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
May 12, 2007
Cons:
All those side effects
After months of contemplating accutane, I finally started after that one month waiting period. Let me just say that NOTHING has worked to clear up my skin (and I don't even have severe acne, it's more moderate). Within DAYS, this stuff has been working so well.. my adivce; don't wait! because if you do, your acne could lead to LIFE LONG SCARRING THAT YOU DON'T WANT! yes, you have to deal with side effects. all the talk of depression/suicide is fake. take it before you start scarring
May 4, 2007
Pros:
Evidently, works for a lot of people
Cons:
Can lead to very serious lifetime disorders
In my late 30's my cycstic acne still wasn't going away so decided to try accutane (which I'd stayed away from for a long time due to the reported side effects). After only two weeks I severe intestinal problems that are only beginning to clear up after one year. Additionally, my acne exploded. Recently, I've found two co-workers (much younger) who now suffer from Crohn's Disease after taking accutane for the full 4 or 5 month period. Luckily, I stopped after two weeks and feel like I will recover. After stopping, my dermatologist gave me Nicomide and Azelex cream to use. After 3 months of using it, I rarely break out and when I do, it clears up 4 times faster. Evidently, some women really respond to Nicomide (its just a perscription strength multi-vitamin). Please try everything else before accutane.
April 19, 2007
Pros:
Wonderful clear skin.
Cons:
The side effects. I had dry cracked skin on my hands, patches of dry skin on my legs, and I became very emotional/depressed.
I know how miserable it is to have acne, and I would never tell anyone not to try Accutane because it does work. However, I urge anyone going on Accutane to be careful. The side effects can be extreme. I was extremely depressed and I do believe it was because of the medication. In my case, the side effects were not worth the end result (the acne came back). Even though it worked when I was on it, I will never again take Accutane.
April 12, 2007
Pros:
Totally cleared acne. Tried everything that was going, Pro-activ, minotabs, topical lotions, even old wifes tales(rubbing skin with cut potatoe!).At age 35, with scars on neck and face from 22yrs of anrgy red acne, finally was offered Roaccutane.
Cons:
dry lips (controlable with lip balm), dry skin
Within 2weeks skin felt dry, but was awesome and smooth after so many years of really oily skin. Acne disappeared within first month and stayed clear for 7 mths. Returned but only about 30% as bad as before. Went on a 2nd course and skin cleared as before but after finishing course skin has remained 99%clear and 90% less oily for 2yrs.
I occassionally get little pimples that clear overnight but nowhere near what I used to experience. I find a nightly application of Brevoxyl is sufficent to keep it clear 99%. Oiliness is now slightly dry to normal(yippee).
Best thing was, mentally I felt normal.Got up each morning and skin was clear, went to bed at night, skin was clear.The best feeling in the world.Only mistake I made I waited until my lips got dry before applying lipbalm. The day you start treatment start applying lipbalm and apply continuously.As soon as I did that I had no cracked lips.Would recommend it to anyone.Longer you leave it,worse the scars will be and can't clear
March 13, 2007
Pros:
works!
Cons:
dry face, dry lips, makes you sad around your 4th month. Also doesnt cure u for life
limits the acne you get in the future after accutane and it keeps you clear for about 6 months
March 13, 2007
Pros:
does clear skin
Cons:
TERRIBLE SIDE AFFECTS
iv been on accutane for 6 months now and have only just started to see results last month.. my skin is getting pretty clear but i get terrible side effects, i get the normal dry skin and lips (bleeding) and dry hair but i get painful muscle and joint aches, nose bleeds (once resulting in coughing up blood), sore throat, and slight depression i advise for you to go on if your acne is really bad like mine was
March 10, 2007
Pros:
works, period.
Cons:
lots of potential side effects, some of which can be very serious(I think it caused my growth plates to close, as well as contribute to a back injury(which was diagnosed as degenerative disc disease). Overall, Im not displeased with my decision.
It's a calculated risk. If you think you still have a growth spurt left in you, take either a)a smaller dose, or b)wait till you feel youre done growing(do some family research into your genetic history, etc.). I've taken 4 different 6-month courses(two before it was ever available in generic form) over 5 years(it came back in my early twenties), most of which were all 80mg/day(40mgx2), one however was 120mg/day(40mgx3). Dont forget oral anti-biotics can cause bone problems as well. I guess the real issue is how much it affects your life, are you willing to take that particular risk, looking at what is known, and the fact that much of this drug isnt completely understould(it could be pulled from the market soon, they're doing research into what parts of the brain it effects as far as depression). Also do you have insurance? Even in generic form I have no doubt its very expensive(although cost/benefit is probably the highest with this treatment imo).
March 5, 2007
Pros:
Smooth, clear skin. Confidence!!
Cons:
Dry skin and lips, mild nosebleeds. You can't wear make-up.
My skin is clear the only blemishes are the red scars left from pimples that have healed. The initial breakout will heal faster than normal, and after the dry skin sheds, your new skin will be smooth and clear. Use Dove moisturizing soap and lots of Cetaphil lotion while taking the prescription.
No vitamins, or acne creams. No face wash with salycitic acid!!!!
January 21, 2007
Pros:
Clear, non-greasy skin. Easy to use, spend less time messing with face wash and creams.
Cons:
Dry, chapped lips, dry skin.
This stuff is awesome after having tried so many over the counter and prescription medications. I had very oily skin and persistent acne that did not respond to other medications, this little pill took care of it all. Best part of it all, confidence is through the roof.
January 12, 2007
Pros:
works very well after about a month or two
Cons:
i had to stop the treatment due to some of the mental side effects; i was doing fine then all of a sudden i became severly depressed and was on the verge of suicidal thoughts.
it's a great drug; just watch out for some of the serious side effedts
Pros:
Works FAST