Isotretinoin and Dryness: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Jay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 7, 2019

Isotretinoin for Acne "Freshman year of college, I broke out pretty bad. I really hated it, and I would even go days without looking at myself in the mirror. When summer came around, I tried Retina-A, but that only helped a little. When I got prescribed Myorisan, I started at 60 mg a day (I weigh 140 lbs). Then, after two months, I went up to 80 mg per day for the last 3 months. I gotta say, it cleared my face up, and I can't thank it enough. It really helped me, and even though it takes some time, it's well worth the wait. I did have side effects like dryness, dry lips, dry scalp, and a little constipation. But other than that, it was good. Now I'm on Microretina-A to help even my skin tone and texture."

• ult...
• May 31, 2020

Isotretinoin for Acne "I’m excited that I finally joined this party. I was cycling through antibiotics and Retin-A/adapalene for all of high school and college, and it was fairly ineffective and miserable. I came to accept myself in college, and for a while, I thought it was immoral/dangerous to risk Accutane because I had depression in high school. However, over the years, I learned that several of my classmates and my own cousin had taken it and looked normal. When I started my first job while living at home right after college, I decided it was time to roll the dice with Accutane. I’m in a special category of people because I decided that I was willing to own the risk just for the chance to try this drug and see if it opens some doors for me. I also wanted the assurance that this was something I could recommend to my future child. In terms of symptoms, I got the dryness, a few nosebleeds, joint pain, itchiness, hazy eyesight, peeling skin, and I took 60 mg a day for 6 months."

• Bri...
• August 17, 2017

For Acne "Okay, first off, I will say that this medication is not (at least for me) an instant cure. It's a process, and in the meantime, it's a very hard process. While checking your face every day for results, you will experience: dryness in your face, hands, lips, eyes, and nose (which causes nosebleeds, let me tell you). Your makeup will not sit right on your face, so don't even bother wearing any. You will break out worse at first before you start to see it clearing up. You will feel like it isn't working, you'll get upset, want to stop, but then, when your six months are almost up, it's like your skin is perfect. I went from severe, cystic acne to not having even one zit on my face. I can finally go without makeup for once in my life."

• Kay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 8, 2015

Isotretinoin for Acne "Accutane has saved my life. My acne surfaced around 22 years old, and from then on, I've tried every salicylic and benzoyl product, Retin-A and every other topical product from the dermatologist, and oral antibiotics known to mankind, and nothing worked. I started Accutane, now just starting month 4, and I have NO pimples! Only minimal scarring, but who cares as long as I don't have disgusting bumps and whiteheads all over my face! If you can get over the crazy dryness and chapped lips 24/7, you will be good. No joke, I used to be able to count anywhere from 10 to 20 pimples on my face, now I am clear!!!! I'm so scared because I need to stop Accutane a month early and pray my acne doesn't come back.:("

• Kat...
• February 25, 2016

Isotretinoin for Acne "I'm 23, and I never had acne in high school until I stopped taking my birth control due to health conditions. I started back on it, and acne came on with a vengeance. No matter what I did, if I was on or off BC, the acne never stopped flaring up. Some days were good, and my face and back were clear, but I was tired of battling, not looking in the mirror and being happy. I tried minocycline. I'm not going to say it didn't work because it helped. Acne was still horrible. First month, some dryness, second month, more dry, nosebleeds, and cystic acne popped up. I'm finishing my third month, and more of my friends say my face is looking amazing. Can't wait to finish treatment. Patience is key for this medication, for sure!!"

• til...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 8, 2016

Isotretinoin for Acne "I was on Accutane for a little over 6 months. I started at 30 mgs/day, but became suicidal and had severe joint pain, so my doc dropped me to 20 mgs/day. I was able to handle the dryness and sun sensitivity. Ultimately, I stopped taking it early because it dried out my lungs, and (although I can't prove it) I believe my new diagnosis of asthma is due to the Accutane. I suffered from horrible chest pain for over a month before figuring out it was the Accutane. Once I stopped, the chest pain went away, but the asthma has not gone away. It did completely clear up my skin, but I don't know if it was worth it. I've been off for 3 months now, and I have a little acne again, but it's not anywhere near as bad as it was before."

