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
August 19, 2009
Cons:
dry skin, lips turned a very pale color (color restored after treatment), eyes looked dry, very serious health risks, had to visit doctor once a month to check for liver complications, made my kinda irritable
This did not work well for me. My acne was moderate, but it was persistent. My skin cleared and stayed clear for months after the treatment, But now, about 1 yr later my acne has returned and im back looking for other solutions :( I know this does work for some, but its not work the health risks or the money to me.
I tryed Doxycyclene a few yrs back, and that, paired with a healthier diet, lots of water and and a consistent skin care regimine offered better results than Accutane ever did for me, without the scary side effects.
August 13, 2009
Pros:
Really helps clear skin up, giving you more confidence.
Side effects are no where near as bad as i had read!
A wonderful product!!
Cons:
really dry lips, get some vaseline.
mild nose bleeds
dry skin
This is a great product much better than anything else out there.
Was worried at first about the side effects but no where near as bad as there were made out to be, might be worse for girls.
If you have a chance to use roaccutane do it as it works!!
August 13, 2009
Pros:
It's clear and smooth. It's not greasy. My facial redness is gone. I'M CLEAR!!!!!!
Cons:
I reacted very badly to accutane. It made my nose dry to the point where it was always clogged with dry blood. Very achy and tired. Horrible rashes and redness were almost constant. Hair loss. Stress fractures form bone weakening.
Despite how badly I reacted to Accutane and the price I would definatly recommend it. My acne was very painful and very obvious, so I'm glad to be rid of it for sure!
August 4, 2009
Pros:
Much less oil after 2 days of treatment
Cons:
Slow healing of existing acne, sensitivity to sun, dry chapped lips, sensitive skin, much worse acne than before beginning treatment
Ive been taking accutane for 2 months now and acne on face is about 2 to 3 times worse than it was before starting treatment, mostly becuase i had alot of acne below the skin before starting treatment so hopefully my breakouts over the past 2 months is the acne coming to the surface, and the fact that accutane slows down the reproduction/healing of skin makes the acne redmarks look worse, hoping to clear up this month or next which is the time most people do. I am currently on 60 mgs a day up to 80 in a few days, i do weigh 190lbs though.
August 2, 2009
Pros:
no oily skin, less breakouts, less oily hair (if that was an issue to begin with), lasts even after finished with your trial
Cons:
chapped lips, drys out all of you (not just your face)
I loved it. I put some moisturizer on my legs and arms to keep them from drying out. My skin was at least 75% better. I still broke out during my period but nothing as close to as bad as before. Even after I stopped taking the pills and it was washed out of my system a month later, my skin was NOTHING as bad as it had been before. Unfortunately, I went for a second time and it didn't seem to work as well, but the first time was absolutely amazing.
July 31, 2009
Pros:
none as of now
Cons:
chapped lips, corners of mouth cut, dry nose, intense break outs on face and back of neck, minor nose bleed, mood swing due to seesaw acne effect
I never had acne until my first year of college. Once it got really intense I tried everything from proactive, to differen, to tetracycline. Now I'm on accutane. So far the drug has shown no improvements. If any thing my acne is become worse than it was. I have been on the pill for about 1 1/2 months and am taking 50mg as of now. Doctors say it could take up to 3 months to work or may not even work at all, I hope I'm not one of these people. I cant remember the last time I had clear skin or felt good about my self. ACNE SUCKS! As acne is prevelent to my family, my 2 sisters and brother have used the drug and recieved amazing results. When will I?
July 30, 2009
Pros:
Clear Skin, No More Oil, gives self-esteem, lesser makeup
Cons:
Dry lips, Mood Swings, Blur vision, Thining Of Hair While Shower, Body Aches,
I would recommend this anyone with medical insurance that has bad acne. It works really well but it is a gamble. Good Luck
July 23, 2009
Pros:
I took Accutane for about 6 months during high school. I had severe acne on my face and back, and could hardly sleep at night because the pain was so terrible. After my cycle was complete, my face was as smooth as the day I was born.
Cons:
Unfortunately, it caused me extreme depression. I couldn't lift my head off my desk, dealt with suicidal thoughts, mania, and extreme anxiety. I tried 6 different medications in a year with no avail but am much better now.
I don't want to scare anyone. If your acne is very severe as mine was, you must weigh the risk versus reward. I think I made the right decision, but I did sacrifice my mental health, although I am a very successful young man. I am okay now, I found the right medication, but still deal with mood swings. If you are a MALE, you are more at risk for the depression, take my word for it. I know it is hard during high school to deal with the embarassment and low confidence. Sometimes I regret taking it, because the depression ruined my high school golf game, and also caused me to lose the love of my life, but I am confident and successful now. If you decide to go through with it, please, for the love of God, make sure your doctor monitors your psychological health.
July 18, 2009
Pros:
clearing in some spots.
Cons:
dry skin. lips.
ive been on accutane for four months now entering my 5th month. im breaking really bad still. all along my cheeks and forhead. i went to the derm yesterday and he raised my dosage up to 120 mgs a day. he seemed disappointed, and knew i was too. he said hes going to leave me on it for an extra month and if i don see results. and gunna be doing another course. im an athletic kid. varsity football jus started and im the captain of the football team and theres a lot on my shoulders. so idk if that is why im breaking out. the results are not coming nearly as fast as i thought, but hopefully this month will change my opinion on the medicine.
July 3, 2009
Pros:
- It works. Period.
Cons:
- Dry, dry, dry.
- Muscle aches.
- Expensive without insurance.
I have just finished my 6 month treatment of Accutane. In brief, little improvement will be seen in the first 3-4 months, with dramatic improvement in the final months. Without insurance, this product can cost upwards of $500 (with insurance, only $10). You will dry out: period. Simply use moisturizers for your lips (Aquaphor) and skin (CeraVe) frequently to combat the dryness. I experienced no depression, but lower back aches occasionally. I no longer develop papules, cysts, pimples, etc. ANYWHERE (including chest and back). Risk of scarring increases with this product, so pop pimples wisely. Use this product only if you are serious about ridding your acne...it's not a joy ride until the end. The end certainly justifies the means.
Pros:
Did clear skin after 6months