Isotretinoin (Accutane) Reviews

I have now been on Accutane (40 mg/day) for two months. For the first month, my acne got worse than it ever was, and I mean it was really BAD. My face was sore, inflamed, and very red, I was debating giving up, but beared through it and things are a lot better. I still have breakouts, but everyday gets better. After 3 weeks ALL my blackheads dissapeared, it was so crazy. The bad side effects are definitely balanced out with the good ones...chapped lips, sore joints, and unfortunately I have blurred vision which is supposed to be a bad sign but I really refuse to go off the drug, I have tried over 17 presciptions and every over the counter product to no avail. I won't give up just because I have to wear my glasses more often. I don't find the side effects to be that bothersome, and I think the drug has done a lot of good, I actually will leave the house to socialize, as where before I had no self-esteem. Everyday gets better, and I would recommend the drug even though I know I haven't gotten its full benefit. My acne was not too horrible and I got the drug prescibed pretty easily, and every doctor I talk to (I have several) describe it as a great or miracle drug, so I'm not too concerned about anything. I would suggest getting generic, considering it's about 80 dollars cheaper and it's the same thing.

So far I think this drug is pretty amazing. I began breaking out when I was ten years old. I am still young, but i wasted a lot of my life staying alone because of embarrassment. I had low self eestem also. I've been on the drug for almost 2 weeks, and it is great! I broke out a little the first couple of days, and it's been progressively clearing up. My skin has not been this clear for a long time! People who have always had clear skin don't realize how awful it is for people with acne, i feel so much more confident now that it's clearer! I hope it keeps on getting better, and stays this way.

I have now been on roaccutane for about 3 months and within two weeks it had shred layers of skin off my face and made it red and sore which lead to me having to take a week off work. However only a week later (with alot of moisturiser and a lower dose) my skin was better than ever and people really noticed the difference. But sadly I am going to go against the majority of these comments below because after a month my jawline and cheeks are completely scarred and covered in big spots which have made me lose any confidence I ever had. I am having to take steroids and several other antibiotics and lotions from the hospital to solve this new problem and my doctor is so worried that my skin actually got worse on roaccutane, that she has transferred me to a top british expert in London.
I have seen this work on 2 other people at work and they were perfectly fine, but if you have very bad acne like I have, do not expect a great deal of help. I am now considering light therapy which apparently works very well to remove scarring too.

I tried Accutane a loooong time ago before they knew about the emotional/mental side effects like depression and distraction. I had tried medications with benz-perox and retin-a topical medications, which seemed to help control the acne but it was always a fight. Things like cryogenic therapy and antibiotics helped also, but the cystic acne kept getting worse as my teen years went on. Accutane worked within half a week, and after several months my skin, though dry, was acne-free and the scarring was well on the way to being reduced.

The results lasted for a few years and I used a second round of Accutane with the same results that had lasted well into my 20's. Currently I use Neutragena's "oil-free acne wash" to control the acne.

As a matter of record, I have be diagnosed with chronic depression and have difficulty with memory and focus. I believe parents considering Accutane for their childs acne problems, please explore other options or make sure that his or her emotional state is monitored. It felt great to get rid of the acne, but I've had a long run of therapy to cope with the depression, and it's for life.

I used Roaccutane as it is called in the UK 6 years ago when I was 20 having suffered from bad skin since I was 14/15. This was always ignored as just unfortunate, but by chance a different doctor saw me one day for a cold and took pity on me when I showed her the scar I had on my jaw line from acne. She sent me to a dermatologist straight away who prescripted Roaccutane. I had to have blood tests to check my cholesteral - as this drug does raise this, and was sent to the family planning centre to prevent pregnancy. In the UK the level was set by weight so at 50 kilo I could not take more than strength 50 a day.
Within a few months the results were amazing. Not a spot, blackhead or any sign of acne anywhere. I hadn't had skin this clear since I was a chid. Side effects were though that my lips were VERY VERY dry. I had to use a special lip balm. My skin was also drier needed cream. My cholesteral level did rise, but as I started with a low cholesteral level it only raised to an "average" person's level. The worst thing for me was sweating. I had read this on the box as a symptom, but hadn't expected it to be soooo bad.
After four months I was reduced to a weaker dose for two months, and was then again meant to have a phasing out period but the doctor changed who saw my case as vanity and thought treatment of acne was a waste of expenses. In the UK treatment is subsidised if you are referred by a doctor as needing treatment. SHe therefore took me off the drug, and told me to use a gel called Isotrex on any spots that appear.
For a while after my skin remained very clear, but obviously as the drug left my body, then pimples did re-appear.
My skin is far better than it was, but without doubt, your acne does return after you finish taking roaccutane.
I just thought this experience might help, as I am speaking from the experience of six years after taking Roaccutane.
When I was taking it, my reviews would have been as yours are - this drug was a miracle for me. The side effects were no real problem and easily counter balanced. But you shouldn't expect Roaccutane to permanently fix your skin, as I found that my spots did return, although at a lesser rate. Hope this account is of use.

I have been on it for 9 days and it is amazing! Everyday my skin gets better and better. The unusual thing about my case is although I had severe acne, i never had oily skin, in fact, it has always been very dry. Perhaps this is what has factored in the rapid improvement of my skin. In New Zealand Isotane (as we call it) is fully subsidised, so it costs around NZ$15 for a 4 month supply. And worth every cent!

I'm a little frustrated. I took accutane for about 6 months and, along with everyone else, enjoyed a flawless complexion. But then, I started breaking out again within a year. Has anyone else experienced this?

oh don't give up hope for those who haven't completed their doses of meds. My acne got worse than ever in the first month or so, and i have almost ended my 4th month now rarely having a big break out. I am have soreness, like joints and very dry skin. It is worth the short time discomfort for long term results!!! My insurance covers all but a co-pay.....
happy test subject....

The best stuff! I have had acne since a teenager and have tried minicin, diane (birth control),every cream or gel),trecyclin you name it! Nothing works! Just gives you more scars. My doctor finally let me try Accutane and it is amazing! Nothing works like this! Your pores get small,No oily skin, complexion is wonderful. Miracle drug. I wish I tries this years ago. I just finished a 6 month treatment.My face has never looked better! Definely try it!

I tried Accutane and my skin condition improved almost 100% better. It takes time to work(1-6 months). Though the side affects were much to be desired w/ extreme dry lips and sore joints, I was happy w/ the results. Do not waist your money on other stuff. Buy it only for severe acne.