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 30, 2011
Cons:
None thus far
I have been on Accutane for about a week, and I just had to come on here and write a review. I'm one of those people that can fill up 3 Clean n Clear oil sheets in a row... after one week of Accutane I can barely fill up one. All acne on my shoulders has gone away, and the zits on my face are disappearing. I haven't gotten the dry eyes/lips yet, but I am a contact user and haven't noticed a difference yet. It is super cheap with insurance, and I totally recommend it!
June 12, 2011
Pros:
-Dramatic clearing of acne: systs, pustules, papules, even blackheads all gone.
-Improvement in skin tone
Cons:
Although Isotretinoin can have many many side effects, these are just what I experienced over my treatment:
-Dry skin and lips
-Dry scalp (only in first few weeks)
-Back pain at night
-Hyper-sensitive thin skin all over body. Its very easy to get cuts and skin yourself.
-Inflamed, sunburned-looking face at times.
With some bothersome(but tolerable) side effects, Accutane absolutely DESTROYED my acne. :) I'd say that the side effects that one may endure are definitely worth the clear skin. TO THOSE WHO ARE THINKING ABOUT GOING ON IT: If nothing else has worked for you, just give it a shot. It's the most effective medication and will most likely clear you up. If you're worried about the side effects, just make sure you're prescribed the medication by a caring dermatologist. They will take care of you if you encounter any problems and if you're having trouble, your dosage will be reduced.
January 11, 2011
This is my 2nd time on accutane. I took it nearly 4 years ago. My cystic acne was at an all time high when I decided to go back onto it. Do the side effects suck? Yes, dry, flaky skin & cracked lips aren't fun. DRINK WATER! In the end, it is the only medication that took it away & kept it away. I've done all the other medications, trust me.
December 3, 2010
Pros:
+ Clears up acne!
+ Side effects are far more manageable than others make out
+ Affordable if on NHS
Cons:
- Dryness (skin, lips, eyes)
- Derm/doctor should have prescribed it sooner!
I've used accutane for 9 months; I'm currently on my last week. My skin hasn't been this clear in years- after around 3 months my skin was around 90% clear. Since then It's completely cleared up- no other medication or topical comes close to this in terms of effectiveness!
The worst side effect for me was a rash on my right hand- after using a combination of moisturisers and a steroid cream, these have gone.
Really can't recommend this drug enough! I'll add another review in a few months, hopefully reiterating what I've already said post accutane!
September 8, 2010
Pros:
It was a huge confidence booster, it completely smoothes out your skin, and eliminates all of your acne!
Cons:
Dry lips, you're going to need LOTS of chapstick.
I have suffered with acne for as long as I can remember. I've always been the girl that wears too much make up to cover it up and it was humiliating. I decided to make a change and went on this site to see what were good options for me. This drug completely changed my life. I used to avoid taking pictures and participating in many of my school activities because I felt so self-concious about my face. I'm a completely different person now. I still have light scarring but all of my acne has cleared and I would highly highly recommend it. This drug will change your life.
July 3, 2010
Pros:
Clears up your acne
Increase self confidence
Decrease redness
Helps get rid of acne scars.
Cons:
Dry lips
Dry Skin
Headaches(only for the first few days)
Monthly Bloodwork
You *might* get sun burnt easier.
This medicine clears up your acne completely. I've only been taking one 40mg pill each day for 2 and a half weeks, and my face is almost clear!! It used to be all oily and red and pizza faced. Now it still has some pimples, but it doesn't even compare to what it used to look like. My acne used to be so bad I would not look people in the eye for more than a few seconds. Now, the only downfall about this medicine is that you get dry skin, and VERY dry lips. I have to have Chap Stick with me ALL THE TIME!!(I recommend "Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm," or Blistex. It seems like all the other ones just make it worse. Also, use a VERY gentle face cleanser. This medicine already makes your skin dry as hell, but on top of that you don't need some harsh face wash full of chemicals to add to it. I would recommend "Cetaphil-Gentle Face Cleanser." You can pick this up at any Walmart, or local supermarket.
