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 19, 2008
Cons:
takes a long time to work and makes acne worse at first. @ one pt. i as one 3 dif. meds bc it got so bad. sensitive to the sun and to porducts, your face especially can burn and hurt
great product. have to be willing to have bad skin for just a few more month though and have to be patient. I was on it for 5 months then insurance took me off for 2 month break now im back on it for 5 more months (2 to go) I am really seeing great results and im sooo happy! the most annoying part is all of the blood work and messing around with insurance and government regulations
March 3, 2008
Pros:
the stuff works wonders...it's true. Don't waste your time with other methods of treatment. after the treatment your skin gets clear and beautiful
Cons:
only dry lips...but I could live with it for 3-4 months. Unfortunately I had to repeat the treatment after 8 years, but it worked wonders again...my skin is clear
when acne insists, accutane is the only solution. no creams or topicals during the treatment that make skin dry and flacking (that was a relief)
and after 3-4 months skin as good as new. no make up, no worries, just clear, balanced skin it is worth the try! just take the necessary blood tests during the treatment
January 30, 2008
Pros:
It works
Cons:
Minor side affects, but totally worth it
It has changed my life!!!
January 27, 2008
Pros:
Reduced overall acne as it completely dried me out.
Cons:
Dry, cracked lips, nasal dryness, serious skin sensitivity, overall dryness of the body. Nasal and overall body moisture has never been the same 10+ years after product usage.
Accutane dried my entire system completely. I used the product over 10 years ago (hopefully the product has change) and I have never gotten back the moisture that I lost using this product. I never was a big nose blower, and ever since using this product I have to blow my nose at least 2-3x a day. It really screwed my body chemistry up. . .permanently. I am drier overall everywhere in/on my body. I used it about 5 months and was recommended to use for 6. Never again!! And I was sent questionnaires almost every 6 months for years asking if I had miscarriages. . .as if I should. Fortunately I have 2 healthy children but I waited over 5 years before trying. Oh, and I have worse adult acne than I did as a teenager when I used the product so it obviously does not help the long-term.
December 23, 2007
Pros:
Oil disappears within a week. Face did not start clearing immediately but no initial breakout as feared- I just got a new pimple every few days, but with every new emergence the last one would've disappeared.
Cons:
Slight peeling if you wear make-up, had to dab water to smooth it out frequently. Dry lips a slight pain. Cost is a bitch. You may get extremely minor nosebleeds when the dryness is at its worst.
The depression aspect is largely a myth. It only makes sense that Isotretinoin would cure, rather than worsen depression, if it cures acne. I've been on it for three months and my acne's all gone. I'm very satisfied; the treatment wasn't that hard to endure and the results are great- although my skin isn't perfect yet. I'm not sure if my acne will return but I really hope not!
December 18, 2007
Pros:
During the first weeks you can feel the changes in your skin. At the end of treatment no oil and no signs of acne in your skin. seriously.
Cons:
depression, very dry skin and lips but that's not a big deal. Remember: to be beautiful you need to suffer.
It really works. During the treatment I thought of giving up but the result is incredible. I feel so much better with the people around me, i totally forget my acne problems. Thank you!
December 16, 2007
Pros:
Clears any type of skin completely ~ The only drug 100% affective :)
Cons:
Tons of side effects including dry lips (no big deal), dry eyes, dry hair (may cause breakage and thinning...only while on treatment), MOOD CHANGES: IRRETABLITY, DEPRESSION, INCREASE IN AGGRESSION, WITHDRAWL FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILY...the list goes on
Im in my second month of treatment and my skin has completely cleared up. I recommend this drug to anyone who is suffering from acne that is negatively affecting thier life. The side effects absolutely suck...but, I feel that they are worth it due to the results that I see in my skin:) The most unbearable side effect I have experienced is my change in mood. I have become extremely reclusive from friends and family...everything seems to get on my nerves. Because I know what is causing this...I am able to keep it under control. Also, because I am a bartender...I am asked to drink with costumers at work occasionally...this should def be avoided. I have noticed that my mood changes get increasingly worse when I drink. In conclusion, if you can deal with being crazy for a few months while on Accutane, this drug is for you because it really does clear up your skin:) THANK YOU!
December 15, 2007
Pros:
my face looks 90% better. I am at the end of my second month, and i feel fine! No mood changes, if anything i feel happier because my face looks better!
Cons:
nightmares if you take it close to bed time, very dry lips, have to take joint support vitamins. dr. appointments every month.
so far i am very happy with it!
December 14, 2007
Pros:
my face is SO clear, i don't have to wear foundation, and still look good!
Cons:
face readness, back chest and joint pain, emotionally unstable, dry lips, dry body, dry eyes, dry hands
OMG i've been on it for a month and a week now and it's amazing, the only thing i don't like about it is the side effects oviously, and not being able to drink. but i do love the fact that it's only 5-6 months and your suppose to be ance free!, i here so of your storys of how accutane hasn't worked and i hope im not one of you, but good luck, and i really hope that my scars go away because there everywhere!
December 9, 2007
Pros:
The only thing that work...seriously
Cons:
i am scare ,will my acne come back,,,,cos i have as long as 12 yr
ohh thank God its work now my face is clear...still scare will it come back i am still using it.in Pakistan its not affordable,it cost 1 tab. more than one $dollar.only one thing is my lips are dry.it dosnt matter
Pros:
shrinks pores, makes skin glow, really clears it and seems to last