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 12, 2009
Cons:
Dry lips, dry out nose, blood test every month, doctor appointments every month, rashes on my hands and arms but my doc gave my cream and it goes away within a day. I can live with these “cons†since I’m getting CLEAR skin finally!
I'm on my 3rd month of isotretinion and I have to take it 2 times a day for 6 months. At first my parents and I were scared to go on it since we heard all the scary side effects that could happen but I know some friends that were on it and they had nothing but good things to say about it. I'm so glad I went on it! I just wish I had gone on it years ago! Its says not to drink while still taking isotretinion but unfortunately I had my 21st while still taking it but I went out and drank a little just not crazy and I was perfectly fine the next morning. It could damage your liver so make sure if you do drink while on it its only a little and you don't over due it. I recommend isotretinion if you have acne that just won't go away! I got on it when I was 20 wish I got on it when I was still in high school.
May 6, 2009
Pros:
20 years of serious acne are finally over.
Cons:
During 6 month regimen: Lips dried up and scabbed over. Inner nose scabbed over and bled constantly. My arms got scabs in patches (like eczema). Took another month for side effects to wear off. Monthly blood tests and a week of sobriety before them.
I really disliked going through the treatment. It was incredibly uncomfortable. I hadn't picked my nose this much since the 3rd grade, though I was picking at scabs and not digging for gold. I figured I'd get used to the side effects eventually, but they remained annoying through the whole regimen. Also, the blood tests are to check the affects on your liver, which means NO DRINKING for a week before the blood test - every month. And THEN you have to get a new prescription a couple days after the blood test every month, which means another copay ($50 per, for me, and of course the pills, which cost about $10 under my insurance). But in the end, my face and back are completely clear. No matter what I've used for the past 20 years, I've never seen my face this clear - even on good days. I Highly recommend this, but due to the side effects, agree that it should be a last resort.
April 30, 2009
Pros:
skin cleared up completely in like 2 months. 1 month left, hopefully the acne will stay away. I can go for days without washing my face, and no fear at all of acne, never have to look in the mirror to check for pimples and white heads, fantastic.
Cons:
very dry skin, but much better than any acne. also very chapped lips but nothing in comparison to acne. if feel like i can look someone in the face without them having to look at acne its great, I did have suicidal thoughts but i think that depends..
... on personality and lifestyle etc etc. i strongly recommend this pill to anyone with acne no matter how severe, everyone on this site is saying how affordable the drug is, but that is if you have good insurance, if you dont have any insurance a months supply of pills will cost up around $400. mine only cost me 20$, I would just double check with your pharmacist. definitly worth the money, 5 months and possibly a lot of money for a new way of life for the rest of your life.
April 15, 2009
Pros:
it cleared up my acne.
Cons:
my joints hurt a little but it was nothing compared to the joy of getting rid of my acne.however, ive been off it for about 4 months and im breaking out again.sooo i dont know anymore...gotta go back.
it works.
March 7, 2009
Pros:
I began having acne at 15 on my face, back and chest. It continued heavily for 8 years. I got desperate and took this medicine at 23 for six months. I'm now 35. It cleared up my skin beautifully. ResuIts have lasted. Oil production diminished
Cons:
Moisturize, moisturize. Wear zinc oxide to protect your skin from the sun. It will burn and get dry easily, but it's so worth it.
Even if your acne doesn't clear up right away, don't get discouraged. It is so worth it. At first my acne got worse for about a month. By the third month I wasn't getting any new pimples. I continued the entire treatment and have no problems with acne today. Everyone reacts differently but I had no side effects and am very pleased with the results. Thank you so much Accutane!
February 27, 2009
Pros:
Clears skin, on face, back, chest and in your scalp.
Cons:
It takes like every fluid out of your body, so I was always dehydrated and dry, but moisturizers and water will help that, if you have nothing to be depressed about than you won't be. I'm not at all and my life is amazing.
Don't use any more cream treatments. Proactive is full or S*IT. this Accutane is the way to go. you will get use to the dry lips. chap stick will help that. this will dramatically change your life.
February 23, 2009
Pros:
perfect oil balance, acne diminshes quickly
Cons:
terrible side effects, not sure if it is worth it
skin feels perfect, not too oily, if you wash face every morning and night, oil balance is perfect. i saw my acne go away within the first week. not supposed to use any topical treatments, but i found that using a spot treatment works perfectly!
dry skin is very manageable, must use a good mosturizer every morning and night and always carry chapstick w/you i love accutanes effects on my skin but have had miserable side effects:
- can cause INCREASED INTRACRANIAL PRESSURE, constant pounding headaches for the first couple of weeks, eyes inable to dilate correctly lead to photophobia (light hurts eyes)
- dry eyes, cant wear contacts
- affected mood, made me completely unmotivated
- hypersensitivity, no tanning w/out burning while my side effects are fairly rare, accutane just seems far to instable a medication. although having acne affects many other parts of my life, im not sure if i am willing to compensate having accutane drastically affect my life esp for
February 11, 2009
Pros:
cleared my skin for about a year
Cons:
a lot of my hair fell out, my acne is back is might even be worse than before
When I was on accutane and for months after I thought it was God sent. My skin was perfect. My acne has always been mild, I'll always have a few pimples on my face and my skin is oily, but it was never severe. However, I was fed up with constant blemishes and begged my mom to let me get on accutane. About 4 or 5 months after i got off my hair started falling out, and it persisted for about 3-4 months. My hair got so much thinner all for good skin. While my hair has been getting thicker, I don't know if it'll ever be the same. It's been a little over a year since it began falling out. And about 8 months after I got off accutane my acne came back, and now its been a year and a half and my acne is even worse and persistent. I have heard really good experiences but this was mine and it was horrible. Really think about what you're willing to sacrifice for possible clear skin.
January 27, 2009
Pros:
Cleared my skin well when I was put on the medication at age 14, came back within the year. Cleared it up the second time I went on it, came back that same year yet again. Last trial of it worked for only two months after taking the medication.
Cons:
dry lips, dry eyes, dry nose, nose bleeds, headaches. scars, severe loss of hair, thinning of skin, bubbles on the inside of my eyelids, and joint pain, and most of all depression/lack in being seen publicly.
It was the only medication out there for my cystic acne, during treatment severe cysts never cleared but grew smaller, they would grow in size after being off the medication for 6 months. The hair loss also occurred over the course of two months after being on accutane for 6 months. Now sitting at 9months of being off accutane, and that being my third time on the medication, I DO NOT RECOMMEND TAKING THIS DRUG if you find it ineffective after a second trial, I would almost even recommend other options if it comes time for a second option. I'm 21 years old and the acne I get is around my mouth, shoulders, neck, upper back, and sometimes on buttocks , it currently is mostly under the surface, but my skin is so thin now that you can see white bumps that are underneath. I hope this helps, and at the same time doesn't sound too too scary, I have had such a struggle with cystic acne that if anyone can help or would like to talk, feel free.
January 17, 2009
Pros:
Clear skin, less break outs
Cons:
Very dry, chapped lips and skin. Very sensitive to any products or sun.
The drug really does work. Be patient because it takes longer than the 6 month period to show results. Pain in the butt to get prescripted but very well worth it!
Pros:
Cleared my skin up! Before this I tried soooo many creams, medicines, etc. This was my last resort and I’m happy with it!