Isotretinoin and Dry Eyes: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Ama...
• February 5, 2016

Isotretinoin for Acne "I'm on my last week of Accutane and have been taking it for 5 months. All of my acne has cleared up except for one or two pimples, but I still have acne scars left. My only side effect symptoms at first included dry lips, dry eyes, back pain, and blurry vision, but now I'm experiencing mood swings and depression. It is not severe, but I have noticed that I've been acting different for no real reason. I honestly can't wait to get off the drug just to return to my normal self and feel like I have more control over my emotions. Overall, I think the side effects are worth it for the results that I've gotten from Accutane, but I am worried that after I'm done taking it, my acne will return."

• Anonymous
• September 25, 2011

Isotretinoin for Acne "I had cystic acne and nothing worked until I finally tried Accutane. It's truly a life saver! I had lost my confidence until I tried this product. Only side effect was dry nose, dry eyes, and chapped lips. All of which is minor and worth the beautiful and flawless skin that follows! Four years later and it's still the best and only thing that works! I tried it all... cortisone shots in the face, Retin A, Differin, facials, scrubs, Proactiv, blue light treatment, etc.... nothing ever worked. Do yourself a favor and get this as soon as possible. I was finally able to give up wearing foundation too."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 31, 2020

Isotretinoin for Acne "I took Accutane at 17 years old. I was on 30 mg for 2 months and 60 mg for 4 months. I got rid of my cystic acne on my face, chest, and back. I still have scarring, but my skin looks so much better! Some side effects I experienced included dry skin, nosebleeds, and dry eyes. However, it was all WORTH IT! Accutane changed my life for the better. I've never felt so confident in my skin. I struggled with acne my entire life, and my only regret is not starting it sooner. I started seeing it work after only 10 days. I can't recommend Accutane enough. My advice is to advocate for yourself and keep asking for it over and over again until they give it to you. Accutane didn't change my life, it saved my life!"

• Anonymous
• February 26, 2010

Isotretinoin for Acne "I have a mild stubborn case of acne. Right when I took the first pill, my skin cleared completely. The symptoms I have gotten are welts on my arms from the dryness (if you experience that, ask your derm to prescribe you some topical cream), moderate back pains, easy nosebleeds (if you tap my nose, it will start bleeding), severe dry/cracked lips, dry eyes (just a feeling of 'tired eyes' all the time). I highly recommend taking this medication, but buy Aquaphor for your dry lips, it is by far the best chapstick ever! You can find it at CVS, Rite Aid, any general store."

• muf...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 5, 2014

Isotretinoin for Acne "This is the best treatment for acne! I'm 23 and still had acne, though I had it primarily on my back and arms. I would never take my shirt off in public and was extremely self-conscious about it. I'm 4 months into the treatment, and I have NO new pimples (marks still there). I just hope the acne doesn't come back after the treatment. Side effects are manageable, I've had dry lips, eyes, and nosebleeds throughout the day, but the advantages of the treatment outweigh the side effects by miles!"

• Tin...
• September 5, 2020

Isotretinoin for Acne "This is my sixth and last month of taking isotretinoin (40 mg 2x/day at 145 lbs). From angry, red acne to faded marks, this drug has transformed my face. Side effects: - dry lips - you have to CONSTANTLY have your lips covered in a layer of chapstick or Vaseline (specifically for lips). Otherwise, your lips will immediately begin to peel and crack. If you're covered, you should be 100% fine. - dry eyes - after the second month, I would wake up 99% of the time with my eyes shut together. No crust or goop or anything like that. Just the rims of my eyelids shut together, and it sometimes would make them a little sore when I'd take my fingers to force them open. - nosebleeds - out of the blue, I have woken up coughing up blood from a nosebleed draining to the back of my throat. Usually, they would occur when I blow my nose or have some minor impact to my nose. Usually occurs every couple of weeks."

