Accutane and Dry Lips: What Users Say (Page 4)

• sar...
• December 9, 2013

For Acne "Accutane has changed my life! I suffered from acne from the age of 14, and now I am almost 19. I started Accutane 5 months ago, and I have one month left on it. The first month on Accutane, my acne started to clear up slightly. The 2nd, 3rd, and beginning of the 4th month are the most frustrating times on this medicine. My skin started to break out a lot, and I saw no improvement. I am now on my 5th month of Accutane, and my skin is perfectly clear. I have no breakouts, and my skin is so smooth. I never thought I would have perfect skin, but thanks to Accutane, I do. The only side effect I experienced was dry lips, so I always carry a lip moisturizer on me! I am so thankful for this medicine."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 21, 2016

For Acne "My experience with Accutane was amazing! I have always had acne and have tried everything over the counter, but nothing worked. I did have some side effects including extremely dry lips, as well as pretty bad joint and muscle pain. My skin was also dry too, including my scalp. But I loved it because I could go without washing my hair for a week! It was great. These side effects sucked while going through them, but absolutely worth it for the results! After a few months of finishing, my lips, scalp, and skin were no longer as dry as they were while on the medication. My skin is definitely not as oily as it was before I started! I have no regrets about taking this med, and I would absolutely recommend Accutane to others!"

• eri...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 29, 2018

For Acne "I went on Accutane after trying a multitude of antibiotics and topicals such as Differin, doxycycline, some other cycline, and much more. I was a little hesitant to try Accutane, as my cousin who took it had bad side effects, and I personally have a history of mental health issues. However, taking Accutane is one of the best decisions I ever made. I did not have severe cystic acne, but my moderate acne with cystic on my chin was progressively getting worse and I decided to finally go for it. As an 18-year-old, I researched it and decided to try it. I definitely experienced dry skin and lips, as well as an allergic reaction type rash on my arms, which ended up being dermatitis. This was about the only negative side effect that I had, and overall the rash was 100 times worth it for the results I got. I have been off Accutane for about 3 to 5 months now, and I have not had a major breakout since. 10/10 would recommend!!"

• Anonymous
• July 14, 2013

For Acne "Accutane seriously changed my life. I never really had bad acne on my face, just a couple of spots and every once in a while breakouts, but nothing too bad. But my chest and back were terrible. I couldn't go to school without wearing shirts up to my neck. I couldn't even wear a bathing suit around anybody but my really close friends and family. My dermatologist told me to try Accutane. I was really scared at first because I heard it had some bad side effects, but I had tried everything. Within the first month, my acne on my back and chest was almost nonexistent. The only downsides are it makes your lips very dry. Carmex was the only thing that worked for me. I highly suggest Accutane. The pros overcome the cons by 1000 percent."

• Jak...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 9, 2020

For Acne "Accutane was overall a horrible experience. The first month went perfectly smoothly. I experienced dryness and chapped lips as usual. When my dosage increased during the second month, things got worse. Acne was starting to slowly improve, but my liver experienced extremely increased enzymes. While on this medicine, I avoided drinking alcohol. I took every precaution to be healthy. It just didn’t work, and I had to stop. Now I still have elevated liver enzymes, and I have to see a physician. This medicine affects everyone differently, and you must know that going in. Definitely a last resort medicine, as it works for people but hurts others."

• PKE...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 21, 2015

For Acne "I have struggled with acne since 7th grade, and my acne has always been my biggest insecurity. I am now 20 years old and have been on different medications, used different topical creams, and every moisturizer and face wash out there. My doctor finally prescribed me Accutane, and it is a miracle pill. The only side effect I experienced was dry lips, but it was worth it because my acne is gone. I would recommend this to anyone because it works, and I have never been so confident."

