Isotretinoin and Dry Skin: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Lad...
• May 18, 2015

Isotretinoin 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."

• Ljc...
• November 19, 2016

Isotretinoin for Acne "I was on this drug for a little over 6 months, and boy, did it work wonders. I had always had bad acne, and nothing had seemed to work before: topical creams, birth control, other prescription pills. I had severely dry lips and skin, it sucked, but it was tolerable. The worst side effect I had from this drug was mood changes. My doctor decided to try to increase my dose, and boy, that was a mistake. I became depressed, suffered mood swings, and had some horrible, almost suicidal thoughts. If you have any mental illness, I would not recommend this drug. I had to undergo monthly blood and pregnancy tests as well. I am very happy with the results, but those were the worst 6 months of my life."

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

Isotretinoin 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."

• Rev...
• March 17, 2008

Isotretinoin for Acne "I would rate this medication a 4. It did clear my acne for about 9 years. I took it while I was in high school. I am a petite, small female and may have been prescribed too high a dose. I experienced thoughts of suicide (extremely out of character), depression, VERY dry skin, aggravated acne, and scarring that was much worse than I ever had. This medication should be prescribed VERY carefully and should be a LAST resort. Patients should be monitored closely while on this."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 25, 2016

Isotretinoin for Acne "My son started Zenatane 5 months ago after trying everything else. This is the only thing that has cleared his skin (took almost 5 months). His doctor started him off with 20 mg twice a day. Now he is taking 60 mg twice a day. To those complaining about side effects, his doctor stated he must take this with high-fat foods: peanuts, peanut butter, bacon, etc. (to help absorb the medication). His first two blood tests came back a little high, so she did not increase his dosage. He ate more fat when taking the pills (a few scoops of peanut butter) and now on a higher dose, his counts are good. Do not listen to scary stories about this medication. His doctor said she has been prescribing for 12 years and never had a bad side effect reported (other than dry skin, lips). Wish he had gone on this sooner (18 years old)."

• HHa...
• January 30, 2020

Isotretinoin 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."

• Gbr...
• December 1, 2016

Isotretinoin for Acne "I tried so many acne medications, but none of them did the job as well as Accutane. It's been about 6 months since I finished my cycle, and I haven't had a problem with acne since. I had bad cystic acne that I hated, and it made me never want to go out or do anything for fear of people seeing how bad my face was. Initially, I was scared of using the medication because of all the side effects, but they were really not bad, and I survived it with barely any issues except for the dry skin. Your acne will get a bit worse before it gets better, so be patient and stick with it."

• Nat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 9, 2017

Isotretinoin for Acne "Along with braces for my teeth, Accutane was one of the best things I’ve ever done. At the age of 12, I started to have severe acne and serious breakouts that would never go away, no matter what I tried, no matter what topical medications I was prescribed. Finally, at 14, I was prescribed Accutane, and I have to say, it was truly life-changing. I did experience a rash-type skin response, along with sensitivity for the first week or so. After that, my skin became very dry. It was slightly annoying because I felt like a snake, as much as my skin was dry and sloughing off, but it was 1,000% worth it. Here I am now in my 20s, and my skin is so clear and beautiful. I receive compliments all the time! Accutane was a lifesaver."

• oky...
• March 18, 2019

Isotretinoin 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)"

• leh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 3, 2018

Isotretinoin for Acne "45 yo male on Claravis for 6 weeks so far. Face is completely cleared up from severe cystic acne suffered the last 5 years. Took minocycline for 3 years, then started having severe side effects. Claravis has been a lifesaver! Side effects for me so far have been dried, cracked lips and dry skin from the neck up."

• Vic...
• November 4, 2019

Isotretinoin 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."

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

Isotretinoin 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."

• cr0...
• February 25, 2012

Isotretinoin for Acne "Take this as a first-hand experience. I'm a 14-year-old girl. My acne used to be absolutely dreadful: severe and awful. Now I feel beautiful. My before and after pictures are astounding. My skin is as smooth as glass now, and the side effects were completely worth it. I have naturally dry skin. Accutane made it worse, yes. But now that I'm done, my skin is completely fine, and my face... goodness. Life-changing. Please-go on Accutane."

