Isotretinoin for Acne User Reviews (Page 3)

• Cle...
• January 24, 2016

Accutane (isotretinoin) "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."

• Cha...
• May 10, 2017

Accutane (isotretinoin) "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!"

• Cou...
• January 3, 2015

Accutane (isotretinoin) "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-j...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 19, 2015

Accutane (isotretinoin) "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."

• lin...
• December 12, 2014

Accutane (isotretinoin) "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."

• Gan...
• June 25, 2019

Accutane (isotretinoin) "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."

• Liz...
• February 20, 2019

Accutane (isotretinoin) "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!"

• Che...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 2, 2014

Accutane (isotretinoin) "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."

• Par...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 16, 2020

Claravis (isotretinoin) "I was very concerned about starting this medicine for my son, as I had read horrible stories about this medicine. My son, who is 15, had severe acne. After trying everything and all the medicines and creams for a year, we broke down and started Claravis (Dec 2019). The first month was amazing, the active acne has gone. I can't believe how much change has happened in the first month. Like I said, his acne was severe, large, hard pimples, which would make his face sore. He has a lot of red marks left from the acne. He started on 40 mg a day for 30 days. He is now on 40 mg in the morning and 20 mg at night. We are now in week 6, his face is starting to really look great. Some of the dark red marks are more pink than red. I have read some don't see results until month 4, but this seems to be working for him. He uses moisturizer on his face and Aquaphor on his lips, so far, no side effects. He is also into every sport with no problems. Keeping my fingers crossed as we continue this journey."

• Jes...
• October 10, 2019

Accutane (isotretinoin) "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!"

• Nic...
• April 27, 2014

Accutane (isotretinoin) "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

Accutane (isotretinoin) "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."

• Joh...
• September 25, 2019

Accutane (isotretinoin) "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."

• Phi...
• August 26, 2019

Accutane (isotretinoin) "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."

• Jus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 11, 2016

Accutane (isotretinoin) "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."

• bra...
• January 17, 2017

Accutane (isotretinoin) "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!"

• Ran...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 29, 2015

Accutane (isotretinoin) "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."

• Sel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 13, 2017

Accutane (isotretinoin) "I struggled with such bad acne since I was in middle school. I tried almost every type of over-the-counter medicine that there was, and none of it worked. During my freshman year of high school, I decided that I needed a cure for my acne because of how terrible it was getting. I went to a dermatologist, and he recommended Accutane for about 7 months. After about 3 months, I could not believe that my face was getting clearer! When I was finally done, my skin was clear! I was so excited! I even recommended Accutane to one of my friends, and her face turned out great as well. I took Accutane back in 2009, and I'm now 22 years old, and my face still looks fantastic! I highly recommend Accutane to anyone who is struggling with acne, it works!"

• Rex...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 15, 2018

Accutane (isotretinoin) "I've had acne my whole life (age 29). Face was always oily, and I'd pop pimples all the time. Started Accutane in January. Face and lips started getting really dry. Eucerin lotion and Aquaphor worked very well, but needed to apply several times a day. Eczema on the top of my hands, wrists, and upper arms (small red bumps that I've never had before in my life), so more lotion was required. By the middle of the second month, my acne was gone. I had dry eyes that required artificial tears at least 8 times a day. After 3 months, my doctor told me I can discontinue taking it. It did not hold me back from being active and traveling through a few countries either. The side effects had disappeared except for a few small bumps only on my upper arms. It is November now. Still haven't seen a single pimple on my face! Had mild depression and anxiety, but I've also had a long history even before taking Accutane. Different people will have different results and side effects. Best of luck to everyone."

• Mir...
• November 25, 2014

Accutane (isotretinoin) "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."

• Nip...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 29, 2016

Accutane (isotretinoin) "My 16-year-old son has had acne-not to the point of scarring but enough to really affect his self-esteem. He is now under a specialist and has been taking Accutane for about 3-4 months, 40 mg per day. After a month or so, his skin was even worse, and it was quite horrific, but now he is nearly clear! He has always been very moody, and I have constantly been worried that he may have depression. He has shown NO signs of being any worse on this medication! Dry, dry, dry lips is the worst side effect, and his self-esteem is better."

• TDS...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 13, 2020

Accutane (isotretinoin) "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."

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

Accutane (isotretinoin) "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!"

• Nat...
• February 16, 2015

Claravis (isotretinoin) "In junior high, all of a sudden, my face just erupted in acne. You could tell people were staring. I hated looking in the mirror. It's remarkable how fast all the acne disappeared. This medication was a real lifesaver. My dad didn't have access to this medicine, and from 12 to 25, he was absolutely covered in acne. So grateful I have this stuff. Side effects to note: VERY dry lips, dry skin, back pain."

• joy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 11, 2019

Accutane (isotretinoin) "Reading all these horror stories from those who took this medication, I can see how they would scare someone off considering taking Accutane. Speaking as someone who suffered from severe acne in high school, I KNOW the emotional toll it has on a person's self-esteem. I took Accutane for a total of 6 months, and to say it has been a LIFE SAVER would be an understatement. 2 years later and no crazy side effects or third arm growing. These days, I get nothing less than a single pimple every now and again. This medication is a life saver if you can take it!"