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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September 21, 2007

Pros:

Dries up the skin and makes it more managable. Clears up your face. Gives your face that overall clean feeling after you cleanse. NO initial breakout for me.

Cons:

Very very MINOR dryness. Slightly chapped lips.. Just used chapstick. Felt tired after taking the medication.. So take it at night after dinner. Minor headaches in the first week which I can also attribute to stress of moving into college.

Accutane works. The side affects are minor if you're on 40mg or lesser dose.. Of course side affects are dependant upon the individual.. If you've tried everything over the counter, under the counter, and all around then I recommend giving Accutane a try. After three weeks all the acne on my face has dried up and is going away. My cystic acne has been improving daily and the large mass it was three weeks ago is nearly gone completely. It is indeed the miracle drug.. Even if I need to go on another round of it I will.. Side effects are negligible. Ipledge will be your biggest problem.. Good luck!!
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September 3, 2007

Pros:

CLEAR SKIN!!!!! excess oil disappears within about 5 days of starting it

Cons:

Dry skin, dry lips. You must drink alot of water in order to keep hydrated

Closest thing to a cure for acne. Before accutane i would avoid going to social gatherings and was constantly checking the lighting of certain places in hopes that my acne would be less noticable, but now i just do whatever i want without even thinking about my skin. I was on accutane twice as i had quite oily/resistent skin, but both courses were well worth it. My pores were quite clogged and i broke out for the first two months, but after that i was 100% clear. Such a great feeling waking up in the morning knowing your not going to see one pimple. My face would sometimes get a bit irritated from shaving and i'd get a couple of pimples but while on accutane i had none of this. I've been off accutane for 3 months and i havnt had a single blemish on my face in 8 months. IF YOU HAVE ACNE GO ON ACCUTANE - ITS AMAZINGGGGGG
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September 3, 2007

Pros:

After about 6 months my skin was absolutely flawless! It appeared as though I had no pores. My skin was oil free and super smooth.

Cons:

The first time on it symptoms may be uncomfortable for some. Most common symptoms include dry lips, bloody noses, and skin sensitivity. Also after a yr or so of being off of it, acne may come back. Monthly blood testing is often required.

Over the past 8 years I have been using this drug off an on (started at age 14). The first time my symptoms were more apparent, super dry lips and bloody noses sometimes daily (granted I've always been prone). This was because when you are initially on this drug the first time you are required to take 1-2 pills a day for a treatment period of 6 mo. (typically from what I know). Once I finished this treatment my skin was absolutely incredible!! I cant stress it enough; perfectly even, smooth, and soft. Although after a year or so of having this gorgeous skin I started to break out again. So I went back on but only took 1-2 pills a week. This was ideal, absolutely no side effects or skin sensitivity except if the air was dry I would get a slight bloody nose (this can be controlled with saline nose spray to moisten your membrane though). Again my skin was completely free of imperfections. Not only does this skin clear acne but it improves the skin tone and texture, which I loved.
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August 31, 2007

Pros:

Really I know this sounds crazy, after 2 weeks 14 days, I notice a real improvement.. I not only am not depressed and tired, I feel fantastic, I am really excited about month 2 and three. Don't wait. If you and your doctor feel like its right.

Cons:

Tiny bit of dry lips, using chapstic, blistex, using aveeno calming for somewhat drier skin, but really no cons at this point. Yahooooo!

RECOMMEND: Don't wait until you are depressed,scarred and just overall saddened by acne,especially cystic. The hype of bad news about accutane, I personally feel are people with issues of one sort or another previous to accutane, read the blogs they start out horrible and 90% of the time are so thankful to accutane in the end. Good wishes to everyone at the end of there acne rope, There is help.....Accutane is my answer!
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August 31, 2007

Pros:

Got rid of my sever acne. Never came back.

Cons:

None!

I had very severe acne for years! almost instantly gone after taking for six months. I have been off for two years and have not had ONE break out since.
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August 31, 2007

Pros:

It really does work!!!

Cons:

DRY, CRACKED LIPS are the worst part. You must have lip balm with you constantly. My face also got quite red - so I kinda looked like I ws blushing all the time. My other side effects were quite mild.

Its great. I've struggled to find a 'cure' for my acne for 10 years. Tried everything - creams, antibiotics, natural remedies etc etc. I hoped as a teenager that I would just grow out it but when I reached 28 I realised this wasn't going to happen. So Accutane was my last resort and I'm so happy i finally got it. I've got clear skin at last!
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August 28, 2007

Pros:

Clear Skin, No oil. Dont spend as much money on shampoo or make up while on accutane, although I bought alot of Aquafore. Kept it in my car, in my purse, at work, next to my bed, it worked wonders. Insurance covered it and labtests

Cons:

Acne may get worse before it gets better. Lights at night seem much brighter.Headachs, irritabillity, Dry lips, scars and nose bleads.Nose still bleeds a little. Also I seemed less hungry, which is not alway a bad thing. IPLEGE is a nightmare.

I have been off for 5 months. Oil is starting to come back, I must wash my hair every 24hrs now. This morning I got my first post-accutane zit. Small like a normal persons pimple, not cystic thank god. The one thing I have noticed is scarring is worse. Chicken pox, acne, and other scars I have had before are MUCH worse than they were pre-accutane. If I would have know this would work I would have taken it as a teenager.I would probably have saved myself some scarring. Also I would suggest if you are trying to clear your skin for a wedding or reunion or are on a time line start taking the medication more than 6 months before your event. My wedding was in my 5th month on accutane. My skin was ok. Not broken out at all, but it was a wreck, dark circles, sullen ashy, definatly looked alot older in my pictures. It seemed like my skin lost some elasticity and suppelness. Once I was off the medication at 6 months my skin texture improved. Overall I am glad and wished I had done it sooner
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August 15, 2007

Pros:

it works

Cons:

none

Do not be afraid to use this product. I wish I had used it years ago. Had no side affects. 114 lbs female 80 mg per day. 100% clear month 4. Do not be afraid. As everyone else, had tried everything. Very fair strawberry blonde.
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August 11, 2007

Pros:

EXTREMELY SMOOTH CLEAR SKIN FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE I WAS 8 YEARS OLD MY SELF CONFIDENCE HAS SHOT THROUGH THE ROOF. THANK YOU ACCUTANE FOR GIVING ME MY LIFE BACK!! :-D

Cons:

DRY CHAPPED LIPS, INITIAL BREAKOUT IN THE 1ST MONTH WAS PRETTY SEVERE, I HAVE NO INSURANCE SO I HAD TO PAY FOR IT MYSELF $$$$$.. STILL A SMALL PRICE TO PAY IN ORDER TO GET MY LIFE BACK

I TRIED EVERYTHING TO TREAT MY SEVERE ACNE AND THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT WHEN IT COMES TO ACNE TREATMENTS THIS IS THE MECCA OF THEM ALL.
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August 11, 2007

Pros:

Works so well to cure ALL ACNE

Cons:

Costs 550$ if your insurance doesnt cover and the rules are REALLY strict while you are one it...you have to coordinate your life around getting the presicription filled and you have to go to the derm once a month.

This is an amazing medicine, I had to take is twice. The first time I took it I was on it for 5 months and my skin was incredible for 5 months, then it broke out so bad but not as bad as before so I went back on it for 5 months again and it cleared my skin even more but low and behold 5 months later I broke out again but only mildly very mild and tolerable and nothing big at all, topical ointments for life i guess... but dont be scared of this med, it is incredible and will make you feel amazing because it is so effective just remember to use sking cream about 2 months after you get oof it so your skin stays clear!
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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