Isotretinoin and Joint Pain: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Cha...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 10, 2019

Isotretinoin for Acne "I've had acne for 6 years. I’ve been on Accutane for 6 months now, first, I was taking 20mg. My skin got so bad to start with, then went back to how it was before I started my course. Now I am on 40mg and still no improvement. As for side effects, I have bleeding lips every day, flaky scalp, joint pain (I cannot exercise, it hurts my knees too much), I am incredibly moody, also very depressed for no apparent reason (besides having acne), I have an irregular heartbeat, fatigue... Hopefully, after a few more months, my skin will get clearer."

• rai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 19, 2021

Isotretinoin for Acne "Everyone is different. But it caused horrible joint pain day one. Started with my sacrum and SI joints. Then my hips, then my knees. Had to go to a chiropractor. It also started clearing my skin right away. I had dry lips and dry skin also. But the joint pain was horrible, I couldn't sit without pain. Was on Accutane 40 mg for two weeks before I stopped, and my pain went away after a week. Be careful if you have major joint pain, tell your doctor. If you can't function, get off it."

• liz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 30, 2020

Isotretinoin for Acne "I had very bad cystic acne for years, tried a lot of things just to cure those big, painful cystic acne that affects my self-esteem, thought that there is no way for me to cure them. Until my dermatologist prescribed me the Myorisan Accutane, took it for 6 months. The first 2 months were bad, big bumps kept appearing, dry skin, and joint pains, but it was worth it. I finished my medications 5 months ago, no acne or pimples are appearing. I'm very happy with the outcome. I will recommend Accutane, it really works."

• Kjb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 26, 2016

Isotretinoin for Acne "OMG, I love Accutane. Best thing that ever happened to me. I have 2 months left of this medication, and I don't want it to end. Right now, my face looks so perfect and flawless, occasionally, a zit or two, nothing major at all! I'm so sad that I won't be on it and that my acne will come back! I didn't have awful acne before, 1-10, it was like a 4 or 5 (10 being the worst), but I suffered from awful blackheads. Not anymore, my nose looks perfect. I did get huge cystic acne as soon as I started the medication, and I had almost every side effect, from 20 nosebleeds a day to chapped lips to my hair literally coming out in huge chunks and extreme joint pain. But it was so, so, so worth it."

• DUa...
• August 30, 2016

For Acne "I had severe acne, and nothing worked. I tried this for 3 months, and it was worth it. I had side effects to this medication: joint pain and severe dry skin. But I've been acne-free for almost 2 years."

• 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."

• Mrs...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 10, 2015

Isotretinoin for Acne "I live in the UK, so we get drugs, etc., free. This drug is only available via a specialist at a hospital and is carefully monitored. I'm 40 years old and had painful large spots since I was 12. I have tried everything, so now I've hit 40 and had a family, decided to try it. I lasted 15 days of 20 g a day. I thought at my age I would have less to worry about than a teenager. I could cope with the dry skin and cracked lips, but the headaches and joint pain were horrific. I stopped taking it 5 days ago, but still am in constant pain and have a headache. I have been told these side effects could last up to 30 days. I have never suffered side effects from any drugs I have taken until I took this. If you are planning to take this, please consider carefully."

• 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."

• Hun...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 15, 2021

Isotretinoin for Acne "HORRIBLE. Left me permanently crippled with joint and back pain, irreversible damage. I now spend every day of my life suffering and in pain because of this pill that was pushed on me. It cleared up my acne fast, but all my acne returned worse a month after I stopped. Please never get on this. I am warning you. They never warned me. I've been dealing with the permanent side effects after being off of Accutane for 4 years now and the pain only gets worse. Worst mistake of my life. Save yourself, please."

• Acn...
• March 9, 2016

Isotretinoin for Acne "I started Accutane late December 2015. I was on it for 7 weeks, 5 days when I had to temporarily stop because my liver enzymes were elevated. At this point, I was taking 60 mg per day. In regards to my acne, my skin was clearing beautifully! I'm very happy with the results. However, I experienced side effects such as dry skin, dry lips, joint pain, headaches, and trouble sleeping sometimes. Within two weeks after stopping Accutane, I did some blood work. My results showed that my liver enzymes were back to normal, so my doctor advised me to start Accutane again. I'm currently taking 60 mg again every day, and I have roughly about 11 weeks more to go on Accutane. I do get 1-2 pimples and a few blackheads, but nothing cystic."