• Bro...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 18, 2020

Isotretinoin for Acne "I have been taking Myorisan for about 3 months now. I have always had recurring mild acne since a very young age. I have tried multiple antibiotics, including minocycline, doxycycline, and Bactrim. I have even been on spironolactone. Since getting on this medication, my acne has COMPLETELY gone away, just in 3 months. My skin has never been clearer. So thankful, and I 100% recommend anyone who is unsure about getting on it. It is life-changing. The only side effects I have experienced are some muscle soreness, dry lips, and some patches of dry skin."

• Ani...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 24, 2019

Isotretinoin for Acne "AMAZING results!!! I had bad cystic acne for 5 years. Tried antibiotics, Retin-A cream, diets, and the only thing that worked was Accutane. I still have scarring, but at least it's healing (finished Accutane 2 months ago). I would recommend it, but do your research, it can cause serious side effects. Fortunately, I just had the usual dry lips, dry nose and skin, and it went away when I stopped taking the pills."

• Bra...
• July 15, 2013

Isotretinoin for Acne "Accutane worked great for me. When I quit smoking and started working out at the gym, I broke out on my cheeks and my back. Took Accutane for 4 months (80 mg daily) and had dry lips, dry eyes, dry face (moisturizer daily), very red and sensitive skin, and peeling hands. Made it through with a little bit of suffering, and I must say my face is 100% clear and it had been 2 months without it so far, and my back is about 80% better. Might consider another short treatment in the winter to try and combat my back a little more, but so far very satisfied with my results. I know I was worried sick and contemplated taking it for weeks after reading reviews and then finally took the plunge. Don't regret it for a second. A million times happier."

• eri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 23, 2017

Isotretinoin for Acne "I'm a 20-year-old with severe acne on my face. I took 40 mg for the first two months and am currently on 60 mg. I am on my third month and am starting to see great results. Some of the side effects that I've had are very dry skin near my mouth and nose, chapped lips (especially on the corners), and sore shoulders. All of which I've found relief for, thankfully. Clinique Dramatically Different Lotion for my skin, Vaseline for my lips, and the occasional Advil for when I am sore. I still have a few cysts on my jaw and lower cheek, but they are slowly disappearing. I have a lot of hyperpigmentation and scarring from years of severe acne, but I am hopeful. This medication is very expensive, but I really feel like it has been worth it."

• Oli...
• March 4, 2018

Isotretinoin for Acne "Accutane was probably the best thing I've done so far in my life. I had heard awful things about the drug, and people's experiences just didn't sound pleasant, so I was rather worried. Thankfully, I blocked out everything I read online and decided to try it for myself. The first few months, I was confused because, yes, my skin was dry, but nothing like people had been saying. I had a few aches and pains in my body, which were annoying, but nothing that stopped me from doing my day-to-day tasks. I also felt a bit more tired than normal, but again, nothing crazy. At month 3, my skin was worse than ever, very dry and very, very raw. This was the worst thing about the drug: it gets worse before it gets better. Hang on in there, things change. From that point, it started improving like never before. My advice is to not read negative reviews. Everyone has a different experience, so don't be put off. However, the drug does come with side effects you should be aware of. Just take caution."

• Dam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 27, 2013

Isotretinoin for Acne "I had severe acne, rosacea, and had tried tetracycline antibiotics, Duac, Differin, and Dianette to get rid of it with no results - it was that bad I had stopped going out! Referred to a dermatologist and prescribed isotretinoin at 40mg per day. Within 7 days, my face had cleared completely. This is like a miracle. My skin is still slightly red from the rosacea, but nothing I can't cover with concealer. Side effects so far are blurred vision, muscle pains, and dry skin and lips - been through 4 tubs of Carmex in the four weeks I've been on Accutane. Using Cetaphil moisturizer and E45 emollient cleanser. Cannot recommend this enough - side effects are annoying but well worth it in the short term, in my opinion. Wish I'd insisted on this 4 years ago."

