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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April 11, 2010

Pros:

-Clear skin (clears up what other acne treatments don't)
-Confidence

Cons:

-Acne flaring up when dose is changed
-Dry and chapped lips
-Some depression/mood swings
-Frequent visits with a dermatologist and blood tests
-Caused some new acne in unaffected areas

I've been on Accutane for 6 months now and my experience with it has been mixed. So far, the medicine has done wonders to my face, but has yet to improve my back. Most frustrating, is the fact that my dermatologist says I will have to continue taking the medicine for longer than usual to prevent new cysts on my back. If you're considering taking Accutane be prepared for the side effects. They are numerous, and some can really suck. I listed some that I experienced in the cons section. Also, be aware that you may be on it for a while (like me), or have to retake it later in life if your acne returns. Accutane isn't prefect, but if nothing else seems to work for you it's worth trying.
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April 10, 2010

Pros:

Clear skin (obvious), confidence.

Cons:

Chapped Lips, dry eyes, dry naval passage, eczema, dry skin all over, depression, ANNOYANCE.

This is my fourth month on accutane. I am going to start by saying I am writing this review because I feel compelled to give feedback. During my worst times on accutane, I would continually check this forum for support. It would help me think about the future, as opposed to the terrible acne on my face. Accutane has changed my life. After my second month, the drug started to work. It completely cleared my acne and I had only a few tiny zits since then. But, that does not mean it was an easy ride. There are a few things that I had to compensate in my normal daily routine. The first - the capped lips. I used a few different products, but the fist I would recommend is Dr. Dan's Corti Balm. This chapstick is like no other. It is designed for people on accutane, and works like a charm. It repairs split corners too. The second is the eye drops. My eyes got SOOO dry. It is soo annoying, I know. But the best drops I found to work were GenTeal eye drops. The Moderate/Severe ones seemed to work the best. This may not be common, but I had a very hard time with my nose getting very dry. My nostrils would get very dry and on some occasions would bleed. When I remembered, I would use Cortizone, a cream that I used for the eczema on my arms, in my nose. I would simply swab a q tip with Cortizone, and wipe it around my nose. It would help so much. Again, I am writing here because I know how it feels to be on this drug, and it is miserable. But if you are sick of having sh*t-confidence, then it is very worth the side-effects. I did experience a little depression, but it is no worse then the depression that I felt looking at myself everyday, day after day with acne. Just dont worry. I cant stess this enough. You WILL get through this. Just wait for two or three months, use the products described above, and you will be fine. GOOD LUCK!
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April 9, 2010

Pros:

don't have the breakouts I've had, skin isn't as oily

Cons:

wrinkles (just a few), some side effects, very thirsty all the time

I used Amnesteem for a good two months then quit because of a really severe side effect which ended up being very easy to manage (sorry it's an embarrassing one, look at the side effects and find out which one you would never want to discuss with anyone). My skin become very dry, but manageable even though I was shy of two months and it's almost six months after I quit and I do not suffer from the same acne I had. I get one or two or no pimples anymore and I haven't scarred since (I get the pockmarks and indented scars often, not anymore though). I have experienced wrinkles on one side of my face since I used this, but I bet if I would have moisturized and drank more water and cut out coffee and the few alcoholic drinks I had, I would have been fine. really though if you scar (indented) easily or have severe acne, you should try this. I would not recommend it for everyone because of how easy it is to develop side effects and how severe they can be.
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April 9, 2010

Pros:

It works. Cleared my severe acne in 1-2 months.

Cons:

Slightly dry lips, dry hands, dry hair but that's all! I have had VERY few side effects. Amazing medication. The only thing that works for me.

Take Accutane seriously but it's truly worth a shot.
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April 2, 2010

Pros:

-Clears up all acne in a couple months

Cons:

-dry skin
-getting blood tests

It has been about 4 years since I used Accutane and I have only had about 2 small pimples since then! Accutane cleared up everything. It is the only thing that really works for bad acne. I never had any of the serious side effects that everyone talks about. I just wished that I used it sooner because Im left with the marks and scars from having acne all those years and they will never go away unless I have expensive surgery and I will never be able to grow facial hair. So if you are thinking of going on this stuff dont wait like I did!!!
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April 1, 2010

Pros:

-STOPS oily skin
-Drys up acne
-WORKS!

