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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February 8, 2008

Pros:

Completely clear skin after 2 months, less oily hair

Cons:

Chapped lips, dry eyes, nosebleeds

I've been on this for 4 months-- my skin is completely clear! My side effects are manageable with lip balm, eye drops, and vaseline in my nose before bedtime. Make sure you drink plenty of water or you will get sick.
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February 1, 2008

Pros:

cleared my skin up by month 3. less oily skin. only had to wash my hair twice a week. evened out my skin tone. no more acne!

Cons:

exhaustion. trouble concentrating. scatterbrained. muscle aches. mild mood swings. dry nostrils.

This stuff works. I've tried EVERYTHING and nothing compares to Accutane. I was on it for 5 months and I really didn't see much improvement until month 3. But once it started improving, it only got better. I just took my last pill over a week ago and I couldn't be happier! This is the clearest my skin has EVER been. Yeah, some of the side effects aren't all that pleasant but if you just go about your daily life and stop dwelling on them, the whole process is a lot easier and it's over before you know it!
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January 31, 2008

Pros:

dry skin, dont need to wash ur hair as much, confidence, happiness. IT is amazing

Cons:

nothing so far

Been on it for 3 months so far. Only have 1 zit on my face. I now get a zit once every 2-3 rather than 2 zits a day. I don't know if this is forever...but even if i have nice skin for 6 months i am happy. I havent had nice skin in about 7 years. no side effects
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January 30, 2008

Pros:

It works

Cons:

Minor side affects, but totally worth it

It has changed my life!!!
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January 28, 2008

Pros:

It completely got rid of my servere acne. <3 Amazing stuff!

Cons:

I had to go on it twice, due to me having really bad acne.. But it didn't really matter because i'm acne free now! ^__^

If you have bad acne... GET THIS, TELL YOUR DOCTOR YOU WANT IT!
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8 user(s) found this helpful

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January 24, 2008

Pros:

Everything! This made my skin clear and bright again, helped with some of my scarring and I haven't had a breakout since my 3rd month on it.

Cons:

Nothing besides a few of the common side effects I had a really good experience on this medication. I didn't even have dryness!

Its the best medication for anyone with severe or moderate acne. I wouldn't recomend trying anything else before the accutane. Go straight to this before wasting your money on anything else.
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January 11, 2008

Pros:

cleared up my skin.
looks way better and feels super soft.

Cons:

chapped lips. but nothing too bad. I make sure i have carmex with me ALL the time.

Its a great product. i was scared to try it at first. I read all of the negative reviews and got myself all worked up but its the best medication i've taken. totally worth it, and with insurance very affordable.
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January 10, 2008

Pros:

you people ar making me so excited to use this. Like George Michel said You Gotta Have Faith.And I do that this will work.Oh man I have to wait a month to get it because im on a waiting list or something.

Cons:

Im worried but my excitement over powers!

I ll be a pretty tall blonde if this works with flawless skin YaY Im excited to be attractive looking again.Although my acnes nt that bad its bad enough to make me feel fungly and want to hide from the world any my attrative boyfriend.Thank You for making me belive something will actually work!Ill record my resultss after a month of having this.Oh yah im 14!
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December 28, 2007

Pros:

cleared up my moderate acne in the first two week butcontinued with the treatment for 16 weeks.
no acne at all any more. no side effects for me either really, no dry skin etc.

Cons:

dry lips and tiredness.

It is brilliant the few minor side effects I had are totally out weighed by the end results. If this medication agrees with you take it!!
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December 24, 2007

Pros:

Cleared up my moderate to severe acne in 6 months. From being pretty oily to no oil at all. Only thing to ever properly clear me up. Also in the UK, you can get it on the NHS so for me i payed nothing.

Cons:

Not supposed to drink alcohol. Dry skin, dry lips, dry nose, dry eyes, dry throught. Severe dehydration and seemed to make me very tired and seemed to trigger my ashtma off. The inicial breakout. Lack of concentration. Developed eczema rash on my nec

If you have acne thats going to scar or has started to this is defo the best bet, its like a 90% success and i'm another to join the list. It totally minimizes your oil producing glands so no oil can get onto the skin which is why its so effective, because no oil = no acne. Before this I had moderate/severe acne, after 6 months of 40mg a day i have clear skin except a few red marks, but I've had so many compliments about my skin. I think its a definate risk and the side effects are bad and endless really and the fact my acne could come back are all bad points, however the bottom line is the fact it works if you give it 2 months or so. Its definately the best move i've made, if only i would have been referred from my GP sooner. Its also free on the NHS which is good because if you have to pay for it, it's pretty dear. Well because i havent got drunk in 6 months bring on new years eve. All in all its a risk but life is about taking risks, however I'd say for most its a last resort.
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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