Oral Retinoid
Reviews
3.9
2791 Reviews
Oral Retinoid
Efficacy
87%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Note: Use with EXTREME CAUTION: Causes severe birth defects and fetal death.
Oral Retinoid
Side Effects
High
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.
Read All About Isotretinoin (Accutane®)
Compare To Other Treatments
5
37.1%
4
33.4%
3
15.5%
2
7.3%
1
6.6%

Used Isotretinoin (Accutane®)? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
December 24, 2008

Pros:

Definite improvement, hardly any outbreaks. Only left with scars.

Cons:

very dry skin and lips, joint pains, high sensitivity to sun, mood can alter slightly.
For me, through the NHS,it took a long long time to get on the medication.GP prescribed me anti-B's,eventually refers to Derm.(6wks wait) ,blood tests...etc

If you're very self concious about it, definitely go for it! But if you see acne as a minor inconvenience the cons may not be worth it.
December 20, 2008

Pros:

Works

Cons:

Dryness

It works, simple as that. You end up with scars because well acne leaves scars and it's not accutane's fault. I had severe acne, and I got cleared up but still have scars which I need to do something but gotta wait 6 months...
December 19, 2008

Pros:

It worked amazingly for about a year 1/2 (smaller pores, no breakouts)

Cons:

EXTREMELY dry skin, chapped lips, monthly blood tests, very irritable, very sensitive skin and can't really go in the sun

this product worked wonders for me for about a year 1/2 and now im breaking out every other day again. They tell you it most likely will clear your acne for the rest of your life, but from what I have heard, it really only seems to clear up your acne for a little while and then you start breaking out again with time. My acne wasn't terrible when I went on accutane, I was just getting large painful cysts, so for all the trouble that you have to go through to be on the medicine, it probably wasn't worth it in the end since my acne is coming back.
December 19, 2008

Pros:

Cleared up my acne very well
Prevented outbreaks for a while
Easy to take

Cons:

Crazy dry skin and lips
I felt depressed a lot
I got angry extremely easily

I took two regiments because my acne was so severe and it worked great to clear up my skin. I was finally comfortable enough to been seen without a shirt on haha. My skin and lips were dry, but I was willing to deal with that. But looking back on my experience, my opinion is different. I got angry very very easily when I was on the drug (guessing it had something to do with hormones) and i felt depressed a lot. Thinking of it in that regard, I would never take it again.
December 3, 2008

Pros:

cleared up acne!

Cons:

It changes your mood at first. I was very irritable. I even had some stomach pains. These all subside though. It is pricey! But worth it. Take a few months to work. Might come back. This I am unsure of. Dry lips, fatigue

I am currently on my 5th month of accutane. I was really worried when I first was told I should go on it. All the side effects definitly ease up as time goes on. I did not see any results for about 3-4 month treatments so just be patient! It works! My scars are finally healing up and ive grown to live with my dry lips. The dryness of my skin is even bearable now and no longer flakes. I do not even have blackheads anymore!! And my hair is no longer greasy. No more bacne as well! This stuff is great. Don't ever be scared to take this drug as I was. Be patient and stick with it! The benefits are amazing.
December 1, 2008

Pros:

I can't say that there are any pros yet but ive only been on it for a month.

Cons:

Ive been getting much more and worse acne then I have ever experienced. My skin is super dry and my lips are extremely chapped.

My acne has gotten worse but from what I understand its suppose to get worse before it gets better and luckily the acne on my face isnt that bad its just my body acne and that was the reason I got put on it and right now were going into winter so Im guessing not to many people will see me with my shirt off until the summer when hopefully the accutane will be done and my acne will be gone.
November 14, 2008

Pros:

Has dried out my skin enormously; I haven't had a visible pimple in two weeks!

Cons:

I had a cyst on the inside of my eye after the first week of my accutane dose; I have less energy and seem moodier.

So far, it has been great. I've had bad acne for over a decade so I'm ready for it to be gone!
November 12, 2008

Pros:

Old pimples are disappearing, and few new pimples are appearing.

Cons:

Dry lips, eyes... flaky skin

It's been a week and a half and i've noticed a tremendous change and people who don't even know I'm taking the drug have commented about how my skin is getting better. I looked really sunburnt for a few days which is fine if the zits are going away... then I peeled A LOT. Now I'm back to red but my face really does look a little better. Can't wait to see what the next four and a half months bring if it's so much better after just a week and a half. Although, I must say... I'm a little apprehensive about the whole hair loss thing. My hair is half way down my back and I'd be horrified to lose it :( Any take on this experienced accutane users?
November 12, 2008

Pros:

Completely clears acne from your face

Cons:

Dryness to the face, nose, lips, arms.

I had SEVERE acne. Acne Vulgaris very disgusting...This is great I just finished using the product and waiting to see if I stay clear long after I get off the drug I heard its reliable and seeing reviews that you can go four years without an outbreak thats great...You feel a great boost of confidence in the 4th and 5th month the 2nd and 3rd are the worst months but the 4th and 5th are great hardly any symptoms. Im totally clear and pulling girls left and right... great confidence builder seriously...
November 9, 2008

Pros:

Really Works! It's the miracle that anyone with acne has been looking for. Works fast.

Cons:

Chapped Lips... AND THAT'S IT!

Being a person who has had acne from a very young age to trying everything ever made, I have finally found something that works. The side effects about depression and what not seem like a joke, who could be depressed when they finally have clear skin? This really does work! I've just finished my first month of 30mg once a day and my face has cleared up tremendously. The doctor was very impressed and now I'm taking 30mg twice a day. I am also perscribed for ziana, which I think has really contributed to my face clearing up so fast. As long as I keep making the amazing progress, a little bit of chapped lips won't worry me. :)

Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.