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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November 25, 2007

Pros:

Clears EVERYTHING up

Cons:

Disturbing bi efects..

Amazing.. a last way out really.. dint need to pay for it as i live in sweden! we have good health care ;)
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November 17, 2007

Pros:

gave me prefect skin for over a year after I finished taking it, wonderful medication that worked wonders!

Cons:

They went overboard on regulating this medication, so many tests they make you get done it's a real hassle. The Iplege program a real pain especially for females cause they make you take pregnancy test every month even if your a nun!

Best acne medication on earth. Godsend for people suffering with bad acne. Side effects are not bad and I think some people are paranoid. Expect some dryness in the lips, face and nose. Everything else is rare. I was never depressed. I think that study came from the fact most people taking this are teens and going thru the hormone changes which depress them anyway! I went on once when i was 16 and once again at 29. My only side effects were dry nose, lips and a few nose bleeds the first time i took it cause it dries everything out. Acne can get worse the first month or so but then during the end of treatment you start getting real clear and then continue after you finish. I had the best skin ever! Movie star skin! I could go without makeup! I highly recommend. I want to go on one more time if I can, but IPLEGE is such a pain they make you jump through hoops now. Was much better the first time I went on at 16, I should have done a 2nd round back then instead of waiting so long.
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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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November 6, 2007

Pros:

NO oily face to deal with. Acne goes away after three months. It is weird to see my face clear and my pores look great!

Cons:

Dry chap lips, can become bothersome because you will take the dead skin off even though you know not too.

I was offered this when I was in high school, I didn't due to side effects. I regret that. I have anxiety and this drug hasn't really had no emotional problems. I was worried over nothing. Only problems is dry lips, couple of headaches and minor aches in legs. I have had a horrible time with oily skin. Always going to the restroom to wash my face several times a day and even using my hands to take the oil off. But this drug works. If you have insurance use it! Had I use this in high school I wouldn't be dealing with scars today. This is a risk worth taking!
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October 25, 2007

Pros:

Skin became clear in two months

Cons:

The first month was the worst month as the initial breakout really make depressed.

Worth a try but do not go up more than 40mg as you may suffer slightly more severe side effects.
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October 22, 2007

Pros:

almost instantly stops oil. reduces breakouts. if any.

Cons:

dry lips, skin. dry flaky hands. minor joint aches

i have been on it for 3 months now. i have never got results like this taking anything else.all antibiotics or gels such as proactive dont stand a chance against accutane. It is a miracle drug. but must only be used as a last resort
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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 9, 2007

Pros:

IT WORKS....PERIOD!!!! One thing i would highly recommend is that if you think that you are prone to depression, get put on lexapro while you are taking accutane. I took it along with accutane and it helped.

Cons:

Dry skin, dry hair, dry lips, bone pain.

I have struggled with nodular acne for over 15 years and have tired every kind of acne treatment available before getting on accutane. After having my first child my acne had gotten so bad that no other treatment was working so i had finally decided to give accutane a shot. ENOUGH was ENOUGH with shots in my face. Im here to tell you that after 7 months of accutane treatment and being off of it for the last 6 months i am SO HAPPY i decided to get on it and i wish i would have done it sooner than 34...it was worth it. My insurance covered the accutane as well. But if it wouldnt have and knowing what i know now i would have paid for it out of my own pocket. I had the usual dry skin, dry lips, high cholestrol and the worst was major bone pain in my legs. But all of that went away after i stopped the accutane. The bone pain took a little longer to completely stop hurting but i look back at it all now and i would do it all over again if i had too.
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October 8, 2007

Pros:

It clears up the acne (at least it did for me and several other friends).

Cons:

Chapped lips, sensitivity to sun, dry cracked knuckles and skin which were all alleviated with lip and skin moisturizers and staying out of the sun. Must drink lots of water as you really get dried out. Expensive if you don't have insurance coverage

I took Accutane for 6 months in 1989 when I was 23 and had battled with moderate to severe acne for many years. I am now 41 and I still don't have any problems with acne. If I get lazy and don't wash my face properly I might get one or two blemishes once in a while but otherwise I have no problems. In a nutshell, it worked for me and after 18 years I am still acne free! I honestly can't tell you how much Accutane was in the late 80s but my insurance paid for it. Consider all the money spent on topical solutions, antibiotics, etc. and you'll probably spend more on those in a lifetime than Accutane. As far as the side effects especially birth defects, I had to sign so many documents stating that I understood how severe birth defects could be. It is a major drug and the warnings should be taken seriously. I know a handful of other people who took Accutane when I did and none of us suffered from depression or had suicidal tendancies. We were all so happy that are acne was cured!
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September 24, 2007

Pros:

Got rid of the oily yuckyness on my face and skin is >C L E A R< OF ACNE! Been on it for 3 weeks now and will continue using it for 6 months =)

Cons:

Very dry lips soemtimes nose bleeds,thats all .

I'm 19 years old and i tried everyacne treatment there is,differin,isotrexin,(retin a) and many many more they helped but didn't give me the results i wanted.I really recommend accutane,if your acne is annoying you and you can tolerate the cons then accutane is for you..Get on it as soon as possible before your face gets filled with scars,i just wish i had been put on accutane before the other BS.Definately WORTH IT!
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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