Isotretinoin (Accutane) Reviews

Show reviews per page, sorted by
Filter by reviewer's acne severity
Filter by how long reviewer used item

Total results: 2,059    Viewing page: 9 of 206

Lydia from Jersey, England, UK
September 26, 2011
Pros Absolutely amazing skin, like beyond belief, no side effects, well no scary ones, just the mediocre dry dry dry lips, but that was mostly cause of my brace, and dry skin everywhere, but its so worth it. I wouldn't think twice, people are just out there to scare you with the scary side effects. Okay I'm not saying they're never going to happen, but I'm saying if you have the chance go to on accutane, if need it enough DO IT. Best decision, I'm not spot free, literally, none!
Cons Dry lips?
Slightly sore muscles, but I'm an athlete so what do you expect.
Ohh and I had to pay! But you can get it on insurance if you're from the UK like me, dont know about the US, but probs the same
Bottom line TAKE the chance for Accutane because it'll do more help than bad
You end up with spotless skin
Price paid $500.00
Acne severity moderately severe
Was the above review helpful?
Helpfulness score of this review: 9
Paige from Essex, UK
September 26, 2011
Pros Perfect Skin!
Free treatment on NHS as I was under 16
No relapse - spots have not come back at all
Cons Extremely chapped lips
Very dry skin in nostrils
Sunlight sensitivity
Weight gain from birth control (it was mandatory for me to take it)
Blood tests every month
Bottom line After suffering from acne for about five years until the age of 15 and trying every possible medicine out there, I finally broke down in tears in my doctors office and begged her to admit it wasnt just 'a part of puberty' but something serious.

She finally referred me to a dermatologist, who immediately offered me roaccutane. He talked me through all the risks which im sure you will be aware of now, and I decided to go for it - I literally had nothing else to try.

For me the worst part of the experience was the blood tests each month - I am petrified of them. Another downside was the mandatory birth control - I went up a clothes size from this which shook my confidence a bit, and two years later i still havent shaken that weight off!

I was fortunate enough not to suffer any serious side effects such as mental problems or joint ache. My skin didnt become dry, however my lips took a big hit. Chapstick didnt do a thing to help and they were so scabbed and painful i literally couldnt smile sometimes without splitting the skin on my lips. I finally ended up using Aloe Vera gel which was basically a miracle product, i highly recommend ANYONE to use this as it sinks straight in to the lips instead of sitting on top. I would shed a layer of skin on my lips everyday and since coming off of Roaccutane it is no longer a permanent problem but when the temperature drops they dryness does return (not to the same severity but still a lot worse than ever before i started Roaccutane). I also remember that my skin inside my nose was very inflamed and dry, and although it sounds disgusting i would have to pick my nose many times a day just to feel a bit more comfortable. For the first three months I was on 50mg a day which reduced to just 20mg for the final two months.

Two years later my skin is still great, no relapse for me. As i live in the UK and was under 16 my treatment was 100% free - easily the best decision i have ever made and highly recommend
Acne severity moderate
Was the above review helpful?
Helpfulness score of this review: 13
Anonymous from Poland
September 25, 2011
Pros - Clears acne for some time
Cons - Not very effective
- Skin dryness and sun oversensitiveness
- Joint pains
- Back pains
- Itchy skin
- Slightly impaired night vision and photosensitivity
- Headaches, fatigue
- Irritation
- Problems with concentration
- Depression, suicidal thoughts
Bottom line Took it for 4 months (20mg), at first everything was fine except very common skin/lips dryness, had to stop taking it because of sudden outbreak of side effects. Most of them are persistent (it's been 8 months since I stopped). My skin now itches really badly while sweating, back and joints hurt from no reason. The rest of above is self explanatory I think, especially the last one.

