Accutane/Roaccutane possible side effects

Posted in Roaccutane by Will

Will: Accutane/Roaccutane possible side effects

January 2nd, 2007

Are you thinking about taking Accutane/Roaccutane? Signup for a free skincare diary. A skincare diary can be a useful tool in the fight against acne, as other members can read your diary and respond with messages of support.

Need skincare products to cope with Roaccutane’s side effects? go to BeautyBoom.co.uk to view their skincare range. They currently stock fantastic brands like Burt Bees, Carmex & Simple at discounted prices.

Happy New Year everyone – This month I will be blogging about Accutane (called Roaccutane in the UK). Accutane is a powerful drug used to treat severe acne. Accutane may bring some unwanted side effects. In this blog post I will divulge further into these side effects.

Even before you see your acne getting better, Accutane will bring some unwanted reactions to your treatment. These effects often wear off as you progress through your treatment but most will wear off a couple of months after you finish your Accutane treatment.

Mild/less serious side effects:

Dryness – you should expect dry skin, lips, eyes and face. Your skin may become more fragile and redder than usual. I recommend E45 and Petroleum jelly for your dryness. The inside of your nose may become dry and crusted, causing mild nose bleeds. Smearing a thin layer of E45 or Petroleum jelly on the inside of the nose will help. Your eyes may feel dry and slightly irritated. If you wear contact lenses, eye drops may help.

Aches and Pains – while on Accutane you may experience occasional muscle aches and pains. These pains are more likely to occur if you take vigorous exercise. Don’t let this put you off exercise, my dermatologist has prescribed many footballers with Accutane.

Hair changes – One of the most worrying side effects is changes in your hair. You may notice some changes to your hair (either a loss or, rarely, an increase) after taking this medicine for a while. This is usually only temporary and persistent hair thinning is rare. Your hair should return to normal after the treatment ends.

Mood changes – Some people have experienced mood changes whilst taking Roaccutane and in rare cases suicide and attempts of suicide.

Bone changes – Use of high doses of Accutane for periods in excess of the normal course of treatment may cause bone changes, but these are very unlikely during a normal course of treatment.

Other less common side effects include:

Headaches
Sickness
Tiredness
Sweating
Menstrual changes
Slight loss of hearing
Changes in vision
Jaundice
Liver disease
Anemia
Seizures
Inflammatory bowel disease
Inflammation of the pancreas
Inflammation of blood vessels
Increased facial pigmentation
Systemic infections
Blood in the urines
Swollen glands
Eye sight problems

Most of the side effects will stop when you stop treatment – have I missed any?

This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 2nd, 2007 at 11:30 pm and is filed under Roaccutane. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

399 responses to “Accutane/Roaccutane possible side effects”

david b

10th Jan, 07

I finished my course of roaccutance over 3 yrs ago. It cleared up all my acne however I have found that the pigments in my skin have been lost and are prone to burning in the sun. I use to have dark olive skin and tan easily. Now when I am out in the sun i burn easy and cannot get a tan (over 3 yrs since completing tratment). I am wondering if there are any tablets or creams I can use to bring back the pigments? Many thanks!
at
editor

10th Jan, 07

Hi David,

I have been on Roaccutane but luckily, I have not suffered from burning in the sun or any other long term side effects (that I know about).

Are you still in contact with your dermatologist and if so have you asked him/her about this? After I finished my Roaccutane course my dermatologist was eager to offer me helpful advice on post Roaccutane treatments.

Good luck and let me know how you get on.
at
Jane

29th Mar, 07

My daughter took Roaccutane for 9 months last year. It did clear the acne somewhat, but not completely. Since she has stopped taking it her acne is returning. We emigrated in between and her new doctor is suggesting another course, which we, her parents, are not keen on.

Any comments/suggestions would be appreciated

Jane
at
editor

29th Mar, 07

Hi Jane,

I took Roaccutane for 5 months a few years ago and it cleared my severe acne completely. However, I do still get the occasional spot (mild acne) but my skin is completely different to how it was before I took Roaccutane.

After taking my last Roaccutane tablet I made the mistake of panicking every time I got one spot and I thought my acne was returning, but this wasnâ€™t the case.

If your daughterâ€™s acne returns to how it was before she started taking Roaccutane I would recommend another course â€“ everyoneâ€™s skin is different and some people need one, two or even three courses of treatments. I would recommend this only if the side effects are bearable.

But if you daughterâ€™s skin has significantly improved and she only gets mild acne I wouldnâ€™t recommend another course, I would recommend topical treatments such as Benzoyl Peroxide or Antibiotics.

Thanks,
at
lau

10th Apr, 07

Has anyone on this treatment noticed that they feel colder at all. I’ve constantly got goose bumps and wondered if this was a side effect?!
at
dave winston

12th Apr, 07

i am 29. i have been taking roaccutane for 9 weeks now and i have noticed a huge increase in the size of my penis. it is now around 14 inches long! i was wondering if this was a side-effect? thanks.
at
editor

12th Apr, 07

Dave, I have not heard about that side effect. Are you sure youâ€™re not taking a drug beginning with V?
at
Kenton

12th Apr, 07

That is absolutely jokes Dave!

I wouldent mind if i go that side effect… iv just started 4 days ago
at
Rachel

15th Apr, 07

Hi, I’ve been on Roaccutane for the past three months and its clearing up albeit rather slowly.

My lips are really chapped and also, they look like they’ve swelled up quite a bit, is this a side effect too? Jumbo lips? :(

Thanks
at
lau

18th Apr, 07

Hello Rachel, my lips are soooooooooooooo dry!!! and they’ve swollen too, so don’t worry I think it’s fairly ‘normal’. Burts Bess lipbalm is very good and some coloured lip gloss will hide it a bit ;o)
at
lau

18th Apr, 07

Sorry, Burts BEES lipbalm! (it’s got beeswax, coconut oil and sunflower oil in it)
at
Jenny

20th Apr, 07

Hi everyone,

I am 35 years old and I started taking Roaccutane in October 2006, I started on 40mg and when I didn’t see any change apart from dry lips, dry hair(I used to wash hair every day) and dry eyes I asked the dermotogigist if I could have my dose icreased in which he did to 60mg.
I have finally the nerve to look at someone straight in the face now as my acne has almost cleared up. I have finished my course and the medication is still working.
I did have a few bad eye infections in the last few weeks, but my advise is to have an eye moisturiser that you can get at any chemists and use it if you feel your eyes dry and itchy.

Goodluck…it’s given me no end of confidence!!!!
at
kieran

30th Apr, 07

Hi, ive been taking roaccutane for 3 weeks now and im experiencing random erections which is quite embarassing as im 28 !!
Not the worst side effect i know, has anyone else had this and is maybe too shy too say so??
Or am i just blessed?
at
Juli

6th May, 07

I am 41 and strted suffering from cystic acne on the chin about 15 years ago. After being constanetly fobbed off and taking antibiotics I paid to see a dermatologist about 3 yra ago andwas told the treatment would cost about Â£4k! Couldnt afford it so suffered more ,tried laser treatment, didnt wok until I felt depressed and wnet back to the docs. Asked to see dermatologist and saw same dermatologist who was gonna cost Â£4k! I havent felt at all different and am now in the last week of treatment. Apart from dry eyes and recently very dry lips and scaly chin have felt fine. We are all different but i think you start attributing every ache and pain and feeling to the drug. if myskin clears up, and it seems to have the dry lips are a small price to pay.
at
jen

9th May, 07

hi. I have had acne for 15 years and have been on many treatments, which have worked to varying degrees. I am currently on Yasmin (prev i was on Dianette) both of which worked for a few years but recently my skin has been bad again. i am due to see a dermatologist next week. i do have large lumps but not all over my face, only my chin area and what i would call some ‘normal’ spots elsewhere. I am really worried that he will say my acne is not bad enough to go on roaccutane as that is what my GP said! what he doesn’t know is how much it affects my life. i don’t go out if i’m feeling/looking bad. i avoid all venues with bright lights and more recently i realised that i have not gone for a really good job as a lecturer because of my skin (i.e loads of people looking at me!). please don’t anyone tell me it’s what’s inside that counts… any other help and advice would be most appreciated, cheers.
at
editor

9th May, 07

Hi Julie,

Wow Â£4k â€“ what treatment costs Â£4k? If you mean Roaccutane I thought it was free on the NHS.

Good point regarding start â€œattributing every ache and pain and feeling to Roaccutaneâ€, itâ€™s easily done and many people always blame Roaccutane for problems which can be completely unrelated.

Good luck with the rest of your treatment and never give up.

Maggie
at
editor

9th May, 07

Hi Jen,

Thanks for your comment. Iâ€™m guessing your GP referred you to a dermatologist? If yes, he/she must believe your condition is quite serious and dermatologists (UK) normally prescribe Roaccutane.

Explain to the dermatologist what you have said on here, i.e. how much acne is affecting your life. I know many people who have been prescribed Roaccutane for what I would call â€œmild acneâ€ because of the depression Acne was causing them.

Stay strong and good luck.
at
Ele

10th May, 07

Hi,

I’ve just started on roaccutane a few days ago and was wondering if there is a minimum period of treatment. My doc has suggested a 2 months course but I’ve read that most people go for a minimum of 15-16weeks. Do you know if there are any side effects for going on a shorter period?
at
jen

10th May, 07

Maggie,
thanks ever so much. Your advice is helpful. I am actually going to a dermatologist privately (Â£100) as the doctor said it would be a 7 month wait on the NHS. My GP did downplay the problem despite having my notes in front of him but it was the first time i had ever seen him as just moved to a new practice; maybe he thought i was trying to get more than my fair portion of their budget! I will let you know the outcome,
thanks again, jen
at
editor

11th May, 07

Hi Ele,

Every patient is different – if you doc has suggested a 2 month course Iâ€™m guessing your acne must be fairly mild, which is good news.

I expect you will experience the same side effects as going on a longer course of treatment (e.g. dry lips, dry nasal and some others stated in this thread), but these side effects shouldnâ€™t last long after your course has finished.

If you are still breaking out after 2 months of treatment I would ask your doc if you could prolong your treatment a little longer to get the full effectiveness from Roaccutane.
at
Ele

14th May, 07

Hi Maggie,

Thanks for your reply. My acne is fairly mild compared to some, but its persistence and refusal to go away despite previous, alternative, treatments (topical and oral) is rather frustrating. I am keeping my fingers crossed that this works.

I’ve another question though. I’ve read in some places that we should avoid facials during the roaccutane treatment. Does that apply to all facials or just those that use microdermabrasion and laser treatment?

Thanks again,
Ele
at
jen

16th May, 07

Maggie,
just to say i am now on Roaccutane, hurrah! The dermatologist was really lovely. understood and put me at my ease. He wrote me out a precription which i paid for at the local hospital – it’s Â£24 for a month course. He said to go back to my GP for an NHS referrel to his skin clinic and i will get picked up along the way in a few months, from then on covered by NHS. i’m very excited and any tips about roacutanne (cleansers to use? – always used stuff for oily skin) most welcome,
cheers,
jen
at
Rick

16th May, 07

Hey,

Ive been on roaccutane for almost 5 months, with the last two on 80mg. I am going away in a 18 days and was wondering if I could drink pretty heavily as its been a long time since ive let my hair down. Also, whats the protocol on sunshine exposure?
One thing i have read is that you should finish the recommended course. I was originally told 4-6 months but my last dermy appointment led him to give me the meds to finish the 6 months. ive finished early because of this holiday. Will that be alright?

Cheers,

Rick
at
editor

17th May, 07

Hi Rick,

5 months, with the last two on 80mg is a strong course. Is your acne now clear? If yes, finishing early would be fine. Keep your remaining supply safe, you could always use it at a later date if necessary (hopefully not).

Sunlight exposure should be avoided or at least restricted – use sun cream regularly. Although you have finished Roaccutane treatment, your skin will still be very fragile and sensitive to the sun – at least a few months while Roaccutaneâ€™s side effects wear off.

Drinking in moderation is ok but try to avoid heavy drinking for obvious reasons and the reasons above â€“ your body (liver) needs time to recover.

Have a great holiday.

Maggie
at
Ross

20th May, 07

Maggie,

I am about to turn 18 and will probably be drinking at my party, would it be ok for me to drink. I have been on roaccutane for a month and I am on 60mg a day. What do you think?

Thanks,
Ross
at
Jay Didcott

21st May, 07

hey. i have been on Accutane now for 10 days, the doctor would not send me t the dermatoligist even though i have had acne for ten years and it kept coming back no matter what i tried. so i decided to bye roaccutane online, which i would not reccommend. i went to the pharmacy and asked them to check it and it looked exactly the same and it does just its not english. I have got chapped dry lips and mouth and also had a little outbreak this week. Also my acne is not classed as servere but mild, thats why the doc said no.
at
baboo

22nd May, 07

hello,

I’ve been on roaccutane for three weeks now and I’m not experiencing so much of the side effects, apart from dry lips (which is not a problem at all for me, as I use a great lip balm) and dry eyes…Anyway, i was wondering if I could ask my derm to increase my dose, because my acne isn’t bothered at all by anything and it’s still comfortably and for-what-seems-like-forever all over my face…

It’s not that I am not patient enough or anything, but the thing is I suffer from this depression too (I don’t think it’s due to roaccutane, I’ve had it before, but roaccutane certainly doesn’t help), depression that comes mostly from the way I see myself, self-esteem under see level, anti-social behaviour and everything that comes with it. Acne=torture, it’s the way I see it…
at
kate

25th May, 07

I have been taking roaccutane for 3 months (one month to go). I am going on holiday in June and worried about burning (I know the other girls are planning to fry themselves!) What factor sunscreen would you advise? I plan to stay in the shade but obviously this isn’t possible at all times. Also, how long after treatment should I leave it before sunbathing?
Any advice welcome
Kate
at
Hayley

28th May, 07

Hi,
Thought you might like to hear my experiences so far. I started taking roaccutane at the end of April. I had a month taking 50mg, then a month on 60mg and now I am on 95mg – the maximum for my weight. Although my acne is no where near as severe as the photos in the dermatologists office!

I have had acne since I was 11 and I will be 26 next month. My GP is great and has prescribed so many different lotions, gels and tablets over the years without success that roaccutane was my last hope. I only had to wait 3 months to see a dermatologist on the NHS, which I think is fairly quick compared to some places.

So far I have had some side effects, but I am of the opinion that a few months of discomfort is worth it if it is going to cure a problem I have had for 15 years. My lips were the first thing to change, getting very dry within days of starting the treatment. The skin on the back of my hands and my arms also gets quite dry, sometimes with a rash – E45 deals with that. Perhaps the worst thing is the “crusty nose” which can feel quite painful, especially in the morning. I am going to try the vaseline idea suggested by someone else to see if that makes it better.

So far I ahve not have any of the depression side effects, no more than normal anyway!!

My advice would be to give it a try. Good Luck

Hayley
at
Mohsin

28th May, 07

i have been taking roaccutane for 4 months and till this day i havent felt any dryness on lips but last week i was very sick and have had a temprature and till this day i m not recovering from it…my whole body has gone weak and i feel like my half of the brain is not workng …and its too much weakness and there is enormous pain in my legs…i m taking 30 mg since four months
at
Linda

1st Jun, 07

Hi,

I started a course of roaccutane just over a week ago (40mg p/day). After four days I developed severe back pain – so severe I have now obtained a prescription from my GP as the shop bought products could not control the pain. There was no trauma, it just became increasingly painful with frequent muscular spasms. On my GP’s advice I have stopped taking the roaccutane but will try again once my back has recovered just incase the two are totally unconnected. I know one of the side effects can be mild-moderate back pain but has anyone else suffered from really bad pains that they think are related? I have never suffered from back problems before and I am frightened that when I eventually recover and start again that it will return – it has been painful enough to bring me to tears and even the slightest movement has been torture.

As I’m nearly 40 and have suffered from acne since my teenage years I am desparate for a ‘cure’ and had hoped that this was it at last.
at
Fiona

1st Jun, 07

I am in my fourth month on Roaccutane.
I have been on 30mg for the first 3 months, and although I did start to see a difference in my skin in the first month (it got drier, lips began to get chapped), this soon evened out and I didn’t see any difference after this. In fact, my skin was the same as before I started the treatment. In other words – I was still very spotty!
My dermatologist agreed with me so she has doubled my dose to 60mg. I have now been on this dosage for less than 2 weeks and I am already seeing a difference. My skin is much drier, but I don’t mind if it is working, and I have no new spots, just ones that I already had which are healing.
I am supposed to be doing this dosage for another month after this one, so am quite hopeful that I will get good results at the end of it.
Just to warn you girls – I had my eyebrows waxed and it took off a lot of my skin in that area! So be careful!
at
Alex

2nd Jun, 07

I’m currently on Roaccutane at 70mg per day. I started off on 40mg and went up after the first four weeks.

