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
February 2, 2009
Cons:
I had very dry skin. Woman have to be on the pill. I think I also had a few nose bleeds.
Over the past 4 years I've had two rounds of accutane, and my acne is starting to come back again. My dermatologist said that it just doesn't work for some women. It worked wonders for my brother and my fiance, and his brother who all had severe acne.
January 31, 2009
Pros:
my severe boil like pimples are gone, and my self esteem is back!
Cons:
thinning dry hair, abdominal pain. severe fatigue, body rashes, dry red eyes, chapped lips, high cholesterol. without insurance it can be costly. (monthly blood tests and doctor visits) you also have to be on birth control (and use condoms)
My skin started looking more clear after the second month. After four months my severe acne was totally gone. I was on the medicine for five moths total. The side effects mostly have gone away. My thinning hair is growing back, but my cholesterol is still high, this could be genetic though. I am 24 years old and I didn't develop acne until one year ago. My doctor said the success rate is higher if you are in your 20's, or later. This drug has changed my life for the better! I have been off the medicine for six months now, and I haven't obtained a single pimple since. The cure rate has been reported to be as high as 80 %.
January 28, 2009
Pros:
Helped to get rid of breakouts. For good!
Cons:
Dry lips. Don't go out without chap-stick! Also dry hair - but that I actually liked, because I had to wash hair less often :)
I was lucky - I didn't experience many bad things like sensitivity, headaches and suchlike. I was really scared before using that I might, but I didn't. The only thing was dry lips.
It cleared my face completely in 6-7 weeks. I finished course in August last year. My face still is pure and nice.
January 10, 2009
Pros:
been on for about 3 months little improvement
Cons:
dry face lips (exc) little or slow improvement
im depperesed and hopeless
December 15, 2008
Pros:
what can i say...IT WORKS PEOPLE :) fantastic results. I was on it for five months did not get intial breakouts at the begining, and wasent that dryed out. Bottom Line ive Finished my 5 months of acutane with a Beautiful clear face :)
Cons:
sensitive skin,redness,dry skin..other then that none! :)
WANT THE ANSWER TO CLEAR BEAUTIFUL SKIN?
.....ACCUTANE!:)
November 24, 2008
Pros:
It does clear acne up really fast, even though my acne isn't severe, it's moderate. Accutane is a miracle. My mom got adult acne a while ago and it completely cleared her skin in just 6 weeks. That's a big deal!
Cons:
I think the chapped lips are the worst, and skin does get dry/flaky. My mom, nor I, had any signs of depression or joint aches, which is good!
I took some of my mom's Accutane twice a week back in winter 07/08, and it worked wonders for my skin! Now, my skin is THE WORST it's ever been. My mom started giving me some of her Accutane, but i'm only taking them twice a week. I have to call the dermatologist to get some of my own, even though he said it wasn't severe enough. It's pretty bad to me though, and it's hard to cover up with concealer. It's mostly red annoying bumps on my forehead (not bad), nose, and cheek area (the worst) near my nose. If it works wonders for people with cystic acne, it's worth another try!
November 6, 2008
Pros:
From what I looked like before, this medication is a gift from god. So many health freaks are against it, and people fear of its side-effects, grow the **** and take it. Jesus Christ.
Cons:
Dry lips- use chapstick. Dry Skin/Hair- Use a moisterizer Headaches- pop an advi. iPledge- sucks balls. God the bloodwork was a pain in the ass. Expensive- get the generic brands. Simple.
You know, I tried everything. And I find it stupid to get down on yourself because a treatment is not working. If you're like me, I have tried everything before I hit the accutane treatment. I have hit rock bottom with my skin, and accutane cleared everything away. I am on my sixth month (last month) but I have my dermatologist prolong treatment if I am not COMPLETELY clear by the end of the this month. But I am pretty clear, and pretty thankful. If you're on this medication and if you have suicidal thoughts or horrible depression, talk to you're dermatologist. There is no reason for you feel like this. Its supposed to be a life-changing expierence not a life-ruing expierence. Seriously talk to your demro about accutane. I do want to warn that there is monthly blood work required in addition to signing iPledge forms. Fasting is required day before bloodwork. Also, ask gentle cleanser and moisterizer samples for your dermo when you seem him day of appointment.
November 4, 2008
Pros:
Still waiting..
Cons:
Flaky skin dry lips
Ive been on isotane for 3 months now. Is there some sort of cycle with this drug? acne flared up in the 1st month just to get better in the 2nd month and flared up again in the 3rd month. Nivea essential works wonders for dry lips though im not sure about what moisturiser to use for my skin. Also what do i use for the pimples i get while on isotane? DO NOT USE RETIN-A skin peels so badly that it just never seems to heal back.
i really need some feedback if any one has had fluctuations with isotane.
You have to use it. its the last resort
October 31, 2008
Pros:
Accutane works! It honestly cleared my face within a few days, and continued to work throughout the entire 5 month treatment. My face is clear. My derm took before and after pictures and the results are incredible proof!
Cons:
The dryness (lips, eyes, skin) is an inconvenience, but completely worth it. I didn't have any other major side effects, and I would gladly do it all again to get this clear face.
I've been off Accutane for a month, and as long as these results last, I am infinitely happy with Accutane! My face looks terrific, all my friends and family compliment how great it looks. My only fear is that the acne will come back. Hopefully not!
October 16, 2008
Pros:
acne is starting to clear up.
Cons:
very very very chapped lips. and very dry flaky skin because of it (my skin was perfectly normal besides form the acne with the amount of oils on it. so i guess thats y i am so dried out )
i have been on it for a month and it seems to be doing the job slowly.. ill check in again on month 2-5
Pros:
It clears up acne for most people.