For everyone who still consider taking the drug: don't. It has been the worst decision in my whole life.
Sacrificing your life in order to get rid of acne isn't really worth it. There are lots of other drugs that can cure acne and won't make you a human wreck.
Acne severity moderate
Was the above review helpful?
Helpfulness score of this review: -3
John from California
September 22, 2011
Pros Amazing skin
Confidence!
Cured my hopelessness
Cons Chapped lips
Dry skin
(both temporary)
Bottom line I had the worst acne ever. Everyone thinks theyre acne is bad but I hated going to school because every day I was constantly aware and checking my face in my phone's reflection, even though I wouldn't be able to make it look better. Nobody said anything (usually) but I knew they noticed, especially since they told me when it got better. My cheeks were incredibly inflamed, my face was as chubby as a baby's while I'm a pretty skinny guy, and that was a normal everyday thing. In fact, I just saw an old picture on facebook where you can see it clearly, and that's what reminded me to write this. I have chiseled cheekbones and I have a completely clear face, except for the marks of some old acne, but that's been going away with time. Accutane is a MIRACLE DRUG. Sure it has some side effects, but if you do youre research, the serious ones are INCREDIBLY UNLIKELY, and almost all of the others are only temporary. I have so much confidence now, girls like me (more than my girlfriend is comfortable with), and I wouldn't mind taking pictures of myself just with my cell phone and putting them on facebook all the time (except that that'd be weird haha). Anyone who mentions my face looking good, I tell them all about accutane. Not just oh yeah, thanks, I took accutane. I give them the whole story. And I'm begging you, if you're having problems, try this. The side effects are easy to deal with (don't be afraid to use mousterizer guys), and it is amazing. It really changed my life. 3 months after my accutane is done and I still worship it.
Acne severity severe
Was the above review helpful?
Helpfulness score of this review: 25
WestGirl from New York
September 21, 2011
Pros Clear Smooth Skin, Not as Oily throughout the day, Wear less makeup
Cons Chapped Lips, Can't drink, Can't Wax or have facials, Sensitive Face
Bottom line I was very nervous about starting Claravis (generic to Accutane) because of the possibility of long-term side effects and liver damage, but I must say I am very pleased. I am 24 year old female and I just finished my 1st month and my face has definitely cleared up and gotten smoother. I still get breakouts on my face and body but I know it will decrease as the months progress. Chapstick is my new best friend, but luckily I can say I haven't experienced any other side effects such as moodiness and depression. I would definitely recommend thinking about it before you start because everyone is different. I will definitely keep up with routine blood work and doctor visits after I have completed the treatment because I want to make sure there won’t be any long term side effects which I fear. I am very excited to see how great my skin will look at the end of the treatment. Keep you posted!
Price paid $10.00
Acne severity moderately severe
Was the above review helpful?
Helpfulness score of this review: 7
gracey from Phil.
September 20, 2011
Pros no more acne even whiteheads and blackheads are all gone.
clear smooth skin
shine free skin
Cons expensive
chapped lips
dry flaky skin
Bottom line I used roaccutane for 4 months 20 mg. I can say that this drug really do wonders on my skin. It dramatically clears my skin. I had severe acne since I was in high school until before I used roaccutane,(now I'm 26) My self confidence then was too low. I visited lots of dermatologist and gave me tons of facial wash and creams but still the severity of my acne is still the same. I even had regular facials to remove the white and blackheads just to lessen my acne. When i came to Saudi, I went to the Dr, and he directly prescribed me with roaccutane. I did blood works to see if everything is in normal. So i started taking the pill and i didn't noticed any major side effects that would worry me. My skin was so dry so i just increase my fluid intake to hydrate myself and used vaseline as a moisturizer. Just make sure before using this drug that you know the side effects and used it with caution because this drug is so strong and teratogenic.

