Accutane and Dry Lips: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Use...
• January 25, 2020

For Acne "My experience on this has been, on the whole, very good. I had suffered with persistent acne that no other drug would even make a dent on. I was also training near 7 times a week, so I was very unsure of the effects Accutane would have on my body and was in two minds about taking it. I'm currently 4 months in and do not regret it in the slightest. I have maybe 1 minor spot every 2 weeks that disappears in a day, and my oily skin has completely died down. The main side effects I experienced were dry lips (always have Vaseline on you), joint pain, especially with heavy lifting and bending down, and also a very dry nose. If you are going to drink on this, your limit will be severely reduced, 2 pints and you will be utterly wasted, and for some people, 1 pint will be the end. What I would recommend: in the UK, doctors tell us to take 1 tablet daily for 2 weeks to see how badly it affects us, then up it to 2 tablets a day (40mg) and go from there. This way your body isn't suddenly hit with a very potent drug."

• Kyn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 16, 2016

For Acne "Amazing. I've suffered from acne since I was about 11, tried every spot cream, every face wash, and all antibiotics the doctor gave me. Finally, at 18, I was prescribed Accutane and have been on 40 mg a day for 6 months. I finish my course in half a month, and I do not have any spots on my face. I do, however, have hyperpigmentation on my cheeks where my acne was worst, but I'm hoping this will fade. Dry lips are a nightmare and occasional back pain, but honestly, I owe my life to this drug. I hope my acne does not return and that I do not suffer from any more pigmentation. It's so worthwhile, I'm sad I didn't go on it earlier."

• Jak...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 9, 2020

For Acne "Accutane was overall a horrible experience. The first month went perfectly smoothly. I experienced dryness and chapped lips as usual. When my dosage increased during the second month, things got worse. Acne was starting to slowly improve, but my liver experienced extremely increased enzymes. While on this medicine, I avoided drinking alcohol. I took every precaution to be healthy. It just didn’t work, and I had to stop. Now I still have elevated liver enzymes, and I have to see a physician. This medicine affects everyone differently, and you must know that going in. Definitely a last resort medicine, as it works for people but hurts others."

• deb...
• January 6, 2008

For Acne "My skin did improve a bit after taking it for a while, but it never was entirely clear, and the acne returned to pre-treatment levels within months. Also, when I was on it, whenever I had a breakout, there always was scarring (not usually the case before the Accutane). Had uncomfortable chapped lips (forget about wearing lipstick while you're on Accutane!)"

• sar...
• December 9, 2013

For Acne "Accutane has changed my life! I suffered from acne from the age of 14, and now I am almost 19. I started Accutane 5 months ago, and I have one month left on it. The first month on Accutane, my acne started to clear up slightly. The 2nd, 3rd, and beginning of the 4th month are the most frustrating times on this medicine. My skin started to break out a lot, and I saw no improvement. I am now on my 5th month of Accutane, and my skin is perfectly clear. I have no breakouts, and my skin is so smooth. I never thought I would have perfect skin, but thanks to Accutane, I do. The only side effect I experienced was dry lips, so I always carry a lip moisturizer on me! I am so thankful for this medicine."

• lov...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 3, 2015

For Acne "I love Accutane! I'm starting my 7th and final month now (started on 10 mg a day, moved to 20, now on 40 for the rest of my treatment). I was scared to try the drug because there was so much negativity about it on the internet, but I was so desperate to get rid of my acne and blackheads. My skin was so oily, and my acne was leaving scars all over my face. The only side effect I got was really dry lips. I went through so much chapstick, and the skin on my face got a little dry occasionally. I found drinking a lot of water a day stops all those side effects, though. I highly recommend. The only minor problem I had was in my 2nd month on Accutane, I got mono, which was so weird. But it could be a coincidence. No clue. Either way, I love Accutane."

