Accutane and Acne: What Users Say

• Tha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 10, 2020

For Acne "I find that Accutane is one of the most life-changing experiences. Started to notice a huge difference in my skin on month 2. Treatment is very harsh with many side effects. Dry and thin skin, breakouts now and then, very dry eyes. I tried all types of Blistex lip balms, which did not help. Baseline Blue Seal works wonders on the lips and even on dry areas of the skin. I apply sunscreen every day with Nutraderm lotion to hydrate my skin. I also find that it really helps to have at least 3 liters of water every day. I'm currently in the middle of month 3 of treatment, and the past few weeks have been the hardest. Skin and lips are drier than ever, and there is a loss of hair. Some days depression kicks in, so it is important to keep your loved ones around you just to have some positivity. This treatment is quite costly, but it is all worth it in the end. A few months of side effects and paying the price for lifelong great skin and confidence."

• 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."

• 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."

• Ash...
• March 10, 2015

For Acne "It is incredible. It really makes a difference to your skin. Yes, it gets worse before it gets better, but once you get past the painful stage of breakouts, all you see week by week is improvement! I highly recommend it to those with severe acne. Before you know it, your skin will be perfect!"

• Joh...
• September 25, 2019

For Acne "Do NOT take this unless you have very severe cystic acne. I was heavily pressured into taking this 6 months ago with moderate acne, and I can't stress enough how much I regret it. I was urged by a dermatologist to start this before my acne might get really bad. Instead of stopping it, though, I had 6 months of unfixably chapped lips, dry skin, severe depression, and exponentially worse acne. My entire face and neck would break out far worse than ever before. My acne is now severe, and every single pimple has stuck around as a scar. My face and neck are covered with scars, and after what has easily been the worst half a year of my entire life, I look 100 times worse. If you only have moderate acne (i.e., you get some breakouts, but it disappears over a relatively short period), then please avoid this. Do NOT allow a doctor to pressure you into this. It took me from somewhat bad to severely bad acne. You will have all of the negative side effects with none of the positive ones."

• Gar...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 4, 2018

For Acne "I suffered severe acne for more than 20 years before I tried Accutane. It basically cured my acne almost completely. I don't have many side effects, if any. I gained quite a bit of weight, but I think it has more to do with my age and lack of exercise. A lot of people mentioned terrible side effects. I personally didn't feel anything on Accutane, which is rare because I always feel something when I take most other medications. My advice is to start off with a low dose and work it up according to your weight. Side effects will be minimal with a low dose. You can always stop if you experience strong side effects. I was told to take Accutane with a fatty meal. This is the best advice that I can give to anyone who suffers from severe acne. Don't waste your time and money on antibiotics and any topical treatment. You will always have bacteria on your skin. The root of acne is overproduction of oil from the sebaceous gland."

• Joe...
• February 23, 2020

For Acne "About two years ago, I started my Accutane treatment. I was 15, on a low dose, with acne surrounding my mouth and my forehead, which is generally known as the T-zone. As I began the treatment, my skin inflamed and had an intense breakout that lasted about 2 months, which managed to get rid of all the acne, and all I was left with was dark hyperpigmentation spots. However, as the months continued in my treatment, I began to develop cystic acne around my shoulders and back, so bad in fact that they would burst and bleed, causing agonizing pain for the best part of 3 months. These cysts would later leave me keloid scars I still have to this day. However, after my course, it seemed to be too good to be true. For about a year and a half, I was clean, enjoying my life, until 6 months ago, when I began to develop acne again around my cheeks, jawline, and back of my neck. To me now, depressed and full of pain, I would have never taken it if I knew what would have happened to me now."

• acn...
• May 23, 2008

For Acne "Accutane is a great product, even if taken in low doses. The unfortunate thing is that the acne keeps coming back approximately 8-10 weeks after discontinuing treatment. Seven years ago, I went on my first course of treatment, suffering from moderate, sometimes painful acne. The treatment was 80 mg/day for 3 months and another course of 50 mg/day for 2 months. My acne cleared completely but returned after 2 years, again moderate but sometimes painful. I went on a low-dose treatment, taking 10 mg/day for 6 months, but my acne returned after only 10 weeks. I tried Villantae for 4 months with limited success. I am now back on Accutane 20 mg/day for 9 weeks. See how that goes. What helps me most is sunlight - but only moderate amounts - for a maximum of one hour per day. I do naturally have darker skin. What also helps on the low dose is loads of sleep and water. Also, you should consider changing your diet completely, loads of fruit and vegetables, no alcohol or chocolate or salty fatty food. But take your Accutane with food and a glass of milk."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 1, 2017

For Acne "I was so scared to take Accutane due to all of the experiences with initial breakouts and dry lips/skin. I've just begun my third month and could not be happier. After the first month, I had stopped getting active acne, and from then on, my skin has just been post-inflammatory acne scars that get less red day by day. My skin is nowhere near perfect, but the difference between what it is now and what it was pre-Accutane is EXTRAORDINARY. I thankfully experienced no initial breakout. In fact, after just a week, my skin had started clearing. My skin has not been dry at all- I've had no problems with dry lips or dry skin (I do apply Aquaphor generously throughout the day and moisturize twice a day). My treatment is Absorbica 40mg daily."

