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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May 18, 2008

Pros:

I took Accutane about 15 years ago for the first time and had no problems whatsoever with it. I have since had a booster dosage about 8 years ago and my skin is great now. I had horrible cystic acne growing up and still have scars on my face from tho

Cons:

None--It worked. I'll take any side effects for a product that rid me of acne.

Accutane is the ONLY cure for cystic acne. All other medications will manage the acne, but as soon as you go off the medicine, the acne comes back.
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May 14, 2008

Pros:

NO ACNE! Clear skin, no bumps, really smooth, much smaller pores, not oily, less wrinkles, no redness, clear skin over whole body

Cons:

dry lips, dry eyes

if you have acne, TAKE ACCUTANE!!!!!!!! Do it! I'm 23 and used dozens and dozens of over-the-counter stuff, and many perscription pills and creams-- I finally took accutane, and I wish I would have done it when I was 15- It is the best acne treatment ever mande! I've been on it 3 months, and it is AMAZING! I really can't believe how much it has changed my appearance, confidence, and everything- I've wasted SO much time, effort, and money on stupid acne products that don't work! Over time I've spent probably $200 on proactive, $500 on perscriptions, and literally thousands on face washes and creams and lotions that have NEVER worked! And now it costs me $20 a month, for like 5 months and I don't have to use all that other junk, or spend any time applying stuff or worrying. Basically, you take 2 pills a day, and that's it. No more trying to make all those other products and regiments work.....PLEASE, if you have acne, TAKE ACCUTANE!!!! in my experience, it's the only thing that works!!!!
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May 10, 2008

Pros:

Took 98 procent of my acne away. Completely ended the deep cystic acne.

Cons:

Dry skin etc. I am writing this review 24 years after I finished the treatment. So far there has been no long time side effect...

I truely think this is a miracle drug (of course with some side effects) for those severely suffering from acne.
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May 10, 2008

Pros:

Its got rid of my acne, my blow dry lasts longer coz my scalp isnt oily!

Cons:

Dry everywhere, nosebleeds, headaches and moody. You cant wax!! oh and its expensive.

My dermatologist says he will perform laser treatment to get rid of the scars. Even like this my skin looks tons better. But you definately need to be aware of the side effects otherwise you can panic after they start to happen.
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May 10, 2008

Pros:

It really works!

Cons:

Dry face, lips, and eyes

I"m going on my second month and it's already cleared my face.I have such soft clear skin finally!I'm not depressed at all I'm actually happier because it's working!Use aquaphor for your lips.Cetaphil face wash and face lotion it really moisturizes because I've tried like 5 lotions and none of them work lol so the cetaphil lotion is great!Your scalp my get dry so you should use head and shoulders dor dry scalp that's making a big difference.You pretty much just dry up but it's worth it because your skin will be clear!
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May 9, 2008

Pros:

Cleared my skin completely after 3 months. I first saw results within the first two weeks- my acne started to clear and the oil on my face disappeared. Once I stopped breaking out- the spots on my face cleared.

Cons:

Having to keep up with the blood work.

Took for 6.5 months. 1 month since last dose. I wished I had researched and gotten a prescription years earlier! Take the medicine seriously, but don't be afraid of all the warnings. I NEVER experienced any emotional issues while on accutane and I have a history with depression unrelated to acne. People complain about the dry lips/skin/nose/hair/etc. but the truth of the matter is that its all manageable- and its apart of the accutane doing what its supposed to do. Go buy some lotion, conditioner and lip balm (which you should use regardless of accutane) and make sure that you always use it and you'll have no problem. Also give it a couple months for dramatic results. You owe it to yourself to at least try!
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May 8, 2008

Pros:

Takes about 2 months 2 c results kickin in.

Cons:

Chapped lips. Dry skin. Soreness in knees and middle of back. U can scar easier and takes a while 2 heal.

Best acne killer available. Been on it 4 4 mos. Ok. I'm a guy and b4 I started my acne was horrible 2 the point where I couldn't look at myself in the mirror and had 2 put on concealer. Which isn't ez 2 say comin from a guy. But it didn't do much because they were huge, red, painful, and were impossible 2 cover up and I could tell ppl can notice and that's the worst feeling. When u try talkin 2 ppl and instead of lookin at u they're starin at ur zits. Its very depressing cuz I didn't feel normal. I felt like I was Quasimoto or sumthin. Well I'm happy 2 say that I no longer feel like that. Its such a great feeling goin out in public and not feelin insecure about urself. And I still got 2 more mos left of medication 2 take. And best of all. No more concealer! Here's my regimen: I take 1 pill once in the morning. I wash my skin with gentle cetaphil cleanser 4 all skin types. I then moisturize with spf 15. Cetaphil. I bathe with dove body wash 4 gentle skin. I use regular aveeno m
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May 5, 2008

Pros:

Cleared out my skin completely, and I'm still acne free 6 months after stopping it (although I'm on Diane 35 now). Accutane was covered by my university health plan so I paid only about $20/mth

Cons:

Severely dry lips, diminished appetite. It took a while to start working, I was on it for 6 months. I lost appetite which wasn't great because you need to eat fatty meals for accutane to work best

Recommended, but make sure you are under supervision of a dermatologist and have blood tests done at least once per month. Now, my only problem is getting rid of old acne scars.
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May 4, 2008

Pros:

Gives your skin a real glow, shrinks pores, clears old scars, no oil or grease - THIS IS A MIRACLE PILL!!!!

Cons:

No Cons for me - Roaccutane is a miracle pill and in the space of 2 weeks my skin is glowing, smooth and not breaking out as much as it used to! I can wear make up and no worry about breaking out or it sliding off! Its the best pill out there!

I have tried everything out there Dianette, Erythromycin, Lymecycline, Differin, BP, and spent money on all the best face washes and all that jazz but nothing has cured or helped my skin like roaccutane!!! Nothing compares to this pill - it really starts its job the first day you take it! I am on a low dose and in the first few days of taking it i was unsure and throught it could be too little dosage but within a few days i was pleasantly surprised as i noticed my skin starting to clear and glow. I have no grease or oil what so ever and for the first time in months I can wear make up without it sliding off and looking a greasy mess - I now have confidence and can look people in the eye were as before i was so embrassed and had zero confidence!!! It has really made me smile and i now look in the mirror and smile and like what i see rather than looking at all the pimples and feeling depressed! I could kiss my derm as she has given back my happiness all in the name of roaccutane!!!
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May 4, 2008

Pros:

i took it for 11 weeks , skin is cleared , no acne in abt last 4 weeks!!! finally my 4 year ordeal ends! :D

Cons:

dry dry dry , dryness of worst form, itchy , red , some sort of eczema appeared on my left hand ( now it has vanished!) , excessive peeling of skin , dryness over eyelids.

i counted the number of nodules/cysts/pimples before the treatment it was beyond my calculation cud take me abt 50 or so :( now its 0 , seriously i loved it , i wish i got this wonder drug before, ppl actually say " wow ur acne has cleared up!" :) though i still hav scars but i don complain , m happy , thanks sotret! here it costs abt Rs. 120/10 tablets (sotret) and 90-100 for cipla , its very much affordable keeping in mind wht all one has to bear by not opting it. (1 USD= 40 Rs.) i had taken it with other medications .
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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