| Key to ratings for accutane: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |
| Rating | Reason | Side Effects | Comments | Sex | Age | Time Taken and Dosage | Date Added | |
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| 1 | Acne | Dry skin, dry lips, dry sinus cavities, dry everything, thin hair, loss of appetite, depression, chronic sickness, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, chronic pain, extremely pissed off. | This drug is not for anybody. No acne is bad enough to expose yourself to this substance. I took this 6 years ago, and I never even finished a course because I got so sick. My immune system was destroyed, and I picked up every virus or bacteria out there. It started out with chronic sinus infections, then got the flu, then was just sick all the time with whatever. I had to retake my last year of highschool because of this. A few years later I was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Now it's six years later and I am in constant pain, I can't eat any foods I like anymore, and I'm nearly almost always depressed or angry. I can't afford hospital bills, and I've lost my motivation to do much of anything. Every day is a struggle. If you have read peoples experiences the with the drug and still think it's worth it to get rid of your acne, try and remember there can be life long consequences. No acne is bad enough to put yourself through this. P.S. Accutane didn't even fix anything, I still have bad acne on top of all this shit. | M | 23 | 5 months 2X D | 7/22/2010 | 5 | severe cystic acne | Normal side effects of dry skin and really dry lips, some mood swings | I took a generic form of accutane four years ago. I had severe cystic acne for almost 10 years. The process of taking the medicine was a pain (monthly exams, pregnancy test, birth control, blood tests, sign up for the IPledge program) but the end result was so worth it. It is wonderful to have my face back, not constant soreness and bleeding. Of course I have some scaring from the years of acne but I am very pleased with the result. I would not recommend this to anyone with regular acne, only very severe cystic acne. I would recommend only as a last result but I have not had any long term side effects and I only get an occasional normal pimple(not a large cyst)now and then. | F | 32 | 4 months ? 2X D | 7/19/2010 | 3 | severe acne & scaring. | extremely dry lips and face, blood in stool, high triglycerides which id never had before, mood swings, depression, peeling under finger nails, sty's on my eyes, severe joint pain that still has not gone away after 6 months off of accutane. | the doctors never warned me of all the side effects. the doctors were very worried about my high triglycerides . i got very anger a lot for no reason. now i have to see a chiropractor for my hip pain from accutane. i still have spots on my face from the pimples i popped in the past and around my period i still get break outs. im not sure if i would recommend this drug to anybody i know. | F | 17 | 5 months 30mg 2X D | 7/15/2010 | 1 | acne | DRY SKIN AND LIPS I FELT THIS MEDICINE WAS DESTROYING ME INSIDE AND OUT IM THIRSTY 24-7 and I GET HEADACHES IN SECONDS MY SKIN IS DRY | HORRIBLE TERRIBLE DEATHLY DRUG WOULD NOT SUGGEST THIS DISGUSTING DRUG TO ANYONE!!!!!!!!!!! COMMON ON NOW its MANDATORY to be on birth control and look at all THE LEGAL PAPER WORK YOU HAVE TO SIGN TO EVEN BE ON THE DRUG! look how hard it is to even PICK UP YOUR PRESCIPTION!!! | F | 22 | 7 months 30 1X D | 7/13/2010 | 5 | Severe cystic acne on face and body | Aching joints, like arthritis, felt like I was 90, extremely stiff getting up or down, sitting or standing, but once moving reasonably okay. Dry and chapped skin and dry hair, very tired, felt poisoned every time the dose went up, increased cholesterol levels, skin crawling, sleeping problems - tired but could not sleep with crawling skin - lead to exhaustion. | So it is now a 8 months since I finished my Accutane course. As per the side effects it is very serious medicine, and I was very lucky all the side effect were gone within a month of finishing the accutane, but believe me it is like poison in your system. However for me this was a miracle drug, it was like having a skin transplant to pretty, normal skin which I have not had since puberty, I am full of confidence and very happy with the result. I could not recommend it highly enough and if your skin is bad enough you will try it anyhow, just wish I had over ruled my doctor and taken it years ago, honestly. It is very strong medication, and I am as healthy as a horse, so if you are an unhelathy person anyhow would not advise it. I would say that if your skin is bad enough then taking it with the side effects outlined here is still worth worth it. | F | 43 | 7 months body weigh 1X D | 7/8/2010 | 4 | Acne | Dry skin. Moodiness. Irritability. Anger. | This medication was a love/hate kind of thing. Accutane cleared up my face wonderfully, but while on the medication I was angry, volatile, and had severe mood swings. I would lash out on anyone who upset me. This drug should be taken with severe caution, and as a last resort option. | F | 21 | 6 months 30MG 1X D | 7/2/2010 | 4 | moderate chest & back acne | Extremely dry lips, it hurts to eat and open my mouth even when i apply gobs of aquaphor. Moderately dry skin, its hard to tan. Dry nose that has caused a lose of smell. Short term memory loss and fatigue. Joint pains while running. | I've been on the drug for 4 months. It has done WONDERS for my skin. My main complaint is the dry lips. I haven't been able to kiss (pleasantly) in months. I've also had trouble smelling things, but it's not severe. I'm at the top of my class in high school and I started to struggle near the end of school. I couldn't remember things as well as I normally do. I don't think memory loss is permanent, but I'm positive accutane messes with the brain. Recently my friends catch me zoning out during conversations. I swear I'm almost A.D.D. now. Hopefully it will go away when I'm finished with my treatment. I promise acne will clear! Take the drug, it will clear your skin! | M | 16 | 4 months 20mg 2X D | 7/2/2010 | 3 | cystic acne + regular acne | Dryness: face, nose, arms, legs, vagina, scalp, nails, hair and especially lips. Dried bloody nose, fatigue, moody/emotional, hair loss, poor posture, lots of joint pains, headaches. | I no longer have any acne but I have lots of scarring on my face, arms, and back that hasn't gone away. I'm supposed to be on a 6 month course but I don't see this coming to an end anytime soon. I had to stop working out because my joint pains increase dramatically when I do. I have a lot of side effects and just want this to be over. I'm very afraid it won't work :( | F | 20 | 4.5 months 60 MG 1X D | 6/28/2010 | 1 | Acne | I suffered dry skins and lips and hair loss. My skin aged rapidly which my dermatologist denied could happen. I then began to experience disabling fatigue, memory loss and loss of train of thought which have now been present nearly 2 years after stopping the drug. I want my life back. My skin still has break outs but not as bad, was it worth - NO. | This drug should be BANNED. | F | 35 | 3 months 1X D | 6/24/2010 | 1 | ADULT ACNE | WHEN TAKING