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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5
37.1%
4
33.4%
3
15.6%
2
7.4%
1
6.6%

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December 16, 2007

Pros:

Been on it for five months, very few less pimples.

Cons:

ALL THE SIDE EFFECTS, I've got bleeding lips, terribly dry skin, my face is a dark red color at all times, and I've recently thought about killing myself

Just don't take it..I regret taking this pill, it's been an awful experience to live with acne is better than to live like this TRUST ME' PLEASE DONT TAKE THIS. I DONT WANNA SEE PEOPLE WHERE I AM AT.
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November 14, 2007

Pros:

I am on my last month of accutane and could not be happier! All that annoying gunk under my skin that i would always pick at is GONE! Leaving me nothing to pick at! I pray it doest come back. If my acne did come back i would take another course.

Cons:

I am worried that it will come back and i have to take accutane again. Dry skin all over, irritating. Very dry lips. Some knee pain, cant jog for the last two months of treatment. Makes you more tired than normal.

This stuff works, it does have serious side effects (mood, joint pain, dry skin, ect.), but you have to decide what is more important to you. I had very persistent pitted pores. Would always pick at and large amounts of gunk would come out, have a few minor scars. Never really had nodule acne, but have had a couple pop us since being put on accutane, guess way of clearing out pores. I believe that everyone deserves a fresh clear face to show the world, and this medicine makes it possible for people who were born with horrible skin. In that sense it is a miracle drug. But just beware of the side effects. I am a 20yo active health nut so i though i would not experience any of the side effects, but i was wrong. I experienced mood change (manageable because I knew what it was from), dry skin, joint pain, and tiredness. DO NOT DRINK ALCOHAL WHILE ON MEDICATION. Had a friend whose husband drank while on it and his hair started falling out! Good luck if you are just starting! Goes by fast!
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November 9, 2007

Pros:

Flawless and smooth skin. Not a bump anywhere.

Cons:

It is expensive.

This is my first course and I am actually into month 6 of accutane, I have a 8 month course due to low dose. I began clearing up at the end of week 2 and from then on my skin is perfect without makeup. It was even better then the time I took antibiotics and had clear skin because I still had blackheads then. But now I don't have any blackheads to go with my brand new skin. I didn't have much side effects either, just some dry lips and dry skin in the beginning but they ceased at the end of month 1.
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November 7, 2007

Pros:

I have been on Accutane for a little over a month. It works pretty fast. Skin is less oily. It is affordable. I have no feelings of sadness, depression or aches of any sort. In fact I feel great.

Cons:

My lips are a little chapped, however I wear lipgloss most of the time so I don't really notice.

The medication works great and it is affordable. I would have gotten it years ago but my dermatologists were reluctant to prescribe it to me because it was such a hassle for THEM. Finally, I switched doctors and he prescribed it. I have never felt better about my appearance.
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October 24, 2007

Pros:

I have friends who this really worked for and they've never had a spot since! Did see some improvements.

Cons:

VERY drying, chapped lips, sore skin and it made me VERY depressed and even suicidal. I had to be taken off this medication due to the effect it had on my mental health and the effects on this were long standing.

USE WITH CAUTION
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October 18, 2007

Pros:

Takes the oil away instantly within the first week...starts drying your current acne and clears it....i've had no initial breakout thus far....

Cons:

Dry skin...dry lips...tired...

IT IS AMAZING...make sure it is taken with food because it will work sooo much better...drink plenty of water-prevent breakouts from being that bad...wear only mineral makeup: powder form...dont pick at them AT ALL!! It is proven to work...just give it time...
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October 12, 2007

Pros:

cleared my acne up about 80%.

Cons:

dry lips, bloody nose, dry skin.

it has stopped alot of my active acne, i've been on it for 2 months and there's no major side effects. i have tried tetracycline, minocycline, and doxycycline, a ton of topical products, none of them worked at all. i am confident that this will clear my skin up in the next four months.
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September 23, 2007

Pros:

its does clear acne for a little bit

Cons:

extreme dryness and i hurt all over when i was taking it. im an active youth and the pain that it caused me in my joints made it hurt for me to even pick up a 15 pound box. its usually only a three month regimen and i took it for 4.

My acne did clear about 85% after 2 months or so. the acne was supposed to stay mostly away and it came back within one month of not taking the medicine. i was on the yellow pill (which im pretty sure is the big daddy) I have no idea what kind of internal, long-term damage it did. hopefully it wasnt too bad. I dont think people should take this drug unless they are comletely aware of what it does.
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August 31, 2007

Pros:

Really I know this sounds crazy, after 2 weeks 14 days, I notice a real improvement.. I not only am not depressed and tired, I feel fantastic, I am really excited about month 2 and three. Don't wait. If you and your doctor feel like its right.

Cons:

Tiny bit of dry lips, using chapstic, blistex, using aveeno calming for somewhat drier skin, but really no cons at this point. Yahooooo!

RECOMMEND: Don't wait until you are depressed,scarred and just overall saddened by acne,especially cystic. The hype of bad news about accutane, I personally feel are people with issues of one sort or another previous to accutane, read the blogs they start out horrible and 90% of the time are so thankful to accutane in the end. Good wishes to everyone at the end of there acne rope, There is help.....Accutane is my answer!
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August 25, 2007

Pros:

NHS covered all my bills so i got the pills free!!!! Made my skin as smooth as a whsitle...i completed my 6 months treatment about a week ago and the last active spot i had was about 2 months ago and i hope it continues..

Cons:

Very Very Very dry lips, skin, eyes, nose, dry everyfin really.....rash on my arms...sunburnt easily...made me very tired 1 day n then very hyper the next lol muscle aches, head rushs, dizzyness n thats all i can fink!!!

If you cant stand the way you look in the mirror n feel sad/deprest about it and nothing else works and i mean NOTHING.....then try ya best to get on this drug....9/10 people the drug works perfect clearing up there skin....however about 7/10 who have taken the drug and its been successful there acne has returned (within years or months etc) and they might need a second treatment or third etc it cleared up my skin in 6 months (exept 4 red scars/marks that have been left over which will go in time) Bottom Line is this....If you are going to take this drug you must have:- 1)Will Power, 2)Patience 3)and a social life to get your mind off the drug 24/7 when your taking it lol GO SEE YOUR DERM......BEFORE ITS TOO LATE
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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