• the...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 4, 2015

For Acne "After hearing about the horror stories, I was hesitant to try Accutane. I tried Minocycline (Solodyn), Doryx (Doxycycline), and Bactrim DS. The only thing that was pretty good at clearing was Bactrim DS. Bactrim worked best but was not working anymore. I had no choice but to go with Accutane. It was a little drying with the eyes initially, and my lips still get dry. What people fail to mention is that your body adjusts to the side effects and that you won't have an initial breakout if you start low. I started at 40mg. Going to 60mg this month (my second month). Don't forget, Accutane takes between 2-4 months to see clearing. Good luck! :)"

• Kyn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 16, 2016

For Acne "Amazing. I've suffered from acne since I was about 11, tried every spot cream, every face wash, and all antibiotics the doctor gave me. Finally, at 18, I was prescribed Accutane and have been on 40 mg a day for 6 months. I finish my course in half a month, and I do not have any spots on my face. I do, however, have hyperpigmentation on my cheeks where my acne was worst, but I'm hoping this will fade. Dry lips are a nightmare and occasional back pain, but honestly, I owe my life to this drug. I hope my acne does not return and that I do not suffer from any more pigmentation. It's so worthwhile, I'm sad I didn't go on it earlier."

• mat...
• July 19, 2016

For Acne "Accutane is working wonders for me. I am an 18-year-old male who was skeptical at first because I had literally tried everything to clear up my cystic acne on my back and chest. I am now 1 month into my 5-month course and am already seeing a huge improvement. Other than the dry lips, I have no other side effects. Some people say Accutane makes them depressed and suicidal, but Accutane has actually made me happier and more energetic than I was. I feel so much more confident about my skin now than I ever have. It's summer, and now I am never wearing a shirt because Accutane has made me more confident. I strongly recommend this drug, as it has worked wonders for me so far."

• Guc...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 5, 2017

For Acne "I just got on Accutane after 3 years of cystic, red dot acne on my chin, cheeks, and forehead. My acne isn't severe, but it's enough to make me lose confidence in my appearance. I tried everything (benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, oral medication, tazarotene, washing my face regularly, etc.), but it never led to long-term improvement. Only the benzoyl peroxide provided temporary improvement but never really got my face to where I wanted it to be: 100% clear of my acne. I have been taking Accutane for 8 days now, and I can see that my face is already improving. I have not experienced any major side effects yet. However, I can feel my lips are starting to get dry, but I have Aquaphor to take care of that. So far, so good!"

• 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."

• bel...
• July 31, 2014

For Acne "I've been on this medication for just over 2 months now, taking 40 mg a day. When I started on a low dose, the first 3 weeks I experienced severe dry skin, lips, and especially my nose and under my eyes even. The first 5 weeks my skin broke out worse. And from the beginning, I started getting severe back pain. Now in week 9, my skin has settled down and is a tiny bit better, but all my blackheads have disappeared. My skin is still drier than usual, but it's actually improved, and my lips are fine as long as I apply Vaseline 2-3 times a day. The only significant side effect I still have is my back and bone/joint pain. So far, I'm very happy with what I've achieved (the blackheads) and expect things to keep improving."

• lov...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 3, 2015

For Acne "I love Accutane! I'm starting my 7th and final month now (started on 10 mg a day, moved to 20, now on 40 for the rest of my treatment). I was scared to try the drug because there was so much negativity about it on the internet, but I was so desperate to get rid of my acne and blackheads. My skin was so oily, and my acne was leaving scars all over my face. The only side effect I got was really dry lips. I went through so much chapstick, and the skin on my face got a little dry occasionally. I found drinking a lot of water a day stops all those side effects, though. I highly recommend. The only minor problem I had was in my 2nd month on Accutane, I got mono, which was so weird. But it could be a coincidence. No clue. Either way, I love Accutane."