• Ayz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 6, 2015

For Acne "I've started taking isotretinoin a few months ago, and I had moderate acne. It cured my acne completely, I do now have like 2 zits, but that's the first time since I started the medication. I have to admit, though, the side effects are terrible. It does dry your lips to the point that you can't smile or talk, but that wasn't it. Since I started the medication, I've been suffering from severe depression and suicidal thoughts. I'd spend hours crying my heart out once I'm on the pill. And also, I'd have the feelings of hopelessness and helplessness to the point where the only possible thing to do is actually kill myself. I'm still on isotretinoin, though, because I haven't finished my course. My depression is just getting worse."

• I...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 10, 2015

For Acne "For years, I dealt with acne on my face, chest, and back. I was so insecure, I hated taking close-up pictures, and I hated wearing clothes that showed my back or chest. It just sucked. My dermatologist prescribed me Accutane, and within two weeks, I saw a major difference. I will say it gets worse before it gets better because it brings all your bumps to a head. But once your pores are dried out, your bumps will be gone. My lips got really dry fast, so I had to apply chapstick constantly throughout my day. That was two years ago, I get a bump every now and then like normal people, but my skin is clear. Accutane changed my life :)"

• PKE...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 21, 2015

For Acne "I have struggled with acne since 7th grade, and my acne has always been my biggest insecurity. I am now 20 years old and have been on different medications, used different topical creams, and every moisturizer and face wash out there. My doctor finally prescribed me Accutane, and it is a miracle pill. The only side effect I experienced was dry lips, but it was worth it because my acne is gone. I would recommend this to anyone because it works, and I have never been so confident."

• Acc...
• September 12, 2016

For Acne "I actually miss taking Accutane. I finally decided to take it after years of bad cystic acne and nothing else working. It took about a month to start working, but I was only on 20 mg a day. It was a Godsend. Despite being on such a low dose of it (I think the average is 40 mg a day), Accutane worked wonders. The only side effects I had were dry lips and dry skin, both of which were worse in the winter (Thanks, Chicago). Since going off it, I get little pimples again and my oily skin and hair came back. I wish I was still on Accutane because it was nice not having oily skin, lol."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 1, 2017

For Acne "I was so scared to take Accutane due to all of the experiences with initial breakouts and dry lips/skin. I've just begun my third month and could not be happier. After the first month, I had stopped getting active acne, and from then on, my skin has just been post-inflammatory acne scars that get less red day by day. My skin is nowhere near perfect, but the difference between what it is now and what it was pre-Accutane is EXTRAORDINARY. I thankfully experienced no initial breakout. In fact, after just a week, my skin had started clearing. My skin has not been dry at all- I've had no problems with dry lips or dry skin (I do apply Aquaphor generously throughout the day and moisturize twice a day). My treatment is Absorbica 40mg daily."

• bel...
• July 31, 2014

For Acne "I've been on this medication for just over 2 months now, taking 40 mg a day. When I started on a low dose, the first 3 weeks I experienced severe dry skin, lips, and especially my nose and under my eyes even. The first 5 weeks my skin broke out worse. And from the beginning, I started getting severe back pain. Now in week 9, my skin has settled down and is a tiny bit better, but all my blackheads have disappeared. My skin is still drier than usual, but it's actually improved, and my lips are fine as long as I apply Vaseline 2-3 times a day. The only significant side effect I still have is my back and bone/joint pain. So far, I'm very happy with what I've achieved (the blackheads) and expect things to keep improving."

• BbB...
• April 25, 2015

For Acne "I started getting spots when I was about 12, and it was pretty bad acne by around 15. I went on the pill and probably every type of antibiotic, which each worked, but only for a limited time. At 23, I realized the only thing left was Accutane. NHS was slow, so I went private (1 appointment - £120), and the dermatologist prescribed me 4 months of 40 mg/day (I only weigh around 100 pounds). Best thing I ever did. Only side effects I noticed were dry lips - I recommend Aquaphor - and dry inside of my nose. 100% worth it, and my skin is amazing and spot-free now! I've just come off the medication, so fingers crossed it lasts a long time. Very happy, I definitely recommend."

