Accutane Or Retin A Information

Accutane Or Retin A Posts

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I have Accutane and Retin-A at my disposal... How should I use them? I have mild acne... not very bad but i'm 23 and I think i shouldn't have to deal with this. I have gotten a hold of Accutane 20MG - 90 Pills and Retin-A 0.05% .. 2 large tubes. I'm fully equipped. I don'tt have TOO much experience with this. I have taken Accutane when i was 16 and it worked great.. My dermatologist recommended the retin-a for me but I have read some disastrous things about it.. Should I do the Retin-A only.. or the Accutane? Or should I do both? If so..what dosage of Accutane or Retin-A or both? Help please!

Meg replied: "I would not advise taking Accutane without being under a doctor's supervision. It can do some pretty significant liver damage, or significantly raise your cholesterol, which is why those who are on Accutane are highly monitored to make sure that clearing up their skin isn't going to kill them...Also, given that most Accutane dosages are 40-60mg a day, you would only be looking at one to one and a half months on a drug that is usually prescribed for at least four months. I can assure you, any bad things you have heard about Retin-A are probably less severe than the worst case scenarios of Accutane. They are basically the same drug...Retin-A is the topical version, and Accutane is oral. Obviously rubbing it on your skin is going to cause less significant problems than letting it loose in your body. It works pretty darn well for a topical medication. If nothing else, I would say to try it first, use it a month or so, and see what happens. Good luck!"

retin-a and accutane? I've just been prescribed accutane. I forgot to ask my doctor if I can use topicals while on it. I'm assuming that since she knows I was applying retin-a, I can continue using it? I also read the pamphlet about accutane and it says nothing about using topicals, just to avoid scrubs and dermabrasian. Any advice? Thanks.

hellooooooo =D replied: "i'm about to go on accutane and was told by my dr that i wouldn't need to use topical creams etc once on the drug. but i think she sort of said that if i needed to i could. just keep using the creams if you need to and ask your dr on your next visit xx"

Don't Call Me Shirley replied: "I wouldn't recommend using any tropicals whatsoever. The accutane is already working to get everything out of your system, plus your skin is ultra-sensitive while on it, so the peeling effects of retin-a and the peeling of accutane might make you go really red and make your face feel like it's on fire."

Meg replied: "You should discontinue your use of the Retin-A. Accutane is very drying, and using the Retin-A at the same time can make your skin even more red and peely. If you have cystic flare ups, I don't see the harm in applying some, but as far as your regular routine goes, it is just going to make your skin miserable and even more sun sensitive. You don't have to take my word for it...if you call your dermatology office, their staff is probably very used to Accutane questions and can likely answer any questions you have."

Would Retin-A or Accutane help with blackheads? I used the lowest concentration of Retin-A (generic) and while it cleaned up my pimples, it did not prevent blackheads.

RR17 replied: "I think those are overkill for blackheads...."

The Un-Cola replied: "Maybe you should use a stronger Retin-A. There are alot of other acne medications avalible. Ask your doctor what else they recommend. Accutane is really only for people with severe cystic acne, not just black heads."

maxwellslittlesister replied: "Accutane works by slowing down the production of sebum (oil) in the skin. Apparently it works to the point of almost shutting down the sebum glands in some cases. Therefore, it would work for blackheads, which are just like whiteheads without the "infection" leading to the pus."

Is accutane gel (.05%) the same as retin-a gel? I have heard the effects of accutane are permanent. Is this the same as retin-a gel and are the effects of retin-a permanent? I've seen accutane gel advertised under the name "Isotrex".

mrgumpy replied: "Retin-a contains retinoin. Accutane and Isotrex contain isotretinoin. Both retinoin and isotretinoin are synthetic derivatives of Vitamin A. In some people a single course of treatment produces a permanent improvement in their skin. For others, further treatment may be required. Talk to a dermatologist before using the gel, as it can have significant side effects."

how different are Tretinoin (retin-A) and isotretinoin (accutane)? what is the difference? and are they very similar?

Ava replied: "One is a cream/gel the other one is a pill. Accutane and retin-a are both vitamin A, just in different forms. Retin-A or tretinoin (generic name) is a cream/gel that was formulated to be applied to the face and it works from the outside in. Accutane (isotretinoin) is a high dose of vitamin A just like retin-a is, but instead it is in a oral medication that works from the inside out. for example: if you have a cut in your hand you will use a topical antibiotic because that is all you need to prevent it from getting worse. But imagine if it gets infected you will need something stronger so they would give you an oral antibiotic. Same with the accutane and retin-a. Retin-A is for mild to moderate acne while Accutane is for severe acne."

Is Retin A the same as Accutane ? HELP!! HELP !!? Iam moving on from my old medication becasue iam getting no progress. I was gunna take accutane but it has pills and i can barely take them and i probally wont. So then i heard about Retin A. Are they both the same? Retin A is a gel or cream instead of pills. THAT i can take..lol . But are they both the same and what do they contain that is different?..plz plz help !!

llamarama replied: "no, they're not at all the same. Retin-A turned my face orange and dried it out so badly that it cracked. Accutane is a much better option."

