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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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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June 5, 2008

Pros:

Chance of clear skin.

Cons:

Possible side affects

I started "Isotretinoin (Accutane)" three weeks ago. After a few days of taking it I noticed my skin was clearing up and my oil was decreasing. I also noticed a few days ago I had a small break out( due to my cycle) and the accutane took control of the pimples right away. I mostly have bad break outs right before and during my womanly cyle. It can take weeks for those break outs to go away and by then I am left with scarring and one week of clear skin (with scars) before it happens all over again. Its a nightmare! I have tried all the programs such as proactive and other over the counter creams for 6 years. I am grateful that there is hope out there. The side efects I have right now are dry lips and skin. I use Dr. Dans lip balm, it works pretty good and Crevex lotion for my face. I am still a bit scared to be on accutune but I am trying to stay as positve as possible and just get throught this time in my life. I will keep everyone updated on my journey! Thank you
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June 2, 2008

Pros:

It works! If you haven't had success and are fed up with waiting, Accutane is the best decision.

Cons:

Dry skin and eyes (but it's completely worth it)

I honestly saw improvement within 10 days. I never thought it would work that quickly, but my breakouts stopped almost immediately. I am over a month in, and I am still getting a few occasional zits, but nothing like before I began Accutane. If you are just plain FED UP with dealing with constant acne, you've got to go with Accutane. I already have so much of my self confidence back.
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May 31, 2008

Pros:

It works this drug is a miracle i have no spots on my body or face and i used to have loads ive tried everything and this is fantasic!. i got it free on nhs and i had no 'bad' side effects fantastic

Cons:

dry lips and skin but not terribly if you use vaseline and moisturiser all the time.

This is a miracle pill for me I have tried antiobiotics for years,birth control pill,creams,lotions,over the counter stuff,face washes nothing else worked or not for long anyway this was amazing i was on it for 4 months and am 100% clear its given me my life back and would recommend it to anyone! im not sure if it was better for me because i had a lower dose but had no terrible side effects and i hope i stay clear for a long time if not forever! xxx
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May 29, 2008

Pros:

Wonderfully clear skin and pores. Return of self-esteem.

Cons:

Dry lips and nostrils until end of treatment, aches and pains and short of breath for the first few weeks, easily sunburnt.
DON'T drink to excess when taking this because of your liver.

In my early 30's I developed deeply scarring acne around my mouth which I'd never had before, due to hormonal changes and taking the pill. I couldn't get rid of it no matter what I tried, and was getting loads of scars. I went to see my dermatologist and she immediately prescribed Isotane, which I VERY highly recommend. DON'T FEAR TAKING THIS TREATMENT. It took me lots of research & trying Yasmin & natural alternatives such as Vit C, Zinc and Agnus Castus , plus cutting out dairy, (all of which help the healing process) before I made the decision to take this, despite a history of depression, which did not affect me during taking this drug. I was scared about the side effects, but in fact they were easily dealt with. By far the best lip balm (you'll need a truckload of it) is CARMEX with the yellow lid. Better than the most pricey ones. Look around on the internet for NEUTRAL FACT about this drug (Wiki is good) and research the other alternatives to get perspective, & t
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May 28, 2008

Pros:

Clear Skin, no oil, smaller pores, less make-up

Cons:

Dry Dry Dry Everything....body, lips, nose, eyes. Very sensitive to sunlight. Crying spells.

