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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4
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3
15.3%
2
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1
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July 16, 2008

Pros:

Huge improvement within the first month, unlike anything else i've tried.

Cons:

Dry skin, and it makes me very tired.

It's a great medicine. I've been on it for a little over a month and already I've seen a HUGE improvement. I've tried so many over the counter and prescription medicines, with ultimately, no results. It has worked wonders for me already, making me more confident about myself. I recommend this to anyone who is willing to put up with a little dryness in your skin (which putting lotion on every morning and night will help) and you have to be patient. I use burt's bees lip balm and i rarely have dry lips. also, if you exfoliate your lips every morning and night (i use my toothbrush) it rubs away your dry skin. Again, i can't stress enough what a great medicine accutane is. I also have friends that have been on it, and they all agree. You need to be patient and follow everything your dermatologist tells you, and you will get the results you want!
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July 10, 2008

Pros:

Gets rid of acne and scars

Cons:

dry lips, sun sensativity.

Accutane works great I have only been on three weeks and have only had one pimple and it went away within one day. I tried everything and had very bad cystic acne. I was on ampacillian for four months with a month break and then the accutane. Before the ampacillian I did two treatments of blue light levulan which was a waste of money for acne treatment and every over the counter med you can think of. I was also on retina micro and clyndamician gel for 6 months; no help there either. The only thing that worked for me was the ampacillian got me moderatly clear and the accutane seems to have finished the job and I am only on month one. It looks like my scars will be gone by the time I finish the treatment. My doctor is leaving me on for 5 months.
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July 6, 2008

Pros:

EVERYTHING

Cons:

DRY LIPS.

I'VE BEEN ON IT FOR ALMOST 4 MONTHS AND I'M ALMOST CLEAR, ITS AMAZING MY ACNE WAS SO SEVERE AND ITS ALMOST GONE. AMAZING!!!!
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July 3, 2008

Pros:

One year later = acne FREE!!!! AMAZING!!!!!
Totally worth it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The only thing that REALLY worked for me.

Cons:

Lips got pretty dried out. I used vasaline on them = just looks like glossy chap-stick lol
and I had several breakouts throughout & after treatment... take it, wait it out & you'll see!!

TRY IT!!! I know what acne did to my self esteem & feeling like I ALWAYS had to wear makeup... Now I don't have to wear it = I don't even want to! God's miracle pill for acne :) I never thought the day would come where I'd be this comfortable with my complexion.
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June 28, 2008

Pros:

Makes acne nonexistant, takes away ALL pain from it.

Cons:

Face a bit dry - Just use a moisturiser twice a day
Lips crack - Use a lip balm/chap stick

This stuff is so good. I have been using it for 3 & 1/2 months now and have enjoyed it so much. I never had an "initial breakout" or anything, and my face is completely smooth (although there are still a few red spots, but not that red) and I havent had any problems whatsoever while being on isotretinoin.
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June 26, 2008

Pros:

Take it and you will never have acne ever again

Cons:

Dry Lips

I've had acne for 6 years; face, back, and chest. I started taking Accutane and my acne was gone in the first month. I broke out pretty bad at first and then it was gone. This is definately worth it.
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June 20, 2008

Pros:

it has completely cleared up my acne, although it wasnt severe to begin with. it used to be very oily, the redness of my skin has dramatically decreased and my skin has improved.

Cons:

in the first 2 weeks my skin was red and very oily, but that improved over time. other then that, i cant find any other cons.

this medication has helped my skin, it is no longer red, however, i still have a few blackheads and whiteheads, they should clear over time, i have been using this medication for rougly 6-7 weeks.
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June 18, 2008

Pros:

Like the progress; seem to by on my way to clear skin!

Cons:

Very dry lips, moderately dry face, the occasional nosebleed

I've have pretty bad nodular acne for quite some time, accumulating scar after scar as well as enlarging of the pores in the cheek area. In other words, my confidence was all but shot. I've tried various medications, many of which nearly controlled my breakouts. SO, I've been on Sotret (accutane) for nearly three weeks now. The price is very affordable ($10), now the product just needs to work! I'm seeing improvement, but I still break out moderately. The side effects are not a big deal for me, as I've only experienced chapped lips, a dry face in the morning if I don't add moisture (I recommend Cetaphil), and a nosebleed if I don't account for the dryness of my skin. No conclusions can be drawn yet; I'm still expecting my skin (face) to improve A LOT more. I still have MANY treatments to go, so I won't panick yet.
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June 10, 2008

Pros:

Clears up acne!

Cons:

Acne can return, dry skin/lips, headaches, blood tests.

Use Accutane if you have tried other things without success
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June 9, 2008

Pros:

been on a month , skin looking a lot lot better, hope to have clear skin by end of month

Cons:

dry lips and eyes, well worth it

take it if you have acne!!!
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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