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
September 27, 2008
Cons:
Monthly visits to the doctor. Nothing else that chapstick or moistoriser couldn't control.
I paid $10 a month for the RX plus $20 co-pay each monthly dr. viist, so that got expensive.
I was on Sotret (accutane) from January 5th to Septemer 5th - that's a long time! Basically my acne is caused by stress, and I learned this through taking accutane, because when I wasnt stressed, I got no pimples and accutane was really that "amasing pill" you heard about. When I was stressed, I would break out, even on Accutane. It changed my acne from slow healing to fast healing, and way smaller pimples. Basically, find out what causes your acne. Mine is stress so hopefully I will be able to maintain the results accutane has given me. I would say try it for yourself, start with a low dose (like i did), work up to higher dosages, and just see how your body reacts. I wish I would have gone on it earlier. Oh and I got bad blood tests going each month, such as "high liver function" and "low white blood cell count." I didn't let that scare me because you just adjust to a different dosage that your body agrees with. Try it and stop wondering! I wish I wouldve gone on it ten yrs ago. (24)
August 27, 2008
Pros:
Good if you have health insurance, Clears up nodular acne, dries out blackheads
Cons:
Not a permanent cure, Gets worse before it gets better
I have always had light acne with blackheads and a rare cyst every now and then, since about 12. At 18 my face exploded in cystic-nodular acne (it's genetic in my case). I, for some strange reason, avoided seeing a derm even though I had health insurance for a year. Because of this I have scarring. As soon as my derm saw me she wrote me a script for Accutane. It definitely got worse before it got better. I loved how all my blackheads practically committed suicide and fell out of my face. I wasn't totally cured, but after treatment I would only get a couple before my period. Still have to use makeup because of scarring, but people actually compliment me on my skin now. I was looking this up because my acne is back (6 years later) and am considering using it again. Hair loss.... Now I'm totally petrified!!!!!!!!!!
August 15, 2008
Pros:
works really good, its the only thing that got ridof my acne
Cons:
2 yrs later it came back
recommended
June 10, 2008
Pros:
Clears up acne!
Cons:
Acne can return, dry skin/lips, headaches, blood tests.
Use Accutane if you have tried other things without success
June 10, 2008
Pros:
Clear, beautiful skin!
Cons:
EVERYTHING is dry-- My eyes, ears, lips, skin, and even down there... also experienced fever and chills one day. You can't wax, get a facial or have anything lasered. Sun sensitivity. Huge pain to have to take a pregnancy test every month.
I'm about a month into my second course of accutane and absolutely recommend it! For me, the side effects are pretty minimal-- I religiously apply aquaphor on my lips and use cetaphil lotion on my face/body. I had a bit of an initial break out, but now my skin is looking great! My skin is almost completely clear, skin tone evening out, scars are getting lighter. I even feel like I look younger... The best part-- I've been getting compliments on what beautiful skin I have by strangers and friends. I think this is probably the best my skin has ever looked! Also, I think my pores are shrinking and there is definitely less oil. Usually by the end of the day the makeup on my t-zone is totally gone; it's 9:30pm and my makeup still looks fresh! Despite the side effects, I AM SO HAPPY THAT I WENT ON ACCUTANE!! Nothing else worked for me... I've tried all the topicals, antibiotics, over the counter, light therapy, facials... like I said, THIS IS THE BEST MY SKIN HAS EVER LOOKED!
May 18, 2008
Pros:
I took Accutane about 15 years ago for the first time and had no problems whatsoever with it. I have since had a booster dosage about 8 years ago and my skin is great now. I had horrible cystic acne growing up and still have scars on my face from tho
Cons:
None--It worked. I'll take any side effects for a product that rid me of acne.
Accutane is the ONLY cure for cystic acne. All other medications will manage the acne, but as soon as you go off the medicine, the acne comes back.
April 17, 2008
Pros:
-much clearer skin
-can go long periods with having to wash hair
- no more breakouts
Cons:
-severe dry lips and nose
-nose bleeds
-stiff joints
its def. worth it, its frustrating the first few weeks because of severe nose bleeds and dryness but its good knowing that its taking it away in the longrun. I tried literally everything without it workingat all before so this is amazing. I think its important to not get discouraged with the uncomfortable side effects because you might find out it works perfectly.
April 14, 2008
Pros:
cleared up severe acne,scars have reduced.
Cons:
sinustis.
everytime i used the isotretinoin gel i have difficulty breathing. this gel caused acute sinusitis. but it was effective against acne.
February 25, 2008
Pros:
Number of breakouts dramatically reduced, smooth clear skin. After my 4 months on it, prescription creams started to actually work!
Cons:
Dry lips, dry skin and joint pains(in knees which was a killer for soccer)
I had used at least 7 prescription creams up to Accutane and went to 4 different dermatologists. Accutane is amazing, I saw improvements within weeks and cleared up skin(shoulders, chest and face) within a month. I have two friends with really bad severe acne and I recommended it to them and they are both seeing the same improvements. If you have severe acne and have tried many other things, then this is definitely for you, I would highly recommend bringing it up with your dermatologist. It, just works. However, when you take this, there are a number of side effects(they are listed on the iPLEDGE form) but, I was desperate and found it worth the couple side effects to finally see clear acne.
February 5, 2008
Pros:
None, this was just awful
Cons:
fatigue, depression, incredibly dry skin, nosebleeds, hairloss, backaches
I was prescribed accutane 3 times over the course of 5 years. the first time i took it for 9 months, the second time 9 months and the third time i had to take a modified course of 1 pill every other day for 11 months. It didn't work. My Acne was overwhelming while I was on it and in addition to the horrid cysts, my skin would peel off in strips (now mind you I still had to work!). My acne did not clear up while on it, or after. It made my hair fall out for years and it's never. I was at a business lunch with my boss at the Ivy and my hair was falling out in clumps, alllll over the table. it was humiliating. I eventually had to be prescribed a antidepressent and to this day, 10 years later, I still have to take it. My lips are still cracked and peeling to this day. I have to use a lip balm all day and all night. I was never sensitive to any medication before, I was not resistant to most medications but I do have stubborn acne. Accutane doesn't work for everyone and I'm living proof.
Pros:
It worked!