Isotretinoin (Accutane®)
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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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March 21, 2007

Pros:

It works like nothing else

Cons:

Who said that about 'being upset about comments and actions of other people that wouldnt usually upset me'? It's exactly what I am experiencing! I am usually such a calm, stable person. I find myself getting annoyed easily, but not depressed

Accutane, I should have used you two years ago. Because now I have so many scars and I work so hard to get rid of them....lemon, yoghurt, vitamin e, cocoa butter,tumeric, papaya mask....but the scars remain. The emotional scars are perhaps more deep...I lost my confidence, I missed out on socialising like a normal young person in her twenties. And now, I'm picking up the pieces. So please, if anyone is reading this and thinking about accutane...please stop delaying...get on it now. You deserve it.
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March 20, 2007

Pros:

clearer skin, great self confidence and less oily skin.

Cons:

dryness, chapped lips, headaches, acne may return as does oily skin.

I used accutane 3 years ago after 5 years of suffering acne. It worked for me and truthfully was the only thing that did drastically. Your acne does get worse before better. As soon as the dryness kicks in the acne starts drying up too. I used palmers cocoa butter for face and lip balm. works wonders on scars too. Unfortunately my skin has become oily again over the years which has resulted in break outs. I wouldn't use accutane again to treat my condition now as it isn't as bad as before. Therefore I am taking vitamin B5 vilantae to combat oiliness. lets see how it goes. Remember to be cautious on accutane. not to fall pregnant or for 3 months after stoping it. Don't take any other medicines with it or apply anything topically. It works best on its own.
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March 6, 2007

Pros:

Clear skin! Barely have any oil now, whereas before I was always shiny. No more painful or unsightly pimples. I had mild/moderate acne and I think I've had one pimple in the past month. I also love the fact that I don't need to use any other Rx!

Cons:

Really dry lips. Just carry Aquaphor or Carmex with you all the time. I used Cetaphil moisturizer for my face. The dry skin stinks, but I'd rather see some flakes than pimples.

Don't be afraid to try it. I was so scared for the longest time, but now I wish I had done it years ago. Would have saved me a lot of grief. If you have bad side effects, just stop taking it. At least you would have tried. I actually had someone tell me that my skin looked beautiful and that it was glowing!
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March 5, 2007

Pros:

Smooth, clear skin. Confidence!!

Cons:

Dry skin and lips, mild nosebleeds. You can't wear make-up.

My skin is clear the only blemishes are the red scars left from pimples that have healed. The initial breakout will heal faster than normal, and after the dry skin sheds, your new skin will be smooth and clear. Use Dove moisturizing soap and lots of Cetaphil lotion while taking the prescription. No vitamins, or acne creams. No face wash with salycitic acid!!!!
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March 2, 2007

Pros:

Takes little time to start working.

Cons:

Dry lips at times and you can't go tanning.

It works great with very little side effects!
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February 3, 2007
I just started the accutane treatment this evening. I am very excited to see some results. The doctors that I have spoken with have all said the same thing. Expect dramatic results within 2-3 months, and then stay on the treatment for another 3 months to ensure that the acne doesn't reoccur. I'm expecting severe breakouts and dry skin any day now. I bought some cetaphil cleanser and moisturizer, and I'm going to buy some Dr. Dan's for my lips. I've heard great things about that stuff. I will come back to this message board and update the progress if I don't "apparently" kill myself from the side effects first. haha.
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January 21, 2007

Pros:

Clear, non-greasy skin. Easy to use, spend less time messing with face wash and creams.

Cons:

Dry, chapped lips, dry skin.

This stuff is awesome after having tried so many over the counter and prescription medications. I had very oily skin and persistent acne that did not respond to other medications, this little pill took care of it all. Best part of it all, confidence is through the roof.
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January 18, 2007

Pros:

clear skin,smoother skin. Plus my health coverage covered everything in addition to my mom working there..at the most from what i remember i think i had to pay like 10 bucks..

Cons:

really dry lips,dries out whole body, some hair lose, decrease in weight...depression and mood swings..

I took it when I was in middle school and only for a few months and it cleared me up so well..my back too...when I got to high school nobody would have ever thought I had bad skin just a year prior to beginning high school..people tell me I have nice clear skin..its great! now im 19 about to be 20 and for the most part my skin has stayed clear..when im PMSing i do tend to get 1 to 2 pimples but they are small and you can hardly see them...this drug is a miracle worker...yes the side effects do suck pretty bad but im telling you just stick it out for the time you need to be on it and in the end you will be soo happy! i know that i sure am! its honestly amazing and I feel beautiful..clear skin can do wonders for ones overall apperance....so basically if you havent tried accutane yet or ur debating it im living proof that this drug is a miracle worker!=)
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January 10, 2007

Pros:

i have been on 10mg tablets once a day for the past month and my skin has improved so much! still have a few small bumps and black heads but no big pusy sore ones!

Cons:

really dry lips

is working really well for me and havn't had any major side effects! its worth the cost of the dermatoligist!
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January 10, 2007

Pros:

clear

Cons:

DRY

User 99 from Japan does not know what she's talking about... the dryness of the lips are TEMPORARY. if you have bad acne, i'm talking cystic bumps that are full of puss and red, etc.... get out there and use ACCUTANE and clear it up ASAP.....if u don't do anything and brush it off, ur gonna be left with CRATER LIKE SCARS until the day u die......and trust me, these laser treatments will not wipe them out....if anything u'll get minimal to moderate improvement...THE TEXTURE OF UR SKIN WILL ALWAYS LOOK LIKE CRAP.......GET OUT THERE AND GET RID OF IT>>>DO NOT WAIT
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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