ACCUTANE I ALMOST IMMEDIATELY EXPERIENCED HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AND JOINT PAIN. NEVER HAD THESE PROBLEMS BEFORE. YEARS LATER THE DR WAS UNABLE TO GET AN ACCURATE EYE EXAM ON ME. MY EYE SIGHT HAD CHANGED SO MUCH AND ALSO DIASGNOSED WITH THINNING OF THE CORNEA WHICH LED TO EYE SURGERY. I STILL CANNOT BE IN THE SUNLIGHT OR EVEN DRIVE WITHOUT SUNGLASSES. MY EYES ARE VERY SENSITIVE TO LIGHT. I NOW, WHICH IS THE MOST SERIOUS HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH A KIDNEY DISEASE. I FEEL THAT ACCUTANE ELEVATES AND PRODUCES DISEASES. MY SKIN WAS LEFT VERY THIN, LARGE PORES AND LOOSE SKIN. STILL HAVE ACNE FLARE UPS. I WORK IN THE MEDICAL FIELD AND JUST HATE SO BAD WHEN I SEE A TEEN OR ANYONE COME IN BECAUSE THE ARE GETTING READY TO START TAKING ACCUTANE..... I ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH HAIR THINNING. PATIENT IN SOUTH CAROLINA | F | 52 | 9 months 50MG 1X D | 6/21/2010 | 4 | mild Acne and very oily skin | Dry lips, dry skin, manageable joint pains. | I have been taking a low dose because thats all that is really needed. Anyone on a higher 60 or 80 mg dose needs to speak to their doctor about lowering it to 20 or 40. The dose does not determine your results, the length of time you are on it does. A lower dose over a longer time would eliminate 90% of the griping and complaining on here. Yeah I do get sore joints and occasionally a sore back. I take fish oil and vitamin D and that helps a ton. Fish oil 2X daily, no joint pain. Taking fish oil is a small price to pay for the amazing skin I have. 20 years of fighting acne is over and I have my life back. | M | 35 | 4 months 20 1X D | 6/14/2010 | 5 | Cystic acne | Chapped lips and dry skin, primarily in the last month of treatment. Resolved within a week of ending treatment. | THIS IS A WONDER DRUG. I had cystic acne from about age 10 to age 35 when it became available in the mid-1980s. It totally cleared my skin and helped me physically and emotionally. It has been many years since I took Accutane, and my skin is totally clear and it helped the quality in terms of reducing scarring, pores and general appearance. People actually compliment my skin, which, for those of us who suffered so much is amazing. The first time someone complimented me (who didn't know me before treatment), I looked behind me to see who they were talking to and there was no one there. This drug is well worth all the precautions. I felt fine while taking it because my skin cleared within a short period of time. My son and nephew also had great results. | F | 60 | 5 months 1X D | 6/9/2010 | 4 | Acne | Dry lips, hair, skin. Slow healing, sensitive vaginal/ anal pain. | I have been able to handle all of the side affects so far until this week. I have decided to take 2-3 off of taking the medicine to see if I can heal faster and try to get rid of the sensitivity. It hurts to wipe after going to the bathroom. | F | 28 | 3.5 months 40 mg 2X D | 6/9/2010 | 4 | adult onset cystic acne | dry lips, dry skin, dry eyes, permanent thinning hair that started during treatment, joint and muscle pain, back pain | I took Accutaine for about 3 months but I don't remember the strength. The joint, muscle and back pain started soon after treatment ended. I never associated the pains to the medication until recently after reading what others have stated. I knew the thinning hair and other side effects were the result of the medication and figured it was worth it. Knowing now that the back, joint and muscle pains are most likely due to taking the medication I would not take Accutaine again if I could do it over again. The worst part is that my son took the medication at age 17 and he started having back pain (disc related). He regrets taking Accutaine and I regret encouraging him to take it. | F | 58 | 1X D | 6/7/2010 | 4 | ADULT ONSET CYSTIC ACNE | Lasting dry eye issues. Attribute severe lasting vaginal dryness to the use of this drug. Issues with intermittment moderate muscle/joint pain | I took 2 normal rounds of this medication in my early thirties. I think that each round was about 12 weeks in duration. I do not recall the dose. I think I took it once or twice a day but was told that it was critically important to not miss doses and to totally stay out of the sun. I do not know how else I would have cleared up the cystic acne I developed in mid twenties. It totally cured the issue to this day. However I believe I do have the lasting side effects that have been manageable. | F | 55 | 3 months 1X D | 5/26/2010 | 3 | Severe acne | Dry lips, soar back, overall very few side effects | I am currently still on accutane and so far I've been very pleased with my results. I am only 18 but my issue is will this harm any babies that I plan on having later on down the road like 10 years or so from now?? | F | 18 | 60 1X D | 5/17/2010 | 5 | SEVERE CYSTIC ACNE | CLEAR SKIN | ACCUTANE WAS A WONDER DRUG FOR ME. I WENT FROM BEING A LOVELY PRETTY GIRL, TO A 14-YEAR OLD RIDDLED WITH CYSTS UPON CYSTS - ALL OVER MY FACE, BACK, AND CHEST. I WAS GHASTLY TO LOOK AT, AND MY EGO WAS CRUSHED. AFTER ROUNDS OF EVERY ACNE MEDICATION ON THE MARKET, ACCUTANE WAS THE ONLY ONE THAT GAVE ME MY LIFE BACK. I HAVE HAD NO SIDE EFFECTS. SHOULD I EXPERIENCE THEM IN THE FUTURE (I'M AGE 46), I WILL SAY IT WAS A FAIR TRADE OFF. NO YOUNG GIRL DESERVED TO GO THROUGH WHAT I DID. THANK YOU ACCUTANE! | F | 46 | 6 months ? 1X D | 5/14/2010 | 2 | Moderate Acne | Dry Eyes, Insomnia, Very Dry Lips, Moody, Red rashes on arms and spreading to hands also legs. | The first couple weeks my skin started getting worse. Then i started breaking out just like before starting accutane..but now since im getting all these rashes im starting to worry i might be allergic or something to it. So i stoped it a few days ago and now it seems like some of my rash it subsidding.i think once it fully goes away and im soon going to check soon in with my derm. And i get the ok.. to be back on it i just want to start at 20 MG per 1 day then and see how that goes. I really want with to work ive had acne since i was 12..high school was really rough for me i ended up wanting to go to cyber school just so i dont have to have to be around people who seem to always be prettier..there was only 2 kids in my grade with acne...so seemed lik everyone else had beautiful skin but me. So ive been in and out of depression for some time now...just realllyy hope it works... | F | 17 | 3 weeks 40 MG 1X D | 5/10/2010 | 3 | Acne | I started the accutane course when i was 17 1/2 due to my very bad skin that posed a scarring threat on my cheeks. Even after the first week I had tremendous results- inflammation decreased and white/blackheads disappeared. As my treatment went on, the side effects became apparent. Suicidal thoughts, severe depression, moodiness, dry everything, etc. My skin cleared up even more as my dosage was doubled to 80mg. The second checkup brought alarming results- my creatine production in my kidneys was dangerously high. I was referred to a nephrologist only to discover that both my kidneys were working at 70% normal function. I was very frustrated but nonetheless I stopped the treatment. This was when things got worse. Two weeks after I stopped taking accutane, I became severely depressed