I have had cystic acne my entire adulthood (Im 32 now) and have used every antibotic possible. Finally my doctor put me on accutane. The first two weeks I had horrible breakouts. About the third week things started getting better. I am on my second month and although the side effects are a bit aggrevating, it is so worth it to me. My face is about 90% cleared of the cysts and my pores are so much smaller. I have known several people that have used accutane and have had great results. I use lip balm all day and use Aveeno Moisturizing Lotion daily, which is great. For females, know that the vaginal dryness while on the medicine is horrible, but can be dealt with through lubricants. This is something that the doctor says is very normal and will go back to normal once I am no longer on the medicine. I have a few more months to deal with the side effects but if the medicine works long term i will have no regrets.
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May 27, 2008

Pros:

Clears skin lickity split, Eliminates oily skin, Super cheap with insurance (I paid 3.00, I paid 30.00 for stupid doxycycline and other antibiotics)

Cons:

Bloodwork, IPledge if you are a girl, My lips are kinda dry, but nothing that some chapstick can't EASILY cure, This medicine is the TRUTH

If you have insurance and are considering trying Accutane but are afraid of all the online horror stories and/or side effects, QUIT BEIN A B*TCH and MAN UP. This medicine is frickin great. I am by NO MEANS a lucky guy, and I have had ZERO side effects from taking this stuff aside from barely dry lips and ONE nose bleed. Do you have chapstick and kleenex, THEN YOU'RE GOOD, YA DIG? SERIOUSLY THOUGH, Think about the people who visit acne forums like this -- people with ACNE. Of course you're going to see a vast majority of the reviews being people who tried Accutane (maybe didn't do it right, skipped doses, etc.) and still have acne. But then, think about all the people who have taken accutane -- MILLIONS. You don't hear their success stories because they don't post them. Which is why I vowed that no matter my results, good or bad, I'd post and let people know the truth about Accutane. And let me admit, from my experience, this stuff really works. So stop maki
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May 23, 2008

Pros:

I hope Accutane is the SOLUTION to cure acne.

Cons:

I can put up with any, clear skin is worth it!

I am 22 years old. I suffer from acne since I was in 7th grade. I wear makeup everyday to cover up my acne. Throughout the course of the years, I find myself wearing more and more. Liquid foundation and powder at the same time, and even reapplying foundation 2x/day to cover up. I am tired of covering up my skin, it's only getting worse with all the makeup. But I CANNOT leave the house without it. I have thought about getting on accutane and after reading all of these reviews, I am very excited and HOPEFUL. I am just waiting to get insurance. All these CONS like dry skin, etc...if accutane works and it does what it is suppose to do...CLEAR SKIN...it is all worth it to me. I am tired of waking up every morning and hiding my ance face. I need a solution and am eager to start.
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May 21, 2008

Pros:

clear skin for life

Cons:

chapped lips is probably the worst of them all. dry skin, rashes sometimes on your hands when your dose is raised, joint pains but not so severe that tylenol or advil can't take care of it and that's about it.

For about 4 years I struggled with terrible acne. It worsened as the years went on and I literally tried EVERYTHING. Nothing worked. I would even cry sometimes because i'd get so frusterated. My dermatologist prescribed Accutane to me and it was the greatest decision of my life. It isn't going to severely harm you. All the people saying its terrible blah blah blah, DON'T LISTEN TO THEM. It's awesome and will turn out wonderful and plus... it lasts a lifetime! Just follow the rules and everything will turn out great. Those who are complaining about it "not working" probably skipped their doses a couple of times or didn't have a high enough amount, etc. Just get a good dermatologist that knows what he/she is talking about and you'll be good to go.
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May 19, 2008

Pros:

Cleared my skin within the first week!

Cons:

Dry lips an eyes but when u see it workin like that u forget about the effects.

I never had acne untill i turned 17.It was the worst thing that happened to me.I tryed everything from Proactive to thousands of dollars to docter appotmants. NOTHIN WORKED! I was so frustrated that i lost all selfestem. Then one day i was reading a magasine an found how a treatment named accutane helped them get thire clear faces back.So i went an asked my doctor if i should go on it.HE agreed. The first week i saw major results the started dissapiring one by one each day it got better an better.By the 5 month my whole face was clear an under control. I have know been off it for 3 months an i feel great! I go out more an people complomns my face all the time. So dont wast any more time IF U HAVE ACNE GO ON ACCUTANE! its that simple.
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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