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 22, 2010
Cons:
*Bloody Nose
*Dry lips
*Back Aches
I told myself I would write a review if this worked and it did! I started clavaris (a brand of isotretinoin pill) in Novemeber. Within two months my blackheads started to get pushed out until I had no blackheads left. My skin, which was origionally really oily, stays oil free all day now.
When I started clavaris I had about four to fve really painful pimples all over my face each day. After four months on maximum dosage, my skin was still not clearing I was convinced it wouldn't happen. By month five it finally kicked in and I havent had a pimple in a month! So be patient if your skin is taking a while to clear!
Some cons about isotretinoin medication is the dry lips. Aquaphor vaseline is a miracleworker for this. I got some back aches but they weren't severe. I also got a couple nosebleeds while on clavaris which was embarassing but worth the final product. Aquaphor can be put in your nose too which moustrizes and helps prevent nosebleeds.
BOTTOM LINE: This product is great and you should defineatly ask your dermatologist about it!
May 13, 2010
Pros:
Skin began clearing up within two days, felt much more confident,
Cons:
Dry lips, little back pain
I wish I had done it sooner. I've had moderate to severe acne since my freshman year of high school, and I am now about to graduate. I was going to start treatment last year but I chickened out because of some online reviews...But this year (my senior year) it got so bad that I just got fed up and took the plunge. I've been on it for about a month and the results have been awesome! Yes, the dry lips are a pain, but vaseline twice a day is all I need! The acne on my forehead, chest, and back has entirely cleared, and my cheeks are slowly becoming less red and dot-covered.
March 17, 2010
Pros:
clears skin to perfection
Cons:
nasty side effects including depression
My mother had acne when she was pregnant with me for the first and last time in her life, the fact that my acne was contracted genetically has made it almost impossible to clear, i tried antibiotics (2 types) the pill, topical creams/ointments (differin, duac, ect...) plus over the counter remedies which of course did nothing, my acne showed up at age 12, at age twenty i was offered accutane from a private dermatologist, it took five months to take effect with some harsh side effects including depression, hair change, and extreme dryness, but after the course my skin was clear, and for a year it was perfect, one year on exactly and my spots have started to return, but no where near as bad, and at the moment i blame the irritation from my latest face wash, i would definately recommend this drug becuse even though its a long haul, it gave me the confidance i never had in over a decade. you wont be perscribed it unless your skin is severe but i promise it WILL work, and probably never return, as it shouldnt, unless your acne is genetic too :)
January 1, 2010
Pros:
Less Breakouts.
Cons:
dry face, dry lips, Leg acheness, ITCHING, contact irratation, high blood pressure.
I've only been on this product not quite a month yet so i cant really say how good its working. I have noticed i am getting less breakouts but my acne is really red. Im guessing its the dryness. Im only on 40mg so im hoping they will up my mg when i go back to the derm in a couple weeks. Im hoping accutane will clear my acne and make it so it never comes back again. Its very embarressing. It does give you very bad chapped lips and very dry skin especially around ur mouth area. Its usually driest when i first wake up in the mornings. Another thing ive noticed is my arms are really red and bumpy from them being dry and itching them like crazy. I also have to wear glasses because accutane tends to dry my eyes out making my contacts irratate me. It'll all be worth it if accutane is the miracle acne medication they say it is. If your as desperate as me and want your acne gone try it like i am :]
December 7, 2009
Pros:
Fabulous, smooth skin, minimized pores and scars, clears complexion, makes it even looking. You will be asked if you're wearing makeup.
Cons:
Sun Sensitivity, please wear high SPF sunscreen everyday or you will burn like beacon. I wear SPF 70 and still get red like a tomato. Mild depression, tiredness, irritable, social detachment. Lack of concentration in school/work
IT Works! Miracle Drug! everyone handles this med differently. Make sure you drink plenty of water, use sunscreen each day, eat healthy, monitor side effects, don't drink, be very honest to your doctor, and enjoy the beautiful skin. :)
November 11, 2009
Pros:
-Cleared my persistent and painful cysts that were unresponsive to topical medications and oral antibiotics.
-Left me with beautiful, clear skin and a new-found self confidence.
Cons:
-None that were a surprise; if you expect the mild temporary joint pain and excessive drying of the lips that is CLEARLY MARKED EVERYWHERE IMAGINABLE you will prepare for these symptoms by purchasing strong moisturizers and proper supplements.