• Lad...
• May 18, 2015

For Acne "I am in my 5th month with this medicine, and my face is flawless, and I love it-but it did come at a cost. My side effects are bad-I have horrible joint pain, temper/anger issues, dry skin on my nose, chapped lips constantly, and patches of dry skin all over my body... The pain in my body is my biggest complaint-some days I can barely move, my feet and my back hurt the most with the 80mg dosage, and my ability to control my temper pretty much goes out the window... But I know I'm almost done, so I don't want to change a thing. But overall, my face cleared up in my 4th month, and that's all I wanted. I'm so happy with how clear it is-but I will be even happier to not be in so much pain."

• I...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 10, 2015

For Acne "For years, I dealt with acne on my face, chest, and back. I was so insecure, I hated taking close-up pictures, and I hated wearing clothes that showed my back or chest. It just sucked. My dermatologist prescribed me Accutane, and within two weeks, I saw a major difference. I will say it gets worse before it gets better because it brings all your bumps to a head. But once your pores are dried out, your bumps will be gone. My lips got really dry fast, so I had to apply chapstick constantly throughout my day. That was two years ago, I get a bump every now and then like normal people, but my skin is clear. Accutane changed my life :)"

• Luc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 21, 2015

For Acne "I just finished my second month of 20 mg/daily Accutane. I am starting 30 mg/daily this month. I have had 3 episodes of severe cystic acne throughout my life and acne always. I am 37, and I can't remember a time when I didn't have pimples on my face. As I got older, my acne moved to my chin and jawline, chest, and back. My acne began to clear right away on Accutane. Just going on to my third month, and my chest, back, and face are smoother than I've ever felt. I do have mildly chapped lips, and I changed my cleanser to CeraVe for normal to dry skin. I use a moisturizer day and night and sometimes even coconut oil on my face. My doctor wanted to get me up to 40 mg daily, but I requested to be more conservative, and he was agreeable."

• JJa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 12, 2018

For Acne "I was prescribed Accutane last year and was on it from March 2017 to August 2017. I was 42 years old at the time and had been struggling with moderate acne for years. It seemed to be worse as an adult compared to my teenage years. Accutane was the best thing I could do for my skin. I had tried antibiotics, birth control pills, Proactiv, and other topical medications, but would only see temporary results. I have had a history of depression and was worried about trying Accutane. During the course of treatment, I had no depression, only very dry lips and minor joint pain in my knees. Now my skin is completely clear and I can go without makeup. I now feel much better about myself and would do it all over again if I had to."

• Eth...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 11, 2015

For Acne "So I'm currently on my 2nd month of Accutane, and I'm taking 40mg a day. I have to say I'm quite impressed. I'm 15 and have been dealing with mild but persistent cystic acne since I was 11, and I still have a few whiteheads and 4 cysts that I'm waiting for them to dry up, but I have noticed that my nose, which was once covered in blackheads, is clear!! The side effects are annoying but bearable. (dry skin, dry lips, joint pains, dry hair) It's going to get worse before it gets better, trust me. If you're dealing with cystic acne, I definitely recommend this miracle pill."

• Bra...
• July 15, 2013

For Acne "Accutane worked great for me. When I quit smoking and started working out at the gym, I broke out on my cheeks and my back. Took Accutane for 4 months (80 mg daily) and had dry lips, dry eyes, dry face (moisturizer daily), very red and sensitive skin, and peeling hands. Made it through with a little bit of suffering, and I must say my face is 100% clear and it had been 2 months without it so far, and my back is about 80% better. Might consider another short treatment in the winter to try and combat my back a little more, but so far very satisfied with my results. I know I was worried sick and contemplated taking it for weeks after reading reviews and then finally took the plunge. Don't regret it for a second. A million times happier."

• Cel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 22, 2015

For Acne "I just started Accutane two weeks ago, 10 mg a day, and this is a miracle in a pill!! I had large, painful, inflamed acne along my jawline. After the first day, the inflammation was GONE! The second day, my acne basically fell out of my pores. I do experience dry lips, itchy skin, dry eyes, and hair loss, but it's worth it. Also, it is giving my skin a chance to heal, and I don't know why, but some report SCARRING, but for me, it made my scars and even stretch marks diminish. I think I'm the perfect candidate for the drug. If one has inflammatory acne, this is the drug to take."

