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
April 18, 2008
Cons:
minor depression, dry skin, chapped lips, DECREASED SEX DRIVE, overall apathy
This is the best stuff ever, you just have to know how to handle the side effects. Ive been on it five months and im going off next month. My main downside was that i got depressed and had to break up with my girlfriend of two years because of it. It decreased my sex drive like crazy and dried my skin out but as long as you use lotion for your face and vaseline on your lips at night you wont have problems. I wish i could saty on it forever
April 11, 2008
Pros:
Clear up my skin, skin becomes fairer and smoother
Cons:
Vomited blood (in clots)and bleeding nose (usually in my sleep). Palpitating heart.
I used this when I'm 21 Y.O (I'm 26 now). For me the effect is scary enough to make me stop using it. I don't want to be bled dry.
April 8, 2008
Pros:
Totally clean skin, less oily.
Cons:
Dry lips, slightly dry eyes, dry skin of course.
I do believe it's great, a few friends have taken, with the same effect. I don't know why everyone keeps writing about sore muscles?, didn't get any, could be because i work out all the time?, I don't know, but didn't experience any sore muscles at all.
March 30, 2008
Pros:
it has really started to clear up my acne. And made me less oily on my face.
Cons:
At the third week I started getting acne is other places such on arms and legs. It does get worse for a week. If you are a girl and you are at child bearing age you have to go on birth control. WATCH VITAMIN A INTAKE!
Try it!
March 20, 2008
Pros:
It works.
Cons:
chapped lips, dry skin.(Aquphor, Nivea Creme)
This stuff is the truth. My doctor told me he's seen more problems with people constantly taking advil for headaches. Be serious, acne sucks, if you're thinking about taking it, just do it.... im about 2 weeks in and its clearing up. (The nivea creme is thick but i helps with scarring and redness. Its gonna feel greasy and dont use it til your face starts getting really dried out.)
March 13, 2008
Pros:
My face was bad, as with scars and mostly acne. and this thing works and its gone.
Cons:
head aches and hard to PT with.
if nothing alse works for you i say try this product. since i know the price is out ragious but i am in military so they paid for everything! love the military medical services!.
March 3, 2008
Pros:
clear skin...i hope
Cons:
dry lips---not fun esp when prone to cold sores
dry hair and skin patches----
headaches and earaches back pain ---nosebleeds are the worst for me so far
it sucks...its not gonna be fun...but its going to work ....and im going to have clear skin...so grow up deal with the side effects and look to the future
February 26, 2008
Pros:
So far so good, been on it for just over a month. Overall satisfied. Side effects have been kept to a minimal.
Cons:
Very dry lips, using water based lotion on my nose to prevent flaking. Had excema type rash which seems to be spreading.
So far so good, I've been using Accutane for just over one month. I had been on minocycline novo 50mg for quite some time off and on, I increased the dosage to 100mg but my body seemed to be getting immune to it. Since taking Accutane, my acne did not worsen (like the disclaimer said may happen in the first month) and has been improving since. I am using Complex-15 on my nose (water based moisturizer), Hydrocortisone 17-Valerate on my rash (which seems to control it) and Eucerin Emollient from the pharmacist around my mouth to combat dryness. Going to Hawaii in March so will post again when I return to let you know how I did in the sun.
February 23, 2008
Pros:
Had to use it twice in the space of 3 years. Was on it for 6 months the first time. After the 1st round of treatment my skin was great for about 2 1/2 years. Was very happy with the way my skin looked & felt at the time.
Cons:
Very drying to lips, mouth, & various spots on my body. Very expensive. A hassle to go for the blood work. After 1 month on the 2nd course of treatment I had severe problems.
Use you & your Dr's judgement regarding your experience with it and the pros and cons involved. Personally I can't use it again. The second time I used it, I became extremely agitated, mood swings and had panic attacks. Not totally sure if this was from the Accutane, but since then I was diagnosed with MDD,(Major Depressive Disorder). I believe I was suffering while on Accutane, but hadn't been diagnosed or on any medications for it. Because of the extreme side effects the second time around my Dr. and I decide I should stop.
February 1, 2008
Pros:
Clearer skin since about the second week into taking it.
Cons:
MAJOR side effects! No insurence=VERY costly.
Physical;dry skin, chapped lips, bloody nose, dry eyes and blurred vision, hearing loss, back pain, head aches
Emotional; inability to concentrate, minor depression, apetite loss, ect.
This product should ONLY be used as a last resort. I am extremely disappointed with its effect it has had on my body. I used to have cystl acne so bad it hurt to smile, till I used this product, and I would of like to try to stay on it for my full course of dosage, but my doctor and family begged me to stop because of all of the other negative side effects. Also nothing is guaranteed, acne is known to relapse, which is a major downfall since it is so costly. Almost a waste of money. This is the best my acne has looked in 5 years but the worst I have ever felt physically and emotionally my whole life. PLEASE PLEASE take caution if using this, everyone reacts differently to medications, and if you work with your doctor and watch your body's condition closely I would say go for it, Give it a try, but remember It is a major toss up, physically, emotionally, and financially.
Pros:
clear skin, confidence!