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
December 2, 2009
Cons:
Severe Headaches, nose bleeds, dry skin, dry lips, Cholesterol went up, skin rashes, depression, nausea, diarrhea, and night blindness
Every possible side effect u could get I got! I spent the first month locked up in my apartment to depressed to come out. Then all the other side effects started. Taking the drug was a big mistake, something that has that many warnings and federally mandated like it is must be. I only took it for a month and a half until I finally couldn't take it anymore. You should look at all the lawsuits against it before you make the decision to take accutane.
December 1, 2009
Pros:
Clear skin on and off. Last month of it.
Cons:
Flaky skin, bipolar amplifier (I'm bipolar), loss of interest, motivation, personality, etc. Even for my friends who aren't bipolar, it's still a "living hell".
My back acne wouldn't clear up after 2 years of treatment. Now my back has 1 or 2 zits on it and tomorrow is my last dermatologist visit (last month of Accutane). I have very mild bipolar syndrome, and the Accutane makes it worse than it's ever been. IF YOU ARE DEPRESSED OR BIPOLAR DO NOT START ACCUTANE TREATMENT. PLEASE!!!!! You will regret it as I have, but luckily I'm almost done with it. This is purely a last resort medicine.
November 30, 2009
Pros:
nil
Cons:
major disruptive side efects
Discontinue offering this product.It's dangerous.My daughter has suffered in the extreme and has continued using it.This drug is now on the Canadian list of drugs to avoid.Naturally she is feeling better.
November 29, 2009
Pros:
Skin less oily and less irritated in just one week.
Cons:
Gastritis and urethritis.
I could not take this drug. After the first week, I was in constant pain. My stool turned almost black and my stomach was in knots. I had sharp pains in my bladder and burning with urination. My doctor said it's rare to have such a negative reaction but I had to stop. I'm going back to topical retinoids. Tazorac works well enough.
November 28, 2009
Pros:
Smooth skin, less blemishes, overall clear skin
Cons:
very irritable, troubles with concentration and focus, depression, back pains, socially distant, etc...
I'm a 23 year old girl and I've been on accutane for 5 months now and its cleared up greatly within the past few weeks. At first it got worse than before I was on accutane. I have slight mood swings, I'm depressed it's hard to concentrate at work or school my motivation is practically non-existant, I've had minor suicidal thoughts and dreams, friends think I'm not fun anymore when we're out. I just don't feel my old self anymore but I think at the end it's worth it so I gonna stick it out..I would definitely recommend this product.
November 25, 2009
Pros:
ive had severly bad acne for about a year started treatment about a month ago and its gotten really bad and the spots have got BIGGER. gonna stick the treatment out tho.
Cons:
DRY LIPS and MORE TIRED
my skin on my face has gotten dry redish and the spots are starting to scab over but it dont look to nice ): quite inbarrasin to be honust. and im 14 btw.
November 22, 2009
Pros:
Clear skin, no pimples after two months.
Cons:
Dry skin, headaches, high liver enzymes, hair loss, dry lips, fatigue.
Well I was on accutane for four months. Unfortunately I couldn't finish my five month course because of my extreme migraines. I have been off of it for one month and I have perfectly clear skin. I am currently experiencing extreme hairloss though and it is very concerning. I am a girl so I don't want to look like a cancer patient. I hope the hairloss eventually stops because now I have a bald spot. Overall the first three months were great up the last two have sucked thanks to all of the side effects. Oh and I have crappy insurance so it cost a lot
November 21, 2009
Pros:
-PERFECT SKIN as a result
-long lasting results (3 years for me)
-if your acne comes back it won't be as severe as before Accutane
Cons:
-My hair thinned a lot
-regular blood work
-the results are not always permanent
Accutane is a difficult drug to take in that you need to be aware of the side effects. I experienced them all but it was worth it. My skin was 100% clear for about 3 years after wards. I am starting to break out again but it's only on the left side of my face. I have heard that some people need to take it twice for it to work so I'm trying to get back on it again. Even though it didn't clear my skin longer then those 3 years, Accutane has been the only thing to cure my acne long term.
November 20, 2009
Pros:
THIS STUFF IS TRULY A MIRACLE DRUG, NO MORE ACNE!!
Cons:
the treatment sucks, you will have super sensitive and dry skin!! Try to keep it as dry as possible as my dermatologist said : "the dryer the better"
Stick with it! All you youngsters asre complaining its not working after a month or two! ITS TAKES SIX MONTHS!! but last a lifetime... stick with it, its worth it... trust me!
November 19, 2009
Pros:
it works immediately..my acne cleared up as soon as i started taking the medication...
Cons:
if you dont have insurrance it is expensive the blood work and consistent dermo appointments...constant back pain, mood swings, fatigue, headaches, decreased hunger
i started on 30mg for two months then got increased to 40 mg and started to feel different. i was way to tired to function in college and constantly felt depressed. currently i am on 2omg, hoping that i will start to feel like my normal self again...ifyou are thinking about accutane, seriously consider the side effects and if you can handle having to go off the medication if needed...my face is much clearer but i still get break outs along my chin. i am starting to wonder if it is even worth being on such a strong medication for acne that is not that bad in the first place
Pros:
Back and Chest cleared up!