and angry. I made my girlfriend cry almost every day and we were on thin ice. But the thing that troubled me most was my sex drive. Before my accutane treatment everything was fine, my girlfriend and I woul | I have been off accutane for almost two months now and I am still experiencing problems. It seems as if every other week i'm horny, and others I am not at all. I feel very awkward, as I am young and i'm used to feeling horny all the time, and getting up never used to be an issue before I started treatment. I've decided that I need to see a doctor about this issue to receive any type of treatment or advice on how I can get back on track. I really want to return to my normal state as sex is very important to me. Please email me if you have any questions or advice on this matter. From my experience using this drug, I would not recommend it as the after-effects outweigh the benefits of clear skin. My sex life is much more important than my skin and I know there are other routes you can take other than accutane (Retin-A). | M | 17 | 2 months up to 80mg 1X D | 5/7/2010 | 5 | Severe facial/ bodily acne | Nothing thus far.. | I'll just start by saying that no I have not been on it for a long enough time to know whether I experience negative side effects/ which ones I experience, but this is my logic with the drug: All medications that are prescribed have severe possible side effects, they all share many of the same ones. You are VERY likely to experience the minor ones from accutane (chapped lips, dry skin/ mouth/ eyes/ nose, joint pain, headaches, etc.) because you are being dehydrated by the drug. My belief is that people assume that since people usually experience THOSE side effects, that you are more likely to experience ALL of them. Everyone reacts differently to ANY drug, so that's why some people have had incredibly bad experiences with accutane, however, it has obviously worked for many other people too. What should be taken into account is the ratio of success to failures using this drug, that is how people should form their opinions. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, and that is mine. | F | 19 | 2 days 40mg 1X D | 5/2/2010 | 5 | moderate to severe acne | dry lips | Had acne since 14. I was too afraid to take accutane because I heard so many bad stories. Now I wish I had taken it sooner. How much better I would have felt in high school. At the end of my third month and so much better. No initial break out and no bad side affects yet. Don't automatically believe all the bad stuff as it can obviously be different for everyone. Also you are checked once a month by the doctor so he/she can monitor for problems and adjust. | F | 19 | 3 months 40mg 1X D | 4/30/2010 | 5 | moderate acne | In my opinion, It's All Worth It!!!! :) The, Dry lips (completely under control w/ AquaPhor), Sensitive/Dry Face (Again, nothing that AquaPhor couldn't help!), Occasional Hip & Chest Pain,(in the second month only), Occasional Severely Dry Anal, causing a couple of painful bowel movements, and weirdly, eyebrow sweats no matter what my body temp is...(the eyebrow sweats may not be related to accutane as I have not shared this possible side effect with my doctor), and lastly, the best side effect of all, BEAUTIFUL SKIN! | AMMAZING RESULTS! :) I am on my 5th & final month of taking 2 generic forms of Accutane; Amnesteem 10mg (1/day), and Claravis 30mg (2/day), 70mg/day. I made it through high school with no acne and developed moderate acne at the age of 18. I am a model/actor/student and the acne was a night mare, absolutely horrible on my self-esteem and confidence! I tried several prescribed meds with no help. I was aware of Accutane through close friends who took it & I was fearful of it even though they did have amazing results from it however sites like this one scared me. Finally my acne got to where it was very painful and intolerable, at that point my Dermatologist recommended Accutane and I was now willing. I am highly involved in sports and only experienced occasional hip & chest pain in the 2nd month of taking, I believe, 40mg/day. I had not noticed any other aches or pains except those natural to the workouts & conditioning I do. My dry lips and dry skin are tolerable w/ the constant use of AquaPhor, (found at Walgreens). When starting Accutane my doctor started me at a low dose and upped it each visit until the 3rd month when she upped it 70mg /day… it finally worked. The 2nd & 3rd month I had a huge acne flare-up! After the middle of the third month my skin was beautiful, no pimples, not one!!! I’m acne-free! I have flawless skin! I would recommend to anyone dealing with moderate to severe acne that he/she takes with a (large) grain of salt many of | F | 19 | 5 months 30MG&10MG 2X D | 4/21/2010 | 3 | Bad Acne | Nose bleeds, dried skin, sunburn very easily, slight depression, etc... | I started when i was 20 years old and stopped about a year and a half later. Acutane helped all of my acne, but the after effects are horrible. Im convinced it caused my extreme heartburn, hair thinning, low energy levels, digestive problems, trouble concentrating, anxiety, and several other problems. If i could go back,would i take it agian? its hard to say if my acne going away was really worth all these problems. I just hate that there is nothing i can do about it now... | M | 28 | 1.5 years 2X D | 4/21/2010 | 3 | severe acne | mood swings while taking and depression has lasted 6 months after. Acne is 70% better but not as good as we expected. | not worth the depression and anxiety. This drug is more dangerous then they tell you. Marijuana seems to increase depression and suicidal tendencies. | M | 16 | 4 months 30 mg 1X D | 4/21/2010 | 4 | Acne | Dry lips, dry nose, dry skin, back pain | Cleared up my back and chest completely and my face is 90percent better; though I've been off accutane for 3/4 months now, I still have back pains. | F | 21 | 6 months 20 3X D | 4/20/2010 | 4 | Cystic acne | Bloody nose, very dry lips, around month 3 ankle joint pain, around month 4 hip pain. | I never had serious problem with acne in high school and as soon as I started college it just flared up. After multiple other products and nothing working I decided to give Accutane a shot. For the most part this medicine seems to be working. I have this month left and maybe one more (TBD), for a total of 6 months. My doctor has me taking one dose Sat/Sun/Tues/Thurs and two doses (morning and night) M/W/F. So far it has cleared up most of the painful acne cysts I use to have constantly. It is not completely clear but it is much better than when I started. I know this treatment is not for everyone but for me so far it has been fine. I have had to cut down on the time and mileage I spend at the gym per-week due to the stiffness and pain in my ankles and hip. To any one considering beginning this treatment I'd say give it a shot. Tell your doctor about any side effects and use your own judgment if you need to decrease dosage or stop taking it all together. | F | 23 | 5 months 40MG 1X D | 4/19/2010 | 5 | Cystic Acne | Severely dry eyes & skin, nose bleeds, cholesterol & triglycerides sky-rocketed, continuous spotting (which means i have an approx. 