Accutane User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)
Accutane has an average rating of 7.9 out of 10 from a total of 653 reviews on Drugs.com. 74% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 14% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Accutane
- ACCUT...
- December 26, 2013
For Acne "I developed acne at about 11 years old. It wasn't bad, but it got worse. At about 12-13 years old, it hit hard and got really bad. I tried everything you could possibly think of. You name it, I've tried it. But nothing at all worked. I tried things as little as home remedies to expensive dermatologist cleansers that cost over $100 a bottle. Still, nothing worked. For a while, I nearly gave up hope, I was so insecure about my skin I wouldn't even dare to leave the house, let alone my room, without makeup on. I found makeup was like my security blanket in a way. I discovered Accutane, and let me tell you, it is THE best thing I have ever tried. My acne is gone, and I'm 15 now. I couldn't be happier. I believe Accutane is a cure."
- Kayla
- November 29, 2018
For Acne "Accutane was truly a blessing for me. I was discouraged and honestly scared to go on the medication after doing research and reading all the stories and reviews. At 17 years old, my acne was so bad it completely destroyed my self-confidence, and I was beyond desperate to find a way to stop it that I didn’t care what it took. Within the first 2 months of starting the treatment, people began noticing a difference. Lotion and moisturizing became my best friend for those 6 months, luckily, I did not experience anything worse than that. A word to the wise, though: do NOT drink while on this medication, it already compromises your liver, and I had to learn this the hard way. Overall, 10/10 drug. I’ve been off of it for about 2 years, and all my scars and hyperpigmentation have faded, and I maybe get a single pimple every couple of weeks, if that. Moral of the story: there IS hope, your scars and acne will go away, and you will be able to feel like yourself again!"
Frequently asked questions
- Can Accutane cause permanent liver damage?
- Is Absorica the same as Accutane?
- How long does Accutane stay in your system when stopping?
- Isotretinoin - Does accutane help to remove scars from old pimples?
- my_name
- May 1, 2019
For Acne "There are many times I've used the word 'acne' as an enduring burden, but it's been something that I will never forget. It was 7th grade when it got bad, and I beat myself up that it was my fault I looked a certain way, that people blazingly stared at me, and that I wasn't enough for my peers or myself in my appearance. My mom then took me to the dermatologist, and although we went through many prescriptions, none seemed to provide the right solution, except finally, after 3 years, Accutane, the acne was done. I hope that whoever is reading right now first knows that YOU aren't alone and that it is necessary to have someone who can help you through it. Accutane has several side effects (one of them is depression); but, if you write a diary or just remember that YOU'RE beautiful in every single way and that this is temporary, then you will expect some CRAZY miracles. I'm glad I went through this because it has made powerful growth in my life. I wish the best to all of you on this journey!"
- Anony...
- January 13, 2013
For Acne "I'm 16 years old and used to suffer from scarring acne. Accutane was AMAZING. At first, I was so scared to go on this medication due to side effects, but my doctor had finally talked me into it. I started seeing amazing results after about a month. My skin was pretty much clear by month 3. The only side effects I had were dry lips (however, Aquaphor solved that problem) and dry skin (Cetaphil after washing my face or shower solved that problem). I also had a huge change in attitude. I was much more active and my appetite changed. I LOST 30 lbs, I sometimes had cravings, however, I feel as though Accutane sped up my metabolism. Highly recommended, I feel beautiful now."
Are you taking this medicine?
- scarred...
- 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."
- Clear...
- January 24, 2016
For Acne "I am now 55 years old. I started developing acne when I was 14. It became so severe that my parents took me to a dermatologist. This was back in the 1970s when all that was available were antibiotics and infrared light treatment. It worked on and off, but after several years, my body built up a resistance to the antibiotics and the severe acne returned. I was prescribed Accutane when I was 29. My acne cleared up in 3 days! I had some mild side effects: dry skin, dry lips (which continue to this day). But my skin is crystal clear and has been for almost 30 years! I highly recommend this wonderful medication. I don't know what my life would have been like without it."
More FAQ
- Accutane - I'm taking Acnotin 20 and have got many more pimples recently. Is this normal?
