Acne.org Products
Oral Retinoid
Efficacy
87%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
Note: Use with EXTREME CAUTION: Causes severe birth defects and fetal death.
Oral Retinoid
Acne.org’s Real World Take
The nuclear option. It works reliably and provides long-term remission of acne, and even severe acne, in about ⅔ of people who properly take an adequate dosage. However, it permanently and irreversibly changes the skin and the body forever and users may experience long-term side effects for the rest of their lives. It’ll nuke it, but there is no going back.
Oral Retinoid
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this medication. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one.
Used Isotretinoin (Accutane®)? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
October 5, 2009
Cons:
Headaches, nosebleeds, eczema, hair loss, headaches, dry skin, chapped lips, dizziness, occasional joint pain, breakouts, fatigue, difficulty focusing.
This stuff is *rough* on your body: it's no picnic, but if you can make it through all the side-effects, you should see results. Be warned, though, that it can interrupt your concentration. If you have a particularly mentally-intensive job (or schoolwork), you may not feel up to it all the time!
September 17, 2009
Pros:
supposidly cures acne, will at least help acne and is usually only prescribed to people who have tried alot of other treatments that havent worked.
Cons:
not everyone gets the results they wish for
iv been on isotretinoin for about a month now, im taking 30mg a day and noticed that my lips are really dry and so is my skin, i cant wash my hair evryday as its also dry, i also keep getting nose bleeds as its even drying my nose out! i have alot of spots under my skin as well as blackheads and of course the common spot, i have noticed that after only a short time that my blackheads are clearing up and my forhead which is where alot of my spots are, are also disappering, i will be put on a higher dose later on.
even with the uncomfortable side affects it still a great feeling to know your trying to do somthing about your skin, and if it doesnt work you can try another alternative.
prviously i was on dianette and that was horrible, it didnt agree with me at all but i stuck with it for 9 months and after seeing no improvment in my skin stopped taking it.
talk to your doctor as much as possible so they can get a good understanding about whats going on and continue to make a f
September 8, 2009
Pros:
it cleared up all my acne that i had for years that was very servere
Cons:
the product worked but at took forever, i almost gave up plenty of time and my lips was dry is ever. it made my face 10x worst and i couldn't deal with it. i had the worst case because it took 12 weeks to clear and that was the biggest pain in my LIF
if there is no solution just get accutane as last resort because i believe it works for anybody its just a matter of patience because im clear and feeling good and acne cause some people insecurity
September 8, 2009
Pros:
amazing!no more pimples!!(btw i had nodular cystic acne)
Cons:
dry skin,lips,nosebleeds,rashy arms,red acne scars a bit of redness
get it
September 4, 2009
Pros:
clear up acne and blackheads, less oily face and scalp. My pores are less visible and face feels smoother.
I get one or two tiny zits around my period now; not completely get rid of acne but has definitely helped a lot.
Cons:
dry lips, corner of mouth is flaky. Face is prone to redness and feels sore, especially after washing and brief sun exposure. Also have occasional eczema on arms. Mood swing and was more paranoid.
I am in my mid 30's and suffered from acne since as a teen. Like all acne sufferers, bought most OTC acne products and was prescribed everything my derm could think of and was able to stay clear until one day my acne could not be controlled then I was prescribed Accutane as my last resort.
On 40 mg /day and near the end of my 5th month of a six month course. The initial 2 months was the worst because of the IB and dryness. After 2 months, my face started to clear up and I got compliments. Body soreness after exercise and more severe toward the end of my course. Becasue I still get 1-2 small zits around my period and my derm told me Accutance does not help get rid of hormonal acne, so I may go on a low dose maintenance course.
My Liver enzyme went up slightly by the 4th month so to say this drug is strong is not an overstatement. It works, but MUST be careful with this drug, get regular check up and blood work is important
August 31, 2009
Pros:
clears up the skin, less oily
Cons:
dry lips, flaky/dry skin
Take it! I'm about half way through with the 6 month duration and it hasn't been bad at all. I was on 60 mg for about 2 months and then my dosage was upped to 80 mg which i just started recently but I am able to go back down to 60 if it bothers me too much. I still get some acne but it's not so bad.
August 24, 2009
Pros:
All is going well. I can feel the dead skin star to flake, like especially on my nose. The dermatologist said i will get a heap of blackheads then they will reveal all the nice skin underneath. I can't wait to be 100% clear.
Cons:
-Just a tad bit of lip dryness
I've been on 40mg a day for 1 month now. I have had no side effects except dry lips which are easily manageable. I can't wait to see the full results! Only 5 months to go haha.
August 19, 2009
Pros:
Cleared my skin completely :)
Cons:
pushed out a few piercings, dry lips, flaky scalp, weak hair, constant nosebleeds, sun sensitivity¬ being able to get wrecked ;) & no waxes for 10 months.
I tried everything to get rid of my acne as i got bullied at school for it.
After nothing worked- the doctor suggested it, but didn't recommend it as can have varied side effects.
Regular check-up's and all the con's seemed worth it in the end!
Although i have had a few little spots here and there- better than acne!
I am still not allowed to wax- and because my skin is still sensitive after the treatment, all my piercings are ripping out (luckily, not painful!- just a complete waste of money!) Well, i did get it for free i suppose :)
August 11, 2009
Pros:
Fantastic stuff. I had tried everything and doctors would give me regimens that just about burned my face off but this is amazing. After a month my skin was clear and only had a few blackheads (but they were reduced) and temporary discoloration.
Cons:
Dry lips and sun sensitivity (try going off of it for the summer) and pregnancy tests for females
It's all worth it. all you have to do is the basic wash your face and moisturize and take the pill. Thats it. However I highly suggest stocking up on the chapstick. Bring this up to your doctor if they havent!
August 2, 2009
Pros:
Reduces Oil Production Drastically (e.g., no more oily/shiny face); Takes Time But Eventually Clears Acne; Easy to Take & Effective; Generic = Affordable with Insurance
Cons:
Dry Face, Body, Eyes, [inside of] Nose; Chapped Lips; IPledge if Female [hassle]; Makes You Tired & Leaves You With "Cloudy Brain" Feeling. Leaves Body Kinda Achy.
Despite the Minor Side Effects, it is Definitely Worth Trying. I am on my 7th & Last Month & I haven't broken out in a week. It took the full 6 months to finally see the results I was looking for. Definitely try if nothing else works. Side effects are manageable.
Pros:
Dries oily skin. Eventually clears up breakouts.