• 77a...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 10, 2019

For Acne "I was on Accutane for about 13 months. My skin had a horrible purging time, it is completely normal for your skin to get worse before it gets better. My skin did not clear up until the 11-12 months on it. My dermatologist was giving me the wrong doses and kept moving me up and down doses, which is not normal. After treatment, my skin was completely clear for about 6 months. I recently got horrible cystic acne back, it is so painful. I went to a different dermatologist, and I am on my second course of Accutane starting at 60 mg a day. It is supposed to be around a 6-month treatment, hopefully, it stays clear this time!"

• lee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 6, 2016

For Acne "At the age of 25, I had severe hormonal acne appearing under my chin and on my jawline, deep blackheads, scarring, super oily face and hair before taking Accutane. This medication is totally worth it! I've tried so many OTC medications, prescribed so many creams and oral pills, chemical peels, dieting, Proactiv, etc. Nothing worked! I used to have horrible skin in high school as well, and it cleared up for a few years, then the acne came back. I went to my dermatologist, and she recommended Accutane for 5 months. The first two months, I had the initial breakout, and it sucked, but I knew it would get worse before it got better. My face was pretty clear by the third month. By the fourth month, I only had little scars, and now I'm acne-free!"

• Nbw...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 13, 2015

For Acne "I had mild to severe acne at different times throughout the years, but then I finally decided to try Accutane. Initially, I did have an initial breakout, which worsened the skin condition (more acne), which lasted for approximately 1.5 months. But once the skin started getting better, everything started disappearing slowly, and now I'm 4.5 months in and only have the red/brown marks left, but all my acne is gone! The first few months will be harsh, and your self-esteem will probably get hit. But just go through the whole cycle - you won't regret it in the end."

• mis...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 24, 2016

For Acne "Accutane saved my life. I struggled with acne since I was in grade 6. I was so hesitant to take this drug for many years, always scared because I struggle with bad depression. I took 20 mg (5'2/f/118 lbs), and that was good enough. It didn't affect my depression whatsoever. I also struggled with eating disorders, so I was paranoid about gaining weight. I lost weight and ran a half marathon on this drug. Don't let the forums trick you, although everyone is different. When I came off the Accutane, my skin broke out in awful oil. It went away after a month. Other than that, my skin is now pretty perfect, I miss being on it every day, to be honest. It makes your skin flawless."

• Kjb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 26, 2016

For Acne "OMG, I love Accutane. Best thing that ever happened to me. I have 2 months left of this medication, and I don't want it to end. Right now, my face looks so perfect and flawless, occasionally, a zit or two, nothing major at all! I'm so sad that I won't be on it and that my acne will come back! I didn't have awful acne before, 1-10, it was like a 4 or 5 (10 being the worst), but I suffered from awful blackheads. Not anymore, my nose looks perfect. I did get huge cystic acne as soon as I started the medication, and I had almost every side effect, from 20 nosebleeds a day to chapped lips to my hair literally coming out in huge chunks and extreme joint pain. But it was so, so, so worth it."

• wol...
• January 13, 2017

For Acne "I've always had breakouts on my chin every month for the last 3 years, so I tried this. I had a breakout in the 1st month of using this, and it was the worst, good thing I don't have any school that time. But it healed faster when I steamed it and let all the cysts pop up. Although it left me a reddish chin that is really annoying. I'm on my way to the 2nd month, and my face is 70% smooth. I can feel another breakout coming. How do I treat this redness on my face? Was it because of the steaming?"

• Sun...
• September 8, 2015

For Acne "I have suffered from acne for about 5 years (since the age of 15) and am now 20. I first started taking Accutane about a year ago, and let me tell you, it is 100% WORTH IT! My dermatologist prescribed me a 20 mg dose daily for a year. The first 2-3 months, there was really no change except that the first month I did break out a bit more (nothing too bad). By the third month, I did see improvement, and I was no longer producing new pimples. Each month, I noticed less and less acne as well as my scars fading away. Here I am a year later with flawless skin and almost no scars. :) I stopped treatment about a month ago and haven't"

• The...
• October 15, 2014

For Acne "60 kg female. I had cystic acne on my face and jaw. I had acne from 13 years of age. I'm 31 now. I tried everything! Then I asked for Accutane. I was on 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 mg doses. For about 7 months, as I kept having pimples (small but pimples). I had regular blood and pregnancy tests each month. The steroids kicked the medicine in the butt, and at 60, it cleared my face completely. I was on 60 for 2 months, and I knew I had no acne at all. I wanted to give up after 5 months when I was on 50. I would have no pimples all month but when on my periods. I finished on 60. No acne then and no acne 3 months later."

