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
December 3, 2006
Cons:
dry dry dry lips,face,bleeding
I've been taking Isotane for about 1 1/2 months
acne did worsen for the first week then a welcomed change did oocur although the dryness and bleeding nose still happens the improvement so far is well worth it.
November 28, 2006
Pros:
Has worked well while I was on the medication
Skin is less oily now
Cons:
Bad breakout at first
Depressing feelings & concentration troubles during treatment that never completely got away
Acne came back
I've been prescribed that twice (for 6 months each) a couple of years ago for MILD acne. Even though my skin was almost clear at the end of the treatment, acne never failed to come back both times although it's about 30% better now. I think it must really work for people with severe acne, but in my case, mild acne, doctors were just trying to prescribe me their stuff. A diet change (atkins), liver flushes, healthy habits and investigating on candida and digestion worked for me more than accutane
November 22, 2006
Pros:
Clears your face, lessens the appearence of scars, and gives you healthy smooth skin.
Cons:
Entire skin on your body dries out. Cracked lips,peeling skin,itching, sensitive skin, sunburn,bone pain, upset stomache,headache.
Effective as a last resort treatment. Not the most pleasent expirence.
November 12, 2006
Pros:
It works very well, but it is not permanent.
Cons:
The side effects are horrible, the severe chapped lips and dry eyes were the most irritating side effect, and the mood swings could get pretty scary. Do not think you will not get the side effects, because you will.
I have taken Accutane twice, both were 6 month regiments and both times after about 2 years of having clear skin my acne returned, but a little less severe each time it has returned. Now my acne is managable with topical treatments. I am going to recommend this drug because you will see results, but it is HORRIBLE while you are on it. The side effects may sound unreal but they will happen in some form, so I highly suggest researching this medication before deciding to take it, to make sure it is the right thing for you. If severe side effects and having blood tests done every month are not your thing, then neither is this drug.
October 25, 2006
Pros:
It works GREAT! I have been done with the treatment for probably about seven years, and my acne has been under control ever since. But you have to follow the directions and stick to it through out the entire treatment period.
Cons:
DEPRESSIONS! I was on this in high school and it drove me very deep into depression. Also it dries out your skin severely. My lips got used to me applying chap stick constantly and they do not produce moisture anymore. So now I cannot live without
It's a great product to take care of acne if you can tough it out throught the depressing treatment period and be able to handle the long-term side effects of dry skin and lips for the rest of your life. I would recomend it if you have severe acne and nothing else seems to be working. I would try something a little less harsh first.
October 22, 2006
Pros:
wonderdrug for acne
Cons:
severe side effects
I've taken accutane twice. It cleared up my skin tremendously the first time, but the acne came back a year later. I started taking it a second time at a smaller dose, but the side-effects were much more severe. I had noticeable hair thinning, dry lips, and developed severe depression. Please read everything you can before taking this drug. As of this September, it has been linked to depressive behavior in rats (I used to think the depression of patients was a result of their acne). It has also been shown to cause permanent changes in sections of the brain that are associated with depression. If you are like me, you will probably still do whatever you can to get rid of your acne. But remember that acne usually goes away with time, whereas severe depression, once you're in it, is very difficult to cure and can be much more debilitating in every aspect of your life.
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 16, 2006
Pros:
hi ive been taking isotane( the same as roacutane i think!) for around 5 months now.
before starting the treatment i had chest, back and face acne now i have none of these.
taking these pills once a day has been one of the best things ive eve
Cons:
dry lips and dry skin was my only problems
it has done so much for my confidence, i rarely ever wear make up and yet still feel confident. apart from dry lips and a bit of flaky skin i have had no other side effects.
i havnt yet finished my treatment but hopefully my skin will continue to be clear!
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.
Pros:
slight improvement initially