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 8, 2007
Cons:
I've been on Sotret for 2 months and have no imporvement whatsoever. I hope it will finally kick in.
Doesn't work for everyone.
September 26, 2007
Pros:
none
Cons:
On the 3r day I had a chest pain and I decided to stop taking it.I went to my derm and I have to get a blood test to check if it is affecting my heart if not , I am gonna to take it
dont know yet I just want it to go away
September 14, 2007
Pros:
Cleared up my skin pretty good.
Cons:
My skin was SO dry when i took it. Its been a year since and now my skin is exctly the same way as it was b4 it. Its so hrmful for ur liver i will not take it again and you can only take for 6 mo. dont think about wearing makeup with the flakey skin
Accutane is horrible while you are on it because EVERYTHING is dry- your face, (even your butthole- gross), your lips (i spent about 400 dollars on chapstick- i felt like a chapstick addict), your entire body, your eyes, etc. It's good for 6 months after it.. my skin was pretty clear, but then soon afterwards my skin went right back to normal.. so use this.. and keep up with your derm.. its not a long term thing just keep that in mind, but it does work!
September 10, 2007
Pros:
Clears up and stays for a while.
Cons:
It is expensive with out insurance.
Reduces oil glands which clear up a lot but they can grow back. I have been fighting acne and I would rather have clear skin than anything else. I am thinking about getting on it again because nothing else works and it is the most depressing thing someone can go through in my opinion. Especially when you cant even look yourself in the mirror.
September 7, 2007
Pros:
did provide slight improvement in my skin
Cons:
made my triglycerides go into the 1000s when it was only in the 100s prior to the medication.
The i Pledge system sucks. I could only take the medication for 3 months because of its effect on my triglycerides. If you do take this medication, be sure to get blood work done every month.
September 3, 2007
Pros:
After about 6 months my skin was absolutely flawless! It appeared as though I had no pores. My skin was oil free and super smooth.
Cons:
The first time on it symptoms may be uncomfortable for some. Most common symptoms include dry lips, bloody noses, and skin sensitivity. Also after a yr or so of being off of it, acne may come back. Monthly blood testing is often required.
Over the past 8 years I have been using this drug off an on (started at age 14). The first time my symptoms were more apparent, super dry lips and bloody noses sometimes daily (granted I've always been prone). This was because when you are initially on this drug the first time you are required to take 1-2 pills a day for a treatment period of 6 mo. (typically from what I know). Once I finished this treatment my skin was absolutely incredible!! I cant stress it enough; perfectly even, smooth, and soft. Although after a year or so of having this gorgeous skin I started to break out again. So I went back on but only took 1-2 pills a week. This was ideal, absolutely no side effects or skin sensitivity except if the air was dry I would get a slight bloody nose (this can be controlled with saline nose spray to moisten your membrane though). Again my skin was completely free of imperfections. Not only does this skin clear acne but it improves the skin tone and texture, which I loved.
August 24, 2007
Pros:
I thought the premise of the drug sounded viable
Cons:
nothing good came of it
I have had moderate acne for years and thought this would be a godsend. NOT! After only 1 month my mucuous membranes were so extremely dried out that my tonsils became chronically infected and eventually removed (I'm 33 and that was painful!). Nine months after my istretinoin trial I still have dry mouth and eyes. Awful experience!
August 19, 2007
Pros:
Really cleared skin within 3 months and i didn't get a new pimple for the remaining 2 months of my treatment. Also smoothed out skin quite a bit
Cons:
Slight decrease in night vision, really dry skin all over, dry lips, and feeling dehydrated all the time.
If you have moderate to severe acne it is definetely worth a try. Most of the side effects are managable and the bay off for having clear skin posibly for a life time is well worth it.
August 14, 2007
Pros:
Accutane is a very strong drug. I have had 3 courses and my acne has returned much less each time. It has definately helped clear up my skin and i have been without it over a year and its not too bad.
Cons:
It really dries out your skin. I would avoid strong sun and sea water. Always carry vasaline for your lips and drink penty of water. Can be very irritating and can occationally caused me some tiredness and aching. Cant really drink so much alcohol.
I am really glad that i have finished with Accutane but it really did make alot of difference. My skin is 90% clear now and i definately recommend it to anyone with suffering from severe acne. My advice would be to do plenty of excercise, clean your skin regularly and always follow the intructions. I would definately recommend anyone with acne to STOP HAVING ALL dairy products. I have also stopped having fizzy drinks and I avoid fast food and sugar, except the occational chinese takeaway. I take zinc and multi vitamins too and it all has made a difference. My acne is definately genetic and is really effected by diet it will be different for everyone, but keep fighting it because eventually you will find something that works. Good luck
August 3, 2007
Pros:
It cleared up my skin very quickly and while on the medicine, I felt great!
Cons:
Once I came off the medicine, I started having side effects. I'm now on medicine for anxiety and my hair is thinning
I used it for five months. It's good for a LAST resort and if you have adult acne. People in highschool -- if you can, WAIT! It's likely your skin will clear up significantly within the next few years.
Pros:
none