3-wk period), bad sunburns which lead to weeks of peeling | I am in my last month of 80 MG/day Accutane (which I believe is the highest dosage possible). When I decided to begin it, I had 3 concerns that I'd heard/read about and I said that if any of these came true, I would stop Accutane. 1) That I'd gain weight 2) That I'd kill myself 3) That my hair would fall out. None of these came true. It is great stuff. I wanted flawless skin and Accutane gave it to me. I don't have to wear primer, foundation, powder, nothing. I wonder if all these people on here complaining about it didn't already have pre-existing tendencies that Accutane had no part whatsoever in causing? Like back pain. I had back pain before Accutane. I still have back pain while on Accutane. But Accutane did not cause my back pain. Also, I have been slightly lethargic and moody while taking it. But it has been winter and everyone gets a little gloomier during wintertime. The bottom line is that I am a young woman in college and therefore, I care what I look like. I am more than willing to put up with the side effects I'm experiencing in exchange for never worrying about disgusting cysts ever again. Highly recommend it. | F | 20 | 5 months 80 MG 1X D | 4/9/2010 | 5 | adult onset | dry lips/skin, rash on arms, hair thinning, back pains, fatigue | I was really skeptical about taking it, but now I am super glad that I did. It worked pretty quickly; my face looks 100 times better than before. The dry skin wasn't too bad if I used the Cetaphil mosturizer and constantly applied chapstick (Aquaphor)the only thing that really upset me was my hair thinning-it fell out like crazy! (Supposedly hair thinning is only seen in male patients 40+ yrs. old who are already balding, but I have my suspicions that mine was caused by the Accutane) My dermatologist promised that all the side effects would be temporary and that I would be back to normal 30 days after treatment...so we'll see! | F | 24 | 5 months 80mg. 1X D | 4/3/2010 | 1 | Joint pain, nose bleeds, swollen and sluggish lymph nodes, weight gain, liver disease, depression, hair loss, anger and mood swings, cracked lips, eye infectons, light intolerance, redness of the skin, skin sensitivity. Skin would break open with the slightest knock. | Its been over 12 yrs and I still cant wax my legs without having to scratch them excessivly for days sometimes weeks. Its only been in the last yr that I can squeeze my nose, as i the cartilage in my nose must of damaged or something. I was unable to pinch my nostrils together. I now have alot of lymphatic issues and Im fairly certain its due to this horrible drug. I cant believe they put teenagers on this. | M | 29 | 7 months 70 1X D | 4/1/2010 | 1 | acne | Joint pain, back pain, chest pain, very tired, anger, dry lips, dry face, redness in face. | Okay so I am 19 years old in college and just started accutane 10 days ago. I really thought I wouldn't have any side effects since I have taken a lot of other supplements whether for lifting or acne. After only ten days I started to have pretty bad joint and back pain. I am in good physical shape and lifting is a must for me. I have never had any joint or muscle pain before taking accutane. The last two times lifting it hurt just to lift from how bad the back and joint pain was. My acne has started to go away, and only have a few pimples on my face. I think I am going to stop taking the medication though because I am not willing to have permanent joint pain for the rest of my life. Also I have been extremely tired, taking naps all the time which I usually am very energetic. And also very angry for no reason, feels like I want to punch something over any little thing. Unless your acne is really really bad do not start this, the side effects are no joke. I think I am going to go back to using Differin, all though it did not cure my acne it at least didnt make me feel like a 80 year old man with all my joint pains. I think I can deal with a little bit of acne rather than going through all of these side effects. Try It, but if you have these symptoms I would stop right away. | M | 19 | 12 days 40 mg 1X D | 3/31/2010 | 1 | Adult-onset acne | IRREVERSIBLE, SEVERE JOINT/BACK PAIN, THIN HAIR, VISUAL CHANGES | I am absolutely amazed at the people on here who are basically calling the ones with permanent side-effects from Accutane liars!! You have no idea! I was a 5'8", 135 pound, healthy, non-smoking, active person when I took this HORRIBLE drug. Just because everyone doesn't experience the debilitating side effects doesn't make them untrue for others. I am a nurse, and there's NO doubt in my mind Accutane caused every one of my symptoms. A study has been done that confirms this drug causes cell death all over the body. It's the same drug as chemotherapy! That's why the body ages so quickly, thin hair, vision deficits, aging joints,etc. http://www.topix.com/forum/drug/accutane/T9QJ8DO1TLI41VBPN It's hard to go from doing EVERYTHING to near disability! How can you sit in judgement of us when you have no idea the pain we suffer. We can't all be crazy; just read how many of us have the same symptoms, and they all started after taking Accutane. | F | 39 | 2 months ? 1X D | 3/26/2010 | 1 | Moderate Acne | Life long dry lips (Extreme during treatment, never back to normal over 10 years later), Dry skin (face and hands), joint pain (over the years it gets worse and worse.. Knees click and have pain, wrists and elbows are easily fatigued (Can't handle doing a gentle yoga class). Thinning hair (might be genetic, many of the women in my family suffer from this condition) | Over all, my acne never went away completely.. just during treatment. But, I am left with a life-long pain of the joints. I feel like a woman in her 70's or 80's sometimes..not normal. I used to be active and athletic. I have an abundance of energy and am a slender woman, weighing 130 lbs at a height of 5'9. I should be completely healthy. I have now been diagnosed with chondromalaycia patella, a degenerative condition of the lubrication tissue just under the knee joint. This tissue is regulated by oils. Accutane shuts off your oil glands. Correlation: absolutely no coincidence! I am so upset to be reading these posts. There is obviously a link. I took this medicine at the ages of 19 and later again at 21, because it didn't work the first round. They up'd my dose the second time around, and my acne was still never cured. I still suffer from acne at the age of 31. | F | 31 | 6 months 10 MG 1X D | 3/13/2010 | 5 | severe cystic acne | Chapped lips, tiredness | I've just started my 4th month on accutane and I really can't say enough good things about it. I've always had bad acne and ran the course with all the creams and antibiotics - proactiv worked for about a year and then it failed too. It came down to me crying in my dermatologists office after I saw how horrible I looked in my best friends wedding photos! He started me out gradually at 20mg once a day and increased my dosage every month until now, where he's keeping me at a total 60 mg daily. My face has cleared up, I've had no major side effects (other than the fact I should buy stock in Blistex and Carmex!) Honestly, I can't say enough great things about it - and yes, I've read the posts and did the research...I believe if you start out at a lower