-Isotretinoin works, and the side effects are negligible if you prepare yourself like any good patient receiving a strong medication should. Invest in a strong moisturizer, lip balm, and vitamin E / glucosamine supplements and you can make the common side effects barely perceivable.
-Take the medication with omega fatty acids for bonus points and efficacy.
-Research the medication and know what to expect.
August 11, 2009
Pros:
5 days into trial, to early to tell
Cons:
facial dryness, which can get painful
For someone who loved to swim, but becuase of horrible acne across face, neck, shoulders(scarring resembles 3rd degree burns, which will never go away), back and chest, i've had to give that up do to embarrassment, this product is my last chance, acne started at 13 and i just turned 18, i've been cheated out of what is supposed to be one of the best times in your life, girls, pool parties, i never got that...sad, but i finally got this and i pray it helps, parents were to cheap to pay for it, not that we couldn't afford it, they seriously were just to cheap,
March 19, 2009
Pros:
Oil cleared within a month my blackheads just dropped out
Skin gradually got better but the main improvements came after the third month, clear after month 4. tried retin-a, 5 types of anti-biotics and countless over the counter products. this wor
Cons:
Dry skin as expected, dry lips, dry eyes, raised intracranial pressure which resulted in me being pulled of the drug a week early.
Fantastic! so far the drug is totally worth it and works (lets hope it keeps working). However it's not to be taken lightly and make sure your tough enough to stick it out for four months, this isnt for the light hearted. If your ready try this roaccutane now, its free on the NHS!
August 12, 2016
I love it, but acne comes back.
For someone with hormonal acne, it isn't a long term solution for your problems. However, if you have horrible severe cystic acne, like how I did, you need to use this because it is the first step towards healing your skin. I went on Accutane at the beginning of my senior year and by prom my skin was glowing and perfect. 3 years later, my skin has gotten worse and worse again, but that's okay because I've found other great products work wonders for my skin. My side effects:
-dry eyes (used eyedrops daily)
-dry nose (a few nose bleeds)
-horrible dry lips (not much that can be done besides drinking water and lip balm)
-red, blushing skin
-occasional constipation
-blisters if I spend the day outside and forgot sunscreen
-dry hair (I would only wash my hair like once a week) Honestly, having these side effects was 100% totally worth having clear skin.
July 26, 2017
Which products are you using now that are helping control your acne?
April 19, 2016
Don't delay trying this
Best thing to happen to me EVER Prior to this drug: depression, hated my skin. Avoided all social interaction (as much as I could). Held back on relationships. Didn't bother sitting in certain lighting. Didn't go swimming, sauna, gym etc as I didn't want to be seen without make up. Didn't even open my front door as I couldn't handle the acne on my face. Accutane period- 7 to 9 odd months of Accutane. I would say it got worse before it got better. This was last resort for me but I was at the end of my tether and NEEDED relief as the acne was cystic, painful, red and unfortunately leaving me with A LOT of scars :(
First few months was hard. Spots kept appearing. Skin hurt.
Month 4-5 turning point in my skin. Clearer, better, brighter complexion. Friends and family noticed the difference and commented on how great it was.
Month 6-9 up and down good and bad skin days. More good than bad. Towards he end it was great. Skin improved and improved even some of the scars filled up. LOVED the drug. Side effects: dry hair. Dry eyes. That's it nothing else
Positive side effects- have my confidence back. I'm a new person. I can go out with my friends now. I don't hold back in reltionships. I DO have a lot of scarring but I literally do not care (sometimes) as I have been through the sh*t and back with my skin. I am no longer depressed! One year on; 2016- I do get the odd spots here and there. The acne has DRAMATICALLY reduced. It is not acne anymore it is a few spots mostly around my period. No biggie. I no longer get depressed about this life goes on! Scars - It does bother me. I have become great at concealing my scars with makeup. You can see them but only if your at a 40 cm distance from my face. So not bad. I will be getting treatment in the near future around 1.5-2 year time. Bottom line: try the drug. It is close to a miracle. Your depression days will be gone and you can finally feel at peace with your face. :) There IS light at the end of the tunnel (cliche but true)
Pros:
*Pimples go away!!!
*Blackheads go away!!!
*Skin becomes oil free!!!