• oky...
• March 18, 2019

For Acne "I’ve only been on Accutane for a month or so now and plan on updating this once I’ve finished the whole 6 months, but... so far I’ve seen a big difference in my skin. I’ve had severe acne for the past 2 years and was on doxycycline before Accutane, and my face has calmed down a lot, no active acne really, mostly scars as of now. I was expecting a big breakout (still could happen). The side effects I have gotten are dry skin, but it’s not flaky or anything. My lips, on the other hand, oh my god, stock up on chapstick before starting this! Very dry, and the corners of my mouth have cracked, and it is pretty uncomfortable, but nothing I can’t handle. If you're considering going on Accutane, I’d recommend it, in such a short period of time, my skin's cleared up drastically. It’s amazing. (It’s not the same for everyone)"

• 40...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 9, 2019

For Acne "I struggled with cystic acne and oily skin since my teens. I was on Accutane in my early 20s, and it worked. Seventeen years later, I still haven't outgrown it, so I decided to go on it again. Six months, 40 mg every other day. Other than the dry lips, dry and sore joints, and maybe some low moods, my skin cleared up after four months. I'm now off it and still bracing myself for the next breakout. I don't regret it and I'm glad I did it. I recommend using Cetaphil for washing and heavy cream (Vaseline) at night to alleviate the dry skin. The dryness only lasted the first two months out of the six months. Good luck!"

• Cai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 16, 2023

For Acne "My brother was on this medication for 5 months, and his only side effects were dry skin/lips, and his acne is clear. Now onto my review… I’m a 30-year-old woman who started suffering from cystic acne in my late 20s. After trying for 3 years with creams and antibiotics, I finally gave in to trying Accutane. I was on 30 mg for 10 days. The first 4/5 days I was fine. Around the 5th day, the headaches started. I tried to push through, thinking it would get better, but it got so much worse. I have had a migraine a few times before, but nothing like this. I felt like I couldn’t even speak. It was like my head was going to explode. I Googled and was convinced I had pressure on the brain. I’m still not convinced I don’t… I ended up at A&E on day 11 after I began uncontrollably shaking. All of my blood work came back normal, but I was given fluids/anti-sickness. A month later, I am still suffering from migraines with aura and I can’t work because my job is on the computer."

• Job...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 19, 2024

For Rosacea "This review is for rosacea with the treatment of Accutane. My doc put me on a low dose of 30-40mg a week. I am a 31-year-old, 190-pound male. My rosacea has always been a problem for me ever since about 20 years old. As I age, it seems like it gets worse. My rosacea seems to be different than most as it is more of a 'sunburn' type rosacea and not a pustule or lesion type. The Accutane was a lifesaver for me. The first month or so, the Accutane seemed to crust up my cheeks with skin and almost 'scab' over to the point it was itchy and skin was flaking off. Once the skin flaked off, there was healthy, clean skin underneath. It's almost hard to explain just how amazing Accutane worked for my rosacea. My flare-ups are now gone, and I don't worry at all about how my skin looks. I get blood work done once every few months and haven't had anything out of the norm. Dry lips and mild sleep disturbance are the only side effects. If you are thinking of starting Accutane, please do!"

• Lin...
• February 26, 2010

For Acne "Accutane is wonderful. I first started the medicine when I was 15. I am now 21, and still to this day, I do not have any acne! I had horrible acne, and after I took Accutane, it was all clear and still is! Within the first week, all my pores cleared out and all the blackheads on my nose would literally peel off. The side effects I experienced were very dry lips, my skin on my back would peel and shed, depression and crying spells, backaches, and migraines. When I look back, I wouldn't change it for anything. I have not had to be seen by my dermatologist in 7 years, because my skin is still super clear, and it's been 7 years since I've been on Accutane. Would highly recommend it!"