Isotretinoin and Dry Lips: What Users Say (Page 5)

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

Accutane (isotretinoin) 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 7, 2016

Claravis (isotretinoin) for Acne "I am extremely satisfied with this medication. I took it for 5 months, and at my peak, I was prescribed 40 mg twice a day. It took about 3.5 months to start noticing results. I have now been off it for 3 weeks, and wow! My skin is 100% clear. I've had acne since I was a teen, and after failing other options such as antibiotics, I was placed on Claravis. You will have chapped lips. I had to apply Aquaphor (really good chapstick) every 15 minutes. Other side effects I had were nosebleeds, dry skin, eczema, rashes on my hands and arms, very sore muscles, sore chest, and any scrapes I got took absolutely forever to heal. I felt sluggish, sort of like I had the flu for 5 months. However, having clear skin was definitely worth it!"

• Acc...
• September 12, 2016

Accutane (isotretinoin) for Acne "I actually miss taking Accutane. I finally decided to take it after years of bad cystic acne and nothing else working. It took about a month to start working, but I was only on 20 mg a day. It was a Godsend. Despite being on such a low dose of it (I think the average is 40 mg a day), Accutane worked wonders. The only side effects I had were dry lips and dry skin, both of which were worse in the winter (Thanks, Chicago). Since going off it, I get little pimples again and my oily skin and hair came back. I wish I was still on Accutane because it was nice not having oily skin, lol."

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

Accutane (isotretinoin) 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

Accutane (isotretinoin) 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."

• Avi...
• September 23, 2014

Claravis (isotretinoin) for Acne "LOVE this medication. It worked wonders on my back. I suffered from really bad acne on my back ever since 7th grade. Senior year of high school, the acne started to spread down my arms and chest, acne was becoming a problem too. My self-esteem went down because of how embarrassed I was and resorted to only wearing clothing that covered my back, upper arms, and chest, which gets difficult after a while. After my first visit to the dermatologist, she decided to put me on Claravis, and I was 100% okay with it despite all the side effects. The side effects are not that bad except for dry lips, but Aquaphor has REALLY helped. I'm still in treatment right now and get the occasional 1-2 small pimples on my back, but NOTHING compared to how my back was."

• BbB...
• April 25, 2015

Accutane (isotretinoin) for Acne "I started getting spots when I was about 12, and it was pretty bad acne by around 15. I went on the pill and probably every type of antibiotic, which each worked, but only for a limited time. At 23, I realized the only thing left was Accutane. NHS was slow, so I went private (1 appointment - £120), and the dermatologist prescribed me 4 months of 40 mg/day (I only weigh around 100 pounds). Best thing I ever did. Only side effects I noticed were dry lips - I recommend Aquaphor - and dry inside of my nose. 100% worth it, and my skin is amazing and spot-free now! I've just come off the medication, so fingers crossed it lasts a long time. Very happy, I definitely recommend."

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

Accutane (isotretinoin) 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."

• Epu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 29, 2019

For Acne "Seriously. Just do it. I’ve been suffering with acne since I was 11 (I am now 26). I tried literally EVERYthing under the sun. Everything. Every single product you can buy, every antibiotic, topical solution, even holistic approaches... some cured it temporarily. I had done so much looking into this drug, and I was adamant about not taking it because it seemed so hardcore and like it could cause long-term problems. I was on 20 mg for 4 months, and my skin has never been so gorgeous. Just do it. The side effects were not bad at all. My lips were a little dryer, and the skin around my nails was a little dryer. Other than that, everything was fine. It is amazing. Just stop thinking about it and do it."

• Unk...
• December 18, 2019

Accutane (isotretinoin) for Acne "Previously, I had a serious acne problem. I even went to an appointment to have facial treatment to wash my face, and they helped me to squeeze all the blackheads and acne pop out, most of it on my face. After the treatment, a few days or weeks later, as a result, my face was full of redness and acne scars. After that incident, I no longer went to have facial treatment, but I still continued to try other products from the pharmacy to wash my face after showering all by myself. In the meantime, acne still occurred, but I still lived a normal life. A few years later, a friend of mine introduced me to visit this dermatologist, and he gave me this product called Accutane, it's a 10 mg capsule, taken orally once a day. One to three months later, I could really see the results, my acne started to clear, and the scars may take longer but are still improving. While taking it, it has certain side effects, such as dry lips, and you might feel thirsty, so I guess this capsule is powerful, but it is also not good to take long term."

