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 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
15.5%
2
7.3%
1
6.6%

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June 15, 2010

Pros:

Clear skin while you are on the drug and for a couple months after
Skin is soft and younger looking (while on the drug)
No greasy hair

Cons:

The acne comes back!!!!!
DRY LIPS!!!
Flaky Scalp
Waxing burns off skin
Joint pain (on second treatment)

I had to do two treaments about 6 months apart. The acne comes back....yes it does......it takes a couple of months but it comes back!!! The reoccurence of acne is not as bad as it was originally but the skin is no where as clear as it was while on Accutane. During Accutance I used E45 Body lotion (English brand). Great brand! Chap stick for lips....nothing really works so this one was the best. Have to reapply all the time. Clinique liquid facial cleanser for oily skin. Very gentle. Facial Moisturiser - Anything oilfree.
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May 5, 2010

Pros:

Made my skin better. Did not stop acne but diffidently reduced the severity.

Cons:

Dryer eyes (contacts are no fun)
Red, sensitive skin while on the treatment.

While not completely stopping my acne, it did reduce the number of pimples my face makes by a lot. Went from 5-6 pimples in a day to 1-2.
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December 7, 2009

Pros:

Clears acne

Cons:

Takes months to work. Dry skin on chin, arms. Dry lips need constant lip balm. Dry inside of nose

I've taken these tabs for 11 weeks now and my forehead + nose are completely clear. Got 1 spot on cheek and had 2 near my mouth last week. Really does reduce the amount of spots. Initial break out is pretty harsh. Skin actually looks worse for a month so ask for some antibios during this time (Not tetracyclines). Lots of side effects, but nothing terrible and can easily be managed with emolients, antihistamines & hydrocortisone
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December 4, 2009

Pros:

The only thing that has ever completely cleared my face. It took about 3 months to clear up.

Cons:

Cost of lab tests, doctor visits, and medication if you don't have great health insurance. Slight muscle aches, dry scalp and lips. Easy to get paranoid reading about so many horror stories.

The side effects I encountered were very mild and nothing compared to living with severe acne for almost 10 years. This was a last resort treatment because no other medication or treatment worked. I know there are serious risks involved but when my acne was so bad it was painful and preventing me from going out, I made the decision to take a chance. I am very glad I did and it was worth the money (although the cost of this drug is absurd). Anyone considering this treatment has to decide for themselves if curing their acne is worth the risk. It's the same with any drug. Tip: Price can vary tremendously among different generic brands so shop around. Also, it was far cheaper to alternate between taking one and two 40mg pills everyday instead of two 30mg pills everyday even though they equal the same dosage.
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November 19, 2009

Pros:

Helped clear acne, black heads, reduce pore size, and reduce oily for quite a while

Cons:

I couldn't finish my dose. Severe kidney infection, was hospitalized. You have to drink tons of water and cranberry juice. Have to get your blood drawn every month to regulate liver function and other body functions. Highly regulated drug.

I am a medical asthetician and have suffered with acne since my early teens. I had tried accutane in highschool although it didnt seem to help. They say sometimes if you take it a second time around it will do the trick. I tried it when I was 24 and my acne had seemed to get out of control. I was set to take it for about 4 months. Its important to take the vitamin ZBEC (Its a b vitamin, zinc, calcium supplement) while on it. Your body is depleted of nutrients and your hair can thin. I ended up in the hospital with a severe kidney infection, my temp was at 105. I have never been so sick in my life, nor do I hardly ever get sick. The accutane was too much for my body to break down. I was advised by two doctors to discontinue taking the accutane and my skin remained clear for about 5 months after and I suffer from minor breakouts now. My skin is starting to feel oily again and congested. For me at this point I am not so sure it was worth it.
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November 18, 2009

Pros:

after about 1 month, blackheads and clogged pores cleared......in general, skin less oily....

Cons:

at the end of 2 months, still breaking out....lips burn without aquaphor...ankle pain.......

after reading about isotretinoin and asking my dermatologist about it's mechanics, the drug is working......the purging phase has continued since week 1...........still too early to see full results.......hopefully, month 3 will result in clear skin......
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November 17, 2009

Pros:

it does the job like magic but it won't make you "glow" like beyonce or firgy. it will get rid of your acne and you will transform yourself.

Cons:

very dry skin, very dry palms, very dry lips, you will have to carry a container of moisturizer everywhere u go. yes it its an expensive treatment but it has a right to come with that price tag attached.

use it.
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November 10, 2009

Pros:

amazing skin, almost glowing, knowing it will work (in the end), most long lasting effects

Cons:

side effects, worrying you might get side effects

I was on this drug about 7 years ago. i had moderate to severe acne. was on the drug lips were very dry and i had a few nose bleeds but the results were amazing: things slowly started getting better then on month 3 an amazing transformation occurred. My acne stayed away for years, then about 3 years ago I started to get the odd pimple again and now i suffer from blackheads and a few spots each week. I am 26 and work in the professions where presentation is important so I decided to kick it once and for all so i just started a 40mg dose to do that.
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October 28, 2009

Pros:

well i've heard so many good things about it but i havent seen any results.

Cons:

Super dry lips and face!

Well, the things i have heard about accutane are amazing! The problem is i haven't seen any good results. I hear all these stories of peoples face clearing up after 3 months and im on my 3rd month and i feel my acne has gotten worse. I also have extremely try lips and face. At this point im really discouraged. I just really hope it starts to work.
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October 24, 2009

Pros:

had really bad bacne for years and accutane cleared it all up. Not afraid to take my shirt off anymore. Gave me so much more confidence that i had lacked for years.

Cons:

only had dry lips and minor dry skin.

I had perfect skin up until i was about 18, then all of the sudden my back, shoulders and chest exploded with it. My face was still perfectly clear, but body acne can be just as devastating. I tried so many other prescriptions and soaps, but nothing worked. I finally went on accutane and it totally cleared my skin. It gave me all my confidence back. Dont let the horror stories scare you, all i suffered from was dry lips and very minor dry skin. Accutane saved my life.
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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