Accutane

Amazing Last Resort!

I didn't have horrible acne, but I was always frustrated and insecure about my pimples. Throughout my high school career, I tried just about every avenue to treat my acne and nothing worked. My dermatologist finally suggested I try Accutane as a last resort. I desperately wanted relief because the acne was affecting my self esteem. i ended up having to take two rounds of treatment, because my acne returned after about two years. It has been about ten years since taking the second round of Accutane, and although I have a few break outs every now and then, it is 100 times better. The treatment itself was pretty tough, as the medication is very strong and can cause problems if not monitored closely. During the treatment, I had mandatory monthly blood work done, as well as monthly pregnancy tests. It can cause severe birth defects in a fetus, so they monitor you closely and require you be on birth control during your treatment. Many people report horrible side effects from this drug, but I didn't have many except for dry skin and lips. I remember, I didn't wear makeup during the second treatment (6 months long) because it looked horrible and made my peeling skin more pronounced. All in all, I would recommend this medication to anyone who is struggling with acne. I know they took it off the market, but you can still get a similar medication through a different company. It was a life saver for me and I had a great experience with it. My father has also taken it for his Rosacea and loves his new skin too. view more

Mixed Feelings About Accutane

I was on Accutane twice in my life; the first time when I was 16 or 17 and first got acne (which didn't go away by using Minocyn and every skin care product out there from Neutrogena to Proactiv) and the second time when I was in my early 20s and my acne came back with a vengeance. While Accutane worked wonders in clearing up my skin, I can't help but wonder if the effect is only temporary. I have also heard about a law suit filed against La-Roche (makers of Accutane) since the drug reportedly causes digestive problems like Crohn's disease. Oh and of course there are the teratogenic effects that are worrisome. Young women taking Accutane have to be super careful not to become pregnant... I wonder how many girls follow those directions. I know I did, but I've heard some horror stories of girls who had children with severe birth defects due to being on Accutane during pregnancy. Anyway, it's great to have clear skin... but at what cost? view more

Worked great on my cystic acne

I had been on so many acne medications and nothing was working for my acne. After the loss of my self esteem and not even wanting to look people in the eye, I tried accutane and it worked wonders on my cystic acne! My nose and lips were extremely dry the whole time, so I slathered on aquaphor and that helped. It completely cleared up my acne though and I felt more confidant and was never so glad to say goodbye to pimples! view more

Brutal side effects but it worked fabulo...

I used Accutane when I was in my 20's for cystic acne. I was on it for about 3 months and the side effects were nasty--nosebleeds, weird rashes but it dried up my skin and healed up my acne. To this day, I still have some scarring and the oily skin has come back but the acne is gone. I look younger than ever and am thankful that I took this. It was pricey though. view more

Ouch and Yay

I went through 3 cycles of accutane from early teenage to young adult. I had great results each time, but would eventually struggle again and the side effects got worse for me each time (predominantly body aches and cracking lips and inner nostrils). From what my doctor told me the 3rd time, the first two cycles weren't completed correctly and that may be why I had to keep getting back on the horse. It wasn't a super pleasant experience at the time, I couldn't keep my lips, nostrils, shins moisturized enough, even with prescription ointments, but the results were worth the trouble. Nothing else worked for me, so the pain was worth the outcome. Knowing how my side effects increased with each cycle, though, I wouldn't do another cycle now. view more

good acne treatment

i was on accutane for more than a year. I could not be more than an arm's reach from carmex and could not go out in the sun without breaking out in a rash. For me the depression risk was worth it - I was already depressed as a 28 year old with acne worse than a 13 year old. I only get one zit around my period now. much better. view more

Worst ever

I hate seeing people take this medicine. all the down sides are much worst than having acne. anger, mood changes, depression, and sickness do to the medicine. now they are having commercials about people being able to sue the company for medical related issues. view more

Accutane Was A Miracle For Me

I suffered from cystic acne from ages 13-18. Everyday of my life was horrible. I dropped out of school and even dreaded going in public at a time I should have been out the most, all because I was too embarassed of my acne. I couldn't even look people in the eye, I would always hide my face even in conversation. I tried several products over the years, some would clear up my acne beautifully, only to stop working several months later. Finally, I was put on accutane, 2 pills (40mg) per day, for six months. Yes the drying and peeling wasn't fun (it was like a bad sunburn, even inside my ears), and my face was bright red most of the time, but it was all worth it. Ten years later, my skin is still beautiful and I haven't had a pimple since. The original Oil of Olay worked perfected for me. Of course it won't stop the peeling, but it definitely made a difference. view more