It’s the second time I have been on the drug. To be honest i’m struggling with the dryness it is causing. My face feels constantly tight and itchy, although I have tried about ten different face creams and moisturisers but to no effect.

The dermatologist said if I found it too bad I could reduce my dose. I’m wondering if I should reduce my dose to 50mg per day. This would be between the 0.5 – 1.0 mg/kg body weight/day as recommended.

Does that sound about right ? I only get to see our dermatologist every six months due to my current location so i can’t ask.

Any advice would be grateful.
at
Angela

5th Jun, 07

Hi guys

I’m in need of some reasurance!
I’m in my 4th month of roaccutane on 60mg (max for weight) and I had a real improvment at the 2nd month stage. But now I seem to be getting more spots! I’ve gone from none to 4 lesions and I’m really pissed of!
Has anyone got any advice or a similar story.
I’m due to end my course of Roaccutane at the end of this month.

Cheers, Angela
at
Karen

7th Jun, 07

Hi I have been on my treatment now for just over a week and my eyes are starting to get really dry. Can you recomend any eyedrops?
at
Rebecca Jones

11th Jun, 07

Has anyone gained weight during treatment? This is my 11th week on my second dose. I had a 16 week course the same time last year and I noticed slight weight gain but I have gained a lot of weight this time around. My Dr says that this is not a side effect. Comments welcome!
at
Noel

11th Jun, 07

Hey, i got referred to a dermatologist by my doctor about 2 months ago after being on prescribed and over the counter acne treatments for around 3 years, i rang up the NHS ‘choose and book service’ and was told i’d have an appointment by the 21st of may (about a month later), but rang them up again on this date and was told there were no openinings, that my local hospital had been contacted, and i’d hear from them within 2 weeks. I hadn’t, so i called them and they said the dermatologist would choose when to see me… does anyone know how long this will be? It’s so frustrating not having a set date for an appointment.

I’ve checked the waiting list for my local hospital in terms of the dermatology department, and there are only 9 people and none of them are waiting more than 10 weeks for their appointment.

I’m considering going private to get the treatment, but can anyone give me a rough guideline as the the consultation fees, cost of the drugs, and the blood tests that are taken whilst on the drug?

Thanks
at
Angela

11th Jun, 07

Hi,

Gel Tears are good, they stay in your eyes longer than drops. They are only about Â£3 from the chemist, but avoid over usage because you can then become sensitive to the preservatives in them.
Good luck!
at
lau

12th Jun, 07

Noel,
I went private. The initial (once off) consultancy was Â£120 and the monthly medication cost is Â£56. When I went to collect my last set of medication they hadn’t any in stock, so I popped to Boots and they sold it there for less. Basically, I would recommend going private to get things hurried along, the consultancy is an essential part of the treatment, so I think you’ll have to pay for that, but get the medicine from high street pharmacys instead. Also, blood tests aren’t always essential.
at
Linda

12th Jun, 07

Hello everyone,

Just incase anyone read my earlier post re. the severe back pain – after visits to the doctor and osteopath current opinion is that it is merely a spooky coincidence. I’m happy as this means I have been able to restart the course.

Noel – can’t help you on the private side but I can tell you I had to wait about three months for a first appointment and then they made me wait another three months while I tried a new set of antibiotics/creams and ‘thought seriously’ about it (probably partly because of the birth defect risks which won’t apply to you). Would it be worth speaking to your doctor again and seeing if he/she could help?
at
Kate

12th Jun, 07

Dear Noel

My son has just finished his Roacutane treatment and now looks wonderful! He’s had acne since he was 12 (he is 18 now) and it is just wonderful to see his skin so lovely. We went privately to see the dermatologist for our first appointment because of the long wait. It cost Â£85. Then he put us back into the NHS system because the drugs are quite expensive (about Â£500+) and by seeing us again quite quickly on the NHS he could prescribe them on the NHS. It might be worth doing this – at least you get to talk to him quickly.

Hope that helps and good luck!

Kate
at
Emma

12th Jun, 07

Great advice guys.

Rebecca, weight gain during Roaccutane treatment is unusual. Your doc is right – it isnâ€™t recognized as an official side effect.

One thing I would say is that when I went on Roaccutane I didnâ€™t go out, as much as I usual did – my skin was so red and dry. Out of pure boredom I tended to eat more at home resulting in a little weight gain.

Hope this helps.
at
Rebecca Jones

12th Jun, 07

Thanks Emma. I only have about 3 weeks left and my dose has been increased from 40 mg to 60 mg p/d. I am seriously considering decreasing my dose back to 40 mg or even 20 mg becuase of the way that I am feeling. Does anyone think, in their experience, that this will make a difference to the treatment as a whole?
at
Noel

12th Jun, 07

Thanks guys, does anyone know where i would go to talk to someone about going private, would i speak to my doctor or my local hospital? Or would it have to be through a private organisation/healthcare group (like BUPA)? I’ve never had anything which required me to go to hospital or to have extensive treatment, so i’m lost on this.

Thanks
at
Amy

13th Jun, 07

hiya im considering starting on roaccutane after about 5 years of failed antibiotics and generally feeling like it isn’t fair that i have acne and my friends don’t. All these stories about the side effects of roaccutane are really scary though, however it won’t put me off because i desperately want to get my skin sorted. I am however confused about how much it will cost, my parents want to go private if they can afford it and many articles i have read on the internet state a wide range of various prices. is the cost of treatment just something I will have to wait and find out about from the dermatologist? p.s i swear by Eve Lom ‘Dyna Spot’ its expensive (Â£20 for a tiny tube) but it helps to prevent some of my worse beakouts by drying up painful lumps.
at
Emma

14th Jun, 07

I am 19 and took roaccutane over 2/3 years ago for quite a long course. I was not told to be more careful in the sun, nor was i told to avoid exfoliating!
My skin has been really bad ever since – very dry and red, sore, crepey round the eyes, super sensitive and my acne is worse than ever! My skin is also kind of translucent – looking now.
My skin was oily before but the parts without blemishes were healthy, ‘robust’ and young looking. I wish i had never tried it. Help!

( To others reading this -I don’t want to put anyone off – I wasn’t given the appropriate warnings or advice whilst on the drug and therefore have damaged my skin).
at
Katie

14th Jun, 07

Hi,

I’ve been on Roaccutane for 3 weeks now and my overall skin condition is a lot clearer. I’m breaking out still but I think that’s the Roaccutane making it worse before it gets better (as expected) but it doesn’t ‘flare up’ anymore. I think the reason it’s improved is not because of Roaccutane (as it’s still early) but it’s because I’ve cut out dairy in my diet. Research has pointed out that most cows are pregnant when they are milked, therefore increased hormones in the milk. If people who have hormone imbalances, i.e. those with persistant acne, drink milk, their acne is aggrevated. Try cutting out milk, cream, cheese, yoghurt etc and see if this helps your skin. Perhaps after roaccutane, we may be able to tollerate some milk…not sure on that one! :)
at
matthew

18th Jun, 07

im goin on holiday in around a month…im wonderig is it possible that my skin will be good enough to sunbathe in..and what happens if ur skin is not ready? does it still go brown coz whilst ive been on the course ive been on the sunbed and been fine? answer me please cheers
at
Dan

18th Jun, 07

Matthew,

Iâ€™m sorry to say this but I would avoid sunbathing at all costs while taking Roaccutane. You may think you are tanning but you may not see the potential damage you are doing.

How long is your treatment? Most peopleâ€™s treatment lasts on average 5 months, this is not a long time to wait for healthy skin.

Dan
at
Linda

20th Jun, 07

I agree with Dan on this one. If you can bare the girliness of it get a fake tan, but make sure it’s a good one. The roaccutane will make your skin more sensitive to the sun and you may, as Emma has found, do irreparable damage. It’s just not worth the risk. I worked outside for most of my twenties and took no notice of the warnings of sun damage – I have had three dodgy moles removed and now have wrinkles and acne at the same time, the ultimate injustice!

I also agree with katie and the dairy avoidance. I switched to soya products some time ago and I found my hormonally linked attacks became less acute.
at
Noel

21st Jun, 07

I’ve finally got an appointment with a dermatologist on the 22nd August, after years of being given treatments over the counter and prescribed by a doctor, hopefully things are on the up now :)
at
dima

22nd Jun, 07

Iâ€™ve been on Roaccutane for 3 weeks now and i had bleached my black hair on my face but after i finished my face became very red and still untill now and it become in some areas darker is it related to the medicine and does all the side effects will go on after i finished the medicine
at
dima

22nd Jun, 07

oh sry i 4got to say i bleached my hair before 3 weeks and i stopped the medicine before 1 week and my face now very sensitive and become red quickly
at
dima

22nd Jun, 07

i took the medicine 3 mnths ago not 3 weeks
at
Abi

24th Jun, 07

I went on roacctuane 2 years ago and it cleared my skin up and it remained clear for about 9 months then started to break out again. I’ve just started a second course on 40mg a day. I’ve only just finished my first week and I had forgotten how uncomfortable roacctuane made my face feel. I havn’t left my house all this week. I feel miserable. What products have people used which were especially good at combatting facial dryness? I am keeping a diary of my roacctuane experiences this time round. check my blog http://reclaimyourskin.co.uk/category/abis-roaccutane-diary/
at
Lee

28th Jun, 07

I went on roacctuane around 9 years ago, it cleared my acne up completely with the usual dry lips and face. However the skin on my face has been ultra sensitive ever since, even to the point where i will not eat out because the stretching of my mouth to eat will cause the skin on my face to crack. Vaseline and almost all creams burn my skin, in fact water will burn my skin if not dried relatively quickly. My face always has a red tinge to it and i always get the comment “where have you been on holiday?” which after 9 years is getting rather tedious.
I’ve been to my GP who doesn’t “think” its related to roaccutane but has not referred me to a dermatologist, in fact he blamed it on smoking. I realise that smoking will not help my skin however i quit 6 months ago and the problem still persists, i notice that alcohol and spicy foods can agrevate, can anyone help?
at
zara

2nd Jul, 07

hi this is my second time round , and i have just remembered how anonying the itching is my head feels like i have scratched it in every single spot i have massive white clum’s of dandruff can any one surggest what i can wash my hair with to ease the itching ? i dont think it was as bad last time,i have bought some cream to put on my face that is brill it is called emuo base concentrated rehydration cream i put loads of it on at night i told abi about it and she found it helped her which is great ,i got it from the chemist i think it was about Â£3.00 last time i was on roaccutane was about 10 yrs ago i started on about 15mg to 20mg 3 times aday i remmber having a really sore inside of my nose this time i dont have that but it is worse on my head than the time before,
i think this is great that you can read how other people are getting on before i just had to go along with it by my self and just try and get bye with how i was feeling roaccutane did work for me but a while ago i started to get big cyst and they were staying on my face for at least 1 month if i knocked it it would turn blue like a blood blister some times i did not wont to face people so here i am again on 80mg a day hope this time they will go for good. i would tell anyone that is suffering to try roaccutane why suffer with embarrasment not beable to face people staying in not socialising when they can have itchy flacky skin for a while and then beable to face the world because thats how i felt.
at
sam

3rd Jul, 07

Hi

My nam is sam and im 27 yeras old been reffered back to the derm again and have got that annoying wait to put up with this really life effecting disease.I have previously been on roaccutane in 2000 and finished a 5 month course,about 9 monts later i started getting tummy problems and severe pain.
To cut a long story short i was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and the surgeon thinks that taking the roaccutane may have contributed.i had my large bowel removed and had to go througha 5 stage reconstruction period it is cured now.
I have been on minocycline and dalacin t solution to control my acne but now its come back with avengance my G.P has put me on lymecycline and has reffered me back to the derm.Ive tried alot of alternative theropies but none seem to work im highly deppressed and acnt get over how bad i look with theese cysts…its so hard! people dont seem to understand ive even resorted to buying roacutane online..im scared that it might cause me bowel problems again but i just cant cope with my skin like this………..HELP advise please
at
editor

3rd Jul, 07

Hi Sam,

Sorry to hear about your bowel problems. Please, please do not buy Roaccutane online, this can be extremely dangerous because you could be taking anything. It really isnâ€™t worth damaging you health.

Your G.P has referred you to a dermatologist which is goods news, how long do you have to wait for your appointment? If you have to wait a long time it might be worth trying to go private. Ask you derm if he/she thinks your bowel problems are related to taking Roaccutane, if not you may be prescribed another course legitimately.

Stay strong â€“ you can get past this horrible disease.

Will

Please read this: http://www.fda.gov/buyonline/accutane/
at
sam

3rd Jul, 07

Thanks Will,

I think im going to wait to see the derm as something deep down tells me its wrong!
Im currently using Dalacin T topical lotion which i have been doing for 4-5 years now can you become ressistant as it was really effective up until 2 months.ive now been told to try the gel version any sucsess?
Im also interested in this new Nlight therapy on a website called http://www.theprivateclinic.co.uk do you know if its safe or whats its benefits are?
thanks again i appreciate the support.
at
Abi

3rd Jul, 07

Hey Sam,

I also went on that website and watched the this morning interview and nagged my mum to let me have it. I had 3 laser sessions. It cost Â£750. After the laser sessions my face was so red and on one occassion I ended up covered in little red bruises. The laser felt uncomfortable on my skin too. As for my skin. It didnt get any better. I dunno whether I was just unlucky, but it didnt work for me :-( i felt it was a big waste of money.

Abi xxxxxx
at
sam

3rd Jul, 07

Hey Abi,

Thanks for that information im a bit dubious about it myself as its so expensive,think im going to give things a bit of time with my antibiotics before i do anything drastic like that.Was it the Nlite traetment that you had?

speak soon x
sam
at
Abi

3rd Jul, 07

Hey Sam, iv sent u an e-mail :-)
at
Jason

3rd Jul, 07

Hi, I have been taking roacctuane for about 5 months and have recently stopped, and my acne has improved some what, but i have quite a fair complexion and blond hair, my skins looks rather red and patchy almost like acne, but its just sore skin. I moisturise alot and my skin doesnt feel dry, so im a bit lost at the moment! Also, this seems gross! My semen has become ALOT thicker, somewhat lumpy, does anyone know if this is a side effect lol, thanks, jase.
at
Will

3rd Jul, 07

Hey all,

I have been on roaccutane for about 3 1/2 weeks now, and my mild/severe acne is teasing me badly. it gets unbelievably better one day, (almost so it’s invisible from a distance) and then the next i’ll wake up and i have a load of new bumps all under my skin. i don’t know whether my treatment is working as fast as it normally does. (i’m on 30mg a day)

can anyone help me out here?

thanks a load :)
at
Abi

4th Jul, 07

Whats products are you using Jason? You could try products made by “simple”, they are fragrance and colour free, and your skin is probably sensitive after the roaccutane so coloured and fragranced products will irritate it. I used these throughout my first course of roaccutane and after and although my skin had gone sensitive, these didn’t aggravate it further.

Abs xx
at
Linda

4th Jul, 07

I might just be lucky but I’m in week 6 and other than dry lips I seem OK – i’ve been using Clinique moisturising gel 3 times a day and so far so good. i did make the mistake of giving myself what i thought was a light body scrub two weeks ago which seemed to take the top layer of skin off in places but it seems to have recovered – thank goodness! From now on i will be treating my skin far more gently.
at
Jason

4th Jul, 07

Thanks for your help abi. Im not using any products with perfume or colouring as far as i know. I used to tan, but still have sensitive skin but. Now i dont tan at all really, in the face, and my skin is alot more sensitive.
My face has quite a red complexion now, and im using sensitive creams etc but they dont seem to help. Skin looks as bad if not worse than before!
Dont know what to do!
at
Lara

6th Jul, 07

I used Roacuttane 15 years ago and my skin improved drimatically. The side effects I suffered were, a very dry nose which used to bleed and very dry lips and eyes. After the treatment had finnished my skin was great for at least 18 months, then the acne came back but worse. I am now 33 and the acne is still casing me problems I have been to see a dermotologist who has suggested another course of Roacuttane. After much research in to the drug I have decided that it is not a treatment I am willing to take again. I have found that there are side effects such as facial hair growth, depression, hair loss, bone issues, tiredness, and these effects can be long term, even after the treatment is over. I am going to try a drimatic change of diet and lazer treatment before taking Roacuttane again.
at
Leigh

9th Jul, 07

Does anybody know if it is safe to use fake tan when using Roacctune?
at
Natalia

9th Jul, 07

Is it okay to have you eyebrows threaded? I made the mistake of having my eyebrows waxed too soon after I finished my first course (have never done it since!) but thought threading might be okay???
at
Nicola

17th Jul, 07

Hi, I am about to go on Roaccutane and was wondering if there is any side effects in using it if you have eczema. I don’t want my skin becoming drier whilst my acne clears up. Also, can you not get an eyebrow wax while you’re on Roaccutane??

