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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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 10, 2009

Pros:

It cleared my acne from being on it for 3 months. I was on it for a total of 5 months.

Cons:

Well its been a year since I last finished taking accutane. And my acne is coming back again. So I'm re-living this nightmare all over again. ONLY SIDE EFFECTS IS DRY LIPS

Accutane works, but in my case it only worked for a year. I now have acne again. And I don't have insurance, so to get back on acctuane is going to cost thousands of dollars.... But this medicine really does clear your face, the question is for how long?
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December 10, 2009

Pros:

Totally cleared up my acne. It reduced the size of my pores and my hair is not oily. I have been on it for two months and I love it. I am see such great success.

Cons:

Nose bleeds

Dr. Dan's Cortibalm is the world's best chapstick and is meant for Accutane patients. It's a patented formula and works wonders!!
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December 9, 2009

Pros:

Cleared my severe cystic acne by 99% for approximately 17 years.

Cons:

Side effects I experienced while on Accutane: Itchy scalp, flaking skin on scalp and face. Decreased night vision. Other: Had to monitor diet for cholesterol which was difficult. Mandatory birth control. Monthly blood tests for cholesterol. Thin skin

Was on it for about 5 months. Though it was expensive and there were a lot of "cons", Accutane did what they said it would... rid me of severe cystic acne. Due to skin thinning I have to wonder if it made me more prone to scarring. The Accutane worked for 17 years. Unfortunately, my acne is coming back now. Seems to be hormonal so trying Spironolactone first. If it doesn't work I'll probably go back on Accutane.
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December 9, 2009

Pros:

Not having any severe break outs, no huge pussy pimples like before. Just a few here and there but then again im just finishing my first month of accutane.

Cons:

dry lips! really really dry lips i use so much lip chap and i use vassaline on my lips every night before bed. my eyes get sore and weak, i wear contacts and they get dry really fast which makes it hard to see. lack of motivation(always had that tho)

considering i've only been on it for a month im liking it. i can definatly see its working and that gets me excited for months to come :) im tired of waking up at my friends house's and running to a mirror first thing in the morning to re-apply my make up so they cant see how gross my skin is. Or getting embarssed when one of my pretty friends compains all day about one little zit she has, while im sitting there with hundreds all over my face. i've had a few comments on how dry my lips are but i hope that doesnt last im stoked on accuatane and am glad to be getting rid of it after having it for 6 long years of my life!
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December 9, 2009

Pros:

cystic acne completely cleared after 5 months, Skin and hair is no longer oily, miracle drug!

Cons:

dry eyes, chapped lips, some back pain....nothing too bad though

I was so scared to try accutane, but after trying everything else I started coming to this site and reading reviews and finally gave in and decided to try it. I was so sure I would have horrible side effects but to my suprise I had almost none! Just dry lips and eyes. I noticed smaller pores and non-oily skin after about 2 months and after 5 my break-outs completely stopped. The only thing I wish is that I would have tried it sooner so I wouldnt have so much scarring from having such bad acne over the years....I recommend this to anyone, It saved my self-esteem!
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December 8, 2009

Pros:

Amazing! totally changed my life! I honestly was at the point where I wanted to quit my job get rid of my friends and just live at home and never step out of the house, now I leave the house with no make up on and feel great about myself.

Cons:

nothing. the pro's make the con's seem insignifigant.

I never wanted to go on accutane, I thought that I would try everything else but I didn't want to take it because I heard such bad things about it, but then realized that now they know so much more about this drug that they can tell you if you shouldn't go on it and where I am from they had regular check up's not only where my blood was tested but they also did mood tests. I am so glad I went on this medication, and if my children have the same problem when they are older and want to be put on this I would absolutely allow them to be. The life I was living with acne made me want to not be alive anymore, now I have accutane to thank because I am so happy with my life and I can finally say that I love myself. Totally worth it! I was on this medication for 6 months and now have been off it for a year and have 100% clear skin!
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December 8, 2009

Pros:

Claravis worked great for my skin! It took just a couple of weeks before I didn't see anymore breakouts. I stopped using it after 3 months.

Cons:

Very dry lips (constantly putting lip balm on), muscle aches especially in the morning and night blindness. It made me sad and more emotional. Somedays I felt crazy and not myself.

I would recommend at least trying it. It does have A LOT of side effects but like my doctor said "How bad do you want clear skin?" I'm also blessed to have health insurance to afford it otherwise it would run about $600 a month (co-pays + prescription).
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December 7, 2009

Pros:

Initially you will break out every few weeks for the first 3-4 months. But once you come out of that phase, your skin becomes clear, your confidence returns, any little zit that you get will dissipate in 2 days or so.

Cons:

Side effects are abundant. Dry flakes in your hair, Dry Skin, Dry Rashes, Body Aches (Had to stop lifting weights, but I still did PT for my Service.) Muscles will get sore easily and often. And you will have CHAPPED LIPS!!!

This medicine really truly does work. If you've tried all of the other treatments, then you should get this, don't let those horror stories from 35 year old women scare you away. I never had an issue with depression, and this was dealing with some unfair legal issues, losing college scholarships, family deaths, being a freshman in a huge college, very very long days, no sleep, and daily PT workouts in the early AM. If you stick it out, you will be rewarded in the end. You're going to wish you had started this medication earlier.
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December 7, 2009

Pros:

Clears acne

Cons:

Takes months to work. Dry skin on chin, arms. Dry lips need constant lip balm. Dry inside of nose

I've taken these tabs for 11 weeks now and my forehead + nose are completely clear. Got 1 spot on cheek and had 2 near my mouth last week. Really does reduce the amount of spots. Initial break out is pretty harsh. Skin actually looks worse for a month so ask for some antibios during this time (Not tetracyclines). Lots of side effects, but nothing terrible and can easily be managed with emolients, antihistamines & hydrocortisone
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December 7, 2009

Pros:

Fabulous, smooth skin, minimized pores and scars, clears complexion, makes it even looking. You will be asked if you're wearing makeup.

Cons:

Sun Sensitivity, please wear high SPF sunscreen everyday or you will burn like beacon. I wear SPF 70 and still get red like a tomato. Mild depression, tiredness, irritable, social detachment. Lack of concentration in school/work

IT Works! Miracle Drug! everyone handles this med differently. Make sure you drink plenty of water, use sunscreen each day, eat healthy, monitor side effects, don't drink, be very honest to your doctor, and enjoy the beautiful skin. :)
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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