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
July 26, 2008
Cons:
After two years my acne came back worse than before. During the 5 months of taking it I had horrible breakouts, super dry skin, rashes on my hands, dry, cracked, bleeding lips and nose bleeds.
I took Accutane when I turned 18. When I was done taking it my skin broke out for a couple of more months and then it was absolutely perfect for about 2 1/2 years. Then all hell broke loose and my acne came back much worse than before (moderate before...moderate/severe now). Even though 2 1/2 years of perfect skin was worth it, don't think I would do it again. I think Accutane is an absolute God send for some people...just didn't work for me :(
May 28, 2008
Pros:
It clear up acnes within 3 months.
Cons:
Hair loss (Almost alway Diffuse Alopecia Areata or Telogen Effluvium), Scarring, Persistant Red Marks that stay for up to a year or more adnormal bumps.
Only take Accutane if you're suffering from persistant moderate acne to severe cystic nodular acne. The side effects were just not worth it if you're suffering from mild acne only.
May 24, 2008
Pros:
Great skin for a few years
Cons:
Doesn't last forever for everyone :(
Dry lips, nostrils and eyes.
Thinning hair and UV sensitivity.
I was on ro-accutane about 10 years ago for over a year. At first I was thrilled and have enjoyed acne free skin for several years, however I am now back on the acne roller coaster at 29 :( I have tried every product out there and am now on Doxycyline which is having no effect whatsoever. I am completely frustrated as I take such good care of my skin and yet it looks like I'll have to give ro-accutane or similar another go.
May 23, 2008
Pros:
I hope Accutane is the SOLUTION to cure acne.
Cons:
I can put up with any, clear skin is worth it!
I am 22 years old. I suffer from acne since I was in 7th grade. I wear makeup everyday to cover up my acne. Throughout the course of the years, I find myself wearing more and more. Liquid foundation and powder at the same time, and even reapplying foundation 2x/day to cover up. I am tired of covering up my skin, it's only getting worse with all the makeup. But I CANNOT leave the house without it. I have thought about getting on accutane and after reading all of these reviews, I am very excited and HOPEFUL. I am just waiting to get insurance. All these CONS like dry skin, etc...if accutane works and it does what it is suppose to do...CLEAR SKIN...it is all worth it to me. I am tired of waking up every morning and hiding my ance face. I need a solution and am eager to start.
May 10, 2008
Pros:
Its got rid of my acne, my blow dry lasts longer coz my scalp isnt oily!
Cons:
Dry everywhere, nosebleeds, headaches and moody. You cant wax!! oh and its expensive.
My dermatologist says he will perform laser treatment to get rid of the scars. Even like this my skin looks tons better. But you definately need to be aware of the side effects otherwise you can panic after they start to happen.
May 7, 2008
Pros:
My face wasnt getting oily the first day i started using it!! And it wasnt even really that dry either!
Cons:
My face/lips arent really dry. Im getting back pain but I havent been moody. I feel the same and I feel great (excpet for my back, but its not too bad)
Its awesome so far! I dont think Im getting much results yet because I just started but I think its been helping prevent breakouts because I havent had a breakout since. :)
Just be careful while taking it! If you feel suicidal or depressed, PLEASE remember its just the medicine. If its getting out of hand, please please please stop taking it immediately!
May 1, 2008
Pros:
Completely cleared my skin with in two weeks.
Cons:
Severe headaches, mood swings, slight depression.
This was my miracle drug! After having mild/moderate acne for almost 5 years, this was the only medicine that i completely satisfied with. I was the most confident i had ever been in my whole life. After being on it for 2 months, i started to get severe sharp headaches to the point where i couldn't take it anymore. Although it worked so well, i felt like i was killing my body.
April 21, 2008
Pros:
clearer skin, no oil,
Cons:
dry lips, face, body
rashs on hand arms and legs
bloody nose(not a lot though)
accutance works, i've used proactive, antibiotics, tazorac, all the over-the-counter products for about 5 or so years now. none of it works.
ive been on accutane for about 3 months now and my skin is beginning to clear up. i have one pimple or cyst every two weeks or so instead of waking up to a new one everyday. my skin is alot less oily. there is the issue of dryness buy chapstick and lotion can help that. i didnt have an initial breakout like other people so im happy but kinda scared that it might not of happened yet.
but overall try accutane if you can, if it dosent work out then simply stop. but im pretty sure it will.
April 15, 2008
Pros:
Beautiful skin, no longer oily, great compliments, its terrific! Ususally I would have to wash my hair everyday because I was so oily...now I can go a whole week without washing my hair!
Cons:
CHAPPED LIPS...NOSE BLEEDS..weird panic attacks, made me turn red when I was hot or nervous ( i wouldn't turn this red before medication)
I love it...I can deal with the weird side effects in order to get my perfect skin. It helped me within 2 weeks...Some people are different than others...I was one of the lucky ones! I have received compliments from my co-workers, classmates, friends, family. It's truely amazing! My sister took it before me, and my mom took it before her, I will keep reccomending it to everyone I know.
April 11, 2008
Pros:
helped clear up acne but not all
Cons:
SYMPTOMS OF SEVERE DEPRESSION
I wish this could be the perfect cure for acne but it just turned out to be a nightmare for me. The slightly clearer skin was not worth the severe symptoms of depression.
Pros:
After going through 5 months of hell while taking it, I had PERFECT skin for two years.