• Anonymous
• May 24, 2011

Claravis (isotretinoin) for Acne "I've been on Claravis for one month. I noticed a smoother complexion within a few days! I had moderate acne starting around 13 years old, I'm 25 now. I consider myself an attractive girl but not without makeup. This is the first time in 12 years I have looked in the mirror and thought I looked pretty without makeup. It's a great feeling! I can see my pores getting smaller and my blackheads disappearing more and more every day. I'm only experiencing 2 side effects: dry lips and a little nauseous anxiety. I have a doctor's appointment today to discuss my side effects. I hope they are normal and don't get worse. I love Claravis."

• Anonymous
• October 19, 2012

Claravis (isotretinoin) for Acne "I have had moderately bad acne since I was 8 years old, and it was pretty difficult throughout lower and middle school. I refused to go out in public without my shoulders and back covered, even in the summertime. I was really scared of all the horror stories about this medicine, but I had no serious side effects. I had dry lips, throat, and skin all over my body, but that was about it. I could still wear contacts and only needed to moisturize twice a day with Cetaphil. This is truly a miracle drug. I did it for seven months, but in just the first two months, my skin was almost completely clear. I just finished my last dose three days ago and love my skin. I can now start my freshman year in high school with confidence!"

• Ljc...
• November 19, 2016

Claravis (isotretinoin) for Acne "I was on this drug for a little over 6 months, and boy, did it work wonders. I had always had bad acne, and nothing had seemed to work before: topical creams, birth control, other prescription pills. I had severely dry lips and skin, it sucked, but it was tolerable. The worst side effect I had from this drug was mood changes. My doctor decided to try to increase my dose, and boy, that was a mistake. I became depressed, suffered mood swings, and had some horrible, almost suicidal thoughts. If you have any mental illness, I would not recommend this drug. I had to undergo monthly blood and pregnancy tests as well. I am very happy with the results, but those were the worst 6 months of my life."

• grr...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 13, 2014

Accutane (isotretinoin) for Acne "I had mild to severe scarring acne since I was 8 years old (I had premature puberty), and my mom took me to many dermatologists who prescribed many different medications. Nothing worked. Of course, I was a little kid and wasn't following the instructions thoroughly. Then, at the age of 16, I went on Accutane for 7 months. I remember that it took a while to see some improvement, but in the 6th to 7th month, it got extremely better. Of course, I had a lot of problems with my dry lips. My hands were also very sensitive to cold (they still are). I stayed clear for about 17 years. I only had 2-3 zits once a month during menstruation. Since a year, acne has started coming back. Not that bad though. The red marks are the worst. I might go on Accutane again."

• Lad...
• May 18, 2015

Accutane (isotretinoin) 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."

• emi...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 26, 2017

Accutane (isotretinoin) for Acne "I first had acne at the age of 12, and I thought nothing of my appearance, and I was just a kid - you know, I just didn't care what other people thought. But then, at the age of 14/15, I began to compare my skin to peers, and I absolutely HATED what I saw in the mirror. I had awful acne, the doctor even said 'the most severe he has come across' because not only did I have it on my face and neck, it was also down my back. So at the age of 15, I was finally put on Roaccutane! And I have to say I will never take my clear skin for granted, it's the best thing I have EVER done! During the process, I got extremely dry lips, but it's all worth it in the end! It's life-changing.. RECOMMEND TO ANYBODY!!"

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 9, 2019

For Rosacea "I've suffered with rosacea for a few years, and I've tried, without success, different topical lotions prescribed by my dermatologist until he finally suggested isotretinoin. I was on this medication in the past for acne, and it did wonders, clearing that problem up, so I knew what to expect in terms of potential side effects. I'm so happy I went back on isotretinoin for my rosacea. It has been a life (and confidence) saver! This is such a horrible condition that really affects a person's confidence level, so I am happy to be my normal self again! The side effects for me have been minimal: dry lips and some (very) minor headaches. Nothing that ibuprofen can't cure. I am taking 10 mg once per day, and it seems to be sufficient to keep the problem at bay. I moisturize my face well, and I always have Vaseline with me for my lips, and this seems to do the trick for the dryness. I'm very happy with my results!"