• Anonymous
• February 26, 2009

Isotretinoin for Acne "I've been on Accutane for three months now and have already seen a major difference in my skin. My skin used to be super oily to the point where even right after I washed my face, there was a layer of oil. After the first month, all the oil had dried up, but I still had acne (which is obviously to be expected). Now, after just 3 months, my acne is almost completely gone. Granted, I always have to have chapstick wherever I go since my lips are very dry, but it is manageable. I also have to make sure to apply lotion regularly, especially on colder days. Other than the dryness, I have had no other side effects and would certainly say that the side effects I have had are worth it."

• Goo...
• December 10, 2009

Isotretinoin for Acne "I started Accutane about 5 months ago. I've noticed a lot of these people saying that it made their acne worse in the beginning, and they're hoping for better results toward the end. In the beginning, my acne actually got pretty bad, so along with the constant dryness, it dropped my self-esteem pretty low. Then, throughout the next few weeks into the third month, my acne suddenly started disappearing, and now, into my 5th or 6th month, I have absolutely no acne, besides the occasional zit. Although I did obtain some sort of rash, the doctor said was from the Accutane, we originally thought it was ringworm, but it's a type of eczema. The doctor said it will go away in a few days with the prescribed cream."

• Anonymous
• December 2, 2009

Isotretinoin for Acne "I took Accutane for 5 months when I was 17 and saw amazing results. I thought that Accutane was supposed to clear acne forever, but mine came back when I was about 21, but not as bad as it was when I was a teenager. After trying other treatments for the past 3 years, I am starting on Accutane for the second time. I do not remember having any side effects, not even dryness. I really hope that it works as well as it did the first time."

• Anonymous
• June 21, 2011

Isotretinoin for Acne "Changed my life. After years of acne EVERYWHERE on my body, Claravis actually WORKED. I've been off for a month and have NO acne. I highly recommend taking the medication during the winter when there is little sun exposure to your sensitive skin. As well as BLISTEX COMPLETE MOISTURE CHAPSTICK. Make sure you GET IT. It cured my dry/cut/bloody lips that was a side effect. Also, if your face is dry as well, I highly recommend Cerave lotion. BEST OF LUCK TO EVERYONE."

• Anonymous
• November 9, 2011

Isotretinoin for Acne "Loved Accutane! Had to jump through hoops to take it (blood tests every month, waiver, birth control), but it was worth it. I had severe cystic acne after my second child, and no other prescription medicines helped. Had dryness and increased acne, but after treatment, I have been acne-free for 10 years! My sister also took Accutane but had a recurrence years later. She did a 2nd round and has been acne-free for 5 years. Saved my face from years of scarring, even if I have a recurrence at this point."

• Not...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 3, 2017

Isotretinoin for Acne "Suffered from very mild acne since 17. Odd breakouts around period. No acne during pregnancies. Getting worse over the years. Just had a baby and skin was perfect for a few days, then woke up with 100+ tiny bumps on my face. Thought they'd disappear but decided to become infected. Just started taking the drug (30 mg as already depressed about skin condition) day 8 and have had massive cystic spots (3) on my face but are drying up quite quickly. The most annoying thing is these tiny whiteheads I keep getting around my mouth-edge of lips. I can't help but pop them as they look really disgusting. Using Cetaphil products and aloe lotion for dryness a week before starting treatment, so dryness hasn't really been an issue so far. Hope this works and gets rid of tiny bumps."

