Isotretinoin (Accutane®)
Results
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...

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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August 10, 2007

Pros:

None yet

Cons:

Huge Nodules all over my face.

I started medication about 2weeks ago and i can hardly see any smooth space on my face now. I'm really tempted to stop but some ex acne victims i know have encouraged me not to cos it's all coming out to get better. I honestly can not wait to see how wonderful my face would be cos i'm a naturally pretty black girl, but my acne has really oppressed me.
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August 10, 2007

Pros:

1st product that has ever worked for me in 15 years of having acne

Cons:

hard to get a script, dry lips

So worth it... I wish I had not been so scared to use it in the past, otherwise I would not have rolling acne scars. For me, it worked instantly and I wasnt expecting it. Within 2 weeks I was down to 1 cyst. I have experienced dryness, but nothing in comparison to Retin A or Benzoyl Peroxide, etc. Paula's Choice Lip and Body Balm and Aquaphor are highly recommended. Any negative side affect is NOTHING in comparison to both the physical and emotional scars of acne.
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August 7, 2007

Pros:

Cleared my acne on my face and back completely.

Very smooth skin

Cons:

AWFUL "initial breakout (which made me too depressed to go out)," very dry lips, rashes on arms, hands and ankles, nosebleeds every day in the 4th month, no drinking

I had several small pimples all over my forehead for years. recentley these pimples started on my cheeks and i decided to go on accutane. the initial outbreak was terrible i got huge pimples all over my cheeks (an area that wasnt too problematice before). the outbreak wasnt gradual either, i woke up one day with so many new pimples and some around my mouth where i had never had pimples before. However, my skin started to clear up instantly as well. i went home from school one weekend and came back with significantly clearer skin, my friends were amazed (this was during month 3). My skin has been clear since. Im 2 weeks post tane without a single pimple. i highly recommend accutane, dont let the side effects or "IB" scare you, i would take a couple weeks of worse acne for the perfect skin i have now. and the only depression you get is about your skin, and if you're reading this, you must be depressed about it alreay. it will work even when the IB is bad, it will CLEAR!
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August 6, 2007

Pros:

I have dealt with cystic acne and very oily skin since age 13. After trying everything, Accutane was my last hope. Within months, my skin was drier than it had been in years, and my cystic acne was gone.

Cons:

Without insurance, Accutane can be very expensive.

Accutane gave me my life back. I would reccommend it to anyone.
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July 30, 2007

Pros:

This is a miracle drug. Within weeks it starts working, and your skin continuously improves from there on. I also almost never have to wash my hair, my skin is never greasy, makeup stays on all day.

Cons:

My lips were a little dry (seriously, no big deal with some aquaphor), nose a little dry, feet were rubbed more by shoes in summer. The ipledge program is a huuuge pain.

I spent five years battling mild acne. It flared and I found myself spending a huge amount of time putting on different topical medications and makeup. After years of being petrified of going on acctuane, I decided to give it a try. Bottom line - best decision I ever made. It's two months later, my skin is flawless and soft. I love never having to care for, or worry about, my skin. Most of the people who post here have had problems, but the statistics show that virtually no one has severe side effects. I am incredibly upset that I didn't do this earlier.
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July 27, 2007

Pros:

VERY VERY effective, clears up skin up within months

Cons:

dry lips and skin, very easy to puncture skin (for me anyways)

If you havent tried this...try it.. itll work wonders on your face.. sadly I am a rare one who is allergic to the medication so I still suffer from acne but when i was on the medication for the 3 months i could tell the acne was going away
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July 24, 2007

Pros:

I had acne since I was in the 5th grade (20 now) and I have been on just about every other medication. My doctor finally prescribed accutane and it looked awesome. After a month I saw results and by the time I finished it was clear

Cons:

accutane rash-really dry red patches of skin-ask your dermatologist for a cream for it, mine got cleared in a week.

THis stuff is amazing. my acne came back after finishing the regime, but it is not nearly as bad as it was. I am about to start my second round of this medication.
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July 19, 2007

Pros:

Amazing results (What more can you ask for?)

Cons:

Dryness of skin, lips, and nose, especially in the beginning of treatment. The dryness of my skin and nose improved with time. Follow the derm's instructions, buy chapstick, lotion, etc. I also found a humidifier also helps with dryness.

I struggled with acne for years. My dermatologist prescribed everything under the sun(triaz, tazorac, differen, betacline, a number of oral antibiotics, and others I can't remeber). I faithfully followed the regimens with no results. My derm never mentioned Accutane. In desperation, I traveled 2 hours to a new derm for a consultation about the Blue Light Treatment. The new derm looked at my skin, reviewed my file, and decided to prescribe Accutane. I am thankful that she did. It hasn't always been easy. I had to watch my cholesterol intake, keep my skin moisturized, and keep my lips and nose moist (it sounds disgusting, but a little vaseline up the nose before bed helps tremendously). However, I am a month from ending my treatment and couldn't be more pleased with the results. After years of acne, thanks to Accutane, I love my skin.
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July 9, 2007

Pros:

saw progress within 1 month and i only have a couple zits on my face after 3

Cons:

extremely dry lips

it dose what its supposed dont expect to see instant results this stuff is a gift from god
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July 2, 2007

Pros:

My face was clear in 3 months. I went from huge cystic acne on my face and back to smooth clear skin. I took this medication when it first came out over 20 years ago and I have had any acne problems since or longterm side effects. This stuff works.

Cons:

Severe dry skin. My lips were dry and wound cracked in the corners every morning. Had some minor headaches.

This was the best thing that could have happend to me. While in the high school a got picked on everyday with comments like "hey pizza face" and "could I get some mayo". Finally my mom took me to see a DR in Charlotte NC and he prescribe me accutane for six months. I took the meds during the summer break and 3 months later, my face was clear. I started the 11th grade a confident with a clear face, and new outlook on life. Have 3 months and a clear face, I stoped taking the meds. Thank God, for accutane. My bother also took this medication and he too had the same results.
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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