Isotretinoin User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)

• bra...
• January 17, 2017

For Acne "I'm your typical 18-year-old lad and have never written on a forum before, but I want to write something for the people that are worried about taking this (in my opinion) miracle drug. I am coming to the end of my 6-month course, and I can honestly say it's been life-changing. Before I started Roaccutane, I was fairly depressed and seriously lacking confidence due to my appearance. But after months of failed treatments on various antibiotics, I was referred to a dermatologist who instantly said there's only one way to fix my acne problem: Roaccutane. At first, I thought this is the worst-case scenario and I'm going to be even more depressed as a result of the possible mental health side effects. Depression has run in my family, so I was very worried. However, living with acne wasn't something I was prepared to do, so I started the course on 40 mg a day. The first week, I had a headache daily, but thankfully these died off after a week, and paracetamol and ibuprofen will take all the pain away. Almost immediately, my lips were cracking, and from then on in, I never went anywhere without some Carmex lip balm in my pocket. As the first 3 months went by, I was still breaking out and was starting to think it isn't going to work. However, I'm so glad I stuck with it because now I haven't got a single spot on my face, and the scars have faded to the point where you can barely see them! After the third month, my derm upped my dose, and I started to take 60 mg a day. Luckily for me, I hadn't had any serious side effects. Just your occasional nosebleed and dry skin, and sometimes my eyes were a bit blurry, but it's not much of an issue. Anyway, I just want anyone reading this who is worried about starting this medication to know that not everyone has a horror story about Roaccutane, and I couldn't be happier with how it's made me feel! Don't let acne take over your life!"

• Chi...
• May 13, 2014

For Acne "I'll admit, at first I was extremely skeptical. I had heard about all of the nasty side effects that occur with this medicine. Five months ago, I had cystic acne so bad that each side of my face on my cheeks looked like I had a big, inflamed rash on them. I was embarrassed to leave the house and I had to cake on the makeup, and even then you could tell I had a big problem. Within the first three months or so, I had been on it, and while it got better, I was sure it would never get really better because I kept breaking out. Well, I am officially on my fifth and last month, and I haven't had a new pimple in over a week, I am 100% clear. This stuff works. Don't let people scare you, the side effects are really not that bad. Life-changing stuff."

• MVP...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 7, 2016

For Acne "I will tell you one thing: at 25 years, I had thought I would have acne forever. My skin's texture was horrible-blackheads, whiteheads, cysts at times that were very painful, and worse...scars. I started taking 40 mg once a day, then alternating 60 mg, 40 mg, and 60 mg between days. I noticed by the end of month three, my breakout significantly declining. Then 80 mg a day. I can't tell you how shocked I was because, and I know everyone says it, but I really did truly try EVERYTHING under the sun for my acne. I wouldn't let anyone touch my face, not even my mom. I changed my pillowcase and used every oil-free product, etc., etc. End of month five, and I NEVER have seen my skin so radiant! The side effects are worth it 500,000 times over!"

• Mir...
• November 25, 2014

For Acne "Started it at 31. All the extra stuff that comes with the medication is SO worth it. Yeah, you feel achy and have dry skin, but it literally gets rid of everything. I had mild but very persistent acne since my early teens. This included body acne. I tried it all: detergents, shampoos, face washes...nothing worked. I had very oily skin. I was free of acne after about 3 weeks of taking it. I've had maybe 10 tiny zits since then, and I am in month 4 of 6."

• Anonymous
• August 4, 2008

For Acne "I used Accutane and found that the secret is to complete the whole treatment. I used it for a month and acne disappeared but started coming back. Then I did the whole treatment for about four months and acne never came back. Side effects are not fun, especially dryness of the lips, but it is definitely worth it. No acne for more than ten years. Great, especially for people with very bad acne."

• Lis...
• August 8, 2014

For Acne "Amazing! I understand when people say they tried everything. I didn't have severe acne, but persistent and regular. Plus, it didn't help that I was a real squeezer and probably made the whole situation worse. And I already get anxious about social situations, so the skin problem added to that! I was able to go on a low dose, 20 mg, which I was scared wouldn't be enough, but this stuff is strong! Can't complain about the dry skin, as how else is it going to work? The whole idea is to make you less oily. Lips were very dry and gross at the start, and whole layers were peeling off, but that isn't so bad now. Have been through about 10 lip balms already! But that's it really. Sometimes feel a little tired, but that could also not be Accutane."