• Lis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 17, 2021

Isotretinoin for Acne "I’m honestly not someone to ever write a review, but with Accutane being the most life-changing thing and reading all the horrible, scary reviews on here beforehand, I thought I wanted to so people could know the truth. People will always write horror stories, especially when taking 60/80 mg per day. My skin was very bad, acne-covered, and I started my treatment 6 months ago. I started on the lowest dose, 20 mg, and my derm kept asking if I wanted to up the dose to get treatment done quicker. I didn’t want to rock the boat as I was doing so well and am 6 months in and decided to stay on 20 mg. Honestly, yes, there is dryness, especially at first, but nothing some strong moisturizing cream wouldn’t fix. My lips have always been extremely dry from the beginning, but lip balm Eucerin works a treat! Yes, this medication has its downsides, but anyone struggling with the heartbreaking effects of acne, don’t hesitate, it will be the best thing you’ve ever done."

• Ale...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 28, 2016

Isotretinoin for Acne "I am 24 and have had moderate-level acne on my face for many years, and more recently on my shoulders. I started Accutane in March 2016 at 20 mg. In April, 30 mg, and next week - May, 40 mg. Symptoms in March: chapped lips, dry face, body aches, blurry vision, new oil pimples. In April, my symptoms changed to: eyes sensitive to sunlight, heartburn with greasy foods, body aches, dryness, dry hair/split ends/thinner hair, and my skin has a slower healing process now, so any pimples I have touched will stay for weeks. Also, I have noticed that on the days I do drink one gallon of water or more, my symptoms go away. I also eat healthy, and I try to take daily vitamins. Choose a reputable dermatologist!"

• Ban...
• May 20, 2015

For Acne "Accutane truly changed my life. Prior to Accutane, I had been dealing with cystic acne for the past five years. The acne was all over my face, but was mainly present on my chin and cheek area. The pimples were deep and painful and left scars regardless of whether I picked at them or not. My acne was present year-round; however, it worsened tremendously during the winter months. I was prescribed isotretinoin 25 mg twice a day in the middle of November. ($10 monthly!!!) I saw results within the first month of taking it! It was truly amazing. My skin was extremely dry for the first 2-3 months, but nothing too insane. Other than dryness, I did not experience any other drastic side effects from Accutane. No muscle pain, no mood changes."

• Crr...
• April 6, 2009

Isotretinoin for Acne "I just started this medication on April 1st, and after 3 days, I started seeing the effects, and I can see it's taking its course and working so far. The doctor started me on 40 mg two times a day for 4 months. So far, the only side effect is dryness, which was to be expected."

• Apo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 9, 2021

For Acne "I've never written a review before, I always felt others would do it instead, but in this case, I needed to because Accutane saved my life. I was very reluctant to take it, I'd read about the depression, the suicides, and all the other grim side effects, so instead, I tried all kinds of antibiotics and medications, none of which worked. By the point that I had exhausted all other options and eventually started Accutane, I had severe acne across my back, chest, and face, including large cysts on my neck, and I was in a very dark place. After 1 month, I was getting noticeably fewer spots, and by the time I'd completed the 6 months of treatment, I hadn't had new spots for weeks. While being treated, I did suffer badly from headaches, joint pain, and dryness, however, it was absolutely worth it, as if it was not for Accutane, I'm not sure I would still be around to write this review. I 100% recommend it if you have severe acne, and despite the bad press about Accutane, it saves lives. Acne that takes them."

• Bil...
• October 20, 2016

For Acne "23-year-old male. I've had mild to moderate acne on and off since high school. Tried everything else, so decided to give Accutane a shot. For me, I took 40 mg the first month and went up to 60 mg for the remaining 5 months for a total of 6 months. Months 1-4, acne got better gradually with breakouts here or there. Months 5 and 6 my skin was completely clear. Dryness was the only side effect I experienced. I would recommend this drug. If you are frightened by the negative effects some people have had, I would say remain on a lower dose and be patient. The bad side effects supposedly increase at higher dosages. Another note: I weigh 160 lbs, and the target mg for me was 72 mg a day. I did less and still saw results."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 18, 2017

Isotretinoin for Acne "I started getting acne as soon as I hit puberty (age 12, 6th grade). My acne continued to get worse all throughout middle school. I went to see a dermatologist, and he prescribed me many prescriptions that would work for a little while, but acne would come right back. Fast forward to age 23, I have the same derm since I was 12. He prescribed me Accutane as a last resort. Although I did not like it for the 6 months I was on it because of the dryness it caused, I love that my skin has finally been acne-free/blemish-free. I stopped taking Accutane in January 2017. I'm just hoping I don't have to go through that acne stage that I had in middle school ever again. Cons are that I still have dryness/eczema on my hands, it's kind of hard to get rid of that."