• jul...
• August 29, 2010

Isotretinoin for Acne "Took Accutane for almost a year. My dermatologist made me complete the course to make sure that my acne does not come back. During the entire period, I had dry eyes, dry skin, and dry hair. I had to lotion, condition, and use eye drops and lip balm very frequently. However, my acne cleared big time. I still occasionally get smaller pimples but not the big ones that I used to have on my back or on my face. Not recommended for sportsmen. I had to double my application of sunblock because I am frequently under the sun, and while consuming Accutane, it is not recommended for you to be under the sun for too long a time."

• kam...
• November 8, 2009

Isotretinoin for Acne "I took Accutane a few years ago to clear up my swamp face (so oily!) and my breakouts weren't bad, but whenever I had one, I'd scar so bad... So I did 30mg 2x a day... took about two weeks, but the oiliness went away, and after about a month or two, I was seeing beautiful skin. Stayed clear for years after. Chapstick and heavy-duty lotions and creams are important, and I also had to use eye drops as my eyes got dry. Wonderful, wonderful medicine."

• Zac...
• January 18, 2012

Isotretinoin for Acne "I started taking Accutane about 1 month ago, and my big stick-out zits have gone flat. Although I still have a lot of red spots, my face is, for the most part, completely smooth. I would recommend this product to anyone who's tried everything and hasn't gotten an effective treatment. I'm a 14-year-old boy, and I've been dealing with acne for 5 years. Nothing helped. I tried so many different topical, oral, and store-bought products, it's crazy! I know how depressing it is to have acne in middle school, and I'm so thankful I found this before high school. But even with a great product comes a downside, such as chapped lips, dry eyes, dry skin, irritability, and depression. Other than that, I'm in love with Accutane!"

• Bec...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 2, 2020

For Acne "Isotretinoin absolutely changed my life! I don’t have spots anymore, and I used to have them all over my face. The side effects for me have been brutal, so if you’re going to take these, then be prepared, it can be an awful time but very much worth it in the end. My lips being the worst, constantly chapped, dry, sore for the full 6 months I was on them. Dry eyes, dry skin, white dry skin patches all over my body, very easily damaged sensitive skin which can leave skin very sore! After a few months, I started getting a scabby sore nose which lasted about 3 months. Even though I’ve suffered with the side effects, I would do it again if I had to because of how good the results have been!"

• Joe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 16, 2016

For Acne "I have suffered from moderate-severe acne for about 3 years and was prescribed isotretinoin after being referred to a dermatologist. Within a few days, my skin and lips were very dry. Within a few weeks, I had dry eyes, eczema on my arms and chest, and I had earaches. At around 1 month in, my skin began to clear completely, but it was at this time the side effects became unbearable. I got severe headaches, blurred vision, the driest throat, a bloody cough, and an exacerbation of all my earlier symptoms. I was gutted but had to stop taking the drug after a month and a half because of these effects. My skin has since remained slightly better. Please remember this is my experience and yours will differ!"

• Anonymous
• July 29, 2010

Isotretinoin for Acne "I'm at my 12-week mark. My doctor said I can be done now if I wish to be, but I'm going to go one more month just to be safe. My face, chest, and back are completely clear of acne. My side effects have been the normal: chapped lips (use Aquaphor), dry eyes (eye drops), and just recently-joint pain. I've always had some joint and back pain, but it's gotten much worse the last couple of months. It may not even be related to the medication. However, I am getting an MRI just to be safe. I love the medication this far. I've heard horrible stories about people having bad side effects for years and years after, but I wonder how much of that is really related to the medication. People naturally get joint pain, etc. as they age."

• Nez...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 10, 2013

Isotretinoin for Acne "My 20-year-old son has been on Accutane for two months after a long struggle with cystic acne. He is on 40 mg daily. He had a horrible breakout after taking it for a month that he couldn't attend school for two weeks because of comments at school. His acne was at its worst. Now, it's two months on it, and he looks better but not the best. He still has breakouts on his chin, forehead, and around his nose, but not as before. Old cystic breakouts (big pus-filled bumps) are clearing but slowly, especially around the nose and sides of the chin. Side effects are dry lips, face, and eyes, but he is comfortable with Cetaphil cleanser and moisturizer. He plays soccer almost every day and is not experiencing problems so far."