Thanks
at
simon

17th Jul, 07

I am on my 2nd week of taking Roaccutane & am already very happy with the results. The only side effect I have is very dry lips but that is easily solved (although I look like a girl with nivea essential smothered around my lips ;-p )
I have to say I am VERY impressed with the NHS, I went to the Dr’s and in 6 weeks I was taking Roaccutane with zero cost to me. The dr & derm were both lovely, the whole experiance so far has been positive. Instead of making me depressed I am a much happier person now, I feel like something is finally being done and my skin is clearer, I haven’t had an outbreak yet either like some. I’m only on 20mg a day though which seems very low compared to others? (The derm did say she liked to keep it to a minimum – new research suggested they were over subscribing previously) My acne was pretty bad before the treatment, one thing I have noticed is my pores have become much smaller which is great. Nothing has happened to the spots on my shoulder or back though yet but I will give it time.
If your unsure about taking the drug I would say go for it!
at
editor

18th Jul, 07

Hi Nicola,

Iâ€™ve heard some peopleâ€™s Eczema can get slightly worst whilst taking Roaccutane â€“ but they have also told me itâ€™s totally worth it for no acne

Have you asked your Dermatologist if there will be any side effects?

Regards,

Will
at
Natalia

22nd Jul, 07

I read somewhere – possibly this site – that nipple cream would help the dry cracks on the corners of my mouth. Well it worked! It’s the first time I can open my mouth properly and I only put it on half an hour ago so I want to share that tip with people.

Also on a recommendation I bought Bio Oil which my skin seems to really love.

If someone were to go through my handbag they would think I have a lip balm fetish – so many. I’m at a stage where I’m putting layers of different ones on which seems to help. Right now what seems to be working best is the Blistex intensive moisturiser followed by the Blistex lip splash roll on.

One of the dermatologists I saw told me that a girl who took two courses of roaccutane (like me) never recovered from the dry lip syndrome. I am terrified it will happen to me :-(
at
Chris

23rd Jul, 07

Try not to worry Natalia, I’m sure it’s very rare for that to happen, and I’m sure with your lip balm fetish you will be ok! ;o)
at
Andre

23rd Jul, 07

Hi. I am 19 years old and I’ve started taking Roaccutane in the middle of September 2006 and finished 23 May 2007. I took 20mg in odd days and 40mg in even days, because I could not support the side effects of a bigger dosage (Dry skin and lips – even using products to hydratate them). My acne was not of a severe type and in the end of the treatment my skin was almost completely cleaned. The side effects I’ve experienced were dry skin and dry lips, and rarely pain in articulations. After 2 months my skin and lips continues to be dry, my skin more than my lips. Spots are returning, specialy in my noose and I have some pimples specialy in my forehead and chin. The products that I’ve used during the treatment and continue to use due to the side effects were:
Noviderm Serenactiv for dry skin
Neutrogena Fluid balsam for lips

Sorry If my english is not correct but I am from Portugal.
at
lex

29th Jul, 07

Hi, I took roaccutane from July untill Nov last year so have been finished for around 8/9 months. Had severe acne on my back & neck little less severe on my face. Not a blemish untill Recently(last month or so) been getting regular outbreaks but not big painfull inflamed ones i had before more subtle milder spots on face neck & back which dont hurt just annoying having got rid of them.lol. Worried that this is the way the more severe acne before taking the roacc has begun to re-emmerge??? Also haven’t even stopped taking it for a year i’ve heard it can come back but not in less than a year??? Cheers
at
richard

31st Jul, 07

hi, i have a relatively clear face apart from cysts that appear out of the blue, mostly on my neck that take a couple of weeks, if not longer to clear, i also get them on my face, mainly on my forehead but usually i can go for a couple of months cyst free then they come back and they become very painful, i am on a course of minocyclene anti biaotics at the moment and have been for about a year, i am thinking of going on roacutane, but although id do anything to have clear skin, reading all the blogs on the internet is starting to worry me with all these side affects, can anyone tell me is it worth it?

thanks

Rich
at
zara

1st Aug, 07

Hi Richard
I was having the same problem’s as you but the cysts were on my face ,i felt really bad about myself it is horrible this is the second time i have been on them but it has been about 10yrs since i was on them before. this time they were not to bad but i know they were their i would recomend roaccutane it really makes me feel better about facing people now , i have been on them about 6wks now and i no what you mean about the side affects i do think about it but it seems to me that it is not that common to have real bad side affects so i am going to carry on with the treatment ,the way i used to feel about my skin is horried and now i feel that i can face the world and not walk along trying not to let people notice me and to me that mean’s that i will do any thing to clear my skin so my advice to you is YES IT IS WELL WORTH IT.
hope this helps .
Cheers Zara
at
sam

4th Aug, 07

Hey Richard

I also suffer with cists and am on lymecycline having previously been on the minocycline that your on.I had graet results with the minocycline but after about 1 year i noticed that i was getting reccuring acne new ones every day and at night.I recently went out thursday just gone and was feeling ok about my skin but not fab,it really shakes your confidence when there seems to be so many people around with good skin.I have been on roaccutane when i was 21 im now 28 and it worked wonders for me…BUT and theres BIG BUT…I developed bowel disease and have undergone five major operations to correcy this and it may have been down to the roaccutane..but it was never conclusive.Im due to see my derm on 20th Aug to disscuss the possibilty of trying it at alow dose again but im weel worried that this may make thing bad in my stomach again consider all options but i thhink roaccutane is the only thing that truly works but i also know its dangerous talk about being stuck beetween a rock and a hard place!

All the best
Sam
at
Stephanie

17th Aug, 07

Hi – I’ve been on roaccutane before but it was 10 years ago so can’t remember much about side effects other than dry lips and thinning hair.
I’m 5 weeks into my course and the dermotologist has just upped me from 30mg to 60mg a day. I’ve already experienced dry skin and aching joints but since increasing the dose I’ve developed an ear ache – has anyone else had this? I don’t want to be attributing every little thing to the drug but since I’m very rarely ill I thought I’d ask.
PS: I only just found this site today and after 21 years of spots, it’s really nice to read about other people’s experiences, what’s worked, what hasn’t and know there are other people in the same boat!
at
martin donald

19th Aug, 07

Comment posted as a new thread: How Roaccutane changed Martin’s life!
at
moyra

21st Aug, 07

Hello,

i’ll start off by saying that i found this forum to be extremely helpful….i’ve been on this treatment for about three weeks…..

i suffer from bacne! extremely annoying….and very persistant…went on antibiotics etc but nothing seemed to help….

glad to see i’m not the only one with the problem…although i dont wish it on anyone….it was also good to read everyone’s experiences and recommendations….i laughed my a** off with the whole lip balm situation…..i have to admit i own every single lip balm u can buy…and am also alternating which ones i use…might sound crazy but i find that some work better on certain days than others depending on how dry my lips get…..

anyways….

besides the reallllllly dry lips and face…..i dont see much improvement on my back…i know its early days..(i am breaking out though…a lil’ on my chin and my back aswell)

just wondering if anyone has been prescribed this treatment for back acne alone??

and if so…..does it clear up blemishes??

i know alot of people post and dont usually get a response so i would really appreciate it if someone could take the time to answer my questions…

i have my wedding in december so hopefully my back clears up…..no fun wearing a nice dress with an ugly back :(

thanks heaps guys!!

:)
at
Abi

21st Aug, 07

Hey Moyra,

When I took my first course of Roaccutane I had acne on my face, chest and back. I found that the first area of my body to clear up was my back. This didn’t happen though until I had been on the Roaccutane for almost 2 months, so I guess you have to be patient.
It should have cleared up in time for your wedding :-)
Since taking my first course my back has stayed completely clear ever since.
What dose are you taking a day?

Abi
xxx
at
Will

21st Aug, 07

Hi Moyra,

I didnâ€™t take Roaccutane specifically for bacne, but I did have severe acne on my back before I took Roaccutane and like Abi said my acne on my back was probably the first to clear â€“ I could sleep on my back without any pain, it was great.

If you are breaking out now you are probably experiencing the initial breakout, which most people get in the first two weeks.

Good luck with your treatment, Iâ€™m sure you will be clear by December.

Will :)
at
Will (a different one)

21st Aug, 07

SINGING?

Hey, im a singer and i cant help but feel roaccutane is making my voice hoarse and my throats seems quite dry. i dont know if this is directly linked with roaccutane, but if anyone else knows anything about this particular side effect please reply to this otherwise my bands gna wonder what the hells goin on an i wont b able 2 tel them…..

cheers,

Will
at
Noel

22nd Aug, 07

I finally had my appointment with a dermatologist today and i have to have some blood tests, and hopefully in 2 weeks ill start my course of roaccutane, i’m so happy.. finally something will be done about my skin :)
at
Abi

23rd Aug, 07

Hey Noel,

It such a pain having to be patient and wait for appointments, I’m really glad something is finally being done for you. Let us know how you get on with the treatment :-)

Abi
xxx
at
Chris K

27th Aug, 07

I’ve been on the drug for two months, and recently went up from 20mg to 60mg. Because of this the side affects have increased. I was wondering if any guys could recommend anything to help with shaving. I’ve come up in red lumps (may be dry, irrated skin) on my neck shortly after shaving. Also, like most people my lips are soooo dry. Vasoline lip balm helps but makes me look like i’ve got lip gloss on – any suggestions on products that help but don’t show? Also the corners of my lips i red raw and hurt. I’ve tried nipples cream which is helping abit – has anyone heard of lips scaring permanently?
Thanks guys
at
Gemma

28th Aug, 07

Hey guys, it’s so relieving to find people going through what I am, none of my friends really understand it and always say, “it’s not that bad”, with 2 inches of make up maybe not, but check me out first thing in the morning! Not a pretty sight. It makes meeting people and making eye contact a nightmare because I always thing they’re just scanning my skin. My heads always down and my hair covers most of my face. I hate going through this on a daily basis and have tried everything else and am now on my 5th week of taking Roaccutane. My chest and back have been clear for years and within the first week of taking it I had a break out on both, not terrible but enough to want to keep it covered. My face broke out too, but not as bad as I’d feared, and almost immediately my pores became smaller and at the end of the day when I get home from work the first thing I’d do would be to cleanse my face because it gets so oily, and it was fine, completely shine free! I also noticed that my hair doesnt need to be washed every day because it just isnt getting greasy at all. My lips are very dry, as is my chin and nose, but I can suffer this for the results I am seeing. I made the mistake of exfoliating really hard and left my chin red raw, and I’ve decided there really is no point in doing this because it’ll only peel again the next day, and slathering on a load of good moisturiser is the best bet. Blistex Relief Cream works wonders for your lips too.

The way I see it is this: I have felt insecure about my skin for the last 12 years of my life, and if I have to go through 4-6 months of so called hell (which isnt actually that bad if I’m honest!) to get clear skin then so be it. The worst part is the monthly blood tests because I am petrified of needles, but I get through it by imagining being able to go for a swim with NO MAKE UP, or being on a beach with NO MAKE UP, waking up in the morning and being able to look at my boyfrined without running to the mirrior to “cover up” before he sees my horror show and dumps me! It may be a vanity thing, but hey, I dont care. No pain no gain! Hang in there peeps, it’s a few months of suffering for clear skin for the REST OF YOUR LIFE!!!!!!! You do the math!

Good luck, and if it doesnt work, I will be finding out where my dermatolagist lives…. ;-)
at
Abi

28th Aug, 07

Hey Chris,

“Norwegian formula immediate repair lip balm” by Neutrogena is effective for healing your lips and doesn’t look shiny. Its comes in a little white box from boots!

Abs
xxx
at
Jimmy

28th Aug, 07

I totally sympathise with you guys.
Ive had sever acne for a few years and I agree that a few months of treatment potentially causing an outburst is totally worth it.
Thank Goodness for accutane.
at
Chris K

28th Aug, 07

Many thanks Abi. I’ve brought two pots which will hopefully sort the lips out. Does anyone go through days of wanting to come off the drug but then you see a glimmer of improvement and want to stay on it?
at
Carmen

29th Aug, 07

Hi, I’ve started to take Roaccutane 7 weeks ago and now my skin is worst than before. I have big acnes all over my chin n jawline and I have very red scars. It just never stops coming out. I am so worry and I don’t know if this is normal. If it never stops coming out, I’ll have more and more scars. Also, my hair are thinning and my skin around my lips and nose are peeling non-stop too. I am so depressed and I wonder if I’ll ever have clear skin….even it is clear…I still need to deal with the scars….
at
Will

31st Aug, 07

hi, my spots just don’t seem to be getting any better and ive tried about 3 different types of anti biotics. i’m really self concious about my face, and so im about to start a course of roaccutane. do u think it’s really worth like the side effects and an even worse outbreak before it gets better?
at
zara

3rd Sep, 07

hi will
yes it is worth it but it all depends on how you feel yourself ?would it be worth your skin getting worst before it gets looking great ? i should say so good luck it’s your choice.
zara x
at
~ME~

4th Sep, 07

Hi all I’m a 22 year old mother and have not had acne since i was pregnant(which was 4 years ago)! for the past 7 months i have been breaking out and it just kept getting worse…..I started accutane yesterday and im on 40mg! Just wondering does anyone know when i should see improvment(i dont have really bad acne but quite a few scars)
Oh and the first visit to the dermo she just gave me a precription for accutane and didnt want my to try anything different first. Is that normal???
at
Andrea

4th Sep, 07

Does anybody know of a woman getting pregnant while on Accutane, and if so was the child born?
at
zara

5th Sep, 07

hi
you should see your skin getting better in 2 to 3 weeks it all depends on how your skin recacts really but just think how much better you are going to feel at the end of the treatment .

As for the dermo giving you roaccutain straight away i think you are quite lucky because some times people are given other treatments first and they do not work and have to suffer bad skin even longer than they have too.

hope things start improving for you soon .
luv zara xx
at
~ME~

5th Sep, 07

Thanks Zara!! I really hope this all works because I really want to have a great Christmas with my family and not have to wake up and get dressed and makeup first thing christmas morning!! Well it is day 3 and I think im getting a bit of a breakout form starting accutane hopefully results will happen soon so i can go back to being “makeup free”LOL
at
Noel

8th Sep, 07

I took my first 3 pills yesterday (i’m on 60mg a day) and bought some e45 cream and am finishing off some garnier moisturiser i have, but i never realised how much it hurt to moisturise… does anyone have any tips to make it less painful? do you have to keep going until it all soaks in etc?

Thanks
at
SteveFish69

8th Sep, 07

I am about 4 months into my treatment now and am up to 80mg a day. I have had the usual dry lips, eyes, skin, rash on forearms, aches and pains and lower than usual tolerence level.

My worst side effect is the small cut on my chin that i CANNOT get to heal properly. If i moisturise or use vaseline on it, it seems to desolve the scab. If i leave it dry it makes the crack even larger because the skin is so dry. It is driving me mad and is sore sore.

On the subject of moisturiser, i switched from the cheap and cheerful boots sensitive stuff to E45 recently. I came out in large red blotches and it stung like crazy. I have since switched back to cheap and cheerful, and thankfuly a couple of days on allergy tablets and the rash is gone. I have since heard of loads of perople who are alergic to the stuff.
at
simon

8th Sep, 07

i am just into my 2nd week on accutane and am currently going through the IB, i have been reading on other websites about hair loss persisting after accutane use. Has anybody who has finished a course experienced this? i am 19 and on 70mg a day. if it is going to make me lose my hair after use, i am wandering if i should carry on use? advice is much appreciated.