dose and work your way up, it will give you the results you want! LOVE IT! | F | 27 | 5 months 20 mg 3X D | 3/12/2010 | 5 | Moderate Cystic Acne | Dry lips, Sensitive/Dry Face, Occasional (But Severe) Hip Pain, Mild Hair Loss, Occasional Blood in rectum, Mild Flaring of Psoriasis, and lastly, and weirdly, Mild Curling of Hair (weird, right?) | I started Accutane at age 18 after developing increasingly problematic cystic acne. I was hesitant to start, but now that I just finished treatment, I'm worried to stop! Unfortunately, there is the initial worsening of the skin within the first few weeks. However, as you stay on treatment, you learn to cope with the symptoms. As a college student, it was such a godsend to, for once, NOT have to worry about my skin, AND I could get away with not showering for a few days because of the lack of oils. To combat the dryness on my face, I used light soap and moisturizers (Cetaphil worked great). I was inseparable from my tube of Carmex. I finished my last month recently and I am now a bit worried about going off! It really has been a great treatment for me and I would highly recommend this product based solely on my experience. | M | 19 | 6 months 20-40 1X D | 3/11/2010 | 5 | horrible acne | The only side effect that i have had is very dry lips and very dry skin. In the beginning my acne got slightly worse. I never had cystic acne, but after starting accutane i got a few really bad cystic bumps. But that is because it pushes all of the gunk to the surface that has been hiding under your skin. I have now been on accutane for 4 months, with 2 to go. I have NEVER been happier, not one single pimple on my face at all! my discolorations and scaring is going away, my pores are almost invisible and i get compliments on my skin ALL THE TIME. i used to have insanely oily skin and now i dont at all. I use Aveeno mosturizing cream cleanser (the calming one) and i use the positively radiant spf mosturizer by aveeno. with both of those plus the accutane my skin is looking flawless!!!!!!!!my face would always breakout from mosturizers and just in general, now things that used to give me pimples within a few hours dont give me pimples at all! i would recommend accutane to anyone who has | F | 26 | 6 months 30mg 2X D | 3/5/2010 | 5 | cystic, persistent, adult acne | Dry lips, a few nose bleeds on higher dosage, no oil, soft hair. | LOW DOSE is the way to go! Ask your doctor/derm! After my first course of 40mg/day for 6 months, I'm now on a maintenance dose of 10mg/day and it's GREAT! All the advantages of accutane with none of the side effects. This drug is a miracle, period. People who complain are just trying to blame their problems on accutane, even when it's proven accutane did not cause it. Take responsibility for your own issues! Accutane cures acne, THAT IS ALL. | F | 30 | 4 years 10mg 1X D | 3/3/2010 | 5 | 12 years of cystic acne | Dry lips, dry eyes, dry skin, brain fog, fatigue, photosensitivity, short term memory loss, diminished night vision. Joint pain. All of these were temporary. | This drug saved my life. Being an adult over 30, it was extremely embarrassing to have cystic acne in the professional world. It has been 2 years and not a cyst in sight. No lingering side effects either. | F | 32 | 4 months 60mg 1X D | 2/24/2010 | 5 | Cystic Acne | Dry nose, occasional nosebleed | A wonder drug! I had terrible cystic acne starting before puberty and did all the usual treatments without any effect on it at all. Finally I went on Accutane in my mid-30s and it was a wonder drug. The acne quickly vanished and aside from a dry nose, I had negligible side effects. It's been over 15 years and I'm still mostly acne-free with only slightly oily nose and forehead. I'd recommend this to anyone, and, as my 9 year-old has started to develop acne, I'm keeping it in mind for when he gets into his teens. | M | 48 | 3 months unknown 1X D | 2/24/2010 | 5 | severe, cystic-type acne | I took acutane about 15 years ago after trying everything else on the market, OTC and prescribed. I don't remember the dosage, but I do recall alternating the dosage every-other-day as prescribed by the doctor (two pills one day and one pill the next). During the course of treatment, I began to have pretty significant joint and muscle pain and my cholesterol level went through the roof (450) even with a very low-fat diet. I also had some issues with night vision, some of which continues today. The cholesterol and joint/muscle pain resolved once I completed the treatment. I never had the very dry, flaky skin and lips or dry eyes others have experienced. I have not had a problem with any significant break-outs since taking the medication. I do have some fairly significant scarring though. My daughter completed her Acutane treatment about 9 months ago. She suffered with severe joint and muscle pain as well with the main pain occurring in her back. She also had very dry lips. Bo | Like many other medications, you need to be informed about possible side-effects. Unfortunately, I did not know about a possible link between Acutane and IBS as none was ever given at the time I took it. Although Acutane cleared my acne and I have not had a significant break-out since, I don't know if I would have made the decision to take it if I knew it was possible to develop IBS. | F | 49 | 4 months 2X D | 2/19/2010 | 3 | Chapped lips, dry nose, ridiculous muscle pain | I've gone through a pattern of side effects....first it was dry lips, than random nose bleeds, back to dry lips now its dry skin (face), little red bumbs on the back of my hands, really uncomfortable muscle pains in both my thighs and I still have dry lips. I'm really hoping this is all worth it!!!!!!! | M | 25 | 1 months 80MG 2X D | 2/12/2010 | 1 | Acne (mod-severe) | depression,anxiety,paranoia,knee pain,peeling skin on face,chapped lips,back ache,hair thinning,loss of appetite,anger,mood swings,blurred vision/ | Do not take this medication it ruins your life! i would rather have slightly marked skin than a life of the side effects i am experiencing now beilieve me, my advice is never to pick or pop spots leave them alone they will heal themselves. Wash your face with aqueous cream and tepid water and pat dry and use the topial sloution zineryt this will not cure your acne but will help significantly! | M | 26 | 4 months 2X D | 2/12/2010 | 5 | acne | Some mild lower back pain, usual dryness of lips and skin | I took it 14 yrs ago when I was 15 and it cleared up my horrible acne. I had some scarring but it would have been much much worse without this drug. It was a god send. | F | 29 | 4 months 40-80mg 1X D | 2/10/2010 | 1 | Acne treatment | I had a baby 1 week ago born with Sirenomelia an extremely rare congenital disease occurring only 1 in 100 000 births. After researching the condition in some detail the only possible cause and common factor that recurs in my research is Roaccutane usage. I used Roaccutane 20 years ago. My pharmaceutical knowledge tells me that It is physically impossible for drug traces to remain inside the body for such a lengthy And extended period of time as all traces are considered expelled within 6 months. The area too coincidental is Roaccutane. This is implicated with birth defects in Sirenomelia as well as the