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 14, 2009
Cons:
During the session I got chapped lips, dry skin, more acne, eczema on my arms and legs.
If you've tried everything OTC and prescription, definitely try Accutane. I took it for 5 months and at first I would always break out in eczema and my acne got worse and my lips were extremely chapped but with time everything started clearing up. Now my acne (which was pretty bad) is completely gone and my face is so clear, and I'm much more happier.
August 28, 2009
Pros:
Stops oily skin, controls the cyst acne that hurts so bad.
Cons:
Have had every sympton under the meds, dry peeling hands, feet, face, body, nose bleeds, body aches muscle and bone, hair loss, fatigue, mild depression. Cost
I am in my second monyh and I am clearing up after my first month initial break out that was awful. The oil that I was experiencing is gone my skin feels so different so clean . I even though having all the side affects will say this medicine is magic. I suggest it highly.
August 14, 2009
Pros:
Clearer skin and better self esteem
Cons:
Dry skin and peeling
I have suffered from acne since I was twelve. My breakouts leave ugly dark scars no matter how small the pimple. I am now 30 and I have had it! Everyone around me says i'm over reacting and that my face looks good. They have never seen the acne scars on my shoulders and back. My face is not evenly complected. I can see every little imperfection. I have been on accutane for 11 day and on Loestrin 24 for 3 months. I am telling you that I can see an improvement already. My lips are really dry, but smooth. I do worry about the possible side effects but I will not stop using til I learn otherwise.
July 23, 2009
Pros:
Clears up acne almost completely after 1.5months
Cons:
Initial Breakout is worse than any acne i had previously, the initial breakout consisted of huge cysts, and spots for 3-4weeks.
You get Dry skin and very dry lips.
Very Raw Skin on face without moisturizer/after shower and eczma on arms-Moisur
It Works! Your acne is clear within two months forever, the red marks will eventually fade, it is well worth the downsides, because you will feel much more confident and secure about your appearance, not until afterwards do you realise how insecure having acne made you.
It is worth it, just need lots of moisturizer.
The muscle pain/back pain goes away after a week from it first starting.
July 17, 2009
Pros:
Accutane WILL make your acne go away. I used Sotret. 40mg twice per day. In a few months, I had ZERO pimples on my face, chest and back. And I haven't gotten a pimple since then.
Cons:
I am an athlete, and I had joint pain in my hips and knees. But Advil took care of that. Also dry skin, and watch out for scarring. Do NOT pop any pimples while you are on accutane, you WILL get scars from it.
This product works. You may have to go another round or two afterward if your acne comes back.
July 11, 2009
Pros:
Clears acne up, clears marks and scars, gives newfound confidennce
Cons:
dry lips, eyes and skin patches, some joint pain, SOME anxiety, blood work, monthly checkups...BUT it is a miracle.
I'm 16, and I tried everything before I finally went on accutane(Commercial products, antibiotics, retin-a, differin, ziana,etc). My acne was not horrible but i think it was really bad especially being in high school. I got accutane at the beginning of this year, and I believe that this has been one of the biggest blessings in my life. It's given me the joy of being able to go out without feeling as insecure and newfound confidence.
July 7, 2009
Pros:
Will clear up all of your acne. Will make skin much less oily. If you have good health insurance, it's really affordable ($10 a month for 60 generic isotretinoin pills & free bloodwork, but $30/month for the derm visit).
Cons:
EXTREME dry peeling lips EVERYDAY. Bloody nose EVERYDAY. Very achy muscles (back and legs especially). Dry skin: face and body. Annoying to get bloodwork done monthly and answer ipledge questions.
I was on a five month program from April to the end of August. I took 80 mg worth of isotretinoin everyday. My acne was all gone by the end of the fourth month. If you have horrible acne, and you've tried everything else, go on this medicine. I strongly recommend going on it during summer months, because you're skin won't be as dried out as it would be in the winter. (I layed outside and tanned about an hour almost everyday. I put lotion on before I go out, and my skin doesn't get dry or flake or anything.) It's very important to moisturize daily. If you are hesitant, at least try it! You can always stop the treatment if it disagrees with you. I could not be happier with my decision. My skin is so smooth and clear now. This is a miracle drug.
July 1, 2009
Pros:
The best thing that happened to my skin. Its amazing.
Cons:
takes 6 months. may be side effects.
THIS STUFF WORKS MIRACLES. there may be little side effects. I was 100% clear of severa acne and bacne in 6 months. wow.
June 25, 2009
Pros:
it cleared acne very fast
Cons:
dry lips blurred vision abdominal pain joint pain and alot more.
it works very well but it can do so much bad stuff to you. i am not taking it now i was but my doctor said to stop do to side effects and now she wants me to take it agian and i think that i will cuz i am already breaking out agian. You may want to do it or you may not but you have to check risks and benifets is it worth all side effects it may or may not be.
May 19, 2009
Pros:
Reduces oil so i can go all day without reapplying make up, stops me getting any spots, makes me feel more confident about my appearance.
Cons:
having to see derm every 4 weeks
I am on week 5 of my 20mg roaccutane course for moderate persistent acne on my face. I've tried everything from contraceptive pills to antibiotics and creams. Roaccutane is really working for me, my lips are a little drier but its nothing a little carmex every few hours doesnt fix and i apply e45 twice a day so my skin isn't bothering me. I would advise anyone starting roaccutane to moisturise with e45 twice a day for a few weeks before you start taking it and apply carmex lip balm to the lips a few weeks earlier too. Keep this up when you start taking the roaccutane as it has really helped me. One thing i have noticed though is i am drinking a lot more water than usual. I didnt get an initial breakout and i have only had 1 tiny spot since which disappeared after 2 days, my scars are starting to fade and my skin-which looked like someone had rubbed butter all over it after about an hour of washing-is now clean all day! Good luck everyone, i hope you have as much success as i am having.
Pros:
It cleared up my acne COMPLETELY, and worked like a miracle.