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1. Diana

   

   13th Apr, 07
   

   You should avoid Accutane or similar products at all costs. If anything, it should be a last resort. It is incredibly strong with damaging side effects (i.e., depression, birth defects, etc.) Take the time to research a few over-the-counter items or other physician-developed products. I’m personally a fan of the Murad line. Specifically, I like the Acne Complex Kit (http://www.murad.com/acne-products.html) because it’s a 4-step process chalk full of vitamins and antioxidants and all the other necessary ingredients to zap those zits gone w/o overdrying your skin. I hope I’ve been of some help… =)

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2. Lindsey

   

   11th Jul, 07
   

   Accutane is fine and does NOT need to be avoided. It only needs to be respected. Yes it is a strong drug and has side effect like many other meds but the hype about its danger is bogus. The only thing that does need to be taken with EXTREME precaution is the birth defects but that is why they have i-pledge that educates and forces girls/women to be very careful.

   In my opinion MURAD PRODUCTS STINK! I had one of the worse breakouts Ive ever had while using that stuff. It is also over priced.

   I can relate to the fear of acne returning post accutane. I took it a little over 2 years ago and it cleared my moderate cystic acne up well. I started breaking out a big a few months after (alot more minor) and so I started treating my skin with Benzoyl Peroxide. My skin does well still, I only have occasional spots around my period and some clogged pores here and there. My oily skin did return but not the big bumps.
   ACCUTANE IS A GOOD THING DONT BE AFRAID!

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3. Stephanie

   

   17th Aug, 07
   

   I was clear for 5 years after my first course of roccutane. My spots came back, possibly even worse than before. Ten years on, I’m five weeks in to my second course – and my skin hasn’t been this clear in years!

   Over the years I’ve tried all sorts of lotions and popped all sorts of pills and, after 21 years of acne (with the exception of the 5 clear years inbetween) it is the only thing that works for me.

   Yes it’s a strong drug with lots of side affects, but for me a few months of dry skin, aches and pains and thinning hair are far better than another 21 years of spots. Besides, doctors take it far more seriously now. I never had monthly check ups, blood or pregnancy tests last time.

   I only wish it wasn’t a last resort drug. Then perhaps like many others my teens and 20s wouldn’t have been so governed by the state of my skin!

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4. Kate

   

   1st Nov, 07
   

   Hi,
   I was just wondering, I’m going to my derm in a few weeks and I’m hoping to go on Roaccutane for my acne. How long will it take roughly between the appointment and me actually have the accutane in my hand?

   I have mild to moderate acne and cant wait to go on it, I feel so ugly and disgusting – I hope hope hope it works for me!!

   Kate
   xxxxx

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5. Emma

   

   2nd Nov, 07
   

   Hi Kate,

   At my first appointment my dermatologist discussed Roaccutane and gave me some material to read (that was on the Thursday). However as I didn’t have any spare make up with me I refused to take it off! He suggested I come back on the Monday, and when I did he asked if I’d had a think, had a look at my face and prescribed it to me. I had to get my bloods tested the following day and then I started the tablets. I don’t think even if he had been able to look at me make up-less on the Thursday he would have prescribed it right away as I think they prefer you to have some thinking time. It may also depend on whether you are on the pill already as this may delay it further while you get that organised. Some dermatologists insist you ring to check your blood tests are ok before you start the tablets, mine didn’t.

   You don’t say what treatments you’ve already had – as your acne is only mild to moderate, you may only get prescribed Roaccutane if you’ve been through several antibiotics and topical treatments which haven’t worked. If not you might be disappointed as a lot of dermatologists prefer to exhaust other options first. Best of luck.

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6. Karen

   

   2nd Nov, 07
   

   Within 5 minutes of me seeing a dermatologist for the very first time she offered me the treatment – and as it was a work day I had all my make up on.

   I got blood taken and she phoned me a week later to say that the bloods were fine and that to come in the next day and pick my first month’s supply up.

   I think it helps to mention that you have researched the drug, are aware of the side effects as then clearly you are not just seeing this as another anti-biotic.

   I needed no time to think about things – I had waited 20 years to be taken seriously.

   Hope it goes well for you Kate :)

   xx

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7. Claire

   

   2nd Nov, 07
   

   Hi Kate

   I met with my derm on a monday..he gave me the prescription there and then and sent me off for a blood test…i got the results of the blood test the next day and picked up the tablets the following day. Clearly, i could have picked up the tablets before i got the blood test results, but i was treated like an adult (as you would hope!) and i guess he trusted me not to do anything stupid! Seems methods vary alot between derms so i guess it depends who you see as to how quickly you get it. My advice would be to go in there knowing as much as possible about roaccutane and alternative treatments – and to stick up for yourself…dont leave unhappy with any of the answers you have been given. Good luck!! xx

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8. na

   

   24th Jun, 08
   

   I took accutane for 6 months, i was 14 years old at the time just turning 15. it cleared up my skin amazingly and the only side affect was aching joints. But that doesnt really count because I already had bad joints. the only problem is, a couple months after i was off accutane i started breaking out around my mouth. like when i say mouth i mean RIGHT above my lips. and its painfulll and not only on my period but it does get worse then. idk what to do. i dont want to take it again because its just around my mouth.

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9. Scott

   

   29th Oct, 08
   

   I took roaccutane for about 7 months, 40mg a day, and it worked wonders. Through experience, I managed the dry skin and managed the side effects. Post roaccuntane, I was happy with the results…until yesterday. I havent had one cystic people this whole year whilst being on roaccutane and now, I have a couple. I am incredibly scared because I fear my skin will go back to that terrible state. I have made another appoitment with my dermo but I am unable to see him for another month. I don’t really know how I am going to cope if another pimple pops up. I guess I am living in hope?