• JJa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 12, 2018

For Acne "I was prescribed Accutane last year and was on it from March 2017 to August 2017. I was 42 years old at the time and had been struggling with moderate acne for years. It seemed to be worse as an adult compared to my teenage years. Accutane was the best thing I could do for my skin. I had tried antibiotics, birth control pills, Proactiv, and other topical medications, but would only see temporary results. I have had a history of depression and was worried about trying Accutane. During the course of treatment, I had no depression, only very dry lips and minor joint pain in my knees. Now my skin is completely clear and I can go without makeup. I now feel much better about myself and would do it all over again if I had to."

• Unk...
• December 18, 2019

For Acne "Previously, I had a serious acne problem. I even went to an appointment to have facial treatment to wash my face, and they helped me to squeeze all the blackheads and acne pop out, most of it on my face. After the treatment, a few days or weeks later, as a result, my face was full of redness and acne scars. After that incident, I no longer went to have facial treatment, but I still continued to try other products from the pharmacy to wash my face after showering all by myself. In the meantime, acne still occurred, but I still lived a normal life. A few years later, a friend of mine introduced me to visit this dermatologist, and he gave me this product called Accutane, it's a 10 mg capsule, taken orally once a day. One to three months later, I could really see the results, my acne started to clear, and the scars may take longer but are still improving. While taking it, it has certain side effects, such as dry lips, and you might feel thirsty, so I guess this capsule is powerful, but it is also not good to take long term."

• grr...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 13, 2014

For Acne "I had mild to severe scarring acne since I was 8 years old (I had premature puberty), and my mom took me to many dermatologists who prescribed many different medications. Nothing worked. Of course, I was a little kid and wasn't following the instructions thoroughly. Then, at the age of 16, I went on Accutane for 7 months. I remember that it took a while to see some improvement, but in the 6th to 7th month, it got extremely better. Of course, I had a lot of problems with my dry lips. My hands were also very sensitive to cold (they still are). I stayed clear for about 17 years. I only had 2-3 zits once a month during menstruation. Since a year, acne has started coming back. Not that bad though. The red marks are the worst. I might go on Accutane again."

• Lad...
• May 18, 2015

For Acne "I am in my 5th month with this medicine, and my face is flawless, and I love it-but it did come at a cost. My side effects are bad-I have horrible joint pain, temper/anger issues, dry skin on my nose, chapped lips constantly, and patches of dry skin all over my body... The pain in my body is my biggest complaint-some days I can barely move, my feet and my back hurt the most with the 80mg dosage, and my ability to control my temper pretty much goes out the window... But I know I'm almost done, so I don't want to change a thing. But overall, my face cleared up in my 4th month, and that's all I wanted. I'm so happy with how clear it is-but I will be even happier to not be in so much pain."

• emi...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 26, 2017

For Acne "I first had acne at the age of 12, and I thought nothing of my appearance, and I was just a kid - you know, I just didn't care what other people thought. But then, at the age of 14/15, I began to compare my skin to peers, and I absolutely HATED what I saw in the mirror. I had awful acne, the doctor even said 'the most severe he has come across' because not only did I have it on my face and neck, it was also down my back. So at the age of 15, I was finally put on Roaccutane! And I have to say I will never take my clear skin for granted, it's the best thing I have EVER done! During the process, I got extremely dry lips, but it's all worth it in the end! It's life-changing.. RECOMMEND TO ANYBODY!!"

• Hal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 30, 2015

For Acne "I have used every face wash product and home remedy on the market. I've been on doxycycline, minocycline, and every other antibiotic the doctor can prescribe. They helped, but I was never clear. I finally decided to go on Accutane. The process to get on the pill is a huge pain, but it's so worth it. You have to take birth control and get blood work every month because you cannot get pregnant. My skin was dry for two weeks. Then it was minorly dry after that. I rarely had to use lotion. My lips were chapped. Don't use drugstore chapstick. I recommend Lucas Pawpaw ointment, Ceralip, or Cortibalm. The first month I had minor headaches, but I was 100% clear by month 3. My skin was no longer oily. This experience was amazing."

