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
June 16, 2009
Cons:
Terrible skin dryness, frequent nose bleeds, chapped lips. Other side effects possible, but those are the main ones I experienced. Also, ipledge is extremely unpleasant to deal with. Especially for girls.
Accutane should only be used as a last resort. It worked for me extremely well, but the 6 month treatment period was EXTREMELY unpleasant. I tried many over the counter and prescription acne medications, but none of them seemed to work, so I finally resorted to accutane. I got my acne fairly late in life (around 19) and finally decided to try accutane at 23. According to my doctor, at this age there is a far far better chance of not needing any further treatments after the 6 month treatment because my hormones have become more stable than teenagers'. 2 months after treatment, I find this to be accurate. Dealing with 6 months of dry skin and chapped lips was pretty bad, but I found the ipledge program itself to be the most intolerable aspect. Monthly pregnancy tests and answering ridiculous questions before picking up my Rx is about the most insulting thing I can think of. However, it was far worth it all and I recommend it if nothing else has worked for you.
June 16, 2009
Pros:
EVERYTHING. CLEAR
Cons:
NOTHING
TAKE IT. seriously. you won't regret it. DONT BE AFRAID OF THE SIDE EFFECTS. my acne was super severe...but i am clear now!
May 25, 2009
Pros:
my acne was almost clear
Cons:
thickening of my eyelids
I had to go off of it due to a corneal ulcer. I have been off for 3 months and I still have tick swollen eyelids. Ive tried everything. steroid ointment, drops, hot and cold compresses. NOTHIN works! my doctor said it could be permanent. Ive been so depressed about it. I am more sefl concious about this than acne. I used to have almond shape eyes and now they look really weird! DONT TAKE THIS MEDICATION! its not worth it!!
April 15, 2009
Pros:
A lot cheaper from abroad (India!!!). They sell them openly at the indian pharmacy believe it or not, so if you know anyone visiting, you could request it from there!
Cons:
Headaches within the first week. Still experiening headahes. Joint pains - but bearable. Also came out with a bad rash on arm. Dry lips.
It's only been 2 weeks since I'v been on it - so can't really notice much differecne.
April 5, 2009
Pros:
this medication works, im starting my 3rd month and so far i have results, i feel better about myself, im regaining my confidence and self-esteem. i still have 3 months down the road but im happy i looking forward to a acne-free summer!! :D
Cons:
dry lips, skin, constipation
i think it is worth to take this medicine if you have severe acne, although the side effects are scary, which hold me back for two months, i have not experience any of them. the side effects are different for everyone, just be confident and positive, and follow your doctors advice. my blood results are good, everything is going well, i would strongly recommend anyone to start on it. it could be expensive if your insurance does not cover it 100 %. but i still believe is worth to do it. im happy these days, unlike months ago...:D
March 10, 2009
Pros:
It cleared up my severe acne for which nothing else had helped. And my face was perfect for a few years, with not more than a random white head every couple months.
Cons:
I had severe dryness all over my face and body, sometimes to the point of cracking and bleeding. My face got even worse before getting better.
Up until about 6 months ago i thought the hell i went through on accutane was all worth it. But then it came back. I am now battling pretty sever acne again, and I am headed back to the dermetologist to see what we can do.
February 8, 2009
Pros:
Nothing
Cons:
Didn't change anything - still cysts, acne, pimples, extremely oily skin
Accutane didn't improve anything. Just because it's considered a "last resort" doesn't mean that it is a miracle cure. Far from it! I witnessed absolutely no visible improvement. I still have cysts, acne, pimples, and extremely oil skin. You may be one of the lucky ones to have improvement, but Accutane is useless for me. Following Dan's regimen and advice loosely has resulted in better management of a permanent, life-long acne condition.
December 31, 2008
Pros:
No more acne
Better looking face
Cons:
Some flare ups
Chapped Lips
This product is a miracle
November 25, 2008
Pros:
not only did it get rid of ALL my severe acne that ive had for almost a year, but it gave me back the self-confidence to be me, and have fun, which ive been lacking..
Cons:
really really reallyyyyy dries out your lips!, so be prepared!
and my joints were and still are sore once i was done with it.
this pill is i friken LIFE SAVER!
no joke
October 19, 2008
Pros:
Clears up for the first few weeks
Cons:
Dry skin, swollen lips also chapped and split, sore joints* ankles and heel* lower back pain and very dry skin, mild nose bleeds, restless nights, loss of appetite and wieght loss, moodiness
Started my course of 60mg in september, first course is now over and now that i have stopped my acne has come back twice as bad and now i am having acne on my face aswell as my back. The side effects are terrible i'm having trouble walking due to severe pain when i move my feet.The dry skin and chapped lips have cleared up just slight chapped lips now, not looking forward to course 2 Not been myself while taking these tabs and everyones noticed around me and theyre taking the blunt of my mood swings
Pros:
It worked when nothing else did. It has been 2 months after my 6 month treatment has ended and my skin is still clear and beautiful!