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
September 24, 2009
Cons:
Chapped/Cracked Lips. Spacey/ weird thoughts. Dry skin. But none of those were a huge deal.
After struggling with acne on my face back and chest since i was 11, i'm sooo glad i found a product that works. Anyway, if you are serious about getting rid of your acne for good, get this drug now!
September 22, 2009
Pros:
Spots gone, face has completely cleared up and no more spots left on my back
Cons:
Dry skin, lips, occasional foul moods, tight tendons/ ligaments, should not drink alot of alcohol!
Worked a treat, the spots are gone after 6 months, only problem is that whilst the dry skin eventually calmed down after three to four months, the tight tendons in the back of my feet kicked in which was a pain.
Other than that if you think you need it then go for it. All that is left of the acne on me is the scars on my back which do not hold me back from much :)
September 22, 2009
Pros:
Totally cleared up my face!
Cons:
MINOR chapped lips
I have been taking accutane for 2 months now, and it is a dream come true. My face is so smooth. I got maybe 1 or 2 zits since I started. No more blackheads. And no horror story side effects. Its amazing. I can't wait to see how my face will look when I am done!
September 20, 2009
Pros:
Girls come to me again.
Cons:
I'd like to start it earlyer.
Before trying this I waste a lot of money.
I really recommend you this drug it will change your life.
September 19, 2009
Pros:
All my acne gone! I feel like a human. It WORKS! I had no initial breakout at all, my acne started to disappear since I started taking the drug.
Cons:
Dry lips, dry skin yada yada. Small things only.
It works, it works. It's a miracle drug! I took accutane for 7 months and it was the best thing ever happened me. I feel like a human as i'm not ashamed anymore. I've been without accutane almost 4 months now and my face is still clear! It's just the best... Ofc I fear my acne could come back, but if it does, I take a second course without hesitation. I recommend you do it if you have any doubts! I still remember the daily things were SO HARD to do with my acne, even doing groceries was so hard and now, I can walk out of my flat without thinking how my face looks. Going out feels good and not a struggle anymore, now I can enjoy.
GO FOR IT.
September 19, 2009
Pros:
completely clear skin, no scarring, i can finally feel good about what i look like for the first time since i was 7 years old
Cons:
minor: chapped lips, dry nose, dry skin. no big deal.
best decision i've ever made. i just finished a 5 month course and let me tell you my only regret is not having gone on this miracle drug sooner. the side effects were incredibly minor and i literally saw a decrease in oily skin after the very first day. my skin has just gotten better and better, i had no initial break out whatsoever. i'm so happy since i've gone on this drug, by body just soaked it up and it worked wonders. i've had breakouts on my face, back, arms, and chest since the 4th grade. i was so ashamed and hid them from everyone but i was dying inside knowing what i was covering. i am so happy i went on this drug, i finally feel free to let people get close to me, i don't have to worry about the clothes i wear exposing my body acne. the side effects i had were nothing in comparison to the joy of finally feeling like my face and skin was clear like all my friends. i'm so happy i took this i could cry. i would encourage anyone who suffers with acne to take this pill.
September 18, 2009
Pros:
skin is already clearing up, did not get worse before it got better, feeling more confident already
Cons:
dry lips, eczema on arms, itchy scalp due to dry hair, need SPF 70 to protect face every day, can't be out in the sun for long periods of time, but you get used to it
IF YOU'RE THINKING ABOUT STARTING ACCUTANE, DO IT! I PROMISE IT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE AND ATTITUDE. THINK ABOUT IT, LESS THAN A YEAR OF YOUR LIFE ON THIS DRUG AND A LIFETIME OF CLEAR SKIN!!! QUIT DEBATING IT AND TALK TO YOUR DERMATOLOGIST!!!
September 18, 2009
Pros:
Works AMAZINGLY. All acne (body, face) gone! And usually stays away for a long time.
Cons:
Dry Lips, Suicidal thoughts (depression), Dry Skin. Unfortunatly, it's been about a year since I've last taken accutane and my back has broken out... I get pimples on my hairline too, but I don't worry about those.
Leaves scars!
If you really want to get rid of acne and it's ruining your life, I recommend this medication.
But if you don't care that much, and your acne isn't severe, don't take it.
September 18, 2009
Pros:
Totaly ckeared up my skin. After atleast 10 years of acne and treatments that didnt solve the problem i tried Accutane. It became worse but after about 3 weeks and Retina and bleach for the exsisiting dark marks TRY IT!
Cons:
Dry lips
The bottem line is if you've tried every thing eles now try Accutane. Please consulta a Dr. and keep up woth your blood work. It has workes for me an i feel fine. Plesae try it, st this point youhave notthing to loose. My skin was depressing and very bad, now i get compliments and see a change. I have a new confidince because my skin is nearly "normal"
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
Pros:
Amazing! I have only been using it for 2 months and my acne is almost completely gone!