Thanks
at
zara

9th Sep, 07

Hi Noel
may be you need to use a different moisturiser if that one hurts you . try a make called simple you can get it from tesco it might be more gentel on your skin when i started i was on 80mg a day and at night i used emuo based concentrated rehydration cream you can get it from the chemist it was really good to put on at night and i used to put it on in the day if i was staying in as it is quite thick it really helped with the dry skin on my face .when you put moisturiser on try putting a little on at a time to make sure you are not putting to much on because it soaks in real quick .
hope this helps
luv zara xx
at
Noel

10th Sep, 07

Thanks, i will have a look for those other moisturisers today :)
at
andy

10th Sep, 07

yeah guys simple ‘rich moisturiser’ is the stuff you need, i put up with a peeling face for about a onth before switching t it and it stoped the peeling instantly and didnt hurt when aplied.

my acne has come back on my neck and face but has stayed off of my back but i want to do a second course of roaccutane…

a question which i just cannot find the answer myself so would be v greatfull to anyone who has an input….im a serious competeing athelete and HAVE to keep training etc etc, would roaccutane have any negative effect on my training, and would my hard training be risky to carry on whilst on roaccutane? i was fairly innactive when i took my first course.
cheers
at
Mar

11th Sep, 07

Hi Andy,

I would consider myself a fairly active person. Before taking roaccutane I was road running three times a week, each run was taking an hour and a half so it was a decent enough distance. It killed me but I made the decision to stop for the length of my roaccutane treatment (5 months) as I was experiencing very bad lower back pain and aches and pains in my joints. I personally think the risk of injury is very high especially with running or other high-impact sports. I really miss it and the pounds are probably going to pile on but hopefully not! So many sacrifices to be made on this drug!!!
at
simon

12th Sep, 07

andy on your 1st course did you experience any hair loss?

and now your off it have you experienced any?

Thanks
at
SteveFish69

12th Sep, 07

Just got back from the derm, and he has recommended that i take a 4 day break to allow the chin to heal up. I’m then down to 40mg a day because my side effects have been so severe. The downside of this is that i’l be on the crap until just before crimbo now :o(

Anyone else had their dose dropped halfway through because of problems ?
at
Abi

12th Sep, 07

Hey Steve,

I am on my second course of Roaccutane and each time my dosage differed. I am now on 40mg but whenever I tell my derm that my lips are severely dry or that I have suffered a mood swing, they always immediately want to drop my dose to 20mg. This is because there has been so much bad press about Roaccutane that the dermatologists are overly cautious.

You will probably be happier on the 40mg as the dryness isn’t so severe which means its much more manageable. I am also finding that my skin is clearing up very nicely on the 40mg so I wouldn’t worry about it not being as effective.

With Roaccutane I think it is best to find a dose at which the side effects are manageable, otherwise it just makes it so much harder. I have taken higher doses and not been able to move my mouth because my face was so dry!!

Abs
xxx
at
sem

13th Sep, 07

Hi guys,
I’m thinking of going on Roaccutane but I’m really worried about hair loss side-effects. Have any of you experienced this?
Sem
at
anna

14th Sep, 07

hey i have just recently stopped taking roaccutane after a 5 month treatment. i had to stop early as i suffered from some side effects. in the afternoon at roughly the same time each day i seemed to have a “hot flush” which was getting increasingly more embarassing. has any one else had this? it go so bad it caused me to have a panick attack!! i know roaccutane can raise anxiety levels. went to the doctor and they said to stop taking it. i don’t have any hot flushes since i have stopped and have’nt had any more panick attacks but my face seems to have a more pinky glow than i ever remember and also my hands are constantly pink/purple it seems as though my circulation has been effected, has anyone else had this? will it take a while to return back to normal???? will it turn back to normal skin colour? thanks anna
at
anna

14th Sep, 07

hey sem, yes i did experience hair loss! i think it was more noticable on me as my hair is really long!
anna
at
Samantha

14th Sep, 07

Hi,

I am so glad I found this site. I have been sat here on my night shift reading carefully and getting rather excited.

I have had spots from when I was about 13 they get bad then they clear up but I can’t even remember a day when I have thought wow I look good today. All my friends have clear skin and my wonderful boyfriend which just gets on my nerves why is it always me! They always say,’ I can’t see the spots’, and thats like saying I can’t see you because of course they can see the spots!!

I think from what I can remember they did clear up when I was about 17, because in pictures at that time I look pretty clear. I am now 22 and quite frankly have had enough of plastering myself in make up to try and make myself feel better.

I have tried everything I think possible. The topical stuff the pills and medication but I can’t remember any of them doing anything. I decided to take action.

So here I am 00:02 hours on the 15th September pouring it all out. I have had my medication a week.

Side effects are lovely I have so much peeling skin and dryness. Ears eyes nose. My Chin is the worst because thats where the worst spots have come up. Ouch. My head itches too, its like I have the most horrendous dandruff ever.

Supportive boyfriend is all thats getting me through and reading other peoples stories.

I have to say being on 60mg seems a lot to start on and I think I am going to ask to drop it maybe to 40mg just so my skin has a chance to recover as the peeling is quite severe.

I’ll write again when I am at week 2. x
at
Noel

15th Sep, 07

Hey samantha, it sounds like you’ve been on it as long as i have, i started a week ago yesterday (friday the 7th) and i’ve noticed my lips have gotten soooo dry, vaseline does help but it needs constant reapplication. My skin hasn’t been too bad though in terms of dryness, are you using e45 moisturiser? It’s currently stopping my face from cracking, and i’ve realised i can put as much as i want on because… well there’s just no moisture in my skin.

As for the dandruff.. i’m with you on that one, i’m thinking of renting myself out to hollywood as a snow machine, just stick a blowdryer to my head and you have a full-scale snowstorm on your hands. I’m gonna go looking for antidandruff shampoo today, hopefully that will sort it out.

I’m in a strangely positive mood today and i hope it lasts :)
at
Abi

15th Sep, 07

Hey Anna,

I experienced the same thing as you. When I started taking Roaccutane I was doing my a levels and I was sat in an a level exam and I suddenly got very hot and my heart starting going crazy and I had to run out of the exam! I then had to take the rest of my exams in an isolated room because of my panicking. After I stopped the Roaccutane the panic attacks became less and less but now im on my second course they have come back with a vengeance. I’m hoping that when I finished my second course they will go away again because they can be really disruptive!

xxx
at
anna

15th Sep, 07

hello abi,
thanks for replying. That sounds exactly the same as me. The first attack happend on my first day of 6th form college and i was in a room with my new tutor group and like you i had to run out of the room, later in the day i went to the doctors and it happend again and he told me to stop taking Roaccutane. My spots have gone and my dermotologist says he reckons they should stay away. But i get really paranoid whenever i get a tiny pimple (i know its riduclous) any way thanks for replying so quickly!

best of luck with your second treatment and i hope your panick attacks aren’t too bad.

anna
at
Wills

15th Sep, 07

Hi Anna,
Ive not quite started on my course of roacctune yet, however i wanted to ask you how long were you on the course of treatment for and how long did it take before your skin started to clear up.

Also is the peeling REALLY noticable, or only visible up close?

Thanks. Wills.
at
Lewy

15th Sep, 07

hey, ive been on roaccutane for about 3weeks now, on 90mg dose.
i have seen a lot of side effects, including dry skin, nose, extremely chapped lips and acne getting worse. also because i play rugby i have been feeling more pain, sweating a lot more and bruising easily.
the reason why im writing this is that recently i did something extremely stupid in school that got me suspended, i would never have done this before and i was just wondering if this could have been due to the roaccutane, and the side effect i was experiencing was behaviour problems?
at
stuart

16th Sep, 07

Hi,

i’ve found this site realy helpful, but feel i need more advice from people like yourselves with personal experiences of taking roaccutane, rather than all the leaflets etc. that come with it…

i’ve been on the medication for about 12 weeks now, and am on 60mg per day, having been on 40mg for about 2 months; i’ve just started uni and am currently embarking on freshers’ week, but feel that i’m missing out of a lot of the fun and sociolising because i’m not drinking.

what sort of measures do people class as “moderation”, and is it ok to take part in all the drinking games etc. without putting my future health at risk with liver disease?

help!!!!
at
Anne-Audette

17th Sep, 07

Oh my goodness, I have found this website so helpful. I am 30 years old and am about to complete my third course of Roaccutane. I was on it in 1999, 2004 after my first baby and again now. Each course lasted 6 months and was high dosage of 70mg daily. I underwent a series of tests to discover why I get this recurring acne. The doctors discovered that I might have something called Cushings disease which is a tumour(not serious) on your adrenal gland which might lead to the excessive production of certain hormones. Has anybody else had something like this? I would like to know if anyone has good advice on post roaccutane treatments. I have a lot of pigmentation markings. My doctor prescribed a 6 week course of Cortizone initially with each treatment and this helped with the itching and severe redness in the beginning.
at
Mar

18th Sep, 07

Carmen,

Just wondering if you have seen any improvement since your last post??? I think I am at the same stage as you with treatment and unfortunately not seeing any improvement which is so frustrating. What dose are you on?
at
kelly

18th Sep, 07

Hello

I have been taking Roaccutane for 6 weeks now. I am 27 and never suffered from ance before untill a year and a half ago when i feel pregnant. It really affected my confidence, i was convinced everyone was starring at me because of the acne. I thought the acne would go after having my baby but when it didn’t i went to see a dermatologist. He offered me Roaccutane straight away but i was put off by reading the information leaflet and possible side effects. I took another treatment which made me feel awful, it made the acne a little better but stopped working all together after a couple of months so i decided to give Roacutance a go. I am taking 30mg and my acne disappeared more or less immediatley and my scarring has faded hugely. Although my skin is very dry and lips painful, i think this is a small price to pay. I have no complaints about Roaccutane but yesterday woke up with a rash/spots over my chin which is now also moving up my face and wondered if this could be a side affect and what i can do to minimise the appearance of it?
at
~ME~

18th Sep, 07

today is day 16 for me and I am really dry and peeling…..plus im am totally broke out and want to hide until this gets better!!! LOL
Anyways I was wondering how long some of your IB lasted. Thanks
~ME~XOXO
at
Noel

18th Sep, 07

I broke out after about a week of being on the roaccutane (still breaking out now but the whiteheads are considerably smaller)… you mean to say there are more breakouts to come?! Maybe it’s because i’m on the maximum dose for my weight?
at
Anne-Audette

18th Sep, 07

Hello all
I am off to the Dermatologist tomorrow to find out more about my post roaccutane treatment. I started off my treatment in South Africa(I am a South African, sorry about the rugby!) and have recently moved to France. I am seing a French dermatologist so it will be interesting to hear a different point of view. I really hope this will be the last time I have to take Roaccutane! I’m not sure my system will be able to handle it again (this was my third time!), especially as I was on such a high dose of 70mg daily. I battled troughout these last 6 months with severe dry lips. It was worse this time than the last two times. When it comes to dry lips I would suggest that one looks for a lip balm that contains Lanolin and yes, this might sound crazy, but nipple cream used by breastfeeding mothers works amazingly! We have a product in SA called Lansinoh, that was my miracle cream! I did suffer from nose bleeds and sores in my nose but my Dr prescribed an antiseptic nasal gel which worked well.

I seem to find that my acne took longer to clear the third time round and I definately didn’t have that healthy glow as I did previously, but still I’m acne free now and hope it stays that way. I have had bad skin for 17 years and it is unbelievable how it effects ones life. I almost feel robbed, because as a teenager I never swam in front of people(my back and chest were really bad), I could never wear anything backless and HATED photos. I made the mistake of picking and scratching which left a lot of scars. Later I found that if I went to a professional beauty therapist then they would remove that which could be removed and there was no scarring. However, insist on seing a therapist that knows what he or she is doing and knows how Roaccutane works and what procedures can be used and what not. After my second course I completed a range of peels. This was performed at a dermatology and laser clinic under professional guidance and the product used was Neo Strata. I think its an American poduct. My skin looked wonderful after these treatments, although they were expensive. Then 2 years later I developed Polycystic Ovarian disease(very common among women)and my acne returned with a vengance! I presume mine is mostly hormone related and this makes me a little despondant as I would like to have another child!
I hope any info given has been helpful and I welcome any questions.

Will keep you posted on the outcome of my visit to the dermatologist.
Anne-Audette
at
Paula

19th Sep, 07

Ive had my app with the derm and now just waiting on my blood results before i start with roaccutane, am 27 and never had the clearst skin but since july 07 my skin has become big lumpy patches of spots abcess type its horrible, it dont really look like your avarge spots, has any one eles had the same prob, am also really really worried bout hair loss is this common?
at
Noel

19th Sep, 07

Forget my last post, i woke up this morning and my skin has gone crazy. Lots of new whiteheads showing up across my chin and many, many more across my forehead. These first few weeks are going so slowly..
at
sweetie

20th Sep, 07

hey people… im a very worried uni student about to start my second year again. im going to go bak to my dermatologist next week when he will prescribe me roaccutane. i plan to keep posted a diary…

does everyone get breakouts with roaccutane? or do some just not get ne at all? im going to be taking roaccutane with diannette because my dermo doesnt want it any other way…will this make a difference?

im worried because acne really puts a downer on my confidence n ive got 50% worth pressentations soon!! also does the dry skin on the face enable u to wear makeup to cover up? and does it last all day?

replies much appreciated!!! thank u!!!
at
Noel

20th Sep, 07

Hey sweetie, i got told by my dermatologist that most people will get crazy breakouts for the first 3 weeks because it was the nature of the drug, and it forced forming spots to the surface.

and i wouldn’t worry about taking roaccutane with dianette, i’m sure your dermatologist is doing the best thing to help you!

In my experience so far the dry skin hasn’t really impacted on me, after washing my face in the morning my skin is dry and i just use some e45 on it and everything feels better, and the flakeyness disappears.

Best of luck on your course!
at
Mar

20th Sep, 07

Hi Paula,

I am the same age as you, just turned 27 in August and just like you I never had amazing skin but it was never, ever as bad as it is at the moment and I would never complain about a spot again if I could get my old skin back. However my problems started exactly one year ago and it has been an absolute nightmare, it really, really gets me down.

Anyway am trying to do whatever I can to rectify the situation. I am currently on a 5 month course of Roaccutane, I live in Ireland and prior to this I had 4 laser treatments which cost a fortune and cleared things up for awhile but it slowly returned and it is now worse than it has ever been.

I have done alot of homework on this drug and it seems everybody reacts quite differently to it. It appears most people have the initial breakout in the first 3 weeks (some lucky suckers don’t get one at all) and then things tend to improve from there with maybe just a very rare/light breakout. I wish I had been that lucky. I am now into my 9th week of treatment and my acne is worse that it has ever been. I am on 40mg daily and my derm has just increased this to 60mg daily. He said its very unusual to have a “flare up” like I am experiencing but I just hope to God things improve soon because its very difficult to be positive about things when I look like this.

To answer your question, hair loss is a very rare side effect and most people I have come across have not experienced this so hopefully none of us will.

Best of luck with your course, I really hope you get the results you want.

Mar
at
moyra

21st Sep, 07

Hi again!!

I’ve been on the treatment for a month and half now…and i’ve noticed some improvement…i’m on 40mg a day….

the reason why i was prescribed roaccutane was mainly for back acne…and mild breakouts on my chin…

i’ve noticed that i dont have as many breakouts on my back…which is good….but just wondering how long it will take for blemishes to clear..by this i mean dark spots……..

:P

i still get some breakouts or white heads…is that normal at this stage of the treatment???

my wedding date gets closer and closer…i’m freaking out!! LOL

thanks guys!!!

xx
at
SteveFish69

23rd Sep, 07

Thanks Abi for your words of wisdom

I’m a hell of a lot happier on 40mg a day, and the dryness on skin and lips seems so much more manageable.

I’ve finally cracked the weeping sore on my chin using lashings of sudocrem at night and when not at work. The sore has now completely healed up after about 8 weeks and i’m so glad as i was at the end of my tether with it.

I do have my second bout of conjunctivitis since starting Roacutane, but this is easily treated with “Optrex infected eye’s” drops avaialble over the counter.

I have 4 boxes left in the cupboard, but i think my derm will stop me taking them after this. I’m a little worried as my cumulative total dose will only be 7800mg I weigh around 100Kg so it seems like i’ll be faling well short of what is recommended for my weight.

Hope everyone else is well & good

Steve xxx
at
~ME~

23rd Sep, 07

today is day 21 and im doing a bit better then last week!!! I think that the IB is calming down and just hope it dont start up again!!LOL The only dry ares are where I got healing pimples….
at
karen

24th Sep, 07

Hi

It has been very reassuring to read everyone’s blog about their experiences with roccutane. Here is my history, I am 46 and have had 14 weeks on roccutane 60mgs for mild acne but extremely oily skin expecially around my nose and chin area with enlarged pores. Usual story of seeing GP and not been taken seriously etc. My face cleared up lovely and pores reduced. I had the usual side effects of cracked lips, nose bleeds from left nostril and dry itchy scalp. I use lashings of lip balm and have just found that tesco’s medicated lip balm (at only 64p) is really good. I initally used Polytar as a shampoo to clear up my scalp and now don’t need to use it. After about week 8 weeks I started to notice shoulder pain for a couple of hours each day and was prepared to put up with it however since then the pain has got much worse and lasts for approx 8 hours everyday (I am not exaggerating) to point where I am so miserable its become unbearable and I stopped taking it last week. My question is how long does it last for – it is six days since I stopped and I am still getting shoulder pain but my lips are less dry? and has anyone else experience very painful shoulder pain or pain in their bottom if they have sat down for a few hours? I don’t have any regrets and hope that cutting short by only 2 weeks will not have too great an effect in the long run.