• The...
• October 15, 2014

For Acne "60 kg female. I had cystic acne on my face and jaw. I had acne from 13 years of age. I'm 31 now. I tried everything! Then I asked for Accutane. I was on 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 mg doses. For about 7 months, as I kept having pimples (small but pimples). I had regular blood and pregnancy tests each month. The steroids kicked the medicine in the butt, and at 60, it cleared my face completely. I was on 60 for 2 months, and I knew I had no acne at all. I wanted to give up after 5 months when I was on 50. I would have no pimples all month but when on my periods. I finished on 60. No acne then and no acne 3 months later."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 25, 2013

For Acne "Yes, it did clear my acne once I was on it. I had cystic acne around my chin and forehead, and some acne on my cheeks. But I would say no less than a year later, it started coming back. Granted, it was not as bad as before, but I was extremely surprised to see acne come back so soon. Now, about 3 years later, it is TERRIBLE. I am getting cystic acne again, and a new pimple is popping up pretty much every day around my chin. I really don't want to have to go on another treatment of Accutane. I had already been on 2 six-month treatments in a row."

• Kat...
• March 8, 2016

For Acne "Horrible side effects (virtually all the ones listed) and did not cure my acne. In fact, it made my acne about 10 times worse than before. I find it strange that an 'initial breakout' could last well over a month and be continuing to get worse, leaving scars that I never would have otherwise had. This drug was a total disaster for me, and I stopped after a couple of months. My face is still not back to how it was (which would be comparatively awesome, and I had moderate-severe acne before), and to be perfectly honest, this was the worst decision I could have made for my health and emotional well-being."

• Anonymous
• November 9, 2011

For Acne "Loved Accutane! Had to jump through hoops to take it (blood tests every month, waiver, birth control), but it was worth it. I had severe cystic acne after my second child, and no other prescription medicines helped. Had dryness and increased acne, but after treatment, I have been acne-free for 10 years! My sister also took Accutane but had a recurrence years later. She did a 2nd round and has been acne-free for 5 years. Saved my face from years of scarring, even if I have a recurrence at this point."

• xem...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 27, 2015

For Acne "I am 14, and I am beginning year 10. Over summer break, I decided from years of acne and expensive spot products I wanted to make a change to my confidence by taking Accutane. I'm only just finishing the 1st month of the drug, and I was expecting fast-working treatment but don't be disappointed if it doesn't work in the first few weeks because mine didn't. I get painful spots across my chin and on my back and chest, and I wouldn't go out of the house without a face full of foundation or a top that covers my chest and back. Since I have been taking the drug, I have noticed the redness on my chin has calmed down. And the spots on my back are practically gone! I hope this helps :)"

• Anonymous
• December 1, 2010

For Acne "I took the max strength two times a day for 5 months when I was 17, and it was well worth it. Around the 2-month mark, my acne got worse, but then around months 3 and 4, it was completely gone and has never returned. The only time I get a pimple now is when I have an ingrown hair. My suggestions are to keep a tube of Vaseline with you for your lips, stay out of the sun, and make sure that you don't give up early on the treatment because you think your acne is getting worse."

• Mar...
• June 4, 2016

For Acne "Review part 2) Took this medicine for 6 months. No side effects until I was off the medication and ended up with acne returning and a dry scalp and face. (Really bad) This medicine was not worth it. Never was. Believe all the warnings, and this is coming from one of the lucky ones. Best believe, at 17, I had everyone asking me what I was doing and saying my skin was equivalent to that of a toddler's. But now I'm 22, and this has gone away. Little reward for a high risk with long-lasting effect... MAKE ANOTHER DRUG THAT DOESN'T KILL YOU IF YOU WANT GOOD SKIN."

• Tat...
• September 19, 2015

For Acne "This drug is the best. I've taken it twice, stubborn acne keeps on coming back. That's the only thing, but to others, it never comes back. I want to go on it again to get cleared up again. I just started this birth control called the Implanon, and I think that it makes my acne worse. I don't have big pimples, just small looking ones that are annoying. I also have a lot of whiteheads because my skin is so oily. I'm going to make an appointment soon. Accutane works really well. It clears your skin like no other."