• Anonymous
• January 13, 2021

Isotretinoin for Acne "This is my third time on Accutane, unfortunately, it hasn’t kept my skin clear forever-only for 1-2 years. However, my family has severe acne, and my brothers and sister (my brothers had worse skin than I have) all have been on one round of Accutane and have kept their skin clear for 3+ years after. This time around, I am starting on a higher dose, so I am optimistic it will work. Symptoms I got were chapped lips, dry hands, eczema patches, and sore joints. My skin got worse before it got better, however, in my opinion, it’s totally worth the long 6 months. My skin was extremely dry the first week, but I got it under control with CeraVe moisturizers, Vaseline, No7 hydrating mask, and a powerful humidifier! This works on my eczema as well. The only symptoms that I can’t control are the sore joints, but it has subsided after all my treatments and has still allowed me to work out. Highly recommend for severe acne cases who have tried everything else!"

• SW7...
• March 14, 2018

Isotretinoin for Acne "I started this drug because I suffered from acne my entire life. Tried countless medications from my doctor, with nothing being successful. It wasn’t until I was 24 years old, and after a year of studying this drug and contemplating it, I decided to take the plunge! The side effects suck. Extremely dry lips (like I’m talking can’t even talk without your lips being moisturized. Vaseline!), some chest pain, sore joints, heartburn (if Accutane isn’t taken with food), dry nostrils, dry skin, eczema, very low endurance, painful bowel movement. (Yeah. I got it bad.) BUT they are different for everyone, and it worked for me! If I had the choice to do it again knowing what I know now, I would, 100%. It honestly renews your skin. Old acne scars I had for 8 years were gone! It does get worse before it gets better but is worth it! Only reason for my 9/10 is because the side effects would have been tough to deal with without support and encouragement. So make sure you have tons of that! Good luck!"

• Jan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 18, 2017

For Rosacea "Just over a month in... very low dose (10 mg) for sebaceous hyperplasia and rosacea, but appears to be working! Tried umpteen other lotions and potions, and nothing worked, then this medication. My specialist is insisting on blood tests to keep an eye on my liver and cholesterol, so fingers crossed the first tests come back positive. Dry lips and some dry skin on my body, but making sure to use lip balm and moisturizing lotion after showers. Minor headaches and minimal joint pain, but no nosebleeds or other symptoms. My skin is starting to look more 'normal' again, and my hair glorious after years of greasy misery. Fingers crossed things continue to improve."

• Gru...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 2, 2012

Isotretinoin for Acne "Despite the high cost and the side effects - fantastic. Struggled through teens and then nothing until I hit 40! Suddenly, terrible facial and body acne again. Had to go for private treatment as the UK NHS would not cover the cost, but so worth the cost. Some discomfort, very dry lips, some nosebleeds due to dryness, joint pain in knees and back, hair thin and brittle, but no lasting effects at all and would not hesitate to do it again if required. It works. My skin is better now than it has ever been."

• Toa...
• April 23, 2021

Isotretinoin for Acne "For background, I am a female in my mid-20s. I took 40 mg of Accutane for 8 months (on and off, since I sometimes had to stop to take antibiotics). I had no other health problems other than depression and anxiety prior to taking Accutane. Neither of these conditions worsened or improved for me while on the drug. This drug does what it says it will do. The acne on my chest and back has completely cleared and not come back. I only get hormonal breakouts before my period now. The prominent side effects that I experienced were hair loss, weight gain (not due to the medication, but having to take Accutane with a high-fat meal, feeling more tired on the drug, etc.), and body aches. I am still coping with hair loss, but my dermatologist has said it is temporary. And joint pain from the medication. If I do not drink a lot of water throughout the day, then my joints start to feel really stiff. But other than that, I did not experience any other lasting side effects."

• Anonymous
• November 7, 2011

Isotretinoin for Acne "I am a little past a month on it, and I started at 40 mg a day, and after the one-month check-in, they upped my dose to 80 mg a day. For the first week, really nothing happened except for mildly dry lips, after about 7 days, my skin started to dry out, but it wasn't too bad. Before Claravis, my skin was horribly oily, and I always had to worry about it. Now my skin is dry, but I'm not going to complain. It does give you joint pain, so if you have a job where it requires lifting, heads up, your back will hurt. The pill makes my skin less dry than topical creams like tretinoin and adapalene anyway, so I like it. Don't know if this is a side effect of the medicine, but orange juice and many other drinks now have a really strange aftertaste. Overall, it's amazing."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• May 30, 2011

Isotretinoin for Acne "This drug definitely works. Covered in acne before starting the medicine, it only took 4 months, and I am now acne-free. But although it worked very well, many of the side effects are awful. Dry skin is bearable, but as an athlete, the joint pains made playing my sports very difficult. But worst of all was the depression. After about the first month, the depression hit, and I rarely went a day without considering suicide for the next 3 months. It may work, but if you are going to use this medicine, be aware of some of the devastating side effects."