RunescapeMan replied: "Acne vulgaris is a common skin disease that results in the formation of pimples, blackheads and white heads. It can be due to a variety of reasons ranging from hormonal activity, diet or stress to bacterial infection. One of the most powerful drugs used in the treatment of acne is Accutane or Isotretinoin. It is a potent prescription medicine that should strictly be taken under the close supervision of a healthcare professional. Straitening is a naturally occurring derivative of vitamin A and is found in moderate amounts in the bloodstream of all people. Four to five months of Accutane treatment usually helps to cure acne completely. Though Accutane is considered as the most effective drug against severe acne, it is found to cause certain side effects. It can lead to serious side effects if taken during pregnancy and result in congenital disorders, miscarriage and premature births. Women who have chances of being sexually active while taking Accutane must take utmost care to use an effective method of birth control. Chapped lips, dry skin and itching, dryness of nose, mild nosebleed, irritation of the eyelids and eyes, joint and muscle pains, temporary hair thinning, rashes, urinary symptoms, headache and depression are other side effects of this drug. Isotretinoin is sold under the brand name of Accutane, Amnesteem, Claravis, and Sotret. However, in low doses it is found to be free of side effects. It is infact considered safer than other acne-controlling medicines which are antibacterial agents, found effective only if used on a daily basis. As accutane is a naturally occurring product, the body removes it from the bloodstream within about nine days of consumption and hence has no long lasting effect on future pregnancies. If taken under strict medical supervision and in a moderate dose Accutane is the most effective treatment for acne. Retin-A or Tretinoin is also a derivative of Vitamin A and is one of treatment of choice for acne. It works by increasing skin cell turnover, leading to the removal of plugged material in the follicles. Though this drug is extremely effective for whiteheads and blackheads, it may take about six to nine months to see a noticeable difference. It is best to apply Retin-A in a thin layer at night and wash your face with a mild facial scrub in the morning. Applying a good water based moisturizer will help reduce the drying and flaking of skin, which is usually considered as the side effect of this medicine. Retin-A is also available as Avita or Renova. So choose wich one is better?"

smackaroodle replied: "no accutane is much more effective"

Is accutane a good product for getting rid of acne, and keeping it away? I have been in Retin-a for two months and all it does is burn and irritate my skin, I hope to be going on Accutane next week, does it work?

jeff p replied: "accutane is the strongest product out there right now so yes it will work no matter what but the side effects is something to watch out for side effects such as extremely dry skin dry chapped lips depression getting tired very easily joint pains"

Cool G replied: "There's no guarantee your acne would go away with accutane but there's a 100% guarantee that it would damage your internal system. Definitely hair loss + dry lips are first to been seen. Anyway you decide."

Sally Jane replied: "I tried this 2 day cure and it worked for me.. you can contact them and get rid of yours in 2 days to "

Sweetie replied: "I had accutane 2 times 5 years ago and it really worked. My boyfriend had it 1 year ago. Last friday I went to the doctor for accutane and he didn't want to give me accutane :( because it's danger and can cause birth defect. He gave me retinol and gonna try it. Hope it works. I used Retin-A a few times 10 years ago and didn't like it. It burned and irritate my skin too. It caused me some breakouts. Hope you will get accutane soon. It will dry your skin and lips . You will need to use moistuzer. You take accutane for 5 months and have to take blood test one tiime a month for 5 months. If you have a girlfriend or wife you can't get her pregnant while you are on accutane. It can cause birth defect. Very dangerous!. Becareful! Take care."

Will I be effected by the side effects of Accutane? Im 15 and ive had moderate acne for about four years now and ive used almost all the products from proactive and solodyne to retin A and doryx. My mother doesn't want me to take accutane because of the severe side effects. I was wondering if taking a low dosage of accutane could be affective for my skin and not have any side effects?

jojoandhiggins replied: "with any drug, there is no promise that there will be no side effects. with accutane having such severe side effects the chances of you having those effects is increased. no way to know for sure unless you take it. i'm not telling u to take it or not take it btw"

Questions replied: "Ive taken accutane b4 i was 23.... your a little too young. if the accutance clears up your skin now, you might have a chance of acne coming back since your body is still changing. Use cetaphil. That stuff rocks. eat right. work out. if your acne is still there when you 16 close to turning 17 then id think about using accutane. Good luck."

jaydubb replied: "Accutane is the greatest acne medicine ever made. Once taken, for it's required time, will stop acne for life. With all good things comes bad. Accutane has EXTREMELY severe side effects. The worst being that if you get pregnant within a year (maybe 2?) the baby will have deformities. A lower dosage will do nothing. It must be taken in full strength to work. A lower dosage does'nt reduce it's side effects either. My daughter took it at the age of 17 and has never had acne since."

