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 16, 2006
Cons:
Everything about it!
I was on Accutane for about 6 months before my doctor took me off it because it was not working at all! It helped at first, about the second month my skin became some what clear, so I was excited. Then the next month it all came back, but now I also had the dry skin, aching bones, nose bleeds etc. It never cleared after that! I was super disappointed since I paid almost $200 a month for the treatment (accutane, birth control etc). It was pretty much just a pain in the butt! I heard it works for most people, so I guess its trial and error! hehe
October 15, 2006
Pros:
nothing
Cons:
everything
dont take it
October 13, 2006
Pros:
Completely clears acne. I had many one zit in the past year.
Cons:
Causes acne to get really bad at first. Side effects could be nasty... in my case they weren't much more then a nuisance. A little dryness and some rashes. Near the end I got a few nosebleeds. Went through alot of lip balm.
If you can stand feeling really ugly for a month or two, and you don't mind dealing with dryness... then do it. It's the closest thing to a cure. I'm very happy with it.
October 12, 2006
Pros:
Completely cleared my skin
Cons:
Dry skin, headaches
Took for 6 months. I didn't see any real improvement until my 4th month on it, but if only I could show you a before and after pictures, you would be amazed. The week I stopped my dry skin and headaches ceased and my skin was left clear and unblemished. Bottom line is simple, the side effects are a small price to pay for the amazing things this drug can do to your skin.
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.
October 7, 2006
Pros:
It worked for a few years
Cons:
hated the side effect -- peeling lips. And the acne came back after a few years
Sure this is the "big gun" of acne treatment. But my Dr. told me that about 50% of the people get acne again -- I did a few years later. Started slow, but came back as before. He suggested a higher dose (yikes!). I found that Paula's Choice products control my skin better, and after the mixed results with accutane, I prefer that route.
October 5, 2006
Pros:
This truly is a crazy drug, it works wonders and you can automatically feel like your getting somewhere the moment you start taking the pill.
By my 3rd month my skin, although flaky and bleeding sometimes, was as clear as day! My confidence too.
Cons:
The bleeding of the mouth, the mood swings and emotional side of it
having to take birth control along with the accutane
the flaky skin everywhere, nose bleeds, muscle aches, and my acne came back 5 months later just the same as before.
If you want something to help, at least for a little while not caring about anything else do this. Its not cheap, its not fun, its a horrible drug for your body, but for a small period of time it does clear your skin.
Pros:
Nothing really! Not for me anyways!