Cons:

-Side affects
-dry lips, mouth, and nose.
-headaches
-itchy skin
-Monthly blood work

~I have had acne for 13 years and have lived with a new pimple or severe breakout every waking moment of those years! My self-confidence was crushed and I was so envious of clear, smooth, beautiful skin. It wasnt until now that Im 25 that I wanted to do something about it. I visited my derm and she RX me every cream, wash, and antiobiotic known to man. When nothing worked she recommended Accutane. I was really skeptical at first cause the side affects sounded harsh and not something I wanted to live with. But what else was I going to do? Nothing worked! ~So I have now been on Accutane for little over a month and I cant believe the DIFFERENCE. I have never seen a medicine that works right away! Within 2 weeks my acne was drying up and skin wasnt oily. WOW!! I was so pleased! And thats just 2 weeks I still have 4 months of treatment to do and I cant wait to see the result at the end :) ~To ALL who are afraid of the side affects, those are affects that MAY happen and are not gaurenteed. The only side affect that I have experienced is dry skin and lips. ITS def worth it if your tired of acne and nothing seems to work. You wont be disappointed with this treatment. And the side affects arent anything you cant tolerate.
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April 1, 2010

Pros:

-completely cured skin
-hair never got greasy
-cleared other skin problems, like bumps from shaving my legs and a rash i had on my shoulders
-cheap with insurance

Cons:

-joint pain
-dry lips
-dry eyes
-monthly blood tests

Accutane is a serious drug and isn't for everyone, but it was a miracle for me. My joints ached like crazy on somedays and it was hard to move around but it was 100 percent worth it and I would do it again in a heart beat. I wear contacts and I had to buy glasses because my eyes got so dry I couldn't wear my contacts longer than ten hours without getting headaches. My skin did NOT dry out but my lips did, but that didn't really bother me. Blood tests were a pain because you have to go early in the morning since you have to fast. I never had any problems caused by accutane. I highly recommend this if you have tried other medications. I have tried everything else and this was the only thing that comletely cured me. There is no better feeling and any side effect I got was outweighed by the tremendous results. I took accutane for six months. It took about one month to stop breaking out and four more months for all of the old stuff to heal.
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March 29, 2010

Pros:

Perfect skin
No more oily spots on my face
No more break outs

Cons:

Dry lips
Some tiredness... not bad
Itchy scalp and skin
Bloody nose the first month
Expensive

This has been amazing for me. This is my second round. I'm 30 years old and my first round was 10 years ago. I was completely clear for 10 years up until about 6 months ago when I started breaking out again. I'm doing the same plan that I did 10 years ago which is 40mg everyday for 3 months. So far I'm completely clear and it's month two...loving the results. This is worth giving it a try at least once if you have not yet. It works!! Side effects seem to be different for everybody, so keep that in mind as well.
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March 28, 2010

Pros:

One month of baby soft skin
One month of confidence
Still waiting.....

Cons:

Always sleeping
Big crusty dry lips
Dry bloody nose
Moderate acne turned into severe during second month and continues.....

I am 30, and I have suffered with mild/moderate acne for years, nothing major but enough to affect my confidence. The same story nothing worked, however I have tried to control it over the years with diet. I was put on 30mg for the first month which cleared my amazingly, I couldn't believe the results I was so happy! Then my derm upped my dose up to 60mg, then oh my God! Almost within the first week of the second month, massive acne breakouts with millions of red spots (I have never had this before in my life) plus I have started to get spots in places where I never suffered! This has continued into the third month, which has shredded any confidence I had left. I have since lowered my dose back to 30mg, as the 60mg seems too harsh and seemed to turning me into a beast! I would like to know if this has happened to anyone else??
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March 25, 2010

Pros:

no more oily skin and hair! cleared spots within first week of treatment

Cons:

dry lips (blistex intensive moisture is brilliant!!). dry skin on arms. flaking skin on face - especially around mouth/chin. dry eyes with blurry vision - blink a few times and it sorts it out.

I'm 32yrs and have suffered acne on and off with varying degrees of intencity for 15yrs. As with everyone, I was worried about taking this treatment but my derm department at the hospital (Exeter) were fantastic. Everything was explained making the whole course easy and reassuring - even doing a depression/anxiety check each month along with bloods and preg. tests. So, with my concerns in mind, they started me on 20mg for the first week, 40mg the second week with the rest of the course at 60mg a day. I saw results within the first week. I've now got 1 week left and I've not had a single spot since the beginning - fingers crossed they won't make too much of a return! Please try this treatment if acne is making you low. Talk to your derm if side effects are too much, they should amend your dosage accordingly or advise the best way to continue. I'm pleased with the results I've seen, I hope it works as well for you - good luck!
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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