I look forward to your reply.

Karen
at
Sarah Palmer

25th Sep, 07

I have just started Roaccutane for the second time. My first dose was approx four years ago which it worked wonders and i have perfectly clear skin until Mar/Apr last year. After visiting my doctors it was discovered that i have Polycistic Ovary Syndrome to which unfortunatley bad skin is a side effect. I at that point decided that another round of roaccutane was a must and after developing very painful cysts on my face and neck decided to have my first initial consultant at a private clinic so i overtook the waiting lists. I have been on roaccutane now for a week and already have dry lips. My advice for the dry face is to try aqueous or oilatum cream i was told by my derm that E45 is too oily.
at
zara

25th Sep, 07

Hi Karen
i have been on this corse for 14wk now and i have been getting real bad pains in my arm between my elbow and shoulder it is like some one has given me a dead arm but it gets really bad as the day go’s on and i cant pick stuff up our lay on my arm when i go to bed but it wasnt untill the other day that i put roaccutain and the pain together as i have never had it before when i was on it 10yrs ago so i just didnt think it would be the tablets so i no how you feel it is really anoying it started in my left arm but has now gone to my right arm
at
kevin

26th Sep, 07

Hi Everyone,
Just thought I’d leave my views on Roaccutane. I am a 26 year old male and have severe acne on my back and chest. My GP and consultant gave me every other treatment under the sun until they tried this. I have been on 60mg a day for 4 weeks now and have yet to see any improvement, although I have been told this is normal. I have really sore lips, dry skin and flaky scalp. I’ve been using vaseline every day since my lips broke out and e45 at night before bed. These products help to a certain extent but you have to keep re-applying the vaseline. I wonder what any of the other men use on their face after they shave, because when I use aftershave lotion, I might as well be putting acid on my face it is so tender. Any help on this would be great as I find I am having to shave oftener than I was before. I am grateful to have found this site and find it really helpful to see what others in the same position as myself think.
Good luck everyone with your treatment and any responses will be appreciated!!.
kev
at
Rach

3rd Oct, 07

Nivea for men might do the trick

Or try the brand Simple it has no scent and is good for sensitive skin

BTW I start my treatment in 1 week the Dr has scared the life out of me with the side effects but reading the posts on here has made me feel a little better about taking Roaccutane
at
Lauren Hetherington

3rd Oct, 07

‘Rach’ yes, they kind of have to scare you about the side effects, they really can be quite scarey but as with most medicines most of them don’t happen to most people!! My only warming would be – BE PREPARED FOR THE DRY LIPS!! – because oh my god do they get dry and it was within the first couple of days for me, if I hadn’t had my trusty pot of lip balm I would have been in agony at work! Good luck with it, it is working quite well for me at the moment, fingers crossed……
at
Jane

3rd Oct, 07

Hi, I’m on my third course of Roaccutane. My first two courses were prescribed in South Africa, and the thing that saved me was an antibacterial cream called Bactroban (the topical ointment, not the cream). It’s brilliant for clearing up blemishes that don’t want to heal, and it sorts out the dry scabby skin inside the nose with one application. Brilliant. Hope this is helpful.
at
rich

4th Oct, 07

Hi Kevin,
I’ve been using simple moisturiser before and after shaving, and that seems to have helped. i am using an electric shaver though, because that aggravates your skin less than wet shaving
at
Kevin Fernandez

7th Oct, 07

Hi guys. I started taking roaccutane a few weeks ago and now I’m practically blind when i wake in the middle of the night. I didnt think it was that big of a deal until All the lights in my house shut off one night and I couldnt see anything at all. My eyes didnt even adjust to the darkness. This is kind of weird seeing how before I took Roaccutane, my eyes adjusted to the darkness just fine. Any advice?
at
rich

7th Oct, 07

i remember reading about changes in vision and loss of night vision in the side effects list i think. it might be worth seeing a doctor about it
at
chris

7th Oct, 07

hey. im 21 and was taken roaccutane for 2 months last jan/feb seen slight clear up with 30mg first month then 50mg i broke the course to go live in ibiza went crazy for two months but with the sun they cleared up. when i came back they broke out again. im now on 50mg 6/7 weeks and am clearing up slowly. ive some bad scaring wich its fadeing with use of bio oil. for dryness to my face i use simple rich moisturiser that i buy in boots and cymex cream for my lips also at boots. i drink 3/4L of water every day. also i drink evey weekend maybe a bottle of wine dureing d week ive id a hard day work. a lot of people might so im crazy but im fine and seen results of 4 people in the same case as me. have broke out with a few new one this week around my neck tho i think its down to training hard a d gym. is it normal to get slight brake out 7 weeks on??
at
Paula

8th Oct, 07

Hi Kevin Fernandenez/Mar (132)

Was this just at night? did your vison return to normal in the morning?how is it now? I’ve got a date to start theses on the 23rd october, still not sure if i really want to, it one thing having to cope with spots never mind blindness and hair loss, Help!!!!!

Mar

How is things now? Has it setled down?
at
rich

8th Oct, 07

i was like that, i ended up putting it off for about 6months and using retin-a cream instead, which worked quite qwell on my face (eventually) but thats just not very feasible with bacne. ive been taking roaccutane for 2 and a half weeks now at 30mg/day. i have had some side effects, but nothing majorly serious, and i havent gone blind even once. the side effects are possible, but it doesnt mean you will get them, i suppose it just depends how bad your acne is and how much you want to get rid of it.
rich
at
chris

8th Oct, 07

the only side effects ive have had is dryness face and lips 7 weeks on no blindness r hair loss .. should i expect more? and should i be completely spotless befor i finish course??
at
Emma

9th Oct, 07

I have been on this for 2 weeks now, I am on 90mg a day.
My lips are`nt too bad but I am addicted to lip balm anyway so wasn`t worried about that.
The skin around my eyes is the worst, its really red and dry and nothing seems to help, I have been prescribed epaderm which is really greasy and I cant really use that so close to my eyes as it stings like crazy!
I have noticed a difference in my skin, I am still getting spots but nowhere near as bad.
I have changed all the products I use and mainly use simple products now and also try to drink more water.
at
frances

10th Oct, 07

Has anyone heard that you are not allowed to wax your body…legs, bikini and underarms? I read it somewhere….. I really hope that it’s not true, I hate to shave!!
at
Lauren Hetherington

10th Oct, 07

I was told I had eczema around my eyes before I decided to go ahead with a course of Roaccutane. I bought an E45 lip balm and I use that around my eyes morning and night, easy application and seems to work for me
at
Emma

10th Oct, 07

Thanks Lauren I will give that a try.
at
craig

11th Oct, 07

hi ive had acne since i was 12 in secondary school and it wasnt easy dealing with it at times.
i am 20 now and i have seen my gp who reccommended a skin doctor who prescribed roaccutane.
i have been using this for 6 days now and it has seemed to start to work into my system on the second day of use, its only now that i have got dry skin.
im wondering if this drug has worked faster on other people that have used it.
what i have noticed is that i tend to eat more and have gained a few pounds which i can tell a difference when jogging, which feels like im carrying more weight.
want to say good luck to everyone here with there treatments. thanks.
at
Emma

11th Oct, 07

Frances – Yes I read it and my dermatologist also told me, you shouldnt wax for 6 months after your course has finished.
Not too bothered myself, have found a fab hair remover on ebay called magic shaving powder!
Its formulated for black men to stop razor burn and bumps and is mild enough to use on other areas too.
at
Abi

11th Oct, 07

Hey Frances,

Yeah, waxing is pretty much out. As the Roaccutane thins the skin, if you wax you may end up pulling off a whole layer of skin which is obviously painful and will scar. Throughout my treatment I epilated which is just as effective as waxing, and less messy! :-)

Emma – I found that powder on ebay and really wanted to buy it but wasn’t sure it would actually work. Is it better than normal hair removing cream such as nair?

Abs
xXx
at
Emma

11th Oct, 07

Abs -

well………..It worked o.k for me, apparently it gets better each time you use it.
There is a whole thread about it on the Family Home and garden forum on ebay.
Its title is ” the lady garden magic hair stuff has arrived” makes for funny reading.
at
christian

11th Oct, 07

Hey i took a course of accutane and my skin cleared up and was beautiful for around 9 months and then all of a sudden in the change of weather over the last month i have started to get a few spots and have a few marks again and was wondering if i need another course of accutane or this is just a breakout or its because of the change of weather and they will stop than you
at
Fevi

18th Oct, 07

I am very athletic and play badminton 3 times a week. I had to stop during my 3rd week of taking Roaccutane because of the joint pains I was feeling from my ankles to my wrists.

Last tuesday my lower back started aching but not too badly but this morning I couldn’t move without a sharp pain shooting from my lower back up to my spine.

I am wondering now if this could be a side-effect of Roaccutane. I have been reading some posts and apparently the more athletic ones have been feeling these lower back pains.

I was wondering if anyone could advise me on what to do… my doctor is out until first week of November so… my lower back pain is really bad and i dont think i can wait that long… probably go see another doc if this doesnt let out by tomorrow.
at
Saralee

21st Oct, 07

Hi there, i am on 20mg a day and my skin is perfectly pimple free. I have to say i didn’t have the initial breakout because i have been overlapping my first month on it with good antibiotics still (i recommend that to new users).
Got common dry skin, lips,eyes, hair etc.. but the one i hate most is the redness! i have a constantly redish nose.
Its usually better when i heap moisturiser on it but its not good enough.. so 3 quick questions:
- anyone know anything good for anti-redness?
- im thinking of gettin my hair lightened and worried about bleach in dye burning my scalp.. suggestions, experiences?
- anyone know any oil based compact cover-ups?
Would appreciate any help xo
at
Josh1989

23rd Oct, 07

how much does Accutane/Roaccutane cost through the NHS? because i’ve been looking all over the net and can’t seem to find out if i need to pay more than just the perscription charge :(

thanks
at
Will

23rd Oct, 07

Josh, Roaccutane should be free on the NHS – well it was when I went took Roaccutane. You will need to be referred to a Dermatologist before you can be prescribed it.
at
Lauren Hetherington

23rd Oct, 07

Roaccutane should cost the same as a normal prescription. You will have to be referred via your GP to an NHS hospital and it is also quite hard to convince an NHS doc that you really need it. My GP was very unsympathetic and basically told me that I had lived with it this long and to get over it so I went private (my bank manager did NOT like that!! ;-) But the private doc was then happy to refer me to the NHS and I was prescribed enough by her until my NHS appt so I can now prove its working for me! Long winded but eventually worth it!
at
SteveFish69

23rd Oct, 07

I’ve been going to my Derm via BUPA and have had to pay for my whole course of treatment

At the moment i’ve forked out around Â£350 as the Roacutane is around Â£30 a box if buying through boots online.

My local Chemist wanted Â£38 a box :o(
at
Paula

24th Oct, 07

Hi All

U will need to be referd from ur doc, to the dermatologist, once ur at ur 1st appointment they will take blood test for liver function, FBC etc, then i had to wait another 4 weeks to start the tabs, i just got mine yesterday and had to pay the normal NHS prices. Its only free if u are exempt etc student, on benifits. I dye my hair to and i asked the derm if it was stiil ok to do so, and he said ther shouldnt be a prob. Hope this helps.

xx
at
Josh1989

24th Oct, 07

hey paula, do you mean by normal NHS prices that it’s a perscription charge only?
at
Paula

24th Oct, 07

Hi Josh

Yesterday i paid think it was Â£6.85 round about that, for a months suppy, so ur looking at no more that Â£30 for 4months supply.
at
paul

24th Oct, 07

can anyone tell me if im still allowed to drink booze while on this treatment

My Dr didnt specify so i just assumed i could continue getting drunk although this keeps making me feel far more sick than usual
at
Will (a different one)

24th Oct, 07

hey, im a singer and i dont know if anyone else has noticed this but does accutane dry your throat out which reduces your vocal range?
help me out here!
at
Abi

24th Oct, 07

Hey Paul,

I was told it was best to not drink at all but it would be okay to carry on drinking a little. Being a student I carried on drinking as I pleased but after a few drinks I felt very sick and my hangovers were awful so I cut it down to a minimum. I think “moderation” is the key lol.

Abs
xXx
at
paul

24th Oct, 07

thanks abi,

i guess its sobriety from now on!

oh well, gettin wrecked will just have to be another thing to look forward too
at
William

25th Oct, 07

Hi Will,
I’m also called will but ive changed my name to william now to avoid confusion!

Yeh I’m a singer too, and my lips crack like mad when i sing, i take lessons and i have to stop every 15 minutes to put lip balm on! Do you sing professionaly?
I have noticed i get a really dry throat when i sing aswell, and im sure it’s affecting my range.

Im glad ive found someone else like me!
Do you act too?

Wills
at
SteveFish69

25th Oct, 07

I went to see my Derm yesterday for the last time, and he has advised to finish the boxes that i have left. This will take me up to the 24 week mark with the dosage ranging between 20mg and 80mg

I had quite a severe skin reaction to the tablets when on the high dose so i’m seeing through the remaining 25 odd days on 40mg. He is hoping that the rash that i still have on my chin will settle down when i stop them.

He has prescribed Isotrexin Gel to use at night one i stop the roacutane as he said this should keep things at bay. Apparently it’s the same stuff as accutane in a gel form so looks promising

Only time will tell whether i’ll be happy that i went down this route, but at the moment it’s looking good. Just hope it stays that way.

At least i’ll be able to stop buying shares in Carmex :o)
at
Mar

25th Oct, 07

Hi Steve,

I am on week 14 and like you am having a reaction to roaccutane. I am on 60mg daily and I had an appointment with my Derm yesterday and he has advised me to take a two week break from taking the tablets. I hope to God it helps the situation.

What are you symptons?
at
Karen

25th Oct, 07

I’ve had the Isotrexin Gel Steve…it never used to work on my huge cysts that I got but was pretty good at drying out the small spots that I had

Hope your side effects ease a little bit :(

xxx
at
Karen

25th Oct, 07

Sorry just reading up a bit!!!

I was given my pills by my dermatologist…no mention of paying any prescription charges at all…I was always under the assumption that if a hospital gives you pills then they get them direct from their own pharmacy so therefore there is no charge? (obviously I’m talking about NHS here)

I’ll see what happens when I go for my next supply of pills.

xxx
at
Paula

26th Oct, 07

Hi All

Am on 30mg a day, and, not really sure if i have to take all the tabs at the one time, or space it out, can any one help?
at
Noel

26th Oct, 07

I’m on 60mg a day and i take mine all at once, so i think you do take them all at once. On the front of my boxes of roaccutane it says “take 3 capsules daily” – which means take all 3 at once :)

Hope that helps.
at
Leah

26th Oct, 07

Hey Paula, I’ve just started taking 30 mg & I take them all at once – I got the impression from the pharmacist that I should take them all at once. As long as it’s with food, I think it’s ok!
at
SteveFish69

26th Oct, 07

Mar

I’ve had several eye infections and infections under my nails. The most annoying was the skin on my chin split, and just would not heal. It wept constantly and ended up bright red and seriously scaly. I’ve also got constant nosebleeds at the moment along with the normal dry lips and skin.

I’ve upped my dose to 60mg again so that i’ll be finished in two weeks.

The best news is that my derm has told me 48hrs after my last tablet i can go on a bender and get rat arsed. I’ve been drinking in moderation (up to 3 pints of shandy or very weak cider) once a week, but have missed the occasional late night binge with the missus :o(

Ps….Check out her website !!!
http://www.alisnails.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk
at
Carrera

27th Oct, 07

I’m two weeks into my four month course of Roaccutane now, and other than dryness of the lips and a VERY mild skin dryness, I’m not suffering any side effects whatsoever. I was just wondering about people out there who HAVE suffered side effects, how soon did they come about? Just trying to figure out whether I’m one of the lucky people who’s not going to get any, or if I just haven’t given them chance to start appearing yet. Any feedback people could give me would be much appreciated.
Many Thanks
Carrera
at
Carrera

27th Oct, 07

Karen – I wish my dermotologist had given me the pills directly – instead they sent me to the hospital pharmacist who charged me a prescription charge, and seen as they haven’t given me the whole 4 month course at once, I’ll have to pay again when I go for the next lot!

