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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5
37.1%
4
33.4%
3
15.6%
2
7.4%
1
6.6%

Used Isotretinoin (Accutane®)? Rate It:

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August 14, 2009

Pros:

Clearer skin and better self esteem

Cons:

Dry skin and peeling

I have suffered from acne since I was twelve. My breakouts leave ugly dark scars no matter how small the pimple. I am now 30 and I have had it! Everyone around me says i'm over reacting and that my face looks good. They have never seen the acne scars on my shoulders and back. My face is not evenly complected. I can see every little imperfection. I have been on accutane for 11 day and on Loestrin 24 for 3 months. I am telling you that I can see an improvement already. My lips are really dry, but smooth. I do worry about the possible side effects but I will not stop using til I learn otherwise.
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July 23, 2009

Pros:

Clears up acne almost completely after 1.5months

Cons:

Initial Breakout is worse than any acne i had previously, the initial breakout consisted of huge cysts, and spots for 3-4weeks.
You get Dry skin and very dry lips.
Very Raw Skin on face without moisturizer/after shower and eczma on arms-Moisur

It Works! Your acne is clear within two months forever, the red marks will eventually fade, it is well worth the downsides, because you will feel much more confident and secure about your appearance, not until afterwards do you realise how insecure having acne made you. It is worth it, just need lots of moisturizer. The muscle pain/back pain goes away after a week from it first starting.
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July 17, 2009

Pros:

Accutane WILL make your acne go away. I used Sotret. 40mg twice per day. In a few months, I had ZERO pimples on my face, chest and back. And I haven't gotten a pimple since then.

Cons:

I am an athlete, and I had joint pain in my hips and knees. But Advil took care of that. Also dry skin, and watch out for scarring. Do NOT pop any pimples while you are on accutane, you WILL get scars from it.

This product works. You may have to go another round or two afterward if your acne comes back.
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July 11, 2009

Pros:

Clears acne up, clears marks and scars, gives newfound confidennce

Cons:

dry lips, eyes and skin patches, some joint pain, SOME anxiety, blood work, monthly checkups...BUT it is a miracle.

I'm 16, and I tried everything before I finally went on accutane(Commercial products, antibiotics, retin-a, differin, ziana,etc). My acne was not horrible but i think it was really bad especially being in high school. I got accutane at the beginning of this year, and I believe that this has been one of the biggest blessings in my life. It's given me the joy of being able to go out without feeling as insecure and newfound confidence.
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July 7, 2009

Pros:

Will clear up all of your acne. Will make skin much less oily. If you have good health insurance, it's really affordable ($10 a month for 60 generic isotretinoin pills & free bloodwork, but $30/month for the derm visit).

Cons:

EXTREME dry peeling lips EVERYDAY. Bloody nose EVERYDAY. Very achy muscles (back and legs especially). Dry skin: face and body. Annoying to get bloodwork done monthly and answer ipledge questions.

I was on a five month program from April to the end of August. I took 80 mg worth of isotretinoin everyday. My acne was all gone by the end of the fourth month. If you have horrible acne, and you've tried everything else, go on this medicine. I strongly recommend going on it during summer months, because you're skin won't be as dried out as it would be in the winter. (I layed outside and tanned about an hour almost everyday. I put lotion on before I go out, and my skin doesn't get dry or flake or anything.) It's very important to moisturize daily. If you are hesitant, at least try it! You can always stop the treatment if it disagrees with you. I could not be happier with my decision. My skin is so smooth and clear now. This is a miracle drug.
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July 1, 2009

Pros:

The best thing that happened to my skin. Its amazing.

Cons:

takes 6 months. may be side effects.

THIS STUFF WORKS MIRACLES. there may be little side effects. I was 100% clear of severa acne and bacne in 6 months. wow.
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June 25, 2009

Pros:

it cleared acne very fast

Cons:

dry lips blurred vision abdominal pain joint pain and alot more.

it works very well but it can do so much bad stuff to you. i am not taking it now i was but my doctor said to stop do to side effects and now she wants me to take it agian and i think that i will cuz i am already breaking out agian. You may want to do it or you may not but you have to check risks and benifets is it worth all side effects it may or may not be.
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May 19, 2009

Pros:

Reduces oil so i can go all day without reapplying make up, stops me getting any spots, makes me feel more confident about my appearance.

Cons:

having to see derm every 4 weeks

I am on week 5 of my 20mg roaccutane course for moderate persistent acne on my face. I've tried everything from contraceptive pills to antibiotics and creams. Roaccutane is really working for me, my lips are a little drier but its nothing a little carmex every few hours doesnt fix and i apply e45 twice a day so my skin isn't bothering me. I would advise anyone starting roaccutane to moisturise with e45 twice a day for a few weeks before you start taking it and apply carmex lip balm to the lips a few weeks earlier too. Keep this up when you start taking the roaccutane as it has really helped me. One thing i have noticed though is i am drinking a lot more water than usual. I didnt get an initial breakout and i have only had 1 tiny spot since which disappeared after 2 days, my scars are starting to fade and my skin-which looked like someone had rubbed butter all over it after about an hour of washing-is now clean all day! Good luck everyone, i hope you have as much success as i am having.
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May 12, 2009

Pros:

Cleared my skin up! Before this I tried soooo many creams, medicines, etc. This was my last resort and I’m happy with it!

Cons:

Dry lips, dry out nose, blood test every month, doctor appointments every month, rashes on my hands and arms but my doc gave my cream and it goes away within a day. I can live with these “cons” since I’m getting CLEAR skin finally!

I'm on my 3rd month of isotretinion and I have to take it 2 times a day for 6 months. At first my parents and I were scared to go on it since we heard all the scary side effects that could happen but I know some friends that were on it and they had nothing but good things to say about it. I'm so glad I went on it! I just wish I had gone on it years ago! Its says not to drink while still taking isotretinion but unfortunately I had my 21st while still taking it but I went out and drank a little just not crazy and I was perfectly fine the next morning. It could damage your liver so make sure if you do drink while on it its only a little and you don't over due it. I recommend isotretinion if you have acne that just won't go away! I got on it when I was 20 wish I got on it when I was still in high school.
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May 6, 2009

Pros:

20 years of serious acne are finally over.

Cons:

During 6 month regimen: Lips dried up and scabbed over. Inner nose scabbed over and bled constantly. My arms got scabs in patches (like eczema). Took another month for side effects to wear off. Monthly blood tests and a week of sobriety before them.

I really disliked going through the treatment. It was incredibly uncomfortable. I hadn't picked my nose this much since the 3rd grade, though I was picking at scabs and not digging for gold. I figured I'd get used to the side effects eventually, but they remained annoying through the whole regimen. Also, the blood tests are to check the affects on your liver, which means NO DRINKING for a week before the blood test - every month. And THEN you have to get a new prescription a couple days after the blood test every month, which means another copay ($50 per, for me, and of course the pills, which cost about $10 under my insurance). But in the end, my face and back are completely clear. No matter what I've used for the past 20 years, I've never seen my face this clear - even on good days. I Highly recommend this, but due to the side effects, agree that it should be a last resort.
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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