• 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."

• mel...
• July 25, 2011

Isotretinoin for Acne "I was prescribed Accutane when I was 17 years old for the first time. In the beginning of the treatment, it got worse, but after that, it just got better and better and better. I am on another 4-month course. I am currently on my 6th week, and my skin has just gotten bad breakouts, but I know it will all clear up. Accutane is the best thing anyone can ever do for themselves. It does have its side effects, but so does everything in life. For the dryness, I use Blistex medicated lip ointment and Clinique moisturizer. Stick it out. It is all worth it at the end of the day. I love Accutane."

• Bun...
• January 13, 2020

For Acne "I am currently on my 9th day of month #2 of my isotretinoin (dose 10 mg morning, 20 mg night, daily Oratane). Into about the second week of my first month (20 mg daily), my skin started getting much, much worse, but it healed fairly quickly and didn't concern me. Since then, I've developed painful, cystic nodules that have not yet gone away, some of them breaking the surface and leaving me with nasty open sores. The best thing that has come of this so far is that I'm able to go days without washing my hair. It's been absolutely amazing. I have managed to stay ahead of my symptoms (dryness) with the help of Aquaphor (bless Eucerin for this product), Chapstick, and a routine with lots of hydration. But I haven't seen any drastic improvement in my skin. Reading threads of people experiencing the same kinds of problems gave me a little bit of hope since the more popular threads are those of the miracle drug that cleared their acne in a week. I'm holding onto all hope that it'll get better."

• Res...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 9, 2015

For Acne "Had moderate acne for 10 years and tried just about everything: BP, topical/oral antibiotics, retinoids, spironolactone, birth control, etc., and my skin was very oily to top it off, making my acne practically undefeatable. Last year I developed horrible cystic acne on my chin, and my derm urged me towards Accutane. Well, I can tell you it's caused the worst breakout ever on my cheeks: painful, blistering nodules connected deep under my skin. I got prescribed prednisone and azithromycin for that, but it didn't help. I have to take Benzaclin now, and my face has never been this dry, painful, and red. I'm going into my 4th month with horrible skin, and things are looking bleak. The only good thing that's happened so far is that my blackheads are gone."

• Anonymous
• August 3, 2010

Isotretinoin for Acne "I am on my 3rd week of Claravis. I have one pimple that I picked, unfortunately, so it looks bad, but other than that, pretty clear skin! I was really dry around my nose, lips, and chin. I also was red all over my face, like rosacea, and swollen on my forehead between my eyes and on my chin...weird. But I started using Clinique Redness Solutions face wash, moisturizer, and SPF 15 base (all in one kit), and now the redness is almost gone, and my skin looks more normal. I also started using Clinique Mineral Makeup and love it! Great coverage and nice finish. I use Aquaphor at night for my lips and anywhere that is flaky in addition to the Clinique moisturizer. I just bought Murad Pomegranate Lip Treatment for day use."

• Dan...
• January 19, 2018

For Acne "I am taking Curacne (a brand of isotretinoin) and have 2 months left to finish the course of 6 months. I am happy because my pores became smaller, my skin is very clean now, my acne disappeared from the first month, but there is still pigmentation on both cheeks. I am really pleased with the result. Only the first week was hard, and now I am used to it. What I mean by hard is that my skin became extremely sensitive to any fabric and towels. My lips, up until now, have been very dry, but due to the great result, it is still worth taking."