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 24, 2011
Cons:
- Bleeding noses 2 times/ day (Even with use of creams)
- Blood tests
- cracked splitting lips ( even with Aquaphore)
- Trouble with contacts
- Dry hair, scaly patches
- Increased Cysts in amount and size
- dry bleeding patches on face
- Temporary reduction of acne, then explosion
- Scars
- Abdominal muscle cramping
- Sore joints, muscles
- 30 pound weight loss
- Stomach issues
I was on a 30 MG dose, which was causing many side effects, saw a brief improvement in skin but then caused worst acne I've ever had probably 10 times worse then when I started Accutane. Constant symptoms, unexplained weight loss, and a hugely lowered self esteem were more than enough to make me stop.
Family doctor more or less told me there was nothing she could do, since I was still on a low dose of accutane with no improvement whether small or big dose- so my DR sent me to a Dermatologist.
Dermatologist told me I did not react well with the Accutane and should've ended it 4 months before.
Now am on Doxycycline, went months without a single pimple now with school it has come back, So I may try Minocycline or an extremely dose of Accutane under heavy supervision. Accutane works for some, but there is a very good chance it may not work/ cause unbearable symptoms.
December 4, 2009
Pros:
none yet(2 months)
Cons:
headache, tired, i feel my eyes tired
i`m 2 months in(20mg/day in the first month and 30mg afterwards)...i had massive breakouts at the beginning, but now the pimples are smaller...but still many...and i don`t want to have pimples and redness during winter break!!!! (Christmas, new year...u know) what can I do to improve my face? acne treatment or peeling? anyone any idea?
thanks
July 10, 2009
Pros:
only been on this medication for 3 days. so far i havent seen any difference
Cons:
so far i havent had any side effects except ive been having nightmares ever since ive been on it (which is only 3 days)
ive tried topicals and antibiotics as well as proactive, and nothing worked. ive had acne for about 2 years now and im 16 years old. latley its been getting very bad so i decided to try accutane. i hope it will work without too many harsh side effects. Im lucky that acne hasnt really ruined my life even though its pretty bad acne. i have tons of amazing friends and an amazing boyfriend so im hoping the medication wont make me depressed. acne seems to be the only bad thing in my life and im hoping it will be eliminated for good =)
April 16, 2009
Pros:
It cleared up my skin really well, really fast!!
Cons:
Can be a burden for girls with the bloode testing and checkups. Along with the noted side effects. Can be expensive. Iv been on it 3 times for a few months each time.
worked very well while i was on it, iv never had more luck with a treatment. i have been on it 3 times and about a month after i got off of it, each time my acne came back. To this day my acne is less sever then before, but here I am still fusterated and looking for a treatment that works! Iv seen it totally clear up a friends severe acne for good, and theirs was worse then mine, so there is hope! but if your acne is cronic and has been around for awhile, i would suggest using it, but dont let your skin go when you are threw with it. and continue looking for a good cleanser that works for you and maybe you will have better luck!
April 7, 2009
Pros:
Still on the 1st month & I've already had several people notice a difference! I now have very little oil in my hair & on my skin which has always been one of my biggest issues. My back & arms are almost all clear and my face is clearing up every day.
Cons:
Very chapped lips, almost makes it difficult to smile. Dryer hair and obviously skin. Little fatigue. Occasional headaches and joint pain.
Since high school, I have struggled with acne and have never found a solution other than birth control to fix the problem. Because I experienced mood swing on the pills, I decided to stop and my acne returned immediately. I have probably spent thousands of dollars on beauty and skin care products just hoping that one of them will do the trick. Although I have found an amazing makeup line called Jane Iredale that definitely does not clog your pores and a wonderful oil-free moisturizer by Peter Thomas Roth, I have yet to find a cure for my incredibly oily skin and consistent breakouts on my face, back, and arms. I am in the fourth week of Accutane and cannot believe how much of a difference it has already made. My back and arms are pretty much clear and areas on my face have already stopped breaking out. I still have small bumps under the surface of my skin and a few red areas but I know that over the next few months, these areas will continue to clear up too! Pretty amazing product!
March 2, 2009
Pros:
clearer skin. the acne that does come up goes away in a day or two.
Cons:
dry skin, nose, lips. some joint pain, but worth it so far.
If you are willing to take the step then do it, it has made my confidence go up and even though I have not been on it for a long time, i already fill that it is worth it.
February 21, 2009
Pros:
Hopefully will get rid my very very oily skin..and acne. At least conrtrol a little bit.
Cons:
Very Dry lips
Will update soon.
November 23, 2008
Pros:
EVERYTHING! got rid of all my spots
Cons:
Really dries out skin
So Far- Great..Wish I USed This Product in School.
November 15, 2008
Pros:
Clear skin and much less oily hair. All the awful spots on my back and old scars on my face are gone. Should have taken the pills years ago..
Cons:
I was on it for 2 years and the only side effect was dry skin.. When I went off it the acne and oily hair came back. Not as bad as it used to be but still annoying enough. I get acne even on my scalp...going to try Diane
Perfect to get rid of scars since this type of vitamine A stimulates new cell production.
October 29, 2008
Pros:
No oily face, No more pimples, soft skin
Cons:
Only dry lips, i lil hair loss, and It COST!!!! i dont have insurance =S i have to pay for EVERYTHING!!!! (Im going to be the poorest girl without acne hah i hope so)
This stuff started to work inmediately for me, after the first pill, next day i saw my active pimples dry, now one month later i dont have any in my face, only 2 in my chest, my IB was 2 strange pimples in my right cheek and 3 big ones in my chest, they went away after 3 weeks. im 40 mg a day.
Im not an expert but if u are tired of feel the ugliest person in the universe ( i felt this way many many times) try accutane, but only whit your derm. Stay positive all is gonna be ok!!! If the life does not make you laugh, you tickle the life . =P
Pros:
- No Oily Skin
- Sort of Cleared Skin