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 7, 2009
Cons:
dry lips and skin, somewhat expensive, monthly blood tests
This product is amazing! Im starting my third month and the skin on my face is almost 100% cleared up and feels so smooth! My dermatologist said my face cleared up a lot faster than most people and I'm not sure if it's because I changed my diet and started eating healthy foods or not, but im very fortunate for it to have worked so fast. I still get a few bumps and acne spots every now and then but I haven't had any crazy severe break outs since I've been on Accutane. I don't really like paying for refills every month and having to get blood tests every month but in the end it's totally worth it. Also the dry skin and lips aren't that big of a deal, just use a good product lotion like Aveeno and chapstick. The only thing really left on my face are some acne scars/marks that my dermatologist said will slowly fade and dissapear over time. If everything has failed and nothing is working Accutane is a must!!
April 6, 2009
Pros:
Cleared my skin up. ive had acne for 7 years and tried countless pills and creams but this is the only thing that worked. All my oil went away and acne slowly cleared up.
Cons:
easily sun burned and dry lips! probably the worst thing about it but it wasnt that bad. acnes coming back
do it. if ance is ruining your life like it has for so many just do it. the medication effects everyones body differently but it does the job. once my acne cleared up i became so happy and confident. bad news is ive been off of it for 8 months and ive been breaking out again so i may go on another course.
March 13, 2009
Pros:
Completely cleared up my acne. The results lasted for about 10 years.
Cons:
The acne eventually came back but never as bad as before. The side effects may out weigh the benefits for some people. Also can be expensive if your insurance doesn't cover it.
When taking it (60 mg daily for 20 weeks) my skin and eyes were so dry and lips were horribly chapped. Could not wear any foundation while on it. Skin just flaked off. Had a HORRIBLE break out about a week after starting medicine, so bad I didn't leave my house for days. After about a month my skin was smooth like a baby! Yes it was dry but if you exfoliate and moisturize throughout the day it looked really good. My results lasted for a long time. Now in my 30's I have mild acne on my chin and around my mouth that I manage with over the counter med's. But not bad enough to repeat Accutane.
February 27, 2009
Pros:
The skin on my face is pretty clear after a 9 month Accutane regimen. Its a lot better than it used to be. I dont feel like I need makeup as often anymore.
Cons:
Often proclaimed to be the end all be all cure, but may not completely get rid of your acne. My body acne is back after 2 months of being off the treatment.
Try it if nothing else works for you. It may not completely cure your acne, but it will make it a lot better.
February 27, 2009
Pros:
none
Cons:
I lost my night vision because of acne. No amount of pimples is worth that, trust me.
It should be illegal. No medicine this strong should be used for a non life threatening condition.
January 30, 2009
Pros:
This medication worked so well after I first took it. My skin cleared and looked great for a year or two.
Cons:
Unfortunately, I've taken it 3 times--each time my acne (cystic) came back. It did not give me permanent relief. After each course the less success I had. Joint pain/slow skin healing long after I was done taking accutane.
Torn. Worked great at first and felt wonderful when my skin cleared. Unfortunately each time my acne came back and just as bad (cystic all over face). My skin still breaks out ALL the time. It takes forever for even the tiniest zit to heal (always have red marks for weeks after the tiniest zit-whether i pick at it or NOT!!). My skin is very particular/sensitive to everything. I think my skin doesn't look as vibrant or nice as it could. I still have very dry lips ALL the time and my skin isn't as elastic or fresh looking. I have knee pain quite often and I feel it is a permanent side effect from the medication (never have had knee injuries). So, loved it when my skin looked good--but hate that it didn't last. I'll never look good a day in my life.
January 23, 2009
Pros:
Works wonderfully. I've been clear for well over a year now.
Cons:
I was on accutane for about 6 months and was absolutely miserable for the duration. I had severe headaches, was constantly tired, and had the typical back pain and pain in the hips and knees. Also extremely dry skin and bloody noses occasionally.
What's 6 months out of your life to have some inconveniences? The drug is not going to prevent you from going about your daily life. To me it has been amazingly worth it to carry around chapstick and saline solution for a few months. The payoff is amazing, and I would recommend that anyone who is even considering this treatment just go for it. I spent too many years of my life being insecure about my skin, and spending thousands of dollars on products that didn't work. Just do it, it will without a doubt be worth it.
January 19, 2009
Pros:
clear skin, gets rids of deep acne, helps scarring, helps me feel better about myself
Cons:
dry lips, sensitive skin ( bruise/cut easier) bloody noses
Its so worth the money, I have been suffering from horrible acne since seventh grade, and once i got on this program its been clearing up quicker than ever. the dry lips suck, but i use the lip gloss/chapstick from bath and body works and it works great. bottom line: its the best stuff ive ever used
January 4, 2009
Pros:
This medication clears up acne so well-i felt normal again. I used to get irritation from shaving, it went away while on accutane. My nodular acne disappeared and is staying away.
Cons:
Dry skin and lips, blood tests monthly, and hassle with iPLEDGE program.
I have had acne for 8 years. I have always been afriad to wear certain clothes becuase of how much acne was on my chest and back. I have tried so many over-the-counter treatments and prescription drugs, that it's just sad. I was finally recommended accutane and i doubted it at first. I didn't want to have to be on birth control, and i thought a five month program was too long. I tried it about a year ago, and on the second month my face was amazingly clearer. unfortunatly, my acne came back about two months ago, and i think it was because i had a lot of gaps monthly between medication because of the hassle of the iPLEDGE program. My doctor put me on it again exactly 26 days ago-and my face is clearing up again.
January 4, 2009
Pros:
very clear skin, blackheads are starting come out.....getting comments all the time about how good my skin looks!
Cons:
extremely dry/cracked lips..seems to go in spurts. Aquaphor and vit e applied to the lips works great. taking vit e geltabs as well 800 IU to help with dryness. Very sore back and neck all the time, and annoying intestinal problems.
I've been taking it for a month and half and on a very low dose of 20 mg. Next month going up to 40 mg. Right now just experiencing the sore back muscles and intestinal issues. The lips are doing good for right now and my face is clear. I have suffered from acne since 13 or so, I'm 25 now and have tried antibiotics, topical retin-A, Proactiv and nothing works permanently.
Pros:
Stops breakouts, clears up skin, prevents new breakouts