• Hal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 30, 2015

Accutane (isotretinoin) for Acne "I have used every face wash product and home remedy on the market. I've been on doxycycline, minocycline, and every other antibiotic the doctor can prescribe. They helped, but I was never clear. I finally decided to go on Accutane. The process to get on the pill is a huge pain, but it's so worth it. You have to take birth control and get blood work every month because you cannot get pregnant. My skin was dry for two weeks. Then it was minorly dry after that. I rarely had to use lotion. My lips were chapped. Don't use drugstore chapstick. I recommend Lucas Pawpaw ointment, Ceralip, or Cortibalm. The first month I had minor headaches, but I was 100% clear by month 3. My skin was no longer oily. This experience was amazing."

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

Accutane (isotretinoin) 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!"

• HHa...
• January 30, 2020

Accutane (isotretinoin) for Acne "I have struggled with acne my entire life, tried countless drugs and products to clear my skin, and had no luck. When I was on Accutane, I had clear skin aside from a few cystic pimples throughout the two-year period. In addition to this amazing feeling, my skin was constantly dry, my lips were constantly chapped, and I had to drink many cups of water a day to even feel semi-hydrated. When I stopped taking the drug, I suffered from hardcore anxiety and had a few full-blown anxiety attacks, something I have never been affected by before I started taking this medication. After about a month or two, this anxiety calmed, but I still suffer from it. Now, almost four years after I finished taking the medication, my acne is back and the same as before, my lips are still constantly chapped, I still wake up in the middle of the night to very dry skin, and my hair is way thinner than it used to be. This harmful drug is NOT WORTH IT."

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

Accutane (isotretinoin) 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!"

• Dor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 7, 2013

Claravis (isotretinoin) for Acne "I got acne everywhere: face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. Within the first 2 weeks, my chest was completely clear, my face was a lot less bumpy (pimples not gone yet), and my blackheads dried out completely. I used pore strips to clear those out, and no new blackheads appeared. As far as side effects, I got dry lips, but Neosporin makes an overnight lip balm that really helps a lot. I use it during the day but really slather it on at night. My muscles feel weaker, and I feel physically exhausted a lot faster with a slow recovery when I go to the gym. I've been on Claravis for 5 weeks now, and I'd say the positive outweighs the negative for sure."

• oky...
• March 18, 2019

Accutane (isotretinoin) 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)"

• Vic...
• November 4, 2019

Accutane (isotretinoin) for Acne "In high school, I had horrible, painful cystic acne. I took Accutane from the fall of 2015 to spring of 2016. While taking it, I experienced extreme dryness, chapped lips, joint pain, and had problems with my eyesight at night (the drug causes eye shape to change). When the course was completed, my skin was perfect. A few months after being off Accutane, I developed severe anxiety, had panic attacks every day, and depression. My skin stayed pretty much clear for three years, but now my cystic acne has come back, although not as bad as before. I don’t plan on doing another round of Accutane because the long-term side effects aren’t worth it. For those thinking about taking this, please know it's at a cost. I truly cannot see in dark or dimly lit rooms, I have no night vision. I know at least five other people who have taken this drug who have also experienced depression and anxiety after taking it. My mind is constantly in a fog, and I can’t memorize anything anymore."

• Jen...
• July 11, 2009

Accutane (isotretinoin) for Acne "I was put on Accutane when I was 16 after using every acne medication the doctors prescribed and everything over the counter. Immediately, I noticed a difference, and my self-esteem soared. I think I did the best one can do on it. The only thing I noticed was my lips got dry quicker, but I just carried Chapstick with me. It was my miracle drug, and I couldn't thank my parents enough for putting me on it. I'm 23 now, and I get an occasional breakout here and there, but it's not cystic and painful anymore, it's 2 or 3 pimples. I recommend it to anyone who is sick of their embarrassing acne."