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10. Elizabeth

    

    28th Dec, 08
    

    I had the cyst/nodule acne and so I went to the dermatologist who put me on Accutane. I was on it for 6 months. After 5 months my dermatologist took me off of Accutane because my skin wasn’t clearing up – after 2 weeks of being off of Accutane my face cleared up completely except for one little spot. He put me back on it for another 2 weeks and took me off of it for good because it didn’t seem to be helping anymore. Now I’m finally off of it (2nd week off) and I’m not sure what to think. My face is just horrible. I have incredibly sensitive skin and now tons of scarring and it’s insanely dry and sometimes itchy. I have a few spots left as well. I might have the doc look at them again and tell me what I need to do. I’m worried that my face will never be nice again. I think it was nice once in my life. :(

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11. trinigirl

    

    27th Jan, 09
    

    I did a facial every month while I was on Roaccutane and this helped tremendously to clear my skin. You need to get the stuff out of your skin first then Roaccutane prevents the pores from clogging further.

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12. cazz26

    

    11th Feb, 09
    

    hi was just reading dianas comment and was just wondering why shes so against roacc? have you personally had a bad experiance with it, or is iy just the hype youve read?
    and just to say i tried the MURAD stuff and it did NOTHING for me apart from really dry my skin out..i thinkk my breakouts were actually worse with this product aswell…. but im glad you found it works for you and dont have the need to go on roacc!

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13. Kimberly Lynn Cole

    

    25th Feb, 09
    

    My son has been on Accutane for almost three months
    and his face looks MUCH WORSE than it ever has in his life!
    he is 14 and I am crying everyday over this! I love my son
    and I do not want to keep him on a medication this dangerous if its not going to do anything to help him out.
    I am just so upset! I put all my faith in this medication
    working for him!
    Thanks to this website I see that other people have had
    problems and its not the miracle cure we were lead to
    believe it was!

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14. Trixyvlj

    

    26th Feb, 09
    

    Hi Kimberley,
    I finished my 6 month course of Roaccutane last month and for the first few months my skin was a lot worse, so I think this is fairly normal. I was told it was just my body getting rid of all the bad stuff and once that was done it would start to clear up. Sure enough, it did, and my skin is now amazing, so much so that I even put some pics on this website (I had acne for the last 16 years before this)! I am sure your son will be fine, but I would speak to the dermatologist if you are concerned – that is what they are there for. Best of luck to your son and please persevere xx

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15. dl.

    

    5th Apr, 09
    

    well this is my first time on roaccutane and have been on it for just over 2 weeks i didnt really have spots covering my full face but i had big lumps that was enough for me 2 weeks on my face is really progressing not any visible lumps just a few under the skin that have to be dealt with !!
    i think roaccutane is great for acne but shouldnt be takin if not needed . i tried erythomyclin , minocylin , tetricylin . and all failed so i would give some off them a bash first as roaccutane has a few side effects i get a dry nose , dry eyes , flakey skin , itchy scalp, back pain etc .
    so hope u all have a goood experience with roaccutane and have clear skin :-) .

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16. SKK

    

    23rd Apr, 10
    

    I have been on roaccutane since January, skin has cleared, i’m still on it, taking 60mg per day

    just recently i have had a few breakouts, is this normal since i am at the end of nearly completing my treatment?

    please advise

    thankyou

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17. SJ_1979

    

    20th Jun, 10
    

    Hi everyone, i’m a 30yr old female – just wanted to share my story incase it helps anyone thinking whether or not to take Roaccutane (as I think it gets alot of negative press). I just finished a 4 mth course of Roac (60mg per day)….My acne started age 12 and I am now 30. I tried every over the counter treatment going, plus numerous different antibiotics and prescribed topical solutions/creams and also the pill (Dianette), also n-lite laser & microdermabrasion (very expensive) but nothing worked for me and I was getting VERY depressed – my self confidence was badly affected. Finally, last year I got a new GP, who referred me. I went to the Dermo & he recommended Roac, but told me I had to think about it for 3 months before he could prescribe it. When I went back he did a pregnancy test (due to EU law they now have to) & then prescribed it. It cost the same as a normal prescription (£7.70 ish per month). He didn’t do any blood tests (though it seems most other people get tested so i’m not sure why!). Within a week of taking it my skin & lips were dry & peeling but my skin was already clearer & it just kept getting better until it was perfectly clear & smooth for the first time since I was about 11 years old. I was so happy!! I didn’t experience any other side effects at all luckily, but everyone is different. All I had to do was use a good moisturizer on my face & arms & vaseline on my lips. I only finished the course 1 week ago & so far my skin still looks good, but I am terrified of having an acne relapse. I hardly drank any alcohol for the 4 mths and drank LOTS of water as that helps with dryness. I personally am really glad I took Roac and my only regret is that I didn’t manage to get a referral to a Dermo sooner, if I had, my 20’s would have been a lot happier! Anyway, I hope this helps anyone thinking of taking Roac as I know I was very scared about starting the treatment due to all the over-hyped side effects, which as it turns out for me, were nothing to worry about at all. Just be sensible & you’ll probably be fine ;) – the serious side effects only affect around 1 in 10,000 people according to the leaflet contained with the medicine….I felt it was a risk worth taking due to how much misery having bad skin caused me.

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