Hi,

I'm a 30 year old woman who has struggled with moderate but very persistent acne since my early teens. Beginning in my mid-twenties I began to have cystic acne, around my chin and lips. I never had a large number of cystic acne at once but always seemed to have one or two along with a few other inflamed pimples. I tried many over the counter products as well as minocycline and a handful of other prescription drugs without much long term success. I reached a point where my acne was really beginning to mess with my self-esteem, I avoided mirrors and sometime going out all together. Having acne when you are a teen is lame but par for the course, when you're in your late 20's it's agony. When a new dermatologist recommended Accutane I though it a bit extreme for my case but after considerable research decided to give it a go. One important thing to remember is you can ALWAYS stop Accuntane if you're concerned it's not a good fit for you.

I took Accutane for 6 months, beginning at 10 mg and eventually finishing at 60 ( I weight 115 lbs).In the first 2 weeks I did break out a bit more than usual but it was short lived and not unlike other breakouts I had had previsouly. I stopped having any cystic acne immediately after beginning Accutane. In the following months I had an average of 1 zit per month. My skin was dry especially in the first 3 months, but it was never anything I couldn't calm with a good facial moisturizer/facial oil. The main side-effect I struggled with was super dry lips. The only thing that satiated by lips was Lanolin, regular chapstick will not cut it! Buy Lanolin, take it with you everywhere. I did make sure to stay out of the sun while on the pills and wear sunscreen when I was out. I did not discontinue drinking while on Accutane (my doctor wasn't concerned about it), but I am a moderate drinker.

I EXPERIENCED NO SIDE-EFFECTS OTHER THAN MODERATELY DRY SKIN AND DRY LIPS OVER THE COURSE OF 6 MONTHS ON ACCUTANE. There are many horror stories online about people who's lives were ruined by Accutane, these stories are scary to read if you are considering taking the drug, but remember that everyones experience is different and that these more severe things are ASSOCIATED with Accutane NOT SIDE EFFECTS of Accutane. When you beginning taking the drug stay in-tune with your body, if something doesn't feel right stop taking the pills and call your doctor.

Taking Accutane was no big deal, a bit of a pain to go the dermatologist every month and having dry lips was a real drag, but those things are a small price to pay for clear skin.

I just finished up my last pills this week and am crossing my fingers my skin stays clear. I'll aim to check back in in a few months.