- What are the most common skin conditions? (with photos)
- Chase...
- May 10, 2017
For Acne "Miracle. Period. I had ZERO side effects, and I feel so much better I can't even describe the feeling of relief. This medicine literally saved my life, and I would take it again. I wish I could take it every day because it made my skin look AMAZING. I haven't had a SINGLE pimple or cyst since I finished this. I used to have cysts so huge they would turn my skin purple. I have horrendous scars all over my face from the damage. But now? It's getting better, and I feel like a new person. Thank you!"
- RichZ...
- September 3, 2017
For Rosacea "I'm 70 years old with rosacea; redness, tiny white bumps, pimples that just don't clear up. To take a step back, I was on Accutane for over 10 years, starting in 2002, with adult acne issues, and it helped clear up the condition and improve my life. Now I have this rosacea condition; very depressing. Just started to take 10 mg Accutane 2 days ago, and the condition is worse already. Going to stick with Accutane as I did in the past, and hopefully, it will help me once again! My best to all who suffer with rosacea!"
- Gano
- June 25, 2019
For Acne "I had a hard time with acne. I tried everything. Went through a cycle of doxycycline, used benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid for face wash. Even tried to use Proactiv. Nothing worked, and my acne was getting out of hand. I needed to do something drastic, and my doctor had recommended Accutane. At first, I was hesitant since it took a long commitment, and it sounded like a risky process. The 'no alcohol' part didn't help either. But when I finally bit the bullet and went for it, it ended up being a great decision because my face was saved. The first few months, my acne was still bad and getting a tad worse, but by month 4, I only had one pimple left on my face. This was in 2016, and today in 2019, I have very little problems with acne, with the exception of a pimple here and there. I am so glad I went through the treatment because I feel it gave me a new life, free from worry about acne. If you're able to do this treatment, I recommend you go for it."
- Court
- January 3, 2015
For Acne "I am a nineteen-year-old female who has suffered with mild acne since I was about 10. I tried every cream, pill, and face wash you can imagine throughout the years, and nothing completely got rid of my acne. When I was 18, my doctor recommended I try Accutane. I did a 6-month course of 10 mg a day, and I can honestly say it changed my life. I would recommend it to anyone who struggles with persistent acne. Before taking Accutane, acne controlled my life. I would stay home just because of bad breakouts. Now my skin is flawless, and I only get the occasional pimple, which I can now deal with. Yes, I was dry when I was on Accutane, but the end result is SO worth the 6 months of mild dryness!"
- l-jay
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- April 19, 2015
For Acne "If you have acne, Accutane is the holy grail. I had mild to moderate acne in high school. I took it for six weeks. It sucked my skin dry as a bone, but after that, my skin looked pristine. With the exception of an occasional stray pimple, I have not had a breakout in 15 years. There is no point in trying anything else."
- lindy...
- December 12, 2014
For Acne "Dried up the acne after a few months, though side effects during the 12-week treatment included nosebleeds, peeling lips, sore feet, and joints. Worth it though, still get the odd spot, but feel normal again and don't hide away from the world anymore."
- Jessica
- October 10, 2019
For Acne "I had cystic acne for a while, and it was honestly just the worst. I hated taking any kind of pictures and showing my face anywhere. Besides that, it was just plain painful! I went to my dermatologist, and she started me on Accutane. It took about 2-3 months before I started seeing significant differences, but after that, it just kept getting better. All of my acne is completely gone now, and you can’t see any scarring. I do have some freckles, so it covers up whatever little dots are left behind from permanent scarring, but there are barely any anyways. The only real problems I had were dry lips and scalp. I made sure to always have chapstick on me, and I went through many hair masks, but I have no other complaints. With that, I know people have some emotional problems, but I can say I had none, although I was way more confident with my appearance. I was very, very skeptical at first with all the crazy side effects, but I can say I am so grateful I did it!"
- 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!"