• Xxn...
• May 27, 2013

For Acne "I had cystic acne on my face, neck, shoulders, and back. I have never been able to wear a tank top or bathing suit and my hair with no makeup for 7 years. HIGHLY RECOMMEND ACCUTANE! I'm not even done with my 120-day course yet, and I could almost cry right now, talking about how great I feel now. I think the trick to avoiding all those serious side effects is sticking to a lower dosage. I'm on 30 mg a day, and it took 3 1/2 months (BE STRONG PEOPLE, IT TAKES TIME), and I can officially say I am acne-free all over for the first time in 7 years. I wish I could be some sort of motivational speaker for this stuff. If you are thinking about it, DO IT! The downside is the dry patches on my arms and cracked lips, the only thing that works is Vaseline. And another upside to it is my hair! It never gets oily!"

• Joe...
• January 31, 2015

For Acne "I started taking this medication about four years ago, stopped maybe two or three years ago. Great success, my acne vanished and I have only had acne one time since, when I accidentally used moisturizer on my face. The only side effect I had was dry skin (mostly just chapped lips), which is to be expected, but it is pretty much back to normal now."

• kai...
• May 13, 2014

For Acne "I was hesitant to try Accutane because of its dangerous side effects. However, as a 17-year-old, I had been suffering from severe acne since I was 11 years old. Accutane is not a medicine that I would recommend taking if you don't absolutely need to. Prior to starting it, I tried everything you could name-virtually anything they sold in chemists and countless topicals and oral medications, all with little to no effect. Looking back on it, I wish I would have started Accutane sooner. I cannot stress what amazing results I got after finishing my 7 months on the medicine. It did cause the expected dryness of lips, eyes, nose, etc. However, the results of the medicine completely outweigh its side effects."

• Cec...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 14, 2019

For Acne "Please do not take this medication. I know you are struggling and have tried everything to clear it, but the side effects of this medication are not worth it. Did it clear my acne? Sure, but I had horrible dry skin, had to layer Vaseline on my lips before I went to bed. There were days I couldn’t open my mouth because the corners of my mouth would crack and bleed. It sent my cholesterol through the roof, and the monthly blood draws are a hassle. I ended up in the ER with severe abdominal pain after 5 months on the medication. I had a CT scan and colonoscopy, and I was only 19 years old. The scans showed my intestines were severely inflamed, and of course, I had to stop the medication immediately. Now, many years later, my acne is back, and I still suffer from digestive issues that I attribute to this medication. I can 100% understand your need for a solution to clear up your acne, but please educate yourself on ALL of the potential side effects."

• kb1...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 4, 2019

For Acne "I am so thankful that I eventually tried Accutane. Literally tried everything before this and am so glad I did! I had horrible acne, even some cystic acne that was so painful ever since I can remember. Started Accutane, and aside from the extremely dry skin, I even got a rash sometimes, the side effects are tolerable and it cleared my skin up 100%! I started it when I was 19 years old. I took 6 months of it, and my face was officially clear. It’s been almost two years now, and I haven’t had a zit. NOT ONE. My skin went back to normal and not dry. Highly recommended! It’s hard while on it, but the results are so worth it."

• pai...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 9, 2017

For Acne "There are so many scary and terrible reviews on this drug. Before going on this drug, I read reviews and became stiff with anxiety. I actually took the brand name Zenatane, which is the same thing, just a little cheaper. LIFE SAVER. I had to come on here and write a glowing review for everyone who was in the position I was before starting. My flare-up began the summer of my senior year of high school and got so terrible when I moved away for college. It was so bad, and I was so embarrassed that I moved back home. Huge, hard cyst-type zits all over my face with redness. No amount of makeup could hide it. I finally made the choice to just do this treatment. It's the best choice I have ever made. I have actually been off of it for almost two years now and still don't get much... a few every now and then but small and hardly ever. The side effects-NOT THAT BAD. Yes, I had very dry eyes... but nothing some good drops couldn't fix. I also had a dry nose, but nothing some good spray couldn't fix. Towards the end of my treatment, I even started my outdoor college soccer practices. I was in the sun, I was running and out of breath, but everything was just fine! The worst part about this drug for me was taking the pills. I have a fear of swallowing pills, but I did it with some yogurt, and it's no big deal. Here's the thing... FOLLOW THE RULES. My sister took this before me. She ruined it for herself. She decided smoking while taking it is no big deal... wrong. It ruined her breathing to a point where she had to stop the drug... and her skin was much worse than mine. Five years later, she is on it again and doing great. So don't listen to all the scary reviews. You will be fine! You can manage the side effects. You can get more help from your derm. YOU GOT THIS."