What are other people (in the UK)’s experiences with this? I’m quite upset about having to pay – I know it’s only about Â£7 a go, but as a full time student with no time for a part time job and no hefty loan to rely on it’s a bit of a pain to have to fork out for it!!
at
Karen

27th Oct, 07

Hi Carerra :)

I’m also 2 weeks in and I have had my side effects for about 5 or 6 days now…you may just be very lucky (hope so for you)

Re the charges – there was a mix up when I went for my pills as my dermatologis hadn’t faxed the pharmacy and I had to sit for an hour until it all got sorted out and then after my pregnancy test I got given them. I will keep you posted though what happens when I go to get my next month’s supply in November.

xxx
at
Carrera

27th Oct, 07

Pregnancy test? They haven’t actually made me do one, is that normal? I was expecting to have to, but was never asked. Signed the forms of course. Have all the other females had to do them? Tests I mean, not signing things, I know you HAVE to do that.

I’m really hoping that the fact that I’ve not had any unwanted side effects so far is a sign that I wont, but knowing my luck they’ll up the dosage or something and I’ll get them just in time for Christmas!!
at
Josh1989

27th Oct, 07

thanks for all the help guys.

i came across something that ‘may’ help well i’m using this cream called differin and tbh it does nothing but make my skin really dry and red since 3-4 days ago i’ve been using some Germolene on my skin at night just before going to bed not to much just like a thin coat over the infected areas, but don’t rub it into your skin just dab it over the top then go to sleep i don’t know about anyone else but for me my skin looks ALOT less red now than it did before.
at
karen

27th Oct, 07

Hi Carrera

Sorry to sound harsh but Â£6.85 per month for roccutane is a small price to pay compared to the actual cost of Â£50 per month for 60mgs (BNF reference). Even as a student I am sure you find money to socialise! You can spend more on acne creams over the counter.
at
Karen

27th Oct, 07

I had to do a pregnancy test before I got my first months supply and have been told that it will be a requirement every month when I see the dermatologist plus one 4 weeks after I finish the course

xx
at
Lauren Hetherington

28th Oct, 07

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A PREGANANCY TEST!!! I would be really worried if I hadn’t been asked to take one as its not like this treatment ‘may’ cause damage to an unborn child, we are talking WILL cause SERIOUS complications/disabilities/deformities to an unborn child. If you were not asked to take a pregnancy test, were you asked for the relevnt blood/liver/cholestrol tests either??

On the subject of side effects, I would never say you are out of the woods as long as you are on the medication – 6 weeks in to treatment and suffering nothing more than dry lips I had a very sudden and very severe loss of sight. It only lasted around half an hour but was really b****y scarey!
at
Karen

28th Oct, 07

Was that at night Lauren or during the day? As I have only been advised of the night vision

Hope you’re okay now

xx
at
Diane

28th Oct, 07

i added a bit of a note but wasnt posted. hoping im not doubling up.

About the same time the facial acne started, my back acne returned, but 90% of back acne cleared after a month on roaccutane. Facial acne still there but less then a month ago.

Some claimed roaccutane will prevent acne forever. im not sure about this, never had facial acne before. but this might be stress + hormones + new (definitely wrong!) facial care combination.

For those that cant stop touching their face to see if their acne have minimized or increased, do try rinse free hand sanitizer. Carry it where ever you go, use it as often as you like and not worry about germs on your fingers and face!
at
Joshua

29th Oct, 07

Hi, I m from Malaysia here. I m 22 now. It had beeb 8 years since i have very severe acne problem. Then i went to see a dermatologist, he gave me Roaccutane, i ate for some course and i stopped. The acne came back, and i went back and took another course and i stopped. Now i m 22 years old, acne are prone to come back. Sometimes 1 or two severe ones on my face. But not as bad as last time. However, due to my serious problem last time 8 years ago, it left my skin lots os scars. It lowers my self confidence a lot! And i m now working as a marketer in a company. I have to often meet lots of people. #15 Jen mentioned that she tend to avoid bright lights in places, same for me. I avoided bright sun lights and spot lights or any bright lights.

Now i m taking this medicine again. I hope to really clear my skin from acne problem, but i m quite worried that the medicine will cause me severe sight effects to my liver. Can anybody help me out?

I tried lots of ways to clear my acne. e.g. taking natural supplements, drink lots of water, eat fruits and vege, wash my face with good cleansers, toners and use masque. all these doesn’t work on me!!! Really frustrated. Can anybody tell me more about the side effects of this medication Roaccutane. I really don’t want to spoil my internal organs…!!!
at
Carrera

29th Oct, 07

Yeh I did the blood tests for liver and cholesterol levels, so I can only assume they used that blood to also do a pregnancy test, although they didn’t say anything about it at any point. I’m not worried about pregnancy though, I’m always VERY careful, regardless of the situation.
Since my last post I have been suffering with more side effects, so it would seem I spoke too soon. Nothing major though, just some slight joint aching (mostly hips and shoulders) and cystitis in the latter half of the day (after I take the Roaccutane at lunchtime). Lips are horrifically dry, but I’ve got pots of Vaseline in every pocket and handbag you could imagine so that really isn’t bothering me too much. Just hope I’ve not anymore nasty surprises to come!!
at
rich

29th Oct, 07

hi Carrera,
how long have you been taking roac for, and at what dose?
you might find vaseline isnt strong enough; it was enough for me for about 3 days, then it just wasnt worth putting on (the skinw as drying out faster than the vaseline could moisturise it, so in the end it was just making the dry skin luck shiny). i would recommend getting some blistex lip cream – i cannot rate it highly enough, this morning for example i went from dry, crispy flaky lips when i woke up, to soft moisturised lips in the space of about one hour.
rich x
at
Karen

29th Oct, 07

I agree about the Vaseline Rich…although it hasn’t been a wasted pot as I have been putting it up my nose instead which has been doing a sterling job!!! (should point out that my inside nose is dry, I’m not doing it just for the fun of it!!!)

I’ve been using Chapstick which I think is really good for my lips…does the job excellent and only 99p for a stick of it

xxx
at
Carrera

29th Oct, 07

I’m 16 days in and taking 20mg per day. The vaseline seems to be doing OK for me, they’re still flaky when it’s not on, but I use vaseline all the time anyway so I don’t mind the shine – it’s cheaper than gloss!
Speaking of doses – how does the dermotologist work out what will be best for you? I’ve read so many conflicting views on this – everything from it being based on body mass to fairness / senstivity of skin to severity of conidition and length of course. Can anyone enlighten me?
at
Paula

29th Oct, 07

Hi Carrera

I was told it had 2 do with ur weight, am 9 and a half stone and am on 30gm a day, but am confused aswell cause ive been told that after 4 weeks, they’ll up it to 60mg, so how does that work????
at
Carrera

29th Oct, 07

I guess it would make sense if it was to do with weight then cozI’m about 7st 4 and like I said, taking 20mg per day. No one has said anything to me about altering my dosage at any point though…so I dunno what to expect there!
at
paul

29th Oct, 07

dr told me it was to do with body mass when first taken as it has to be introduced to the body slowly and thats why theres a short period of taking a small dose before its increased.

however i recently started taking double the amount i was prescribed due to lack of patience and have recieved no further side effects or benefits so i would recommend sticking to what the dr’s say
at
Emma

29th Oct, 07

Hello all,

Re the dose question – think I can maybe answer it. I’ve been on 30mg for 5 weeks and today my dermatologist offered me the choice of staying on that dose (as it’s had good results so far) or doubling to 60mg. He said the advantage of taking a higher dose is that the acne is less likely to return, and if it does it will take longer to do so than if I took a lower dose for the same amount of time. So guess what? I decided to blitz it and go for the 60mg. Bring on the vaseline!
at
Karen

29th Oct, 07

I was told it was to do with your weight

1kg = 1mg

and the reason that they start you off on a lower dose is to make sure you don’t have any severe reactions. Make sure your body can cope and you are okay with the side effects and then double it

It’s been said before but isn’t it bizarre how the advice/reasons seem to differ from dermatologist to dermatologist?

xxx
at
Carrera

29th Oct, 07

It is indeed. In that case I will probably be put up to 40mg at some point, but as I only weigh about 45kg I guess it wont go any higher. That’s just as well if I keep getting these annoying side effects mind – can’t stand much more of the cystitits, I think a week of it is quite enough – I’m going to get myself to the doctors tomorrow!!
at
Karen

29th Oct, 07

Plenty water and cranberry juice Carrera!! Old wives remedy but really does the trick :)

xxx
at
Carrera

29th Oct, 07

Have tried it…! Even been taking Cranberry concentrate suppliments as they normally work for me, but every day after I take the Roaccutane, it flares back up!! Grrr. Just hoping I can get some anti-biotics to help ease the symptoms.
at
Paula

30th Oct, 07

Hi Karen #186

Ref to the coment about paying Â£50 (BNF Reference) for 60mg, do u mean when my dose gets put up to 60 thats what i’ll have to pay?? Also 1 week in 2 the tabs and i cant keep my eyes open, any 1 else have this prob??

xxx
at
rich

30th Oct, 07

because of the dryness, or can you just not help but close them?
at
Paula

30th Oct, 07

Just tiredness, its bad
at
Lauren Hetherington

30th Oct, 07

The tiredness may be something to do with the tabs – I have definately felt more lethargic and generally achey (esp lower back) since I started which doesn’t help as i’m trying to plan my wedding, rennovate a house and move house all at the same time!!

I would mention any side effects – however small to your consultant X
at
rich

30th Oct, 07

im not for a second saying that this is what it is (im not a doctor) but its worth bearing in mind that tiredness and lethargy are symptoms of depression.
it could of course be a different side effect of the tablets, and separately a lot of things can make you feel tired, as i said im not a doctor, but if its really bad its definately worth seeing a doctor.
at
Karen

30th Oct, 07

Hi Lauren

My back is really sore too, in particular the bottom and middle. I got some Ibuprofen from my GP (and also another drug to take to protect my stomach as I have a stomach ulcer) and I have noticed a difference. Maybe give it a wee bash as I am empathising with you.

And good luck with all your stuff – you brave woman you!!! That’s a plateful enough without being on this drug!!

How exciting – nice skin for your wedding pics!! :)

xxx
at
Richard

2nd Nov, 07

Hi all, my son started taking Roaccutane about 3 months ago. The other night he had a nose bleed. This prompted me to this web site. Im glad to find out more about this drug. his symptoms are very bad cracked and swollen lips, very dry and flaky skin, he looks like a ghost, he tells me he feels cold all the time like some of the other people on here, and now the nose bleed.He has hi lights in his hair and was told not to have them re done till after the corse. He is planing to ignor the advice and have them done again. has anyone had this done while being on these tablets? if so did it have any affect on your hair? Thanks again all.
at
jake

2nd Nov, 07

for all you people taking accutane, i feel sorry for u, i ws on it and it gives u bad skin, red skin, sensitive skin and transparent ugly skin……………

sorry its gona happen to u…

oh yeah and dry skin
at
Karen

5th Nov, 07

Quite frankly Jake, I feel sorry for you. Maybe you are not adult enough to realise that this is a very toxic drug and of course there is going to be side effects (doh).

And the dry skin is the whole point of the drug…

This is a good site for sharing experiences, good and bad, but your comment isn’t really helpful to anyone.

Bitter is the word that springs to mind.
at
paul

5th Nov, 07

i agree with karen

frankly jake i think your a complete tit
at
Karen

5th Nov, 07

Richard…if I was your son and had been told not to do something when on the drug then I would heed the advice – this isn’t a drug you pick and choose what advice to listen to.
Am not sure the exact reason he has been told (he should really check) but I think it maybe because your scalp gets very sensitive and dry when on the drug so the last thing you want to be doing is whacking strong ammonia on it.

As for the nosebleeds, the skin in his nose must be try. I put Vaseline up my nostrils at night before bed and that has helped alot – maybe he could try that? And tell him to start slathering the lip balm on!!!

Hope he gets on well :)

xx
at
Carrera

5th Nov, 07

Hmmmm, no one’s said anything to me about doing things to my hair…but now I’ve read this I’m unsure about what to do. I’ve just bought a bottle of bleach to do my roots and didn’t think twice about it, as like I said, no one has mentioned it to me. Has anyone had any problems colouring their hair while taking the drug?
at
Gemma

5th Nov, 07

Hey guys,

Well my treatment is done, 60mg for 4 months. Had the cracked lips dry skin etc. First thing I noticed was that my pores closed and my face wasnt shiny at the end of the day and my hair doesnt get greasy for days which is great!

However, there are a few complaints, my skin used to be olive and tan beautifully and now I cannot go in the sun without burning severely, which hasnt rectified itself unfortunately. I also have a red rash around my chin and nose that wasnt there before the Roaccutane that I cannot get rid of. Most of my face is clear, except the odd spot now and again but I can live with that. I box so am very fit and healthy and dont ever get ill, but during the time I was on the treatment I had an abscess in my tooth, and an excruciating kidney infection. This may well be purely a coincidence, but I did feel more under the weather and assume my immunity was lowered, but I guess I’ll never know and I do feel tons more confident and would highly recommend baring with it. It’s worth it in the end. Be brave!
at
Abi

5th Nov, 07

Jake – I have taken Roaccutane twice now, and my skin is neither ugly or transparent. It is spot-free and healthy looking.

It is very unfortunate if this has happened to you but it does not necessarily mean it will happen to everyone. This site is here so we can support each other whilst we take this drug, not to make people feel bad.
at
Saralee

6th Nov, 07

Okay well im just about to go get my hair coloured – as in platinum blonde! so if bleaching is that bad, i will let you know in a couple of days… im planning on just putting on moisture masks after the treatment and hope my scalp doesnt get burnt or hair fall out! eeek
at
Laura

6th Nov, 07

Hi,
Wonder if you can give me some advice, I am due to start my course of Roaccutane on the 15th November, what I was wondering is do you have to use any specialist products on your face and change your skincare routine? because the Dermatologist has explained that my skin will be very sensitive and I wont be able to have any beauty treatments or use any scrubs.
Any help will be brilliant.
Thanks
at
Claire

7th Nov, 07

Hi i have just finished the first week of roaccutane, but am due to get my hair coloured too, as not a natural blonde would appreciate feedback of anyone who has there hair coloured and if okay to do so.
Many thanks
at
sarah

7th Nov, 07

whats happend to moshen
have you recovered.
at
sarah

7th Nov, 07

whats happend to moshen
have you recovered
at
Carrera

8th Nov, 07

Almost four weeks into my treatment now, and it’s making SUCH a difference to my skin. Started off slowly, but now I’m finding I have visibly clearer skin on an almost daily basis – so if you’re a couple of weeks in and not seeing the benefits yet, DON’T be put off by the side effects, stick in there – it’s worth it! I’ve another 3 months to go yet too, so if it carries on at this rate I’ll be SOOOO happy!!

I’m another one who’d appreciate feedback from anyone about colouring/bleaching their hair – although if someone doesn’t post something soon I’m just going to do mine and then I can at least feed back to the rest of you!

Happy happy happy today!!! :-D
at
Saralee

10th Nov, 07

I got my hair bleached two days ago and all is good. Scalp felt a little tingly at first, but its not burnt or anything. Hair is EXTREMELY dry though so watch out
at
Jenn

11th Nov, 07

One other point to note is that expensive moisurising creams are not the answer to the dryness- they can cause more harm than good because of the active ingredients they include- I had one earlier this year that brought me out in lots of tiny little blisters all over my face.

Use products that you’r familiar with unless they’re not up to the job. If it stings for more than a few seconds look for something else!
at
Carrera

11th Nov, 07

Thank you!!! I’ll just er….condition lots!!
at
Richard

12th Nov, 07

Thank you Karen for your nice comments, and thank you saralee for getting back to me on the hair situation, if any other problems arise i will be sure to let you all know. Thanks again. Richard
at
Joshua

13th Nov, 07

Hi all,

I m on roaccutane for about 2 weeks now. I m taking 10 mg 3 times a week. My face gets better, but my body (chest and back) pop up lots of big and small acne. the chest area seemed to be very itchy and reddish at times. and the back seemed to be swollen and painful.

Is this one of the effect that will happen when i just started to take this medicine?
at
Claire

14th Nov, 07

Hi also got my hair bleached 9% peroxide platinum blonde and i was fine, although will need to use a conditioning treatment 2x a week as scalp is very dry, also i have been using the Clinique moisture surge on my face and its very good its oil free but very moisterizing and Elizebeth Arden 8 hour cream on lips (and sides of nose) is fab. Claire
at
Lauren Hetherinton

14th Nov, 07

Hi, sorry this post doesn’t apply to the guys…..