• bob...
• November 11, 2013

Isotretinoin for Acne "I took Accutane for 1 year, and my skin became completely clear. However, after being off for 1 year now, I've noticed my pimples are coming back again, but at the same time, they're not half as bad as before I took Accutane. I would definitely recommend Accutane to anyone who is suffering from extreme acne on their face because there are a lot of side effects, like dry lips, skin, eyes, and mouth. If you notice your pimples are coming back after Accutane, I would recommend topical creams to take away small pimples or off-the-shelf products like Clinique."

• Ken...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 19, 2018

Isotretinoin for Acne "I finished my Accutane treatment, but the effects last forever for me. Now I have permanent dry eyes, skin, and sore muscles. I have to take supplements every day and eye drops like Retasis every day for the rest of my life!"

• Use...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 29, 2016

For Acne "Suffered with cystic hormonal acne for 10 years. Pros: Cleared my skin. Side effects wore off about a month post-Accutane. Cons: dry eyes, dry lips, lower back pain, ankle pain, fatigue, sun sensitivity. Due to some of the side effects, I had to go easy at the gym, give up hiking for a few months, or anything related to physical activity or sun. All side effects are manageable. You go in expecting the worst, but it isn't as bad as some make it sound. I was on 60 mg a day for 5 months. I recommend it if you've been battling acne for years. I have good health insurance, listed is what I paid/copayment. Doctor: $30 co-pay (w/o insurance $160) Drug: $15 co-pay (w/o insurance $500-700) Labs: $20 co-pay (w/o insurance $500-700)"

• Dai...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 13, 2018

Isotretinoin for Acne "Female, struggled with cystic hormonal acne on chest, back, neck, jawline, and face for 9 years. Side effects on Accutane: dry lips & small blisters on lips (occasional), extremely dry red eyes (no contacts after 1st month), abnormal hot flashes, face flushing, night vision decreased, nosebleeds, occasional blurred vision, fatigue, joint aches, headaches, fragile dry skin, dry hair, dry nose & throat, stomach pain and cramping (month 6), hemorrhoids, itchy skin & skin rash on hands. Side effects I have now are: dry eyes (I can wear contacts now but took 2 months after stopping meds, and my eyes are still much drier than before. I have to use eye drops at night and in the morning), dry lips (not bad), occasional joint pain in hands, hair loss/rapid hair shedding, itchy skin. All other side effects went away after ending meds. Worth it! 4 months after Accutane, and I have no acne! Not a single cyst! I have normal skin and occasional tiny zits here and there only."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 14, 2012

Isotretinoin for Acne "I first took this medicine in high school and was only on it for 2 months because the side effects were so bad. Now, approximately 4 years later, I've now been on it for 4 months. My side effects are much reduced. I have experienced dry, peeling lips and dry eyes. Suspension for 1-2 weeks allowed my lips to heal, and I resumed the medication. This occurred about 3 months in. After 2 months, after much debate, I did get a tattoo which healed beautifully, quickly, and with no color degradation. I highly recommend this medicine only if you have consistently struggled with acne and no other medicine has worked. Some side effects you just have to tolerate."

• DFM...
• December 1, 2016

For Acne "QLD, Australia - 44-year-old female. Problem - terrible breakouts on face, back, and arms (never cystic acne though) for over 13 years after having a child (no product or antibiotic would work long-term). Solution - consulted a dermatologist and now take (low dose) 10 mg isotretinoin once a day. Results - after 2 months, skin totally clear (occasional pimple but heals very quickly - no breakouts at all). Side effects - very dry lips (reealllllllyyyy dry) and dry eyes, reddish skin. Future - take 10 mg daily for four more months, then 1-2 tabs (10 mg) per week as maintenance as required (as necessary). Note: I was terrified to try this product after some of the reviews - if scared of side effects, try a lower dose and monitor closely."