anotia which does not present in any of the other sirenomelia cases I have read. I had an approximate 6 month treatment of roaccutane approximately 20 years ago. This might seem a total improbability I know and I might be clutching at straws. I am a pharmacist who has studied further in the area of natural health during the last few years. During my natural health stud | F | 38 | 6 months 3X D | 2/8/2010 | 4 | Acne | I cleared up after an initial breakout at about 3 months into taking it. I am 4 months off and started breaking out but nothing as bad as before. I may go on a second round. I feel like these posts I have read are all from the same person. Give me a break...I had NO real terrible side effects. I think some may have them but I really think this board is full of whiners. | F | 35 | 6 days 60 1X D | 2/6/2010 | 5 | severe acne | dry lips, hair loss, and joint pain | I realize that I did not start experiencing adverse side affects until I started taking the drug irregularly. I would take it in the mornings and then skip a day and take it the following night. One day, I started noticing, joint pain and hair loss. I decided to do something I should have been doing all along... take vitamins. I am happy with the results as I had gotten to the point where I did not wish to step outside my door to pick up the paper let along go into my office and work. I was just too embarrassed. I am employed full time as a financial analyst and attend college full time; and have not noticed a decrease in attention to detail or depression. I came to this site because of the joint paid I have been experiencing but once you understand the ideation, you can make better decisions for your life. The choice is truly yours. Accutane has truly been good for me. | F | 43 | 5.5 months | 2/3/2010 | 2 | acne | I had very dry lips and skin. I'm sure I had more side effects, I just didn't realize at the time. | I took Accutane about 8 yrs. ago. I am now having so many side effects. I have joint, knee, and back pain. My hair is thinning out. My vision is blurry and getting worst. I have very dry itchy skin now. And last of all,I even have THYROID CANCER. I didn't realize that Accutane can caused all these problems. I have seen so many doctors for my pain and problems and never got any answers from them as to why I'm having all these problems. From reading all other people comments on Accutane side effects, I finally realize this could be the caused of my pains and health issues. Oh and by the way, Accutane only some what helped clear up my acne while taking it but now I'm breaking out as always. | F | 34 | 6 months | 2/1/2010 | 4 | I have little girl skin (sensitive | May cause lips to be dry, strange sleep pattern, very exhausted for no reason, lack of concentration, varying in mood, lack of motivation. | I find all external things very manageable by doing the following. Although lips can very quickly become dry. I use “Blistex Complete Moisture” and have no issues. I apply like 10 plus times a day, but as a result I have perfect lips with no issues and don’t go anywhere without it. Skin becomes dry easily, so I use “Aveeno Moisturizing Lotion” after the shower. The doc told me the 3min role. Meaning put all lotions, lip chap, etc on your body within 3mins of washing that area to prevent dry skin and it works for me. I find the mental thing a whole different game that requires constant attention that is difficult to give. I am an average kind of guy, get good marks. But it all changed with the drug. Dropped my Avg. 10% due to a few things. Lack of concentration would be the main thing and I am exhausted very quickly, rendering me almost useless to concentrate for long periods of time, even if I am interested. As a result I have went from an avg. 5-7 hours sleep a night to a minimum of 8-9 hours. If I get less than 8 hours, I am junk. Can’t do much, days are hard, very low motivation, question my existence, oddly emotional?. Basically makes me think I am going crazy. There were some warning signs of this prior when I was only on 20mg, but now at 60mg it is full out. So if I were to suggest anything it would be. 1. Don’t do things that are important to you in life when you take this drug i.e. College, making first | M | 28 | 5 months | 1/26/2010 | 2 | oily skin, acne | mild to extreme headaches, darkening of urine, eye pain, mild to extreme fatigue (usually extreme fatigue) | after taking accutane for about 2 weeks now, i am starting to questing whether or not if taking accutane was a good idea. the thought of having acne free skin and non oily skin would be a great improvement in confidence. i am experiencing more difficulty concentrating than usual and i am alot more depressed than usual. headaces i am experiencing feel like my head is icnreasing in pressure and same is happening to my eyes. my scalp, forehead, upper cheek and nose are still very oily but in contrast my chin and mouth are incredibly dry and skin is flaking. initially before taking accutane my sleeping habbits could withstand being awake for extended periods (staying up for 2 days would be no problem, and sleeping for 4 hours would be no problem), now i can barely stay awake(or sleep) after sleeping for at least 12 hours. sofar the medication seems to have more side effects than beneficial/intended effects. i am hoping that improvements will show soon. i am currently on a 1-2 month trial period to see whether or not accutane is right for me, sofar its screwing me up more than i expected. i really hope it doesnt affect me negatively after i stop :s | M | 18 | 2 months | 1/24/2010 | 1 | Acne | Severe osteopenia,sjorgen's like disorder,chronic blepheritis,joint,muscle and tendon problems,hormonal problems (such as thyroid)low iron,fragile/thin skin and wrinkles. | Do Not take this Chemotherapy drug. It will ruin your life. I had 3 cysts the color of my skin. I have never been the same since. The doctor told me I would only have dry skin and body. I had only dry lips while on it till the last 2wks of tx which I stoped the med due to not feeling right. This poison continues to work even after you stop the med. It causes cell death, hormonal problems. I continue to still live with theese issues after 1-1/2. I am now on a drug to combat my chronic inflmation state with a drug that lupus pts take. My Osteopenia may or may not improve. My autoimmune thyroid disorder will always be a constant battle. To top it all off I still have thoose 3 cysts, they never went away. to the women who wrote about hormonal problems you can contact me and anyone elese who has questions or needs help | F | 32 | 8 months | 1/23/2010 | 4 | cystic acne | dryness of lips and face. looking back probably depression | I took Accutane in 1981-82. I had to have 2 rounds of the medicine but I do not remember the dosage. The first round cleared up my back and shoulders but it took another round to clear the cystic acne on my face. The only thing I do remember was the dryness and sensitivity to the sun. But since then I have dealt with depression through out my adult life. I don't remember the joint/muscle pain but getting older or what I have had creeky knees and such for a long time. My daughter,who took it at the age of 16-17 still has break outs and I am concerned about her