I had to take a break from the Roaccutane due to some Migranes and now that I can start again have been told I have to wait for my next period to do so.

Now I don’t have a problem with this but I was just wondering why this is and have the other women on this list been told the same thing?
at
Emma

14th Nov, 07

Hi Lauren,

I think it’s because they want to make certain you aren’t pregnant – sounds pretty strict, it would be less hassle to do a pregnancy test I would have thought.
at
Carrera

14th Nov, 07

Bleached my hair today – had no hassles at all, same as before I started the treatment…so if anyone else out their is fretting about the same thing, my advice would be = don’t. I don’t think it’s had any effect on my hair at all, and other than a bit of mild dryness, my skin is fine too, even the bits that got bleach on them (I did it at home so it was a bit messy).
at
Saralee

15th Nov, 07

Yeah guys, unless you are on a really strong dosage (I dont know in that case), hair bleaching is fine.. im loving my new colour! I also did bikini wax today and was scared from stories about peoples skin getting ripped off, but i used a brazilian hard wax which just adheres to the hair itself and it worked fine, same as before treatment.
I am just having problems with itchy skin on my arms! anyone else get really itchy? im also getting these weird little sores that look like ive accidently scratched or stabbed myself with something but don’t remember hurting myself.. side effect you think?
at
Joshua

15th Nov, 07

Hi Saralee

I think i have the same problem as you do “ITCHY” but mine is not on my arms. Mine is on my chest.
I m on roaccutane for about 2 weeks now. I m taking 10 mg 3 times a week. My face gets better, but my body (chest and back) pop up lots of big and small acne. the chest area seemed to be very itchy and reddish at times. and my back used to have big swollen acne now, subsided and getting better.

Is this one of the effect that will happen when i just started to take this medicine?
at
Abi

15th Nov, 07

Hey Saralee, I got the itchiest arms ever and I’m pretty positive it was a side effect of the Roaccutane because now I’ve stopped taking it the rash and itchyness has completely cleared up. Try putting some eumo base concentrated rehydration cream on it at night, its specially formulated for dry itchy skin conditions and it available from most pharmacies :-)
at
Saralee

18th Nov, 07

Thanks Abi I’ll try that.. it’s driving me crazy!
I also think it’s great you keep dishing out regular advice even though you’ve already finished treatment so cheers to you darl!
at
Abi

18th Nov, 07

Hey Saralee, its no worries :-)

What stage of your treatment are you at now? Oh, and I’m glad the waxing went ok! I wasn’t brave enough to try it due to the horror stories so I took to epilating instead!

Abs
xxx
at
Lucy

18th Nov, 07

Hey all,
I’m in my 3rd week of Roaccutane and all is going fine so far. Im on 30mg a day. I am 17 and have been on all types of acne treatments for 6 years now, and have finally been put on Roaccutane (wahooo!). My twin brother also had severe acne and he took Roaccutane 2 years ago and now has completely clear skin.
I have one large worry though and that is the development of dry lips!!! My brother got extremely dry and cracked lips, but he wasn’t keen on using vaseline all the time so he didn’t really help himself. I’m wondering is there anyone out there who has either completed their course of Roaccutane or who has been on it for longer than me, who has managed to prevent getting chapped lips through regular use of lip balms? i don’t want my lips to crack like his!!
Thank you all x
at
john

26th Nov, 07

hi,

about 5 months ago i finished my course of roaccutane. i was on it for at least a year. one of the side affects i have is the skin in my face has lost its pigmentation and i get burnt easily… everywhere else is fine but it is just on my face which is really white. do you have any tips for what i can do?

thanks john
at
Sarah

30th Nov, 07

Hi guys. I’ve been on Roaccutane for the last 4 months and really suffered with the side-effects, especially dryness. I had to stop treatment for 5 days and take antibiotics because my lips got so dry that it kept on cracking and eventually got severely infected.
After that I experimented with a few products and I found that the most expensive products to treat dryness are not always the best. Vaseline Lip Therapy is the best lip-treatment so far. The vaseline-base seals in moisture and prevents air and bacteria from entering cracks. It also heals chapped lips quickly. For dry skin, I found that Milking ointment (yes, the kind they use for cows) works amazing! Its cheap and doesn’t burn my skin (like so many moisturisers – even those without colourants or scents). It keeps my skin moisturised throughout the whole day. I will be using it for the remaining months of my treatment. The treatment itself is very expensive and I don’t see the need to pay loads of money on products that probably won’t work for treating the side-effects. At this point in time, I’m mastering the side-effects cheaply and enjoying a beautiful skin.
at
Paula

3rd Dec, 07

HI People

After being on 30mg for a month and so far so good with only the dry lips which i could cope with, but 2 weeks ago i was put up to 60mg, now i feel as though my face has prickly heat on it not all the time though just sonetimes, it stings, has any one eles had the same prob? also i have my xmas party nite next week,do u think it would be safe to have a few wines??

Paula xx
at
Carrera

3rd Dec, 07

Paula,
I know it goes against all the guidance they give you, but I’ve been drinking as normal since starting the roaccutane, and have suffered no adverse effects. My blood tests have showed that there has been no effect on my liver function, so i would suggest you’ll probably be OK to have a couple of wines, just don’t drink to excess.

Also – after having used regular vaseline for the first two months of treatment, I have recently made the switch to Vaseline with Aloe Vera – and its working much better, esp on the cracked skin at the corner of my mouth. I would recommend its use to anyone who isn’t suffering with EXTREMELY dry lips – as it might not be enough for them.

Hope everyone’s treatment is going well!
Carrera-Leigh x
at
Lucy

5th Dec, 07

I recommend anyone on Roaccutane use a few different brands of lipbalm. I don’t know about other people, but I need to reapply lipbalm very, very regularly to be comfortable, and I’ve found that if I make sure I use 3 different brands my lips feel better because they’re not becomming reliant on 1 chemical. Vaseline is the worst, though – your lips end up dryer afterwards than when you put it on.

I’m on 2 20mg per day. Do you think it would be ok for me to get a bikini wax?
at
Lucy

5th Dec, 07

My other tip is thyat everyone use an oil free Sorbeline to moisturise – especially on areas where they get/used to get pimples. I use Redwin Sorbeline on my face, and all over my body (even though I didn’t get pimples anywhere else) because it’s thick and leaves your skin moisturised for the whole day.

Just because your on Roaccutane doesn’t mean you can use oily products. You still must be careful not to block your pores.
at
Sue

5th Dec, 07

Hi Lucy

My son has is on Week 3 and has suffered very badly with dry, cracked, bleeding and swollen lips. Vaseline was not helping so he is now using Cymex which has been brilliant. The dryness, cracking and bleeding has stopped but his lips are still swollen.

Give it a go!
at
Lauren Hetherington

6th Dec, 07

there is definatley alot to be said from starting the course on a very low dose and then working up, it is so much easier to cope with the side effects I found. Originally I went onto 30mg a day and after one fatal error of rubbing the peeling skin on my lips they were unbearable for about a month afterwards. I then had a break from the course and started again on 15 mg and hardly had dry lips at all, then am still working upwards now. I have had ONE new spot in 3 months and am over the moon as am getting married tomorrow and touch wood my skin will look better than it ever has before!
For those suffering with dry lips try Neutrogena lip repair balm (it comes in a little white pot) it has a weird consistency but I SLATHER the stuff on just before I go to sleep and it stays on your lips all night and they are much more moist in the morning.
at
Abi

6th Dec, 07

Hey Lauren,

On both my courses I always built up the dosage and it does help doesn’t it. When I did try and take 40mg straight off my face was so dry it was actually hard for me to open my mouth lol. Therefore, i took 20mg for a few weeks then increased it to 40mg and it was less of a shock to the system!

Oh, and I also tried that neutrogena norwegian formula lip repair stuff in the little white pot and thought it was really good. I used it when I went out as it was less embarrassing than putting nipple cream on my lips in public!

Hope your wedding day is fantastic, and really glad your skin has got better :-)

Love Abs
xxx
at
Clare

7th Dec, 07

Hi!
Am on the third week of taking Roaccutane and got the side effects book out tonight as the back (not palm) of me hands are very dry and have rash- splashed on the vaseleine so heres hoping — any other good suggestions for hand creams? also does this happen to other parts of the body other than the hands and arms as already mentioned?
also not seeing my Dermo for another 2 weeks and have booked massge , full, scalp and face for nxt week AND after reading through leaflet and reading the notes above it mentions not getting waxes or facials etc——— does anyone know if this includes massages?
also i initally stopped drinking but over past week enjoyed a fair few and not a bother- i think maybe they suggest no drink or to limit your drink as it dehydrates the body/skin and this already happening with Roacc and also re: the liver – so i would continue to limit my drinking despite usually enjoying a few too many!
this page i must say is really helpful as there are scare things written about Roacc—
heres hoping that all are Acne free as soon as………………………………………..
Clare
at
Phil

8th Dec, 07

I was put on roaccutane about 10 years ago after trying absolutely everything to shift my acne. I was referred to a skin specialist and he said i had one of the most severe cases he had seen for a while. He put me on quite a strong dose of roaccutane for about 6 months. It was a difficult time cos i also had the big swollen / cracked lips etc which was really embarrassing whilst trying to fit in at a new college!!! I have to say though it was like a miracle cure and after about 6 months my acne had gone completely and has never come back. Obviously i get the odd spot now and again but nothing like before. There is also hardly any scarring on my face.

The only down side that i would point out is that i have suffered with extremely dry lips ever since and have to permanentely carry vaseline or lip balm with me otherwise my lips get very cracked and sore. But i guess its a small price to pay for getting my confidence back and finally shifting the dreaded spots….

Does any one else still get horrible dry lips even though they finished years ago? I’m certain its linked with taking roaccutane and not just coincidence.
at
Will

8th Dec, 07

Phil I went only Roaccutane 3 years ago and I still suffer extremely dry lips too. Like you I feel it’s a small price to pay for clear skin. I also know quite a few people who experience dry lips (use lip balm daily) and they have never taken Roaccutane before.
at
Emma

8th Dec, 07

Hi Clare,

I developed the rash on the backs of my hands a few weeks ago now (I’m now on week 10) – it started off like dry goosebumps but occasionally gets itchy. I do have it in patches on the undersides of my arms now but it doesn’t really bother me. Sometimes it’s there, sometimes it disappears! I found 1% hydrocortisone helpful when it was sore, but don’t smother it on as it’s a steroid cream.

As for the booze, I would see what your dermatologist says about your next blood results – if your liver function has gone downhill it would be sensible to cut down.

I think you should be ok with a massage as it won’t peel your skin like waxing or exfoliation would. Usually at beauty salons they give you a questionnaire about your health (one I filled in specifically mentioned Roaccutane). It may be they use a milder concentration of essential oils as your skin is more sensitive.

Best of luck!
at
Lucy

8th Dec, 07

Clare,

The reason they reconmmend no waxes and no facials is just because of the products used. Your skin is ultra-sensitive on roaccuaine so it could react to these products, or just rip off as with waxing.

Massages are absolutely fine, but it would be a good idea to check up on any products they use (ie. massage oils) and check the ingredients to ensure there is nothing in there that will affect your sensitive skin. Tell your massage therapist that you have very sensitive skin, so to use a suitable product.

Also, moisturise a lot before your massage, because nothing would be worse than having an uncomfortable massage because your skin’s too dry!
at
Eddie

14th Dec, 07

hey guys,

need some advice….. after waiting ages to see a dermatologist i was devastated when he simply prescribed me the same old stuff that a standard GP can, so i took drastic measures and ordered some roaccutane online. however because i wasn’t sure what dosage i’d need i’ve only ordered 10mg which compared to everyone else on here is nothing!! do u reckon there’s any point or should i at least take 2 tablets a day to get a 20mg dose?

admittedly my acne isn’t severe but that’s because i’m currently on minocycline (and have been for the past 2 years – but my body is developing immunity hence the roaccutane!)

also can u continue to use topical treatments at the same time as the roaccutane.

any advice greatly appreciated!
at
julie

19th Dec, 07

hi eddie can you tell me how much it cost? and what a bout your blood tests? i think u should start of with low dose then work urself up?
at
Paula

19th Dec, 07

Hi Eddie

They guide the startin dose with ur weight,example im 9,and half stone and started off with 30mg, i would be carefull wot ur ordering from the net,u need to make sure ur healthy b4 u start the medacation hence the blood test, just keep going back and tell them its really getting u down, hope it works out

P
at
Karen

19th Dec, 07

The guidance is 1mg per kilo of body weight but you start off on a half dose for 2 months.

Personally I think that anyone who buys pills off the net is off their head and especially this as, as Paula says, you have to be in good health before you start and it’s why you get monitered throughout your course. If it didn’t have risks then you would get one derm appointment and then sent on your merry way with a 4 month supply.

Buying pills off the net is like buying drugs from a dealer on the street – you have no idea what shite they put in it.

Roaccutane is for severe acne not for mild to moderate and the side effects are pretty nasty to have to contend with with you are under the supervision of a hospital let alone when you are popping them like smarties.
at
Eddie

20th Dec, 07

I know that I’m taking huge risks by gettin the stuff off the net… but I just feel like I haven’t got a choice. I’m desperate to get rid of this nasty affliction. I’ve had it for far too long!

Besides I’m an actor and am worried it’s going to affect my employability.

As for the blood tests and stuff….. I guess it’s just another risk I’ll have to take.

I just wish someone would take me as seriously as I feel
at
Lauren Hetherington

20th Dec, 07

you are not just taking a risk – you are risking your life and it’s a bit of an insult to those that have persevered with derms to get this VERY POTENT drug. There is a reason you have to be so closely observed when taking these meds. Buying them off the internet is no better than being a druggy i’m afraid.
at
Sue

20th Dec, 07

Eddie – I understand how you feel but I really wouldn’t buy Roaccutane from the internet – as everyone else has said -the risk is huge.

You must also understand that Roaccutane is an extremely powerful drug which needs to be monitored by a specialist.

Why don’t you go back to your derm and stress to him how much you want to go on Roaccutane and take it from there. Alternatively see another derm.

Let me know.
at
Karen

20th Dec, 07

Why don’t you go private then and pay for a course under the supervision of a dermatologist?

If you are willing to pay and point out the effect it is having and also that you are worried about suitable employment then you may be lucky.

But of one derm has said no to you then it could be that you’re acne is not classed as severe enough to warrant taking such a toxic drug. Read some diary entries – you can see that some of the side effects are pretty hardcore so is it worth it for the acne you have?
at
Eddie

21st Dec, 07

guys i really do appreciate your concern and take into account what you’re saying…. i just feel kinda stuck.

when i saw the derm he told me that because I have dark skin the scars i have all over my back and face are more or less permanent ’stains’ – which was a huge blow. he said that the best way forward was to prevent more spots from appearing.

however the topical treatments just DON’T work. even if i only get 2 spots a week for the next year that amounts to another 104 permanent acne scars to add to the collection!

and that is why i’m desperate….

maybe i will go and see a private derm…..
at
Claire

21st Dec, 07

eddie & karen – roaccutane isnt just for severe acne…it depends on your overall health/medical history and can be prescribed for any acne that causes scarring. mine isnt bad by any stretch of the imagination, but because of my age (26) and the fact that id tried lots of diff antibiotics and topical stuff before, the derm suggested it straight away. so eddie – would be good to know why your derm wouldnt prescribe it, and there’s certainly no harm in going private or you could get a second opinion through the NHS. i went through my company BUPA scheme – i didnt pay for the appointment but if i had i reckon we’re talking about Â£200-300, but had to pay for my tablets – 8wks of 40mg cost me Â£180…another Â£180 when i go back for my next appointment. i agree with karen though – these are super strong tablets and i wouldnt recommend taking them unsupervised…after all, you dont want to get rid of your spots and then be in hospital with liver failure!! dont give up trying – where there is a will, there is a way!! happy christmas! xx
at
Tom mc

23rd Dec, 07

hi i have just started roaccutane and was wondering when i should start to see a difference i dont have muchon my back or chest but mainly on my face
at
Abi

23rd Dec, 07

Hiya Tom mc,

It took me about 2 months to start seeing real improvements, however everybody is different. Enough Roaccutane has to build up in your body in order for it to start working. What mg are taking a day?

xxxx
at
Paula

9th Jan, 08

Hi

Has any 1 got waxing done when they have been on Roaccutane, if so was it ok or any bad storys, am thinking of getting it done.