• Mil...
• August 12, 2015

For Acne "I usually never write reviews. But Accutane changed my life. I have been battling acne since I was a teenager. Initially, tetracyclines and creams used to help, but eventually, it seemed like my body got used to it and breakouts would come back. I never had a problem with my face, but my back was a disaster! I have tried everything (doxycycline, minocycline, Bactrim, Atralin, Acanya) and some that I don't even remember. After months/years of treatment, my doctor told me that we tried everything out there. I almost gave up. I moved and found a new dermatologist. After receiving my health record and seeing how long I have been trying to get rid of acne, she suggested Accutane. YES, it does take time for it to work. I was on it for 6 months, but after the first month, I could see results. What is 6 months compared to years of trying to get rid of it? IT worked so great that I couldn't believe it. I didn't have a single pimple on my back. That was almost 2 years ago, and since then, it never came back. My doctor said that she sees a pattern of acne coming back in 5 or 10 years. As for side effects, it does dry you out. I loved that I didn't need to wash my oily hair every day, but also my eyes were very dry (had to apply eye drops) to the point that I could not drive at night because of fatigue. But 6 months was totally worth it. I will do it again if acne ever comes back."

• Acn...
• June 19, 2011

Isotretinoin for Acne "I have been struggling with acne since I graduated high school. It got REALLY BAD. Around that time (high school) is when I first took isotretinoin. I took it for about 3 months, and it worked wonders for me. However, 8 years later, the bad acne has reappeared. I take Amnesteem now. I'm in my second week, and it's making it worse. I don't remember this medicine doing this the first time. The only side effects I've experienced were dry lips, dry skin, and dry eyes so far. I hope this gets better for me. If it does, I will update this comment."

• Chl...
• October 7, 2019

For Acne "I have been on isotretinoin for 2 months now. My acne has only gotten worse. I can feel my lips cracking and peeling even with the amount of Vaseline I put on them, and my skin is insanely dry. My skin is now so fragile, and it cuts and bruises easily. I get painful nosebleeds almost every day. My arms have developed yellowish scabs, are super dry, and crazy itchy. I put Cetaphil on twice a day, and I wash my face and moisturize with CeraVe twice a day as well. My eyes get so dry that they sometimes distract me from my work in school. My hair is now falling out. I always feel sleep-deprived and have to take naps during the day. I get muscle aches that have never happened before. I don’t know if it has anything to do with the medication, but I read that someone else had ingrown toenails when on Accutane, and I have them too. I tried doxycycline and many topical creams before this, none of which worked. I do NOT recommend this medication to anyone who doesn’t have cystic or severe acne."

• eli...
• January 6, 2020

For Acne "Took the medication isotretinoin for 6 months at the age of 21 for acne as it had such a high 'cure' rate. Side effects for me: eczema, joint pain, chronic red eye, and one bout of conjunctivitis, blurred vision at night due to extremely dry eyes, cracked bleeding lips no matter the amount of Vaseline. No acne at 2 months on treatment. Skin remained clear for 6 months post-treatment. Acne came back after 6 months and reached prior Accutane state at 12 months. Then had Accutane again at age 23, this time for 7 months and SAME again. 6 months post clear skin and then it slowly came back. I am now 26 and have the worst acne I have ever had. Please don't be disheartened to try this drug as some people really do either cure their acne for good or at least get a longer time in remission. But I do believe the cure rate is more like 60% not 80%."

• ash...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 1, 2014

For Acne "I was put on Roaccutane, and the results were truly amazing. However, 9 months later, my acne started to return again, and I am unfortunately one of the 15% of people who are on their second course. I live in South Africa, where the climate is hot and dry, and so I suffered with dry eyes, dry skin, dry lips, and had terrible backache. The results that Roaccutane gave me the first time are worth going on it for a second time."

• Anonymous
• July 25, 2011

For Acne "I went on Accutane the beginning of my freshman year of college. It cleared everything up, but I experienced extremely dry skin/eyes and became really prone to infections and had extreme joint/back pain. After I finished my sixth month cycle, it stayed away for a month, and then I experienced a rare side effect called folliculitis (basically a painful yeast infection all over your face). I went back on Accutane, and it cleared everything up. Went off it, and my folliculitis is back. I now also have a ton of intestinal problems/IBS. I am supposed to go back on it again to get rid of the folliculitis, etc. I have been on and off it multiple times for the past four years. I would take my acne back any day over having folliculitis/stomach problems."