taking it again. I would like to hear feedback on how the medicine has affected females and their hormones. I think that rather than losing hair it has messed mine and my daughter's hormones up and has caused an increase in thicker/darker body hair especially arms and chin. I went into early menopause at the age of 36 and have a thyroid condition. I don't know if these things are related to taking Accutane but I would like to find out if others have experienced anything similar. | F | 45 | 4 months | 1/21/2010 | 5 | moderate-severe acne | chapped lips, dry skin | I took 60mg of accutane for 10 months, 8 years ago. It was the only thing that worked with my skin after years of other medications. I was highly involved in sports at the time and noticed no aches or pains except those natural to the workouts and conditioning I was doing. Even my chapped lips and skin were't that bad. (I remember my doctor starting me at the lowest dose and upping it each visit until the 60mg dosage finally worked. And trust me, it was really obvious which dosage 'worked'. She said that a number of other doctors begin with high dosages and adjust from there, but the building up from a lower doseage was supposed to help combat some of the dryness and ensure I was using the lowest dosage possible for my skin). Anyway, I've been acne-free ever since. I still have dry skin (nothing a good moisturizer doesn't help), but have not had acne since (I can literally count on one hand the pimples I've had in the last 8 years). Accutane for me was a life-saver. My flawless skin (that I receive a number of compliments on being that I'm SNOW white, so any blemish would show) is the only indication of my time on this drug. I would recommend to anyone dealing with severe acne that he/she take with a (large) grain of salt many of the scares that are out there regarding this drug. | F | 23 | 10 months | 1/12/2010 | 1 | acne | Dry lips eyes nose | Took 80mg for 4 months in mid 80s when I was 19 had the basic side effects had to stop after 4 months could not take it any longer it was rough. But I have to stop here and say the drug changed my life the first for the good acne oily hair and skin where gone for good. I went for seven or eight years with no problems some chapped lips and dry skin in winter but then started having Bowel problems and muscle & joint pain lower back, elbows, hands, I get out of bed like a 70 year old man my back and kidneys ache every morning, Doctor thinks I have Fibromyagia but symtoms are not the same. I always blamed it on the Accutane but was told not possible. Then I started checking on the long term side effect of Accutane for my 14 year old daughter and started seeing the same problems over and over in people that had taken Accutane over twenty years ago. Don't do it | M | 44 | 4 days | 1/10/2010 | 5 | cystic acne | dry lips, dry cracking skin on arms and hands, nose bleeds inside of nose, mood swings, irritability, low libido, vaginal dryness. | My skin got a little bit worse the first and second month, but cleared up after that. It has been amazing most of the time. I have been moody about things that would not normally bother me. I also do not want to do many things I once did. I cannot wash with body wash because my skin gets too dry, my lips are only bearable because of medicated chapstick and prescription medicine. I would recommend accutane but be ready for the side effects. I am counting down the days until I am done. I'm only on it because absolutely nothing else worked. I want my normal life back. | F | 22 | 4 months | 1/6/2010 | 4 | Adult acne | Extremely dry skin on my face, dry scalp, chapped lips, joint/muscle pain. Neosporin Lip Health is the best thing I have found for my lips. | I took Accutane about 10 years ago with only the dry skin and chapped lips to contend with. I am into my 2nd week and my lips are very dry and this time I have horrible back pain and stiffness in my hips and ankles. The stiffness does go away after I have gotten up and walked around. I have found a fantastic OTC chapstick that helps better than Vaseline. The Neosporin Lip Health is fantastic!!! I have also been using the Walgreens Shea Butter Vaseline on my face/inside my nose at night. It has been helping. Since I knew what to expect I was prepared for the side effects. It does get better!!! I am thankful that my sister is a massage therapist and that is helping with the sore muscles. | F | 28 | 14 days | 12/27/2009 | 5 | Acne | Dry lips, joint pain | I took Accutane when I was 23, when it was first approved. It cleared up 13 years worth of acne in a few weeks, with few side effects. No lasting side effects.I took it again at age 40 but noticed severe joint pain, and discontinued after two months. I am taking it again at age 52 for the occasionall hormonal flair up and again have severe joint pain. I am slim, very active, work out, eat pretty well, don't smoke. The joint pain will go away once I stop the dug. For the other reviewers, please know they may not be revealing anything else about their lives: do they smoke? Drink? Take other drugs? Symptoms are different with each person and it's hard to say Accutane caused this or that. It might be, but other things may also be affecting ther symptoms. I know it is giving me joint pain, but every time I stopped it, I went back to working out, running, being in good shape. So you need to take care of yourself very well and not just blame Accutane right away. Every patient should dsicuss their treatment and side effects with their physician, as every patinet is unique and may experience things differently. | F | 52 | 3 months | 12/20/2009 | 2 | For severe acne | Im currently taking accutane and I have the normal dryness but a couple months ago, I felt a horrible hip and back problem and haven't been able to run without or walk a while without the pain returning. I thought it happened from too much physical activity but now idkk.... I also just had eye twitching and bLurryness today which made me come too this site. My cholesterol shot up 50 points in the first month as well but I'm getting it under control now. Anyways, should eye be worried about the eye problems and back/hip problems??? | F | 16 | 4 months | 12/19/2009 | 4 | cystic acne | Dry skin, chopped lips, constipation,increase of appetite, Mood swings, dry eyes, fatigue, back pain and recently left hip pain going all the way down to my heel. | I m on the first week on my 4 month of accutane, my back cleared up completly with just one zit or two left but everything else is gone. My face is 90% clear now. however i am scaredthat i have developped a hip pain on my left side...