• Sha...
• October 20, 2014

For Acne "I am a 38-year-old female who has had acne since I was 10 years old. I have tried every over-the-counter medication possible for acne from 1986 to 2012. After years of constant painful acne, my doctor finally decided that my case was severe enough to qualify for this medicine called Accutane/Isotretinoin. There's a long list of side effects which may seem scary at first, my only side effect was minor dry skin, which was curable with a good moisturizer. I completed my treatment in January 2013, and this is now October 2014, and I am still acne-free-longest period in my life ever to not have acne. I was on this for approximately five months, but I first started seeing results in a month. I haven't worn makeup on my face since then."

• sca...
• February 22, 2015

For Acne "I've been using it for 8 weeks now, and my skin has cleared up tremendously. I still get a few cystic acne (my dermatologist says it's normal as Accutane is working to push out all hidden blackheads under the skin), but no new whiteheads or blackheads. Skin is also much less oily. I take about 40 mg a day."

• Tru...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 29, 2013

For Acne "Accutane is the best medication on the market, in my opinion. Not only am I a pharmacist, but I have taken this medication myself. It WORKS... Before taking Accutane, I had the most oily skin. You could literally fry a chicken on my forehead during a hot summer day. By approximately month four, my skin had never looked better. Everyone who is struggling with acne should highly consider this medication."

• Ada...
• February 4, 2013

For Acne "I started Accutane when I was 14. My skin looked really bad. I had pimples on my face approaching the size of dimes. The acne went over my shoulders, down the front of my chest, and down to the bottom of my back. I tried all the creams and fancy products, and nothing worked. My doctor finally put me on a round of Accutane. The first dose I was on for a couple of months didn't do much, so the doctor doubled it. Within six months, my acne was almost all gone, and I stopped treatment. Within 18 months, I had zero acne and zero scarring - my skin was utterly flawless and still is. I am now basically cured of acne - less than half a dozen pimples in ten years. Miracle."

• smc...
• December 21, 2007

For Acne "I started taking Claravis two months ago. I have this acne on my chest, and everything I used just didn't work. I finally went to see a skin doctor, and he started me off with just 20 mg, which, reading about all the side effects, scared me a little, but so far, so good. Right now, I am on 40 mg twice a day, and the only problems I am really having are the chapped lips (Aquaphor will become the love of your life). I am already seeing good results from Claravis, and I still have 4 months to go."

• Kyr...
• November 23, 2019

For Acne "I am currently a week into my third month of treatment and have suffered from acne since the age of 19. I am now 24 and have finally decided to bite the bullet and go on Accutane. My derm initially prescribed me 40mg of Accutane once daily, she upped my dose to 60mg, and when I say my skin has become beyond dry and sensitive to the touch, I mean it. Not to mention the initial purge is something I am dealing with, breaking out on parts of my face that I normally don’t break out. There are red, inflamed bumps that take weeks to dissipate. At my last appointment, she lowered my dose back to 40mg. She stated that I am just one of her patients that she needs to ease into the process with. I was on prednisone during month two as well because my skin had flared up so bad. I am really hoping there is a light at the end of this nightmare of a tunnel. If anyone has gone through anything similar to this with their treatment, I would love to hear your experience because I’m losing hope and am trying to be patient."

• Gre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 21, 2014

For Acne "I was 49 when I began taking Accutane for moderate acne. My insurance company only approved 5 months' treatment. My dermatologist generally recommends 8 months, but I was satisfied with my results at the end of my 5-month course. I had the common side effects of chapped lips and dry, itching skin. It's been 4 months post-treatment, and I'm still clear of bumps. I don't regret my decision."