P
at
Olivia

9th Jan, 08

Hi Paula,
Apparently waxing is an absolute and complete no on roaccutane. It will just rip all the skin off the area where you’re waxing, and scar it horribly. Don’t do it!!
Olivia x x
at
heidi

10th Jan, 08

Hi guys, i just started roaccutane for my sever acne yesterday. My skin is v v poorly and so i have been put on a mild dose of roaccutane and a huge dose of steroids. this is to stop that initial ‘gets worse before better’ phase. eventually the steroids will be phased out and the roaccutane in. Has anyone else been treated this way? any tips/advice? i feel a bit like a drugs mule right now!

Incidentally half the reason my skin has got so bad is because my gp has mucked me about with my referral, not sending it, saying she has and all that. this happened 5 times so i threatened to complain to the Primary care trust. If you feel your doc is not helping do say this to them, i got an appointment at kings within 2 days!
at
heidi

10th Jan, 08

eddie, try to get a referral/private appointment at Kings, they specialise in dark skin and will be able to help you with your acne and scarring. I have light skin, but they have injected steroids into my cysts, which is bleaching the skin as a side effect, i dont know if they could do that to help you. But definitely kings is where you want to go. their waiting list is only 6 weeks

Good Luck!
at
Mariette

11th Jan, 08

Hi guys

General comment… I noticed the lowest of your guys’ doses is 20mg per day. I am starting Roaccutane on Monday, and I’ve been reading a lot of articles on the internet about low-dose roaccutane being just as effective en the case of moderate acne (which I have).

I was thinking 10mg a day. Do any of you guys know of anyone who are taking such a low dose? I found quite a few studies that backed it up, but I’m not sure, and my dermatologist is quite old school so I reckon I’ll have to convince him… any thoughts?

Thanks guys

And I think it’s great what you are doing! Sites like this have helped me a lot in my decision!

Love Mariette
at
paul

19th Jan, 08

Hey people.Just thought id say a bit about me and the roaccutane.
My acne started when i was in high school and got quite severe,i went to my local gp which they put me on all sorts of antibiotics and lotions which didnt seem to help at all,So then i got sent to the dermatologist which they put me on the roaccutane,Cant remember too much of how much daily i was on but after a few months it had done the trick to my delight.As time past after that i started to get the odd spot here and there which i was ok with as most teenagers do.but it started to get worse and worse then next thing they were all over my back,Chest and face again,This put me on a downer again as i was startin my job and just didnt feel right,so i went back to the doctors to which my suprise they sent me straight back to the dermatologist who then put me back on the roaccutane and once again within a few months all had cleared,I thought this was it for good but after a few more months and to this date they have started to appear agen,I will be turning 21 in february and now im just gettin sick of it all,I know the tablets work but maybe im not staying on them for long enough,I was just wondering if there was another step you can take or does it mean goin back to the dermatologist and having blood test all over agen?
at
sarahlee

19th Jan, 08

paula i have done waxing on roaccutane and im about to do it again. I can’t promise it will be the same for everyone but i used hard wax that adheres to the hair not the skin.. i didn’t have any problems with it then. May be a little sensitive but just do it with care. Test a small area first!

Mariette, im have moderate but persistent acne too (well not anymore!) and im on 20mg per day and its a perfect dose for me.. 10 mg will probably work too if you are on it for longer.
goodluck
at
Anonym

23rd Jan, 08

NOSE BLEEDS!

I got them on a daily basis while on this drug, and they were pretty damn hardcore too!
at
lemon08

10th Feb, 08

I’m in my 2nd week of treatment (25mg) and have dry lips/face/scalp but i’ve suddenly got cystic spots on my face and neck (more than usual) is this normal???
at
Paula

27th Feb, 08

My 4 months course was up last week of 60mg, or so i thought! I suffer from acne cyst, ive got a large cyst on my jaw line since last September, and after getting a steriod injection in to it, it started to clear up, then 2 months later, a few day before my appointment with the derm it flared up again, so yet again another injection, because the cyst was still active they said it was best to stay on Roaccautane for another month, i was dissapointed but no in the long run its for the best, they said if it flares back up then the will refer me to the plastic surgeon who will excison it, I no am thinking well ahead but has anyone had treatment after being on Roaccutane IE: dermabrasion??? my skin has scared bad with previous cysts!

Paula xx
at
Matthew

2nd Mar, 08

Hi, I took Roaccutane in my early twenties due to acne killing my confidence.
In my late twenties I was diagnosed with Chrohns disease. Didn’t make the link at the time but, theres now loads of evidence of people having taken the drug several years ago having the same problem as me.
I’m now 35.
On the positive, I’ve never had facial acne ever since!!
at
Susie Booth

3rd Mar, 08

Hi, i’m in my 3 month of treatment on Roaccutane and although i have been trying really hard to lose weight (exercising, eating healthly ect) it wont happen for me and this is just adding to the fact i feel down anyway. Has anyone had any similar experiences.
Thanks
at
Susie Booth

3rd Mar, 08

Hi, iâ€™m in my 3 month of treatment on Roaccutane and although i have been trying really hard to lose weight (exercising, eating healthly ect) it wont happen for me and this is just adding to the fact i feel down anyway. Has anyone had any similar experiences.
Thanks
at
Tasha

3rd Mar, 08

Hi,

I’m 30 and about to get my first prescription of Roaccutane this week for my acne. I have had it for about 18 years, but much worse in the last 7/8 since I had my kids. I get those horrible hard lumps under the skin that sit there for ages and then either just sink back down (but not disappear) or erupt like a volcano, so I really wanna get rid of them. BUT – I have quite sensitive skin and get nosebleeds fairly regularly anyway, does using vaseline inside the nose reduce bleeding?

Also, I can’t really tan properly, so I use a fairly high SPF suncream anyway (about 25) – will I have to increase this if I go on a sunny holiday?

Some of the comments on here have made me really nervous of using Roaccutane and others have given me more confidence about it. I tend to get depressed and suffered from PND which was a nightmare – I don’t want to put my partner and kids through that again!

I’m quite worried and if I get a choice I’m going to ask my Dr for a lowish dose.

Thanks for all the comments, it’s good to hear what people who have actually used it have to say about it!
at
Lucy

7th Mar, 08

Hi my name is Lucy I am 16 years old and have been using Roaccutane for about 3 and a half months now. I am still using Roaccutane as It is clearing up my acne quite well. But i have very sensative skin now and it is very red on my cheeks. I am just wondering if the redness will go after i have finished using Roaccutane? Also i am going on holiday at the end of the month should i keep my face out of the sun? and use a high spf?

Love from Lucy
at
AF

17th Mar, 08

Hi, I’m going back to Eddie’s conversation last December…risks of buying accutane online.

I have just been prescribed Accutane – because I asked for it. I’m 32, was on Diannette contraceptive pill for fourteen years so didn’t have any problems with my skin – its been crystal clear for years. Came off the pill recently and my skin has been terrible. I am so utterly miserable and in so much despair. I’d taken oral antibiotics for about ten years when I was in my teens and don’t want to go back to them (worried about resistance) and topical antibiotics aren’t working. So I’m starting accutane tomorrow.

The thing is that I am living in China (they call it accutane here not roaccutane). I have read up about all of the side effects and the risks online before I approached a dermatologist about it. She didn’t even blink, just wrote me out a prescription. No tests, no medical questions, none of the ‘I-pledge’ thing I’ve read about regarding contraception….nothing. I asked about the liver/blood test and she said that she’s assuming I’m fine now because I haven’t started the treatment yet but to come back in two weeks and see how I’m getting on.

Is there really a huge risk to your liver or is it more of a case of pharmaceutical companies/medical practitioners being “careful” and erring on the side of caution.

I had originally thought that it was just a case of being careful and companies stating the worst-case-scenario but reading some of the responses to Eddie having bought roaccutane on line is starting to worry me a little bit regarding the rather lax attitude of my doctor…

AF
at
martin

21st Mar, 08

The problem with this site and others is there is a big emphasis on side effects because that is the most interesting thing to talk about. A great deal of people benefit greatly from roaccutane without too much discomfort but quite often don’t bother to share their experiences because they just think its too boring. Thus people should not be too concerned by some of the adverse effects reported here…remember the more serious side effects are more rarely reported. Having said that, the drug is only licensed in the UK to be taken under medical supervision…this is to ensure people do take the blood tests which can show if they have high cholestrol, diabetes, weak liver etc. which can all cause problems; and also to ensure women have pregnancy tests as foetal damage is probably the most serious side effect definitely linked to the drug. Take the drug properly as prescribed by a physician and hopefully you will reap it’s many benefits with not too much risk to your health…
at
Erika

4th Apr, 08

Hi everyone

I was put on a course of Roaccutane on Monday and was prescribed 70 mg.

The first couple of days I didn’t notice any side effects until yesterday when I had started with dry skin all over my face and then woke up this morning with extremely red and sore skin just on my face.

I have been using E45 cream and have read that some people may be allergic to this.

Has anyone else had similar problems as not sure if it is a reaction to the tablets?????

Cheers, Erika x
at
Lauren Hetherington

4th Apr, 08

Hi Erika,

You should really be prescribed a ‘half dose’ of Roaccutane for the first month for your body to adapt to the harsh side effects that this drug can have on you.

They say 1mg per 1kg body weight so if you are about 70kg and meant to end up on 70mg you should start on 35mg a day then build up.

Saying that, I started on 30mg a day and the side effects were too much for me to bear, especially my lips were VERY dry but I then experienced a very sudden problem with my vision (only lasted an hour or so but frightening) and this was enough for me to have to stop taking the drug for a few weeks.

When I started taking it again I started on JUST 5mg for a week, then 10mg for a fortnight then after a month was on 30mg, next month I moved up to 60mg and did not have one problem for the first few months – I even got married whilst on the course and wasn’t worrying about dry skin or lips on the day. After a few months I did start to suffer with rashes on hands and arms due to dryness but nothing I couldn’t cope with.

Speak to your doctor about staring on a much lower dose and building up. You can still take the correct overall amount but it just means the course will take slightly longer.

From someone that did it both ways, the second option with the build up was much more bearable.

Good luck, and don’t be afraid to question your doctor!!

Lauren
at
John

19th Apr, 08

Hi guys.

I’m a 26 year old professional guy from Dublin who has never had particularly bad acne, but my skin has always been bad enough, or at least unpredictable enough, to make me self conscious. About six months ago I decided (after years on systematic antibios etc.) to make an appointment with a derm privately.

He barely examined my at the initial consultation, but immediatly wrote a script for 80mg of roaccutane per day, telling me that it was a wonder drug and that I would have perfect skin after taking a four month course.

I have 5 days left to take, and my skin is no better than before having put up with awful side effects. The derm keeps fobbing me off telling me that its normal to have breakouts right up to the end of treatment.

Has anyone else had a similar experience?

Right now I feel very frustrated and let down by me derm.

UUUUUUGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH.

John.
at
Laura

20th Apr, 08

Hi can anyone help me. My 16 yr old son has been put on 35mg of roaccutane and has been on it for about 3 weeks now. But I am very worried about him because he seems to be losing an awful lot of weight since starting it, 7lbs! He is suffering light headedness, tiredness, terrible chapped lips, very sore muscles (he has had to stop his Muay Thai boxing) and dry skin. Did anyone else lose weight because this is scaring me he is gaunt looking now. The thought of him going up to 70mg is terrifying.
The difference in his skin is amazing already but the worry is a lot.
Thanks folks
at
NG

21st Apr, 08

Hi Laura,

Most of the side effects that you mentioned that your son is getting are normal i.e Headache, aching limbs, dry skin and lips, tiredness etc. I think most of us have suffered from them at some stage, if not the whole way though our treatment. They will go one the course is over.

I think I lost a bit of weight whilst on treatment, but I think if you are really worried as to the amount of weight your son is losing why don’t you put your mind at rest by either calling up your GP or derm, just to check that everything on the side effects front, is ok. Do you think your son isn’t eating as much due to not be able to do his Thai boxing??? hence maybe losing some pounds. Just a thought.

All the best
NG
at
Laura

21st Apr, 08

Hi NG

Thanks for your reply, I actually took him to docs this morning coz he was not good through the night and he has had blood taken, she thinks he has glandular fever which symptoms mimic the side effects of tablets! We all learn something new each day don’t we! I weighed him and hee had lost 5lbs since Wednesday last week but apparently glandular fever does that also. Will report back later on in week when he gets results. But if it is medication then we have to go and see dermatologist to reduce dosage for a while.

Thanks
Laura
at
Bec

21st Apr, 08

flipping heck!
i found this site by chance and shocked to see how many people actualy write on it. im glad tho as its made me feel better about this medication.
ive only just been prescribed it, started on thursday and now its monday. ive read all about the side-effects which has put me off this in the past!
urmm… yeeh so im relieved to hear that dry lips is common as im already suffering from it! grrrr but hey no pain no gain i suppose!
thanks for all the tips too about ‘nipple cream’ made me laugh, but think i’ll stick to me Nivia stuff! hehe.
im sure i’ll be on this site manyatimes now, its good to hear that others are going through this. all my friends seem to have perfect clear skin, so its nice for once to talk to people with the same condition!
lets hope it works, fingers crossed.
at
NG

21st Apr, 08

Hi Laura,

Thats good that you took your son to the docs. I bet you feel a lot better knowing why your son might be getting some side effects especially the weight loss. Can’t say that glandular fever sounds that nice though. Lets hope all he will need is a reduction in his dosage. As a mum myself I know you must of been very worried.
Hope everything works out for him.
NG
at
Laura

24th Apr, 08

Hi Everyone,

Well good news it is not glandular fever! But he has got a viral infection of his throat and windpipe. He has got penicillin to take 8 a day for 5 days and to get another blood test again. Checked with dermatologist and his blood check was fine for medication so he is okay to continue it.

Hope you all get results from roaccutane because difference in my son’s skin is amazing.

Thanks for support and advice. Keep smiling :-)
Laura
at
NG

24th Apr, 08

Hi Laura,

Thats great – good news all round for you then. Mind you a throat/windpipe infection doesn’t sound too nice, but I bet you are greatly relieved as I imagine your son is that it is not the dreaded glandular fever.

NG
at
Brogan

25th Apr, 08

Hi,

I have turned 16 and have had acne for like 3 years, I have tried loads of different things which have been unsucessful.
Recently I have seen a dermatoligist and they are due to give me roaccutane tomorrow, however my mum seems to be reluctant to let me take it as she has heard that later on in life it can cause infertilty and deformities in babies, is this true!? She is also worried I may get really depressed, but usually I am really happy, does this make a difference?

Cheers, Brogan.
at
Laura

25th Apr, 08

Hi Brogan,

My son is also 16 and suffered like yourself and you will see a few msgs up that he is also on roaccutane.

I can appreciate how your mum is feeling I was the same, but my two nephews took it in the past and both were fine.

My son is a happy go lucky guy and I haven’t saw a big change in this. He is suffering a lot with the dry lips but vaseline lip care is helping. The change in his skin is amazing!

I checked out a lot of website before Kieran started it and there is no medical evidence of any damage to fertility or baby abnormalities. You cannot take it when pregnant, but seeing as there is no chance of that with you then you are okay!

I hope your mum agrees with you starting it and good luck!

:-)
Laura
at
mac

26th Apr, 08

Hi, i am 47 years old and have had severe acne all my life. I started taking roaccutane about two years ago for about a month, but stopped as my partner wanted to conceive.I am currently thinking of restarting the program, is there anybody out there as old as me who has completed course? and what was your experience?
at
jody

1st May, 08

i have bad ance since i was 14 i am 19 now. i ve being on different stuff but hasnt worked. i am statring this 2morrow and hopes it works. but am worried about the side effects
at
Erika

2nd May, 08
</

Posted in Roaccutane by Will

Will: Accutane/Roaccutane possible side effects

399 responses to “Accutane/Roaccutane possible side effects”

david b

Jane

lau

dave winston

Kenton

Rachel

lau

lau

Jenny

kieran

Juli

jen

Ele

jen

Ele

jen

Rick

Ross

Jay Didcott

baboo

kate

Hayley

Mohsin

Linda

Fiona

Alex

Angela

Karen

Noel

Angela

lau

Linda

Kate

Emma

Noel

Amy

Emma

Katie

matthew

Dan

Linda

Noel

dima

dima

dima

zara

sam

sam

sam

Jason

Will

Linda

Jason

Lara

Leigh

Natalia

Nicola

simon

Natalia

Chris

Andre

lex

richard

zara

sam

Stephanie

moyra

Will (a different one)

Noel

Chris K

Gemma

Jimmy

Chris K

Carmen

Will

zara

~ME~