• Sho...
• April 10, 2016

Isotretinoin for Acne "I am 49 years old, and my skin NEVER broke out during puberty. When I was in my mid-30s, it hit me slowly and then real bad about 3 years ago. At first, antibiotics and spironolactone worked fine, then last year my body stopped responding to that treatment. That is when I started on Amnesteem. Aside from the initial pain in the neck of filing with the federal government to ensure I wouldn't get pregnant, I was excited to try it. The first month, my skin got really oily and broke out more, but my doctor said that happens. I am on my 5th month of treatment now, and my skin is almost clear. My only complaint is joint pain - I feel like I am 30 years older than I really am, and I eat Tylenol like candy, yet I am told that will also subside."

• HGr...
• August 24, 2015

Isotretinoin for Acne "I have been battling acne since I was 17. Oily skin, cysts on a monthly basis, blackheads, etc. I never had 'pizza face,' but my acne has been very persistent for years. I am now 27, and after trying tons of topical creams and oral antibiotics, I asked for Accutane. In 2 weeks, I will be at my 3-month mark. Wow, what a difference! My skin is softer, blackheads are almost all gone, and for the most part, my skin is clear, and I haven't had a cyst in a few weeks. I am still getting very mild breakouts, but nothing compared to before. I am so excited to see the final result at the end of this year. So far, side effects are mild chapped lips, joint aches, and a dry nose with bloody boogers. My skin is not that dry, but I was also very oily before."

• Mis...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 16, 2019

For Acne "I have had two rounds of isotretinoin with a three-month break in between. Both times my acne has returned after the month it takes to get out of your system. My skin was great after month five/six. My skin cleared completely for six weeks. I even took it an extra month my second go-around. My hair didn't have to be washed daily. I felt normal for the first time in my life. That quickly changed. Now I'm six months post-treatment and my acne is worse than ever before, my hair is also more oily than ever. All that commitment and pain for nothing. I had significant joint and back pain. Enough to keep me less active, which caused weight gain. I feel this medication only made my acne angry and now has come back with a vengeance. I'm devastated. I'm 31 and still have cystic acne and feel more insecure than ever."

• Anonymous
• August 11, 2010

Isotretinoin for Acne "When I was a 15-year-old freshman in high school, I broke out with severe acne. In literally one week, my skin went from perfectly clear to large acne blotches on my cheeks, chin, and neck that were painful to touch. After trying everything in the arsenal at the time (minocycline, benzaclin, finacea, etc.), my dermatologist recommended Accutane. My only side effects were ridiculously chapped lips, dry skin on my face, and some joint pain. After a month and a half of treatment, my acne was gone completely, and my skin was clearer every day thereafter. I was so depressed with the acne, but this medicine changed my life for the better, as I have never needed to use/take another acne medication following that 4 or 5 month treatment."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 8, 2016

For Acne "I have been taking isotretinoin for 2.5 months, and I have gotten almost completely clear!! The main side effects I have felt were joint pain, mostly in the middle back and sometimes in the neck and hands, but nothing ibuprofen couldn't help! I live in a cold climate and haven't really experienced an insane dryness all over, just mild in certain areas, the ears being the most surprising! I love this product, it has worked a miracle. If you are hesitating - don't! Get on this - it will change your life!! The only reason I gave this a 9 is that I still have a few small scars, so I think I will have to use something else for that. Anyway, good luck to all!! :)"

• Mel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 23, 2017

Isotretinoin for Acne "I've had horrible cystic acne for years, started taking Accutane 3 months ago, am completely clear now. Bad points: joint pain, dry skin, and lips. Get yourself Blistex relief cream, works wonders for your lips."

• car...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 19, 2021

Isotretinoin for Acne "Accutane is amazing. 10/10. Not just does it fix the acne, it also fixes the stretch marks on the skin. I got stretch marks years ago due to methylprednisolone and dexamethasone abuse. The stretch marks amazingly improved on Accutane. Yes, there are side effects: dry lips, delayed skin wound healing, and joint pain. I lick my lips every time I need to keep them hydrated, I take chondroitin, glucosamine, and collagen supplements for the joint pain, and everything is just fine then. Took and taking 100 mg a day (50 and 50), having 125 lb (55 kg) and 6 ft (185 cm). Please note, the delayed healing side effect is amazingly annoying. While taking Accutane, I am unable to do any blood tests. It just won't work. The vein spot will swell like a balloon. Also, a big acne spot which ended can still be visible on the skin for up to 3 months while taking Accutane. Do not panic or something. It is a normal process. I also take omeprazole 20 mg and pantoprazole 40 mg for stomach acid control. Also, calcium 500 mg."