of use, I noticed my skin was getting much,much better. my friends were beginning to notice a change in both my face and my self esteem. I no longer have to wear layers of coverup to try and hide my acne. also, living in canada, Accutane is covered by health care, so it's free! CONS: my eyes have always been dry, but Accutane has made it worse, especially if you are staring at a computer screen for extended amounts of time. the change in my eyesight is not bad enough to motivate me to get new glasses, but i definately notice it. things are a little more blurry than they used to be. For about 2 weeks, i had been sick, so i was constantly blowing my nose and sniffling. this led to massive nosebleeds that went on for 25+mins each time. very scary when you are going to school and trying to go about your normal day. the worst was when i had 4 in one day! Not too long after starting accutane, i noticed small rashes on the backs of my hands. unsightly as they are, they are not itchy and can be minimized using moisturizers and polysporin. My lower back pain causes me to stiffen if i am in a specific position for too long. it is painful to straighten up quickly, so it takes me a while to loosen up agin. it makes me feel so old!! The common side effect of chapped lips makes it necessary to carry my handy Burt's Bees chapstick around all the time. i have to exfoliate the dead skin from my lips constantly and lipstick is a definate no-no! Although consuming alcohol is not recommended, i have still done it. what you may want to know is it lowers your tolerance. A LOT! you will get drunk very quickly! Lastly, the monthly blood tests. although its a pain -you have to fast for 10 hours each time before you go- it really is for your benefit. your MD could detect some other health problem that you otherwise would not have known about. It may look like the cons outweigh the pros, but that isnt so; all of the cons are bearable
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June 2, 2011
Just wanted to state that my last review should have been five stars (or whatever those little people are meant to be!), not zero! That's the trouble with doing this on your phone, rather than a computer!
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May 29, 2011

Pros:

Cleared my skin in 2 weeks

Cons:

None- (unless you count the fact I can't stop raving about Accutane)

This is the only product that worked. I had severe acne for 2 years (I could not touch my face and sitting hurt my bacne was so awful) My doctor informed me we had run out of options. It was Accutane or nothing. In two weeks my skin cleared. I had NO side effects (seriously). I went to Europe on this stuff for two weeks and went without makeup. I pray at the altar of Accutane. Also I have NO SCARRING!!!
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May 27, 2011

Pros:

Clear my face almost completely but only temporarily.

Cons:

Heavy mood changes. Depression. Dryness everywhere. Can't drink alcohol during treatment. Monthly blood check ups.

I am 27 now. I used Accutane in 2006 for 6 months and then in 2008 for 9 months, both dosis were 30mg. I wish I never used this pill because, although it cleared my face only for a few months, it was very costly, and my mood has changed a lot since then. I have become very depressive, moody, anxious and nervous, which I never was before taking that pill. I don't recommend this product.
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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