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
34.1%
3
15.3%
2
7.3%
1
6.2%

Used Isotretinoin (Accutane®)? Rate It:

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December 31, 2010

Pros:

Cleared my moderately severe acne
My old acne scars actually had a chance to heal
Face and hair no longer oily
My skin looked perfect and it improved my self esteem
No side effects while taking Accutane

Cons:

Expensive
A few weeks after Accutane, my face and hair continued to be oily
A few months after Accutane, I experienced severe hair loss and vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels, that appear as many red, painful, raised dots) on my legs
The treatment was temporary for me, my acne returned in about a little over a year, but I would consider it to be "light" instead of "moderately severe"

It works well. My hair grew back, and my vasculitis went away after a few months. Despite the side effects, I'm glad to have taken Accutane.
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December 30, 2010

Pros:

-made my face less oily
-Acne starting to go away
-no oil

Cons:

-Made me broke out! a lot!
-big painful cysts in the beginning of the week
-But is part of the initial breakout that you get
-

This pills are really good, i apparently don't have more oil in my skin, yay because before i started this my skin was like a pot of oil that i would touch it and my whole finger would be cover it up with a lot of oil. These pills cost like $348 for the 30 pills but my insurance paid for it.It made me breakout horribly but now is starting to go away! Overall it takes like 3 months to see a difference and i am hoping to get clear skin !
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10 user(s) found this helpful

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December 29, 2010

Pros:

Cleared acne, made skin less sensitive to irritants such as sunscreen, makeup, etc., less oil

Cons:

Dangerous, extreme (painful dry skin) at first, dry lips and eyes (embarassing), sun sensitivity, annoying pregnancy and blood tests monthly

Eliminated acne.. But in about half of all people who undergo a round of Accutane, the acne comes back in the next year. Is toxic and should not be taken lightly.
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December 26, 2010

Pros:

-Clear skin
-Confidence
-Dry skin

Cons:

-Aches
-Slight increase in appetite
-Drinking lots of water ( Personally it doesn't bother me but I know some people can't stand going to the bathroom a lot)

I've tried everything else such as benzaclin (which worked for a while), bactrim, keflex, doxycycline, laser treatments for a year, etc.. I started getting acne with the beginning of my monthly starting in 10th grade. Now a senior I am sick of acne and this was my last option. I have hormonal moderate but very persistent acne. It slowly started to get worse and I got more and more flesh colored rash like pimples across my forehead. The first day of starting I was scared of taking this drug because of all the bad horror stories I have read online. I have an anxiety disorder and I am more self aware of medical issues due to that. I was scared that I was going to lose my vision, hearing...and multiple other things. It's the begining of my second month and the only bad side effects I have is back pain every so often (I'm 17) so I know it's the accutane. Some people think that this medicine causes depression. I don't believe so, if anything I would have gotten it because I'm already more prone to it since I have anxiety. My skin started clearing up within the second week. I only have a few pimples but they are going away very quickly. I look forward to starting my second month today. Don't let this negative stories discourage you. This is a miracle pill.
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30 user(s) found this helpful

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December 24, 2010

Pros:

Ultimately cleared me up with a month to still go
Only thing that worked tried everything else

Cons:

Chapped Lips
Look sunburnt
Brought back ezcema

In the end the pros really outweighed the cons bc the lips and red skin will be gone after using it anyway I found you can exercise on it and believe both together is even better I recommend it so to not waste money and time
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December 23, 2010

Pros:

Works wonders, If taken properly can and will ensure perfect skin and will make you a lot happier!.

Cons:

Depressive thoughts, stress, ocassional suicidial thoughts, takes a long time.

If you at least partially sane and can tell your brain to shutup for a couple of months this will clear up any acne you had and keep it away for good!. See my gallery by looking for my name to see the results. Or click the link for a side by side analysis [link edited out]
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December 23, 2010

Pros:

Inflammatory acne 95% clear by the end of a 5 month course.

Cons:

Joint pains
Permanent facial redness associated with broken and/or inflamed blood vessels

I have finally stop procrastinating and decided to write a review for Isotretinoin. I urge anyone who is considering Accutane to read this whole review: It has been two years since finishing my Accutane course. I was immensely pleased with my profound clearing of acne (seeing as antibiotics and over-the-counter products did not work for me), but was disappointed that I was left with redness, broken blood vessels, and joint pain. Presently, I am having Vbeam treatments to have the vessels shrunk. For months after finishing my course, I was very angry at my dermatologist and at Accutane for my predicament. I would rather have had the temporary severe acne and found an alternative treatment than have horridly permanent broken vessels that take (on average) thousands of dollars to remove. But as time went by, I realized it was completely unrealistic for me to be mad at Accutane or my dermatologist. We agreed on Accutane. I signed up for it. There can be no blame for him. And as for Accutane, it is truly a fantastic drug (and I say this without sarcasm). For those of you who are hesitant about going on Accutane, do not let me deter you from making that decision. The ratio of patients who experience severe side effects to patients who do not are not alarming in the least. If you believe you are developing any of the possible side effects, discontinue use. Blood tests are routinely taken, and your dermatologists checks for symptoms. I truly do recommend this drug (though, only as a last resort. I am currently as clear as I was when I got off Accutane by eating a strict diet, and living healthily). P.S. Keep this is mind: If everyone who ever used Accutane through the IPLEDGE system had written a review for it, the rating would be higher. Do you truly believe that 100% of happy users come back and are anxious to tell us about their experience? Nay, it's the users who have had less-than-satisfactory experiences who are anxious to dissuade
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December 21, 2010

Pros:

works for extended period

Cons:

risk/benefit

works. But bone/mental side effects can last a lifetime.
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2 user(s) found this helpful

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December 20, 2010

Pros:

- It actually works!!
- No more Oil
- Gives your confidence Back
- does not leave scars....
- fades brown marks.

Cons:

- Chapped lips
- Price

i had acne for 5 years i am 18 now... i completed my 6 month course last august.. And I haven't got a single zit since then... If nothing is working for you then go for it....
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December 20, 2010

Pros:

Cleared up all my acne on my face/back/chest within weeks. I had really severe acne.No real side effects, worked a treat and changed my life.

Free on nhs

Cons:

Dry lips and inner nose- however can easily be kept under control with vasline.

I know there are side effects for this, but it really works to clear up acne. You have regular blood tests, so if there were any problems developing as a result of the meds it would be picked up. HIghly recommend it if you want you acne cleared up.
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9 user(s) found this helpful

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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