• Sho...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 9, 2014

Isotretinoin for Acne "I am 40 years old and have been struggling with adult acne for ten years now. My face has always been oily, and topical creams/antibiotics have only been temporary fixes. My dermatologist and I decided to finally give isotretinoin a try. I started taking Amnesteem in September 2013. The first three months I had moderate breakouts, as expected. But in December and so far this month, I've not had any acne, with the exception of a small bump I noticed today. I just had my last appointment with my dermatologist yesterday, where he gave me my last prescription. The only side effects have been dry eyes, skin, and lips, but not severe at all. Aquaphor for the lips and CeraVe for my face have been awesome. So far, very happy with the results."

• No...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 14, 2015

For Acne "My acne became severe around the age of 16, and I tried every product (oral and topical medications). Some helped for a little while, but my acne was never really gone. At 21, my acne was the worst it had ever been. Always hormonally motivated, I developed cystic acne and started to experience physical discomfort as well as self-esteem issues. I was on Accutane for 5 months. My side effects were EXTREMELY dry skin, and I had one week on the medication where my mood was dramatically affected. However, the last 2 months on the medication I had zero acne, and I saw steady improvement while on it. Now I not only have perfectly clear skin, I have NICE skin. And I can't remember the last time I broke out! Life-changing for me!"

• Xev...
• July 29, 2016

Isotretinoin for Acne "I've been taking Oratane (off-brand Accutane) for nearly 6 months now. My dosage was 20 mg during the first month and then 40 mg for the remainder of my cycle. I'm a 24-year-old male (I was 23 when I began taking the drug) with mild (but irritating) facial acne and moderate acne on my upper back. I found that my acne cleared up towards my second month of treatment. The only side effects I've encountered are dryness - dry lips being the main one, but easily remedied with chapstick. My skin (particularly on my face) and eyes also occasionally get dry, these can be tackled with moisturizer and eye drops. Aside from that, everything has been smooth sailing. I recommend Accutane to anyone with severe acne or stubborn acne that won't go away."

• 17y...
• August 4, 2016

Isotretinoin for Acne "PROS - completely clear skin after 4 months - during treatment my hair got much less greasy and barely needed washing. However, this stopped after I finished my course. CONS - dry skin everywhere, although was manageable with a lot of moisturizer and lip balm - eczema on arms, back of knees, and hands - severe back pain lasting the whole duration of the course, couldn't be helped by physiotherapy - (the worst side effect) irritable bowel syndrome. Severe pain while passing stools (to the extent of crying), constipation, and blood when I wiped. Was severely debilitating and made me afraid of going to the loo for 4 months. SUMMARY - despite the awful side effects, I do not at all regret taking Roaccutane even though I only had mild-moderate acne."

• Tat...
• August 6, 2016

Isotretinoin for Acne "Worked for me! Five years of GP-prescribed acne treatments did nothing but make me more and more frustrated. I went on Accutane, despite being dubious due to the severe side effects I'd read about. Did nothing at first, but gradually, after maybe three months, less and less spots were appearing. Now, after five months and with one more on Accutane to go, I have maybe one active spot, compared to a face full. Symptoms: I found it pretty easy. Dry lips were an annoyance, but just got into the habit of always carrying a lip balm. Dry skin was there but resolved by a good moisturizer (Cetaphil is good). My main issue was regular nosebleeds, I got one nearly every day, which was very disruptive. This was sorted, though, by slightly reducing my dose."

• Ric...
• March 24, 2017

Isotretinoin for Acne "Mild to moderate persistent acne. Male, 20s. Got prescribed this drug. Almost completely cleared up. Dry skin is my only side effect. The first month takes some getting used to with bringing lotion/chapstick with you places. The first 3 weeks is kind of fun watching everything get pushed out of your skin. I was hesitant after horror stories, but you'd be wrong not to try it."