• Liz...
• February 20, 2019

For Acne "My sophomore and junior year of high school, I took Accutane for a 6-month period. I took it again my freshman year of college, but for a shorter period of time. My skin was excessively dry, I experienced frequent nosebleeds, and my lips were appalling. As a result of taking Accutane for a total of around 15 months, my health changed, and so did my confidence. They warn you of potential side effects, but they refuse to discuss healthier alternatives with you until it’s too late. As a result of this medication, I now experience GI distress and symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). I am 20 years old, and I firmly believe this medication is the cause. Despite making lifestyle changes, I still experience horrible episodes of constipation, and my acne has come back worse than before. My confidence is lower, and sometimes I feel hopeless. I am writing this review because I feel passionate about encouraging those considering Accutane not to go through with it. It’s not worth it!"

• Luc...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 22, 2020

For Acne "Taking Accutane for my acne is one of the best things I’ve done. It has literally changed my life, and I have become so much more confident. I am so much happier with how my skin is and my appearance now than I ever have been. People comment on how I look happier and healthier because my skin is just glowing! I am just in my last month or so, and I am looking forward to when it finishes. I struggled with severely dry lips and patches of skin on my face to begin with. My skin started to cope more, but my lips are still as dry as ever, this is something I will not miss. Occasionally, I may feel down, however, as long as you tell your doctor the truth, they can deal with this and possibly lower your dose, etc. (one of the positive side effects is my hair is nowhere near as greasy!) To anyone who is wondering whether Accutane is for them, I would say it is life-changing, and the side effects are manageable for such a positive outcome at the end!"

• Ale...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 8, 2013

For Acne "This is now my fourth month on Accutane. I had moderate acne on my T-zone (chin, upper lip, nose, and forehead). But I had terrible acne on my back, chest, shoulders, and upper arms. It was so embarrassing, I was so worried about what shirts I could wear that I could wear my hair up. Shirts that were too short on my arms or v-necks. I hated it, and it's so bad for your self-esteem. I tried everything: topical creams, face washes, and antibiotics. NOTHING WORKED. I visited my dermatologist, and he prescribed me Accutane. At first, I was very skeptical with all the pregnancy tests, blood tests, and the whole I-Pledge system. After three weeks, my face was so clear, my back, chest, and shoulders were so clear except for some scarring."

• Mom...
• January 4, 2014

For Acne "My 17-year-old son has had severe acne on his face, chest, back, and very oily hair for several years. He started taking Claravis two weeks ago, and the results are amazing already. The acne on all areas is clearing, and his hair looks great. We are noticing changes in his self-confidence already; wanting to fix his hair, will shave face (wouldn't shave to hide acne), and smiling more. The only negative is pain in his elbows. So far, we love this medicine. One last thing, I took Accutane 25 years ago for acne and haven't had a problem with it since."

• Fia...
• September 25, 2018

For Acne "I have just finished month two, and my face is the smoothest it has ever been. Fair-skinned people, you will definitely look like you have a sunburn in the first month, but it goes away. I did purge bad in the first three to four weeks, but it was manageable. This thing is a miracle drug, and the only side effect I have had is SOME lower back pain, fatigue, and SLIGHTLY dry skin and lips. I attest my lack of symptoms due to my one gallon of water I drink every day and unwavering moisturizing skills. Ladies, butter yourself up every day with that ultra repair cream and some rosehip oil, and you will be fine. I thought this would be really bad, but maybe everyone is sensitive OR I just got lucky. Anyways, I highly recommend this drug. Don't think you can still eat absolute junk and it will still work, eat as healthy as you can, exercise, limit stress, eat clean, and indulge every once in a while and let Accutane do its job."

• Hol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 21, 2014

For Acne "I've written a review on here a couple of times, first when I had first started on Accutane and second when I was on my fourth month. I just finished my last pill last night, and I'm hopeful that my face will stay clear. I still have dry lips and dry skin, that will eventually go back to normal, but otherwise my skin is completely clear and I'm not scared to wear less makeup, before, I would literally look like a cake face. All I have is a lot of leftover marks and discoloration, but my dermatologist and I have already talked about chemical peels within the next month or two. I know Accutane sounds scary for everyone who hasn't tried it and read some reviews, but it's not. Acne was messing with me mentally, and I was willing to try anything! Go for it."