- yoyojo
- April 18, 2011
For Rosacea "I waited years to take this until I found a doctor who used it for rosacea. I think I was on it for less than 3 months, and it totally changed my skin for the better. Accutane was a miracle cure for me. I took it about 25 years ago and have rarely had to deal with rosacea since. When it does flare up, I can handle it with tiny amounts of topical medication. But follow the rules and don't become pregnant. This is serious medicine."
- Cherno
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- July 2, 2014
For Acne "I had severe cystic acne covering my entire body for over 2 years. I tried antibiotics, creams, and pills, and none of them worked. Finally, after a year on antibiotics with no results, my doctor referred me to a dermatologist who prescribed Accutane. I took it for six months, and now my acne is completely gone. I have been off of it for two months now, and no acne whatsoever has returned. I am hoping it never does! The side effects for Accutane were difficult (especially the dry lips - I had chapstick with me 24/7 and went crazy if I couldn't apply it about once an hour at least), but the end result was worth it in my opinion."
- John
- 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."
- Nicol...
- April 27, 2014
For Acne "I couldn't be more thankful for this medicine. I'm so happy I made the decision to take it despite reading so many scary things about it. I can honestly say it's probably been the best decision of my life. If you have the opportunity to go on this medicine, do it. It will change your life."
- BIG
- May 15, 2009
For Acne "This drug is amazing. A miracle in pill form. I was scared to take it at first because of the many risks, but it was the best decision I have ever made in my life. I was on this for 6 months and now I'm off it and haven't had acne in years. Best drug ever. Highly recommended for bad acne."
- PhilR
- August 26, 2019
For Acne "I really struggled with acne in my teens and my twenties. Roaccutane, at 27, I took the plunge. I read all the side effects. I was due to be on Roaccutane for 4 months, but I ended up on it for 6-7 months. Nothing can prepare you for the dry lips and skin. After about 7 days on the treatment, my acne just went crazy. I was developing 10 new spots an hour, they were coming out so fast my face was now full with more spots than ever, but I had prepared myself for it. The medication was starting to take effect. It was hard being on the medication with dry lips and skin, but a small price to pay for good skin. In the last month of the treatment, my skin improved 100%. People would comment on how clear my skin was. But then, about 3 months after, I would get the odd spot, but since then I apply a little Duac gel from the doctor once or twice a week, and it keeps my skin clear. I am now 39, and my skin is good, it has changed my life for the better."
- JustD...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- April 11, 2016
For Acne "I read the Accutane horror stories, so I turned down my dermatologist's suggestion of it. After 4 more years (25 now), the cystic acne has just been getting worse and worse. It was seriously impacting my life. I just finished a month ago doing a 5-month, 60mg/day treatment, and my skin is flawless. I cannot believe it. I actually have better skin than people who I once thought had beautiful, perfect skin. I experienced some joint pain the first month and dry lips the entire time, but I started seeing reductions in acne by month 2 and had no new cysts by month 4. There are still a few that are healing (yes, I would get some cysts that take 6-8 months to heal). I would highly recommend this. I have so much of my life back, not worrying about my skin."
- braaad
- 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!"
- Randy...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- April 29, 2015
For Acne "The side effects suck. I would get a bloody nose at least 5 times a day, my lips would peel and get blisters, and my arms would get rashes. But it was all worth it. Accutane is amazing. I am so thankful for it. I had acne for 6 years, and I tried everything you could imagine to try and clear my face up. Now, after 4 long months, I am just now taking my last pill. I go to the mirror, and I don't see a pimple, scar, or even a red mark on my face. My self-esteem has improved so much. I would definitely recommend it."
- TDS
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- December 13, 2020
For Acne "Took Accutane when I was 14. Pretty sure it stunted my growth by closing my growth plates as I stopped growing during my treatment. I still have permanent dry eyes and brain fog and severe depression now 8 years later. It's not worth the gamble, I didn't even have the choice, I was just a kid that followed doctor's orders. Please ask yourself why you would want to give yourself or your loved one an extreme retinoid overdose. It causes widespread damage to the body that is permanent."
Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.
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For Acne "The only way to combat acne is from the interior. All those soaps and cleansers don't work. Acne is just a bad genetic trait, so you cannot just put a cream on. You must take a pill to fight the problem from within."