Dr. Frog can fly! replied: "A good doctor will start at the lowest dose to meet your needs. Accutane dosage is based on body weight and acne severity. Common side effects you should expect are: dry skin, dry cracked bleeding lips, nose bleeds caused by dry nasal passages, dry eyes/ eye infections caused by dry eyes. Some muscle pain is normal -severe pain is not. To remedy these side effects use a saline spray for your nose, artificial tears for your eyes and lots of Cetaphil cream, not lotion for your skin, Chapstick SPF 15 for your lips. The rare, serious side effects are liver damage, depression/suicide, headaches/brain damage. these are very, very rare. Make sure you ask your doctor before you take any medication or vitamin/supplement as these can sometimes cause severe DANGEROUS drug interactions. If you would like, feel free to email me with any specific questions you may have. If I don't have the answer, I can definitely point you to a trusted website."

sweetramone88 replied: "Hi Joe. I'm twenty and have been dealing with acne since I was about ten. It's a long road and a cabinet full of ointments and astringents and horse-pills that don't do anything. I questioned Accutane because it worked so well for my brother. He dealt with some depressing side effects. As did I when I took the "generic" brand. I was in turmoil. Woo, it was bad. It made my creases around my eyes and mouth burn very badly too. It's part of the process that it dries you up like that so, if you do end up taking it, I advise a lot of Vaseline for your lips and a routine moisturizing session for your face per every few hours. I'm not sure I will ever use Accutane because for women, you have to get blood work once a month, prove you're using three types of birth control and give them details on whether or not you're sexually active. All because it can cause serious defects to babies. Even before they're produced just by having been in the system. Please choose wisely. I know a life with acne can really hurt. I've had my days where I don't believe I'll ever be cured. I just recently started using Solodyn (pill) and Epiduo (topical). Good results thus far. Check 'em out? Good luck, honey."

Rockafella47 replied: "A word of advice, I was on Accutane for 3 and half months last year. I had horrible acne and it worked like a charm, BUT be warned its not a smooth ride, if you read through the countless side effects like trouble seeing in the dark, horrible back pain, painfully dry skin, thoughts of suicide and its not good for your liver either. I couldnt smile my lips were so dry, it hurt to sleep or lift anything, I felt weak, I did feel like committing suicide constantly and I dreaded taking the pill. I stopped taking it early because I couldnt take it anymore. Some people do react differently to it with little side effects and I was taking a relatively high dose; 60mg a day. In the end though it worked, my acne is completely gone and hasnt come back. If I knew what Id have had to go through I wouldnt have taken it, but it does work. Just know your acne will get much worse before it gets better and it will stay that way until you stop taking it and be prepared for some rough months."

Wendy replied: "I don't think it is worth it use accutane because of the severe side effects. but if you are really, really, really, really want to use it, ask your doctor first and not risk it. dermatologist only prescribe them as the last option due to strong side effects. i would suggest natural acne medication or detox diet. they are surprisingly effective but since its all natural, there are little or no side effects at all. here's more info. i hope this would help."

nicole replied: "There is a huge list of possible side effects from Accutane. Most of these are very rare and some are even debatable. I'm currently at the end of my third month of Accutane and have been taking 50mg/day throughout my entire course. The only side effects I have experienced are dryness, back pain if I bend over or when I lay down, joint pain if I run, and tiredness. It is possible that more serious side effects could occur, however. It would be best to discuss things with your derm while your mother is with you and see what can be done."

Has anyone ever been on Accutane for acne? I have acne and use Retin A micro...it keeps it at bay but doesn't completely rid it. My derm. recommends me use Accutane but I won't because of the sever side effects. I just wondering if anyone's taken accutane and whether or not it helps and their side effects.

BellaCata replied: "I did. It has a lot of long-term *after you stop using* and short term side effects. Cholesteral goes up. Liver function changes - and not in a good way. Infertitility can be caused - I had a friend that happened to and her doctor was just like 'well you were warned'. Very dry skin is normal - but drinking a lot water helps. Peeling can occur, itching, nose bleeds, rectal bleeding etc. Since it permanently shrinks oil glands to work, later in life that can be a problem. Depression is very common. It doesn't work perfectly for all people - so you can get side effects and still have acne. Have you ruled out all other choices? Been allergy and IGg food sensitivity tested - because those can cause acne and most people don't know they have them until they stop eating the food and feel better."

I want to get on Accutane but I heard my dermatologist will only give it to me if I make a good argument? I realize all the consequences and side-effects. I also have been on Retin-A for a long time with very little results. I have extremely oily skin (very shiny by 9 am). This is a new dermotolgist and I have an appointment tomorrow. I'm scared of needles also but willing to deal with it. I'm not sure how to convince my doctor to allow me to try it.

CrazyCat99 replied: "Generally you will have to have exhausted all other products and methods and after zero success then you would be considering a suitable candidate for Accutane. Some won't prescribe it unless you Have cystic acne that penetrates deeper in the skin and is known to cause scarring. Other doctors will hesitate to prescribe it to females in general due mainly to the birth defects that it causes. If you really want to give Accutane a try, and meet with some resistance from your dermatologist then seek out a different physician. It's really your choice as to whether or not you want to take Accutane despite any issues involved."

Elo replied: "What are you in a debate? If he has valid reasons for NOT wanting to give it to you then he needs to speak up. If not then say your argument is "if you don't give it to me I'll see another doctor get a second opinion". Why would you have to explain anything to him..."