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
September 10, 2007
Cons:
very dry skin and even drier lips. get aveneo lotion and aquaphor respectively.
well worth it.
September 1, 2007
Pros:
none
Cons:
My liver enzymes skyrocketed - I was on accutane for only 30 day at the lowest dosage. My baseline blood work was normal. It is now 5 months later and my liver enzymes are still high - I may have to have a liver biopsy.
I would NEVER recommend accutane to anyone. I realize that this is an extreme reaction-one we were never made aware of. Had I known that there was the potential for possible permanent liver damage I would not have taken it. The doctors were more concerned about depression issues, which I had none of. The opposite was true, I felt better and had more confidence as my skin started to clear. I had no symptoms at all-IF YOU CHOOSE TO GO ON ACCUTANE MAKE SURE TO HAVE YOUR BLOODWORK DONE EVERY MONTH. I think that they should take this product off the market.
August 21, 2007
Pros:
Temporarily clears acne, if acne returns its not as severe. Also allows other acne treatments to be more effective.
Cons:
Drys out skin, causes severe breakouts before you clear up, if at all. Not permanent for some people. Left really bad scaring on face from tane breakouts.
I have heard people say that Accutane is a cure for acne and I would definitely have to disagree. I have been through 2 courses of Accutane and both times it only cleared my skin temporarily (under a year). My acne returned however not a severe as pre-tane. I still suffer from cystic acne however my skin is more responsive to other acne treatments (antibiotics, creams)
August 11, 2007
Pros:
EXTREMELY SMOOTH CLEAR SKIN FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE I WAS 8 YEARS OLD MY SELF CONFIDENCE HAS SHOT THROUGH THE ROOF. THANK YOU ACCUTANE FOR GIVING ME MY LIFE BACK!! :-D
Cons:
DRY CHAPPED LIPS, INITIAL BREAKOUT IN THE 1ST MONTH WAS PRETTY SEVERE, I HAVE NO INSURANCE SO I HAD TO PAY FOR IT MYSELF $$$$$.. STILL A SMALL PRICE TO PAY IN ORDER TO GET MY LIFE BACK
I TRIED EVERYTHING TO TREAT MY SEVERE ACNE AND THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT WHEN IT COMES TO ACNE TREATMENTS THIS IS THE MECCA OF THEM ALL.
July 27, 2007
Pros:
A month after I started using it, my acne was under control and I'm currently very happy.
Cons:
Very chapped lips (bought La Roche-Posay Ceralip..great stuff!)
Sure, there are a lot of side effects, and once the treatment stops, the acne returns. I've used a small dosage over the year, taking one pill twice a week. In adition I use mild skin treatments like Effaclar K and Stievamycin. I take monthly blood test and checkups to be sure I'm healthy.
July 2, 2007
Pros:
My face was clear in 3 months. I went from huge cystic acne on my face and back to smooth clear skin. I took this medication when it first came out over 20 years ago and I have had any acne problems since or longterm side effects. This stuff works.
Cons:
Severe dry skin. My lips were dry and wound cracked in the corners every morning. Had some minor headaches.
This was the best thing that could have happend to me. While in the high school a got picked on everyday with comments like "hey pizza face" and "could I get some mayo". Finally my mom took me to see a DR in Charlotte NC and he prescribe me accutane for six months. I took the meds during the summer break and 3 months later, my face was clear. I started the 11th grade a confident with a clear face, and new outlook on life. Have 3 months and a clear face, I stoped taking the meds. Thank God, for accutane. My bother also took this medication and he too had the same results.
June 27, 2007
Pros:
Skin clearing well and is developing a smooth and silky look!
Cons:
Have had all the symptoms - dry skin, cracked lips, dry eyes, back ache, muscle pain, bleeding noses and mood swings but with the use of a good moisturiser, lip balm, artificial tears, panadol and understanding friends and family it was worth it!
Prior to Isotane, I had spent an estimated $1000 on cleansers, skin treatment packages, antibiotics, hormone contraceptives and make-up trying to get rid of and hiding my acne. Isotane has cost $485(NZ) for the skin specialist appointments, prescriptions and much needed relief treatments for side-effects but it is $485 well spent. Yes, the side effects can be rough but be prepared and purchase moisturisers, lip balm etc before you start as the symptons come on quick. And yes, for me it did get much worse before it got better but I timed it so that I starting taking this just before the school holidays so the worst was over by the time I got back to school!
June 24, 2007
Pros:
Cleared up my skin beautifully for months during treatment and about two years after. Breakouts started returning after that but haven't reached as bad as they were before.
Cons:
While dermatologists would disagree, I believe it's responsible for the keratosis polaris I've developed. Only a month or so after the end of my treatment KP started. Also horribly chapped lips started almost immeadiately and remained thru treatment.
If your acne is bothering you, use this stuff. It really does work wonders. I've seen friends with horrid acne have smooth skin and I know how good it worked for me. The KP I've developed may or may not be a result of acne but it's definitely much less of a problem than my acne ever was.
June 20, 2007
Pros:
I took 40mg per day for about 2 months, then 60mg per day for about another 4 months. I now have absolutely perfect skin. No pimples, none at all, ever.
Cons:
The horrible side effects! Dryness....everywhere (But they are totally worth the results)
I used to be jealous of my friends perfect skin, now they are jealous of mine. Accutane works so well. My skin got worse for around the 1st month, and the dryness (especially the lips) is very, very annoying. Other than that the side effects aren't as bad as people make them out to be...although, definately aren't something to be sneezed at. If your looking for the treatment that will cure your acne forever, or at least for a very long time until they discover a miracle cure, than accutane is definately for you. (I didn't mean to sound so much like I was on an informercial, sorry) It was also very affordable because it is on the pharmaceutical benefits scheme in Australia, only around $30 for a packet of 40 tablets.
June 11, 2007
Pros:
After dealing with persistent acne (mild with moderate flares from time to time) for 20 yers, I finally tried accutane. I was clear within 3 months of treatment (face and back). I've been off of it for 4 months and still completely clear.
Cons:
None for me. The worry about severe side effects was worse than the actual mild ones I experienced.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend accutane to anyone. I'd be willing for my sons to use it if they wind up with my (pre-tane) skin.
Pros:
works pretty well, im clear after 6 months.