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 15, 2007
Cons:
HUGE acne flare! my skin has never looked this bad. but i guess that means its working! on the side effects sheet it said that a flare was common.
first week is BRUTAL. i've had to wear 2x the makeup and it's still brutal. hopefully by next week or the week after it'll calm down. just prepare for a huge worsening before it gets better!
April 11, 2007
Pros:
Cleared up my skin quickly
Cons:
Dried up my lips (really badly). Wasn't alowed 2 go in the sun much. LOTS of side affects
Great product cleared up my skin really quickly
March 2, 2007
Pros:
Takes little time to start working.
Cons:
Dry lips at times and you can't go tanning.
It works great with very little side effects!
February 24, 2007
I read here that some people are taking antibiotics with Accutane....stop now! If it's a tetracycline ( like doxycycline, lymecycline) it actually hinders the work of the Accutane, so no wonder you dont get the great results. Just use it alone and it will work best. Remember dont even take vitamin supplements. Dab on some diluted lemon juice to your scars evry night and they fade, fade, fade...
February 3, 2007
I just started the accutane treatment this evening. I am very excited to see some results. The doctors that I have spoken with have all said the same thing. Expect dramatic results within 2-3 months, and then stay on the treatment for another 3 months to ensure that the acne doesn't reoccur. I'm expecting severe breakouts and dry skin any day now. I bought some cetaphil cleanser and moisturizer, and I'm going to buy some Dr. Dan's for my lips. I've heard great things about that stuff. I will come back to this message board and update the progress if I don't "apparently" kill myself from the side effects first. haha.
January 10, 2007
Pros:
It did, briefly, and while I was on it, reduce the number of spots I had, it by no means stopped them.
Cons:
Very very dry skin, this is how it works, waking up with my pillow completely soaked in blood from a nosebleed. Hideously painful dry lips. Having to go on the pill at age 12 - I insisted it was unnecessary, Docs insisted it was.
Please, please, please do not expect a miracle cure. Yes, for many it is, for you it may well be, but NOT FOR ALL!!!!!
_That_ is the reason its use has been linked to depression - thge Docs tell you it will work, it will work, it will work. Darn right you're depressed when it doesn't!
My brother and I were on it for 6 months each about 10 years ago, and, despite promises of the opposite, 7 different anti-biotics have not cleared my skin subsequently. The only time my acne got better was in a particularly stress-less time up in the north of scotland, where the air was cleaner etc. This lasted just 5 months.
As a side note - I waited just 4months to get an NHS dermatologists appt. and the drug was free as I was under 16 at the time.
December 24, 2006
Pros:
Completely eliminated acne and unwanted facial/body oil
Cons:
Caused PERMANENT, never-ending lip dryness that requires constant use of lip treatments
Gets rid of your acne, but may cause other annoying or even serious side effects. Many believe it has ruined their health. I would highly, highly discourage anyone from using this drug. I have NEVER had a days time where I didn't feel extreme dryness on my lips and needed to use products on it throughout the dry. And I mean NEVER, even though it's been almost 10 years! Do you want to carry around supplies of lip care for the rest of your life, constantly putting it on on an almost hourly basis?
October 19, 2006
Pros:
amazingly beautiful and clear skin. self confidence
Cons:
price, ipledge program, monthly blood tests. side effects. dryness, bad lower back pain.
started at age 27. was on high levels of antibiotics for 7 years. my body built up a resistence and the medication stopped working, and i started developing problematic side effects from having been on antibiotics for so long. i had stayed away from accutane due to all the horror stories i had heard. my only regret is that i didn't do this sooner - had i known how well this drug works, i would have started it years ago. i had to see an eye dr for dry eyes - i wear contacts and had to switch to accuvue oasis, and using special eye drops, but that seemed to take care of that problem. my biggest concern is that i'm in my 4th month and having severe lower back pain. i'm very physically active, so i'm sure this isn't helping it. regardless, this medication's pros far out way it's cons. i'll deal with 5-6 months of being overly dry and achey to have beautiful skin and my self confidence back.
October 11, 2006
Pros:
Dry Skin
Cons:
Headaches
I am 27 and have had cystic acne since the age of 12.My breakouts are not all over my face but a few nodules deep under my skin.Unfortunatly they swell and can be extreamly painful, some times so presistant they require surgery.When I was 18 I started seeing a dermatologist and he perscribed Azaelic cream, it did nothing.After 25 I noticed my skin starting to scar, that is when I foud a better dermatologist. After numerous topicals and perscriptions I started accutane treatment three weeks ago. Dry skin is the greatist thing ever. I am dealing with three cysts at the moment but I am not oily at all. I get all excited about using chap stick, a thing that would have broken me out big time in the past. I have been having headaches behind my eyes in the morning, but that is the only side effect so far, besides the peeling skin on my face ears and scalp,a little gross, but ok. Hopefully it works for me I am keeping my fingers crossed, and I guess my insurance covered it only $15.
August 26, 2012
Pros:
Clearer skin
Much less oil
Cons:
Slightly dry and fragile skin.
I have been on Accutane for 3 weeks, the only side effects so far have been slightly dry skin that is more fragile. I am on 40 mg a day. Face is much clearer and make up looks great all day. Chest and back are completely clear. I only get a few small pimples here and there, however they take a long time to heal if I pick at them. I love love love this product!
Pros:
none yet. but i hear they'll be good! im only on the first week.