Wash twice a day, morning and at night before bed. When I first started on this medicine, I had some minor headaches for the first few days. Then I had one migraine for a whole day. (But then again, I had a fever of 102 F) After that I haven't had a headache since. I would recommend this to ANYONE who has very bad acne. My dermatologist told me that he's had people with acne all over their body come in and this cleared them up within 6 months. So yes, GET THIS NOW. (Make sure you have insurance, or you're going to be paying about $600)
June 2, 2010
Pros:
Cleared my skin up! Before this I tried soooo many creams, medicines, etc. This was my last resort and I’m happy with it!
Cons:
Dry lips, dry out nose, blood test every month, doctor appointments every month, rashes on my hands and arms but my doc gave me cream and it goes away within a day. I can live with these “cons†since I’m getting CLEAR skin finally!
I'm on my 3rd month of isotretinion and I have to take it 2 times a day for 6 months. At first my parents and I were scared to go on it since we heard all the scary side effects that could happen but I know some friends that were on it and they had nothing but good things to say about it. I'm so glad I went on it! I just wish I had gone on it years ago! Its says not to drink while still taking isotretinion but unfortunately I had my 21st while still taking it but I went out and drank a little just not crazy and I was perfectly fine the next morning. It could damage your liver so make sure if you do drink while on it its only a little and you don't over due it. I recommend isotretinion if you have acne that just won't go away! I got on it when I was 20 wish I got on it when I was still in high school. -5/28/09 ~*~UPDATE~*~ Well now about a year later all my acne is back! I'm a 22 year old female 5'2 125lbs. I'm very upset that my acne is back considering being on this medicine isn't easy plus it's pretty expensive. I may try it again since it did help it just doesn't last. High price to pay to have clear skin.-6/02/10 Recommended: Not sure
April 9, 2010
Pros:
It works. Cleared my severe acne in 1-2 months.
Cons:
Slightly dry lips, dry hands, dry hair but that's all! I have had VERY few side effects. Amazing medication. The only thing that works for me.
Take Accutane seriously but it's truly worth a shot.
January 18, 2010
Pros:
Cleared my skin, completely
Cons:
Dry skin and lips, i did feel a little depressed but once i saw the results i got over that, but now that ive been off of it for a year im starting to get occasional breakouts.I-pledge was annoying, THE BLOODTESTS!! omg i hate needles
My dad had severe acne when he was younger and the only thing that worked for his was accutane. I went to the doctor so much because of the acne you would think i lived there. I tried every prescription he would give me and 3 weeks later id be crying looking in the mirror because none of it worked. after suffering from age 11, at 19 he finally gave me accutane after begging. I guess they resist giving it to girls more because of the birth defects, I started it and within the first week my skin and lips were dry but i was seeing an improvement, and by the end of my prescription, for the first time ever, ever, ever, i had clear skin. I was soooo satisfied with this, i do get breakouts occasionally (its been 2 years since ive used accutane), but they are rarely cysts. If you have cystic acne this is the only thing that's going to work. It was made for it.
December 24, 2009
Pros:
Cleared my skin within the 2 months. I only have a couple pimples left but nothing like before. I can't remember the last time my skin looked this good. Monthly tests to ensure your body is handling the meds.Price is cheap compared to all the other creams and potions I have used in the past.
Cons:
Dry lips, dry scalp, achy joints, hair thinning a little. Cholesterol jumped up to moderately high but has not increased since the first month.
This medicine has been wonderful.This was my last resort due to all other treatments failed. I would recommend it to anyone who hasn't had success with other treatments. No doubt this is a medicine with serious risks so make sure you educate yourself and decide if it is right for you. Although I have suffered for many years I am still glad I tried other treatments first. I think this med is only for last resort due to its possible side effects. Many complain about the monthly blood tests but that was the only way I would take Accutane. I don't want to sacrifice my health for clear skin.
Pros:
Decreased oil production
Zits disappearing by the day