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
October 25, 2006
Cons:
side effects, especially dry skin, chapped lips. if you don't take it regularly it will not work well. the acne gets worse for the first month of treatment.
Acutane works great when nothing else will. the side effects can be bad, make sure you have good moisturizers, and read all warnings and side effects, make sure you understand what you are getting into. it works very well
October 16, 2013
Nervous
I am a 35 year old female and about to start Accutane for the first time. I have had cystic acne for as long as I can remember. Some years have been ok and some have been miserable. This past year was the worst, my acne is unending. I have tried everything...EVERYTHING. Finally my derm said she had nothing left to offer except Accutane. I am so nervous for the side effects...any have any thoughts on this?
June 20, 2012
Pros:
Clear skin over a period of time
Boost in self-confidence
Cons:
Dry, chapped lips
Dry skin
Significantly worse until it gets better
Severe reaction to sun
I have about a month left on accutane. I started out taking 40 mg, once a day. My doctor recommended going to 40mg, two pills in one day and one pill the next. For about the first three months, my skin was the worst it has ever been. I was embarrassed to even go to school. I still have scarring left from those first few months. However, during month four, it dramatically got much better. As of now, in month five, I have not had one bump in over a month. Although I still having scarring, it wa gotten better throughout treatment and I'm hoping it will continue to do so. I highly doubt it will comletely clear my skin so laser treatment is definitely an option for me.
I suggest this for anyone having trouble with acne. Everyone is different though, so you do have to be extra cautious while on Accutane. I thought my skin would never be pretty and flawless until I tried it. And now, I am well on my way to feeling more self-confident day by day!
February 22, 2012
Pros:
none
Cons:
INITIAL BREAKOUT!!
Eyes literally couldn't open for a couple days
Makes acne worse.
I'm sure my case will not be the case for all, but in my experience I was on the stuff for 2 weeks . 30 mg twice a day I had to stop because of chronic eye irritation, if i would have continued my tear ducs would of permanently been broken, I'm still hoping that they heal eventually. My acne is worse that before i started and it's been a while since i stopped the medication. Take this medication with caution my friends.
September 25, 2011
Pros:
- Clears acne for some time
Cons:
- Not very effective
- Skin dryness and sun oversensitiveness
- Joint pains
- Back pains
- Itchy skin
- Slightly impaired night vision and photosensitivity
- Headaches, fatigue
- Irritation
- Problems with concentration
- Depression, suicidal thoughts
Took it for 4 months (20mg), at first everything was fine except very common skin/lips dryness, had to stop taking it because of sudden outbreak of side effects. Most of them are persistent (it's been 8 months since I stopped). My skin now itches really badly while sweating, back and joints hurt from no reason. The rest of above is self explanatory I think, especially the last one. For everyone who still consider taking the drug: don't. It has been the worst decision in my whole life.
Sacrificing your life in order to get rid of acne isn't really worth it. There are lots of other drugs that can cure acne and won't make you a human wreck.
January 9, 2011
Pros:
-My skin is finally beginning to clear
-Only thing i have found at all effective
Cons:
-Really dry skin
-Lips constantly peel and bleed
Works very slow but will work
Extremely dry skin and lips
November 19, 2009
Pros:
it works immediately..my acne cleared up as soon as i started taking the medication...
Cons:
if you dont have insurrance it is expensive the blood work and consistent dermo appointments...constant back pain, mood swings, fatigue, headaches, decreased hunger
i started on 30mg for two months then got increased to 40 mg and started to feel different. i was way to tired to function in college and constantly felt depressed. currently i am on 2omg, hoping that i will start to feel like my normal self again...ifyou are thinking about accutane, seriously consider the side effects and if you can handle having to go off the medication if needed...my face is much clearer but i still get break outs along my chin. i am starting to wonder if it is even worth being on such a strong medication for acne that is not that bad in the first place
November 12, 2009
Pros:
Cleared up my skin after about a month, my hair was in lovely condition, and I thought it was working....
Cons:
I couldn't wear lenses for up to 2 years, my eyes filled with pus whenever I tried,no doctors knew why. It's supposed to leave the body within 6 weeks? Usual dry lips and bad sunburn, acne came back in months and is now worse/different than before.
It does work, but the acne mostly comes back. Mine is a dryer/more congested version. You may suffer side effects that no-one can explain which sure doesn't help the accusations of depression! I took it in 2004 and have had acne for 12 years now and I still won't take it again. One product, however amazing, can't be a sure cure-all for the complexity of every single body. Make sure you discuss taking it with your family and friends, I didn't and wish I had, but I guess you get so fixated on the acne that nothing stands in your way.
September 24, 2009
Pros:
Amazing! I have only been using it for 2 months and my acne is almost completely gone!
Cons:
Chapped/Cracked Lips. Spacey/ weird thoughts. Dry skin. But none of those were a huge deal.
After struggling with acne on my face back and chest since i was 11, i'm sooo glad i found a product that works. Anyway, if you are serious about getting rid of your acne for good, get this drug now!
July 28, 2009
Pros:
It is a miracle in a little pill that you easily swallow each day. Ive only had a few of the minor side effects(only a few people have the major ones)
Cons:
If you dont have insurance the blood work, dermetologist appointments and medication adds up to big money! Like 500 dollars a month(but I only have to use it for four months)
Ive been on accutane for a little over two months and I went from tons of red bumbs ontop of red bump all over my neck, cheeks and entire face, to about one on each cheek that are going away more each day. Ive had dry lips and a few scabs in my nose but its nothing and way worth the outcome.Drink lots of water, and try not to be in the sun to much and you will be fine. I went to the beach a few times and was fine but only for a few hours. My hole life has changed! I walk with my chin up and am comfertable going to the beach, talking to girls, and not havnt to feel bad everytime someone looks at me or I look in the mirror! Some people may have worse side effects then me or take longer to clear up then me but it is still the best choice you could make in your life today and for your future. It has changed everything for me and I wish everyone with this horrible problem would give this a chance.
Pros:
Cleared up my acne extremely well. took a while, but cleared skin, and made stopped it from coming back for the most part. the acne got worse during the first month of treatment, but then was suddenly much better.