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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Read All About Isotretinoin (Accutane®)
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5
37.1%
4
33.4%
3
15.6%
2
7.4%
1
6.6%

Used Isotretinoin (Accutane®)? Rate It:

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October 12, 2009

Pros:

in around three months i was completely clear this is almost a year later and my skin is still smooth accept for the occasional pimple. This stuff works

Cons:

it dries your skin out and lips but its bearable to have nice skin just moisturize every day and carry around some lip balm and you'll be fine

this stuff works if you have bad acne and want it gone accutane is the way to go trust me its a wonder a drug
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August 22, 2009

Pros:

Cleared most of my acne in the first couple of weeks.
Haven't experienced any of the side affects other than the obvious dry lips everyone experiences.

Cons:

-Dry Lips
-May be too expensive for some people, but my mom's work insurance pays for all prescription drugs (%100) :D Apparently my 3 month prescription costs over $250 if I had to pay out of pocket expenses.

I'll recommend this to anyone suffering from moderate to severe acne. I was nervous to even start on this program due to the 'side effects' all written everywhere on the package and online. But I wish I hadn't because I wasted weeks of valuable time. Don't hesitate for weeks people! Take a day to take it all in, but no more than 2 days. Start on it immediately and start living an ordinary life!!!! *I am not at fault for whomever suffers from severe side effects after being enticed from reading my post.*
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August 18, 2009

Pros:

Starting to see a difference

Cons:

VERY dry lips! Dry eyes. Dry skin all over body. Bad mood swings

Iv been using Roaccutane for 7 weeks now and im just starting to see a difference. I had a MAJOR break out a couple of weeks into treatment and i very nearly gave up. It has got better now. Still getting break outs now but they are not as sore as it was before the treatment and they clear up alot faster without leaving purple marking as before. The side effects can be pretty bad but so far i do think its worth it. At work im reffered to as the pretty girl with the bad skin! I hope when this treatment finishes they cant say that about me. And for anyone who is thinking about using this treatment i reccomend buying lots of lip balm, Body moisturiser and eye drops!
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August 15, 2009

Pros:

Dried my oily skin
Nothing to really add since i just started a month ago.

Cons:

Breakouts were kind of bad. lots of big type pimples came up on my forehead and some little ones on my jaw line and cheek.
been experienceing dry skin, dry lips, dry eyes(this is the worst cuz i wear contacts too), coldness,

I think that even though i just started this a month ago, i have hope that it can work for me despite all the terrible things ive read on here... i know its suppose to get worse before it starts clearing up but i feel so ugly when i go out. extemely self conscious. i feel like my acne was better before i started this treatment, and now its just disgusting but im hoping it clears up soon in the next 2 weeks before university starts again.. first impressions mean a lot there. and i dont wanna look like this. i do feel kind of depressed but i was already before taking it, and i do believe that if this works, my self esteem will skyrocket since im not usually a depressed guy... but i just cant feel like "myself" if i look so disgusting and noticeably zit infested.
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July 29, 2009

Pros:

This stuff works, and it is the 'Cure'.

Cons:

Dry chapped lips, nose bleeds, avoid direct sunlight.

I was a Guinea Pig in 1983 when I took this. I took the drug for 3 months, took a month off, and took it for 1 more month. I was cured for life (well, for 26 years so far). I have no regrets, and to this day would call this a miracle drug. It changes peoples lives. Carry lots of chap stick for dry lips, and kleenex for bloody noses. 3 to 4 months of dry lips, nose bleeds, and staying out of the sun is a small price to pay for life long acne free skin.
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July 28, 2009

Pros:

Yet to see. Comforting reading the testimonials though.

Cons:

Dry flaking, burning skin and scalp, dry peeling, sore lips. Itchiness which can be embarrassing.

Ive been using tetracylines for 3 years now and my skin is clear while on it. i need something long term as i cant take antibiotics all my life. A physician recommended accutane. Its been 2 weeks and man the side effects are severe. This is what chemotherapy must feel like. I still have the acne which started the day I stopped the Tets. So keeping chin up stocking up on moisturizer and hoping for the best. Will keep you posted
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July 23, 2009

Pros:

After a few months my acne was gone. As soon as I stopped the medication, it came back. I had another dosage and the acne went. When I stopped it came back :(

Cons:

Only works while you take the medication. Once I stopped the acne came back. Some things I noticed is I have a few mental heath issues afterwards, OCD, migraines, and hair loss. Not a problem before.

Think seriously hard before taking this. I wish I hadn't of taken it. I really do regret that, but like most people I wanted to try and take anything. 2 months of acne free face/body were the best months of my life.
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July 15, 2009

Pros:

I tried all types of acne creams from the pharmacy and I've been to over ten dermatologists, also trying their prescribed medicines/ face washes/ creams and this is the only thing that worked. It's cheap and I've never felt better about my skin.

Cons:

None-- the doctor visits are nothing new to me since I've been to plenty, it is cheaper than all my other things I've tried, and although they say that you can get very dry lips and skin, thank god I've never experienced any of it.

If your doctor is willing to put you on it-- DO IT. If you've tried to get rid of your acne for a while and nothing has helped, do this! The blood tests and doctor visits are only for about six months and then for the rest of your life you never have to worry about your skin again! Imagine waking up in the morning without worrying about new pimples that showed up overnight... Imagine trying on clothes in the dressing room without seeing every pimple on your face so clearly... This medicine is a blessing and the confidence you feel after your skin clears up is unbelievable.
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May 25, 2009

Pros:

Reduces oil output, removes any outward acne (i.e. bumps on the face), and basically improves your complexion 100%... amazing amazing results

Cons:

Dry skin while on the drug, increased sensitivity to the sun, heart palpitations (though I don't know if this was from the drug), dry lips, dry nose

The pros far outweight the cons. And even if the side effects were more dangerous, I would still recommend this product to people like me who just COULD NOT GO ON with damn acne. It ruins your social life, and if you have a bad self image it will drive you to suicidal thoughts. Accutane is the only drug and/or treatment on the market today that ACTUALLY gets rid of acne and ALL OF ITS PROPERTIES, including oily skin/hair, and breakouts. I used the product from January to May 2007, and two years later my skin is completely acne-free and there are no indications of any acne returning. DON'T LISTEN TO THE HATERS!!! Side effects are easy to deal with and even if you get bad side effects its STILL WORTH IT if acne is too much for you to handle in your life.
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May 3, 2009

Pros:

Reddish bumps gone completely, barely any oil on face,

Cons:

Extremely chopped lips(actually started to peal off), horrible skin breakout around mouth, expensive,

I would definitely recommend this pill to anyone but my acne is still very visible even after the full 4 month phase. My doctor said that all of the reddish dots on face and the acne left will fade away slowly. I still think accutane has really helped. Best product i used so far.
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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