I was on roaccutane for about 8 months. My skin got better, but after 3 months I started to notice new acne spots on my face. I think I'll take a second course.

It has just been a year now since I stopped taking Roaccutane after having had severe bacne for 8 years, which eventually spread to my face (so I bit the bullet and asked my GP for a consultation with the dermatologist). I was on 80mgs a day for 16 weeks. I got sore chapped lips (80% solved by using Blisteze (sp?) which was marvellous) and also quite a few nosebleeds (always amusing whilst doing customer presentations) and finally my cholesterol level went up a bit, but a short course of statins looked after that.

However, barring the odd pimple (once every couple of months maybe) I have been acne-free for over a year now since the course. It is a great feeling, going from the extreme of inventing excuses for not going out and dreading looking in the mirror first thing in the morning, to confidently walking into the office/pub, and not caring where you sit on the train to hide the worst side of your face etc.

And being British, Roaccutane was available on the NHS - so just for the cost of a prescription.

I've been on Accutane twice. 20-40mg daily for about 4 months. My skin cleared up big time. Then about 6 months later things starting coming back and a year after I was off of the drug I decided to go back on it. The doc put me on 20mg daily for 3 1/2 months and it cleared my skin wonderfully. Then 2 months later it came back with a vengence. I saw my doc couple weeks ago and I'm going back on it again... at the end of the month when he returns from vacation. I'm going to make sure he doesn't pull "el cheapo" with me this time around. I want more than 40mg and at least the 20 weeks Roche recommends. This drug does work. Only side effects I had was dry skin and chapped lips. No biggie. Just make sure your doc isn't playing it too safe by prescribing you baby amounts of the drug.

I'v been on accutane twice in my life. once when i was 16 and again when i was 19. The first time sucked,i had all the side effects the drug has to offer even severe derpression.I had awesome skin for the first time in my teen age life once the cycle was done.The acne came back again about a year later. I went back on it with no side effects except dry lips (no depression). a year later it came back. i really dont wanna do another cylce so i will try anti-biotics. I reccomend this drug, the results are so awesome but the side effects kick you in the ass. IT'S WORTH IT!

I been using this for about 3 days now, and i really start to see progress in this but my skin isssssss verrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrry dry and i dont know what cream i should put, i put cream for about 10 times a day...even more...

Wow. Just finished my first month (Sotret, 40mg), and my cholesterol spiked big time.

The drug is working wonderfully though...skin is clearing, pores are shrinking and no more cysts.

Anyone else have a similar experience? Did your cholesterol go back down after completing your course on the drug?

The effect of the initial treatment seems to last for about 4 years. Further treatments seem to be substantially less effective.

I had devastating nodular acne from 5th grade until after I graduated from college in 1982. I went through twelve years of useless oral and topical medications, radiation, and injections.

I was my dermatologist's first patient on the morning Accutane was approved. One five-month treatment of Accutane cured me. It was a miracle. I had no side-effects other than dry lips.

I am distressed at the possibility that Accutane could be banned. We should not deny a wonder drug to the many who need it just because a few women might fail to heed the warnings that are drilled into them.

Nor am I swayed by anedoctal reports of depression or suicide. I *know* that Accutane cures more depression and prevents more suicides than it could ever possibly cause.

I have tried practically everything. Nothing really worked and then my doctor prescribed Accutane. It was AMAZING!! It took about 2 weeks to kick in. My skin was soft, gross oiliness was gone, and I felt amazing. My lips and hands got very dry but hey, all my pimples were gone and I didnt have to run to washroom every one hr to hide my oily face(what more can I ask for!!. I have noticed that some people pointed out its dangerous side effects but I didnt feel any different.( no depression or suiside thoughts or whatever) It really gave me back my confidence. I wish I took it for a little longer though. It was hard for me to keep up with it since it was pricey so I stopped taking after 3 months or so. I think the effectiveness lasted about one yr or a little less. I am thinking of going on my second round. Whatever others say, it perfectly worked for me and I m willing to try one more time.

Guys...I'm sick of all this complaining about this product's "side effects." Bottom line is, you guys aren't doctors...your dermatologist is. If they recommend it, chances are you should stick with it and wait it out, because it will work, I promise. Just suck up the consequences guys! They can all be counteracted...you are all just over-reacting for something that will give long term happiness with maybe a little SHORT TIME discomfort. THis is the only product that truly works, so just deal with it. Sorry this sounds harsh, but come on. What are you expecting? A miracle?