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 3, 2009
Cons:
Had four sinus infections during the time I took the medication. It could get very painful, and the sore skin in my nose caused bleeding. Sore eyes, chapped lips, feeling sore and stiff to a degree, etc.
I would have thought it was worth it if it had cleared me up permanent. I was unfortunately in the 20% who get the acne back - I suspect it is because I get the acne due to hormones.
July 1, 2009
Pros:
I haven't had any bad breakouts since I started, which is amazing! I've had a few pimples come up, but they're never bad and they're not there for as long as they used to be.
Cons:
Dry skin on my face and around my elbows. Lips are dry after the first week, a few cracks and bleeds, but it's not too bad.
It's working faster than anything I've taken, which for me is saying quite a lot. I've tried Pro Activ, and other topical ointments, antibiotics, but this has given me the best results so far.
June 28, 2009
Pros:
I went through two total Accutane treatments. It a lot of work to remain strict to diet and deal with side effects. It worked well after the first 6 weeks and for a year following treatment. But acne returned.
Cons:
Acne returned approximately a year after the first 6 month treatment ended. I tried a second 6 month prescription and acne returned about 18 months after treatment ended.
Had I known I would not have a lasting effect from using the Accutane I would never had taken it. I had tried several antibiotics before Accutane with luck, but did not want to stay on them for extended periods of time. I have actually had my best luck and am totally clear after finding out about this web site and giving Dan's regimen a try (with nothing to lose). After two weeks my acne has totally cleared up and has remained away for the past month. I hope it continues to work as well as it has been. I wish I would have found out about this site earlier and saved me time and money.
June 27, 2009
Pros:
After one week of being on accutane, i have been getting a lot of white heads, but no larger pimples. something seems to be happening, and hopefully my skin will get clearer soon.
Cons:
Dry Lips, Skin, Eyes... sensitive skin in general... have been feeling even more fatigued than usual, not sure if that is related to the accutane.
I've only been on accutane for one week. Somethings definitely seems to be happening. I've been getting a lot of whiteheads on my face, but no substantial pimples. I'm hoping after a few more weeks, I'll see a lot more improvement.
June 25, 2009
Pros:
it cleared acne very fast
Cons:
dry lips blurred vision abdominal pain joint pain and alot more.
it works very well but it can do so much bad stuff to you. i am not taking it now i was but my doctor said to stop do to side effects and now she wants me to take it agian and i think that i will cuz i am already breaking out agian. You may want to do it or you may not but you have to check risks and benifets is it worth all side effects it may or may not be.
June 5, 2009
Pros:
clear skin
Cons:
dry lips/arms, eyes
tiredness
breakouts when switching doses
I'm on my final course of it, just started again. I absolutely love it. Was actually able to not wear makeup when going outside. major plus!! I noticed that during the couple of months in between my hair started falling out alot and my nails were really brittle and kept breaking. but i went on pre-natal vitamins and that all went away. I'm not too excited to go back to the sporatic breakouts, but hopefully now that i can kinda wear less foundation everyday that will help. But i totally recommend it, the results cannot be beat!!
May 21, 2009
Pros:
reduce oil dramatically,slow down possibility of new acene
Cons:
dry eyes and chapped lips
when i had the worst acene,the doctor recommended Isotretinoin to me,i tried it but afraid of its side effects. However i still insisted to use it for one year,i found my skin get better and the acene will almost not come to me. So i stopped taking it,two months after that,nightmare!,my acene came back again and become severe day by day.
I feel desparately now and i am hestating if i should take it again to cure my acene.I am planning to marry my boyfriend this year and we won't refuse a child then.If i take it now,i will not be a reponsible mother. who can tell me what should i do?
May 19, 2009
Pros:
been on this for 2 weeks and have had not 1 new spot in that time, i have zero side effects so far apart from constant belly ach, but if my skin stays spot free i will take the belly aches every day!!!
Cons:
none yet apart from stomach pain
seems to be working so far
May 16, 2009
Pros:
Clears acne toward the end of treatment and for a few months after.
Cons:
Do not be fooled by this treatment. Acne will disappear for a few months after treatment. Have tried many other potential solutions before Accutane. Been off of Accutane for about a year and acne is coming back.
If you have oily skin, then just deal with it. Nothing can cure this problem, not even Accutane. Accutane is simply a temporary solution to acne for most people. When I was on the treatment, my face became clear, however, severe side-effects occurred. These included extremely chapped lips, severe nosebleeds 3 times a day, weakened bones, etc. 2 months after treatment I broke my foot in 3 places when I semi-rolled my toes over. I had done this countless times before (this prob. being the least severe), but because this medication weakens your bones, I snapped all 3 of them. In addition, you practically have to live in a bubble while on Accutane. Meaning no drinking alcohol, playing sports, etc. Unless you have been through multiple other treatments, I would not recommend this product to anyone. 6 months of hell are not worth a few months of clear skin. Acne will return.
May 8, 2009
Pros:
Oil reduced. No more breakouts after 1st month. Face feels much smoother.
Cons:
Has done nothing for large closed comedones yet- maybe even a little worse.
Nearly at the 2 month mark of Accutane and although I can feel a difference in the texture of my face, the photo comparison from day one isn't impressive. I'm happy that the large pustules and cysts have stopped forming completely, however I'm still plagued by hundreds of bumps which are very visible, even under make-up. My face is also very discoloured and uneven from the previous breakouts (which ceased after month 1) however I am reassured that these marks will fade over time. Hopefully only a few light scars will remain, which I will tackle post treatment. Overall Accutane is doing what it's meant to: successfully reducing breakouts.
Pros:
Cleared up skin nicely temporarily.