Isotretinoin and Dry Eyes: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Fol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 17, 2016

For Acne "I'm coming into my 2nd month on isotretinoin, and all I am seeing is my skin peeling, acne getting worse, and dry lips and eyes. I feel like the new worsening acne will leave worse scars than what I would have originally had when my acne cleared up, but my dad had bad acne even through his 30s (I'm 22), so I'm afraid that my acne wouldn't clear up any time soon. I'm hoping I start seeing some results soon, or else my last resort has failed."

• Ano...
• December 11, 2017

For Acne "My acne was not terrible, but I had it for ages. My chest acne and back acne were very distressing to me. The doctors tried everything before the oral isotretinoin, including the cream and antibiotics. I went on different pills to see if anything would work. Then the dermatologist agreed to let me have isotretinoin tablets. It was the best thing ever! I was on a low dose over a long time (apparently, they found this way to be safer and just as effective). My lips and eyes were a little dry, but that was seriously the only side effects I had. I am prone to joint pain and did not notice increased occurrence of my normal pain. No depression at all! One year later, and the effects on my back and chest are still perfect, but I get the odd pimple on my face."

• She...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 11, 2020

Isotretinoin for Acne "I posted previously about this drug making my hormonal acne much, much worse. It then made my skin so dry I looked aged by about 15 years. It gave me a lot of blurred vision, which turned out to be due to extremely dry eye, and it continued to worsen my acne until I finally discontinued it 3 weeks ago. My skin has improved so much since coming off it, but I now have a lot of red marks left from all the spots I had while taking it, and so far my acne is still worse than it was before I began treatment - but I’m just pleased it’s improved compared to how it was looking a couple of months ago because I was crying a lot over how bad it had made it. My eyes are still very dry but have improved."

• Lus...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 8, 2021

Isotretinoin for Acne "Well, I'm sure that each case is a case with this drug, but my experience with the drug was very good. The side effects were some back pain (only in the first weeks), and during the treatment (4th month), only dry mouth and eyes upon waking. I only use Hydraboost facial moisturizer and lip moisturizer once a week. My acne was not strong, but it was very visible with several eruptions in the T zone. In the first weeks, there was worsening with acne: 2 large acnes that I never had of this type, but from 2 and a half months onwards, it only got better (not that it hadn't worked before). Now, in my fourth month, my skin is intact and getting lighter. I still have around 4-5 months of treatment. Very happy!"

• Naf...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 5, 2022

For Acne "I just started on this medication. The first month was on 20 mg, but because of experiencing very bad abdominal pain, I was put on 10 mg. Almost 2 months complete being on this medication, and the side effects are starting to kick in: back pain, hair falling out, dry eyes, dry lips, itchy scalp, abdominal pain, and my skin texture has started to feel a lot different, a lot thinner, not only on my face but everywhere else."

• Mio...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 21, 2023

For Acne "Not had a single spot since. Been over a year since I came off of it (now Sept 2023). I have PCOS and I tried everything: birth control, creams, all the antibiotics. Anyway, started Accutane in March 2022 and finished it in August 2022. My acne got worse and didn’t get better until a month after I came off of it. The purge one month in was the worst, and because your skin doesn’t heal as quickly on this drug, you CANNOT pop any spots from the purge because A. too painful and B. you will scar permanently. This also makes the process of the purge worse as it feels like none of the spots are healing. I also got terrible eczema everywhere: hands, inside of elbows, dry eyes. Eyedrops every 10 minutes. I was also the most depressed I’ve ever been in my life and felt so low and fatigued I couldn’t do anything. It was definitely worth it, but not for the weak-minded as I didn’t want to be alive, but I never told my doctor and I wanted to finish the course and get through it for my skin."

• Acc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 8, 2024

For Acne "On week 8, I am 68, have skin pores that cause oily skin that promotes acne with possible bacterial infections. So far, some side effects that have occurred are dry lips - using Cortibalm, and it works very well. Other side effects are sore muscles, joint pain, occasional headache, dry eyes, dry skin, some stiffness in the back of the neck, and moving slow. Not too terribly bad and not a deal breaker to discontinue treatment. See my doctor next week to determine the continuation of taking the drug. Wish I had done this a long time ago, but starting in October helps avoid being outside and overly exposed to the sun, which must be avoided with prolonged exposure. Bottom line is I am moving forward as prescribed. Hope this helps."

• Amb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 11, 2016

For Acne "Into my second month of Roaccutane. I started on 40 mg for the first month. My side effects were low to begin with. My lower back ached for about 5 days and then went away. I have mild dry skin throughout the whole first month. The things that I found hard in the first month were the 4/5 nosebleeds a day, extremely dry eyes, and the worst breakout I have ever experienced. I went to see my derm two days ago and she increased my dose to 60 mg per day. I am now on the second day of 60 mg and I haven't really noticed any difference yet, but I'm not expecting to for about a week. I woke up today with probably fewer new spots than I have been, but the worst part for me is the really bad clusters of acne right next to either side of my mouth."

• Mae...
• October 27, 2013

Isotretinoin for Acne "I had heard that so many people had success with Accutane, and I especially saw the success my cousin had with it, so I was really excited. The first month I took it, all the skin peeled off on my lips and face, and I had to stop wearing contacts because it dried my eyes so bad, and it made my acne the worst it's ever been. I felt awful about myself. I constantly tried to fix my hair so that it would cover my face and do anything to avoid going out in public. I looked awful. Accutane did this to me until the last month I was on it, and then my face was semi-clear, but once I stopped it, my acne came back the same. One month of decent skin!? :'( The only thing that helps me control acne is sulfur *Pomada de Azufre* bought at Walgreens."

• Cha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 25, 2021

Isotretinoin for Acne "I took Accutane 20 years ago and have had extremely dry skin since. Dry mouth, dry eyes, dry skin, dry nose. My nose has a constant scab in it from cracking. Bleeds occasionally. The price of vanity is large. Be careful and good luck."

• Dry...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 22, 2020

Isotretinoin for Acne "I took this horrible drug 35 years ago and still have dry, red eyes. I have virtually no oil left in my skin, so wrinkles come quick. I'd give anything to have normal eyes."

• Joh...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 21, 2020

Isotretinoin for Acne "Do not touch this stuff. It gets rid of acne, but the side effects are horrendous. It has given me permanent dry eyes, permanent dry skin, and permanent insomnia."

• ada...
• April 21, 2017

Isotretinoin for Acne "Stuff sucks for the 1st 4 months, but after the 6th month I went from 50 pimples to 0. Been off of it for a year and maybe one odd breakout a month. Dry lips, dry eyes, and stay out of the sun."