• Guc...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 5, 2017

For Acne "I just got on Accutane after 3 years of cystic, red dot acne on my chin, cheeks, and forehead. My acne isn't severe, but it's enough to make me lose confidence in my appearance. I tried everything (benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, oral medication, tazarotene, washing my face regularly, etc.), but it never led to long-term improvement. Only the benzoyl peroxide provided temporary improvement but never really got my face to where I wanted it to be: 100% clear of my acne. I have been taking Accutane for 8 days now, and I can see that my face is already improving. I have not experienced any major side effects yet. However, I can feel my lips are starting to get dry, but I have Aquaphor to take care of that. So far, so good!"

• HHa...
• January 30, 2020

For Acne "I have struggled with acne my entire life, tried countless drugs and products to clear my skin, and had no luck. When I was on Accutane, I had clear skin aside from a few cystic pimples throughout the two-year period. In addition to this amazing feeling, my skin was constantly dry, my lips were constantly chapped, and I had to drink many cups of water a day to even feel semi-hydrated. When I stopped taking the drug, I suffered from hardcore anxiety and had a few full-blown anxiety attacks, something I have never been affected by before I started taking this medication. After about a month or two, this anxiety calmed, but I still suffer from it. Now, almost four years after I finished taking the medication, my acne is back and the same as before, my lips are still constantly chapped, I still wake up in the middle of the night to very dry skin, and my hair is way thinner than it used to be. This harmful drug is NOT WORTH IT."

• Vic...
• November 4, 2019

For Acne "In high school, I had horrible, painful cystic acne. I took Accutane from the fall of 2015 to spring of 2016. While taking it, I experienced extreme dryness, chapped lips, joint pain, and had problems with my eyesight at night (the drug causes eye shape to change). When the course was completed, my skin was perfect. A few months after being off Accutane, I developed severe anxiety, had panic attacks every day, and depression. My skin stayed pretty much clear for three years, but now my cystic acne has come back, although not as bad as before. I don’t plan on doing another round of Accutane because the long-term side effects aren’t worth it. For those thinking about taking this, please know it's at a cost. I truly cannot see in dark or dimly lit rooms, I have no night vision. I know at least five other people who have taken this drug who have also experienced depression and anxiety after taking it. My mind is constantly in a fog, and I can’t memorize anything anymore."

• Jen...
• July 11, 2009

For Acne "I was put on Accutane when I was 16 after using every acne medication the doctors prescribed and everything over the counter. Immediately, I noticed a difference, and my self-esteem soared. I think I did the best one can do on it. The only thing I noticed was my lips got dry quicker, but I just carried Chapstick with me. It was my miracle drug, and I couldn't thank my parents enough for putting me on it. I'm 23 now, and I get an occasional breakout here and there, but it's not cystic and painful anymore, it's 2 or 3 pimples. I recommend it to anyone who is sick of their embarrassing acne."

• Eth...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 11, 2015

For Acne "So I'm currently on my 2nd month of Accutane, and I'm taking 40mg a day. I have to say I'm quite impressed. I'm 15 and have been dealing with mild but persistent cystic acne since I was 11, and I still have a few whiteheads and 4 cysts that I'm waiting for them to dry up, but I have noticed that my nose, which was once covered in blackheads, is clear!! The side effects are annoying but bearable. (dry skin, dry lips, joint pains, dry hair) It's going to get worse before it gets better, trust me. If you're dealing with cystic acne, I definitely recommend this miracle pill."

• oky...
• March 18, 2019

For Acne "I’ve only been on Accutane for a month or so now and plan on updating this once I’ve finished the whole 6 months, but... so far I’ve seen a big difference in my skin. I’ve had severe acne for the past 2 years and was on doxycycline before Accutane, and my face has calmed down a lot, no active acne really, mostly scars as of now. I was expecting a big breakout (still could happen). The side effects I have gotten are dry skin, but it’s not flaky or anything. My lips, on the other hand, oh my god, stock up on chapstick before starting this! Very dry, and the corners of my mouth have cracked, and it is pretty uncomfortable, but nothing I can’t handle. If you're considering going on Accutane, I’d recommend it, in such a short period of time, my skin's cleared up drastically. It’s amazing. (It’s not the same for everyone)"