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 24, 2013
This Stuff Really Works!
Cons:
Risks for birth defect ( no big deal use protection or control)
Expensive
Accutane is a miracle product!
I've suffered from acne since age 15. I started using Accutane at the age of 28 after begging my doctor after I spend 1,000's of dollars on products and laser treatments. After 4 months of taking Accutane and I had to get on birth control while using it to avoid getting pregnant due to the possibility of having a baby with a birth defect. This stuff cleared my acne and acne scars! I'm now 34 and I no longer suffer from acne!!!!! Every now and then when it's time for my monthly cycle I will get a pimple or two but nothing major. I'm a advocate for Acctuane now. This product save my self esteem and confidence!!!
June 15, 2013
Miracle in a box?
Pros:
Clears acne
Reduces oil production
Cons:
Extreme side effects
Some long lasting side effects
Extreme sun sensitivty
I was on Accutane for a 7 month course back in 2012. I started at 40 mg for my first and second month and then 60mg for the remaining months. I experienced all the usual side effects. Extremely dry lips, dry eyes, blood noses and sore joints and lower back. I didn't clear until the start of my 5th month. I went from having moderately presistant acne to being clear. I wish the results stuck around though. I was only clear for 3 months after finishing up my course.
April 22, 2013
Pros:
Cured a lifetime of acne
Improved my confidence
Changed my life for the better
Cons:
Dry skin
Ongoing sensitive skin
I'd struggled my entire life with acne and nothing had ever fully cleared me up. The best I'd found was The Regimen, which kept me fairly clear but not completely and being 25 I knew I was heading towards adult acne. I had to go to a private Dr in London who prescribed Accutane. It felt like one of the best days of my life. I was ecstatic. It cleared my skin and it's been clear since. It was the best decision I ever made. The side effects are nothing compared to a life time of acne.
March 26, 2013
Pros:
I finally have clear skin! Yes, I still have the scars but the acne is gone. After a year, I will be able to do peels that will take care of the issue!
Cons:
Dry bones, dry lips but that goes away after a while
I never write reviews but this drug changed my life. Its been three months and still not cysts. I know it hasn't been long but waking up without the pain helps so much. I was put on Antibiotics for so long, it killed my body and the good bacteria. :( Don't give up and take Accutane!! If you have insurance its like chump change! Don't drink alcohol either!
January 11, 2013
Pros:
Face acne cleared up as did back acne, red scars from previous acne also seemed less noticeable
Cons:
Cystic acne came back a year later and am now considering starting a second round, made my lips really dry, my body is still much more achey than before accutane, hair loss during the treatment
I would still recommend it despite the flaws. After trying MANY medications and topical ointments prior, I was left with no other option but to try it. It really worked.
November 29, 2012
Pros:
- cleared up skin & kept it clear afterwards
- huge confidence boost
Cons:
- dry skin/lips/eyes
- muscle ache/back pain
- swollen joints (especially knees)
- nose bleeds
- monthly blood tests & hospital visits
i suffered from acne on my t-zone and shoulders/back for 4 years and although it was not the most severe, it was extremely persistant and completely ruined my confidence. i tried everything and had moderate success with dianette (the pill) but this was only temporary and the acne came back as soon as i quit it. i was on 40g and then 60g of accutane a day (the maximum for my weight) for 8 months. this is longer than the usual 6 month course because although my back cleared up perfectly within 2 months, the acne on my face was more stubborn. however, i urge you to stick with it!!! after 7 months, my skin was perfect, and 4 months later, it is still great with the occasional small pimple that clears quickly. as you can see, i was unlucky in that i experienced a LOT of side effects, the worst being that my cholesterol raised to a very high level and i had to change my diet to manage this (which helped to keep it down). although these effects were horrible, they were only temporary, and if you are seriously committed to achieving clear skin, they are worth it in the end. i would really recommend Aquaphor ointment for lips, its the only product that works, and very gently exfoliating skin then following with a rich moisturiser to reduce unsightly flaking. since taking it i can enjoy life without worrying about whether people are looking at my skin and feeling ugly. accutane gets criticised so often but honestly its worth the pain and i just hope the results last forever. you just have to commit to achieve results!
June 3, 2012
Pros:
Clears acne. Truly a wonder drug.
Cons:
- Initial breakout for some people
- Dryness of skin and lips (nothing that a good moisturiser can't handle)
If you are worried enough about your acne to come on this forum - take this drug! As with all medicines, there are side effects, some more common than others. If it isnt working initially dont give up, go back to your dermatologist and ask for advice. This is the only 'cure' for acne and I firmly believe it should be used as soon as possible to prevent scarring - rather than the current ridiculous advice that it should be used as a last resort. Good luck and post your results on here.
May 12, 2012
Pros:
Acne 95% of acne gone in the 1st month, life changer.
Cons:
nothing
Accutane is a gift sent from God this changed my life I took 40mg of acctuane once a day i had no break outs, no joint pain or anything else i am a soccer player so even though i run a lot and weight lift accutane had no bad effects on my muscles or joints. DO NOT be scared of all of these negative reviews, the only problem i had was chapped lips but lip balm takes care of that. so please guys do yourselves a favor and get on this drug there is nothing to be afraid of and BTW the blood tests are not bad at all they only take about an ounce.
April 12, 2012
Pros:
Cleared it up
**but comes back after being off of it for 3 years**
Cons:
severe headaches
body ached
tired
lips were drying and chapping
lack of energy
ankles hurt
NOT a cure just will fix it for a few years**
it will be a temp relief it doesnt cure hormonal acne.
March 17, 2012
Pros:
Clears acne completely
Simplified skin care routine
Cons:
Side effects
iPledge program
eczema if your don't moisturize well!
This medicine is a miracle for acne sufferers. I dealt with acne in varying degrees for 10 years. Once it got bad the last time, my derm said it was time for Accutane. I had no initial breakout; my skin started getting dry and clearing within the first week. My side effects were mild, for the most part. My period migraines were worse and I felt foggy headed in the beginning of my treatment, that's it. My full course was 5 months, not bad for an acne cure!
Pros:
Clears Acne