Now I'm so happy that i used this drug. I just hoped that i used this years ago. I gain self confidence and my life back. I have no regrets on using this drug 'coz its really effective on clearing your acne like no other drugs can. I'ts been 7 months now after using roaccutane and my skin is still acne free. I just really hope that it won't relapse as some user experienced. Now i'm just maintaining my skin with isotretinoin cream and benzoyl peroxide facial wash. Don't be afraid to use this pill because it's really worth every penny. Hope this is helpful. Goodluck...=)
Price paid $50.00
Acne severity severe
Was the above review helpful?
Helpfulness score of this review: 7
2ndnormalperson from beverly hills CA
September 14, 2011
Pros clear skin
Cons dry skin
Bottom line I started having acne when I was about 11 until 25. I tried different kinds of antibiotics and over the counter and presciption creams but they did not work well. The antibiotics would only work while i was taking them and within a month my acne would come back. I also tried lasers to treat the acne, but they made it worse.It really worked wonders on my skin. At the age of 25 i was at my wits end. Quite a few of my friends had taken accutane and it had worked wonders for ridding them of thier acne. I remember crying myself to sleep after counting 30 some odd pimples on my face. I made an appointment at UCLA derm. for the folllowing week. The derm told me it was time for me to try accutane. Within the first month I started seeing improvement. I had to do blood work every month to ensure that the accutane was not hurting me. My sking became very dry and tight and my lips were always chapped. I used the oly serum on my skin and it really helped with the dryness. I was on accutane for 6 months, this was over 5 years ago. I have to say it was an amazing experience. My skin has been clear since with the exception of one to two minor pimples monthly. I wish I had done it sooner and if you're thinking about doing it please please please go to a good doctor who will check your blood monthly to make sure your health is not at risk!
Now my only worry was the moderate acne scars left behind from over a decade of acne. About 4 years after I stopped taking accuntane I decide to do something about the scars, I believe you have to wait at least a year to do any kind of treatment after accutane.
I've done 3 fraxel treatements. I saw an immediate improvement on my skin after the first one, but that's because your face becomes swollen the week after so it appears that the scars are gone, but within a few weeks most of the scars came back. After the first time I saw a 20% improvement. I was excited and made an appoinment 6 weeks later. the second treatment did nothing. I
Acne severity severe
Was the above review helpful?
Helpfulness score of this review: 13
Ana from Belgrade, Serbia
September 14, 2011
Pros It really works...Just be patient. I used low dose (20mg), for 4 monthes, and I got rid of acnes and greasy hair and skin for good. It˙s been a year since I ´ve stoped, and nothing came back. Woohoo... :)))) Keep the good faith and belive!
Cons dry lips, need to have chapstick all the time, dry face, not intensive, but still present mood-swings and that is it! ;)
Bottom line Just belive, be strong and don´t pick your bumps! I have a few scars because I was no good ;)
Wish u all the best, be strong and get rid of those acnes for good!
Kisses from Serbia
Ana
Price paid $10.00
Acne severity moderate
Was the above review helpful?
Helpfulness score of this review: 24
K from Trinidad
September 12, 2011
Pros It works
Does not require use of topicals/creams/gels. etc
Cons The course of treatment must be completed for it to be effective.
Dry eyes
Chapped lips
Blood tests thoughout the process
Can relapse / Flare ups
Bottom line Roaccutane works; It cleared off my acne permanently. I have subsquently relapsed after 5 years due to an arising hormonal issue. It may be pricey and the duration(I took 5 months) may seem long but it is so worth it if you are looking for a permanent solution.
Price paid $800.00
Acne severity moderately severe
Was the above review helpful?
Helpfulness score of this review: 2
bkingram
September 10, 2011
Pros +Cleared All Acne Including my Severe Cystic Acne !
+Dramatically Reduced Skin Oiliness
+Gained Confidence Back
+Changed My Life
Cons Normal Side Effects
- Dry Skin
- Very Dry Lips
Bottom line Around Christmas of my Junior year in high school I started to get cystic acne. In about two weeks it progressed into severe cystic acne that persisted mainly on my cheeks. (* Note: Prior to the break I my face was 100% clear) I tried over the counter acne products for the next month, which I now realize was a horrible mistake, due to the fact, if I would of went to a Derm instead of wasting a month I would have a lot less scarring. However, that was not the case. After about a month I finally went and visited my derm, where she immediately started me off on Accutane. My dosing started at 40 the first month, 60 the next, then 80 after that. Unfortunately, when i was on the 80 my liver test came back a little high and my derm dropped my back down to 40.
All in all, I ended up taking Accutane for 7 months. I never had an initial breakout or some of the side effects people have listed, such as sun sensitivity. I was even a lifeguard during the middle of my course, and never experienced any sun sensitivity. My parents ended up paying $3,200 because we do not have a pharmacy card, but it was completely worth it. When my acne was severe I strayed away from contact from everyone I knew. But now my face is clear and I'm extremely out going because I have regained my confidence.
This drug was a miracle for me.
Price paid $3,200.00
Acne severity severe
Was the above review helpful?
Helpfulness score of this review: 11

Total results: 2,059    Viewing page: 9 of 206