-i don`t want it to be sth permanent! | F | 28 | 4 months | 12/12/2009 | 1 | Pimples | Dry skin, severely cracked lips.....PANCREAITIS!!!!! | BEWARE!!! Before taking this tablet you have you seriously be aware of the life threatening side effects which actually don't occur untill years after taking it! I'm a 25 yr old man, I took Roaccutane when I was 16 for bad acne that I had...I wish I never did. When I was 22 I developed Pancreaitis (Inflammation of the Pancreas) Just like normal people would I had a drink or two at the weekend, I would never say I had a drink problem which seems to be a reason for getting Pancreaitis. Ended up in hospital with 10% chance of life, was in high dependency and was told I can never drink again for the rest of my life...being a young fella I still had the odd drink when I was out and again I have taken Pancreaitis twice more, the doctors have told me there is only a certain number of times I can take this again before there will be nothing more they can do for me, my life is more important to me so I stay away from having a sociable drink now which is hard because I'm only a young man but I'm getting married soon so life is more important. My Fiancee has been perscribed Roaccutane and I have talked her out of taking it, it's a serious drug, if I could turn back time I wouldn't take it again, my life has been ruined by this drug, Pancreaitis is a side effect of this drug! | M | 25 | 4 months | 11/27/2009 | 3 | Acne | I took accutane three years ago, it could be the biggest regret of my life. While on it, it was not bad at all. I used blistex DCT for my lips it worked very well. Anyway treatment ended and I still had some acne, but 75% of it cleared up. The doc tried to put me on another 4 months but I turned it down, thank god. Exactly 1 YEAR LATER I developed eczema. It started on my thighs and behind my legs. A few months later it was on my face right around my eye lids. I got steroid creams to combat it but they only helped a little bit. The following winter the same thing happened. Now it is November and my exczema will be back for the winter of 09/10. I regret accutane, it ruind by body but I'm lucky it hurt some other people out there worse then me. | If you value your body please do not take this. I took it three years ago and I am still hurting from the side effects. It cleared 75% of my acne up but it wasn't worth it to go through what I'm going through now. I have not taken a hot shower in 2 years. | M | 21 | 6 months | 11/23/2009 | 1 | Moderate Acne | constant severe itching primarily on the face/neck/groin and all over, Diarrea, Rectum/penile discomfort, Rectum bleeding, sores, dry patches of skin, bouts of anger/aggression. | My doctor prescribed Accutane in 1995 for moderate acne. I used the Accutane for the "recommended" time period. Afterwards, the side affects have "haunted" me since, without a cure or any releif I would strongly suggest you do not take Accutane. | M | 31 | | 11/22/2009 | 5 | Severe Acne | Horrible mood swings, SEVERE dryness of the hands, arms, lips and face | This cleared up acne that i had for over ten years! Its been 3 years since I stopped using ACCUTANE and i have received so many compliments on how beautiful my skin is, i never thought my nasty pizza face would ever look so good. HOWEVER--SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS: you have to be lotioning yourself religiously, otherwise you will have nasty dry patches that begin to bleed from the severe dryness, my lips suffered the most, i looked like a crack addict. However, always carry around AQUAPHOR, it worked the best on my horrible dry spots. Also you will have angry fits of rage,..be careful! However after the treatment You will be glad you went through hell! | F | 22 | 6 months | 11/4/2009 | 2 | adult acne | Very achy joints, dry eyes, and chapped lips. No depression at all, although I was expecting it. Mentally I felt great while on it. | Face was 99% clear while on it, but started breaking out again as soon as I quit taking it four months later (not as bad as pre-accutane.) The main problem is immediately after I stopped taking it I suddenly developed chronic diarrhea and severe neck pain which I still have over one year later. Would not take again or recommend for those reasons. My neck is killing me! | F | 39 | 4 months | 11/4/2009 | 5 | pimples | severe anxitey,mood swings,horrible stomache cramps,headaches if i didnt take it with food,dry skin, chapped lips,nosebleeds,hip pain, lower back pain, direahha | works good but the side effects blow. and you have to know how to control them. | F | 19 | 5 months | 11/2/2009 | 3 | acne that would not go away | Im 21 now and I took Accutane in 2004-2006-ish and my skin dried up like a desert. I had oily skin tobegin with but now, its all dry. Every little thing I touched that was remotely sharp, i would get a gash in my skin from and going to get my eye brows waxed?! Forget it!!! I am still trying to find a lotion that actually works, Ive been using Gold Bond healing with Aloe and I need something different soon cuz my body is getting used to it (like it did with the Curel and the vasaline lotions and the Aveeno and Jergins and Johnson and Johnson.) Be careful with accutane, if you have dry skin already, either do not take it or be prepared to spend a lot on moisturizers( I recommend starting out with either Aveeno or Gold Bond)!! And for women on the medicine, get men's disposable razors, they dont have the moisturizing strips that will actually make your skin worse (my MAJOR problem area is my legs and arms) I would definitely proceed with caution with this medication! | F | 21 | 1.5 years | 11/2/2009 | 4 | acne | dry skin ovarian cyst? | this worked great for my acne, had only crazy dryness. My skin is very soft. About a month after I finished my 6 months, I had an ovarian cyst...not sure if it was caused by the medicine or not..but I ended up loosing my right ovary and fallopian tube! Sucks cuz I am only 15 and now I am scared I won't be able to have kids, because I have a couple of cysts on my other ovary too. Anyone else have this problem? | F | 15 | 6 months | 10/27/2009 | 3 | sever cystic acne | stomach pains on and off.. a little bit of lazy/tiredness the first few days. skin gets burned more easy from sunlight.. eyes get a bit dry not to bad... hair and scalp really dry. | M | 24 | 14 days | 10/26/2009 | 4 | Oily skin/mild acne | Dry eyes, scalp, and arms. Mild tummy aches and constipation. More breakouts experienced within first couple of weeks of treatment. | I have been on the 60 mg dose for about 2 weeks now and have been handling it quite well. My dermatologist had warned me that dry skin would occur and muscle soreness may also occur. So far, I have not experienced any muscle or joint soreness but I have noticed my eyes and scalp to be very dry and itchy. I haven't had any hair loss, but I can tell you, I have wanted to rip my hair out with how itchy my scalp has been. Lips have been a bit chapped but I have been using Burt's Bees which pretty much has knocked that out. My tummy has gotten a bit sore more than often and I have experienced a little constipation, I will try to drink more water. Everyone has different side effects when taking this medicine; I wouldn't assume that everything you read will happen to you. I haven't seen too much of a difference, in fact, my acne has gotten worse within the first week and a half, but it's starting to clear. | F | 23 | 2 weeks | 10/23/2009 | 4 | Mild Acne- Hated The Blackheads | I have only been on this treatment for 2 weeks and i am feeling rough. My twin sister was on this for 6 months last year and only experienced the basics side affects that everyone seems to get no matter what...extremely dry lips & face and the occasional mood swing. However she was started on a lower dose then me even though her acne was alot worse. I thought id be fine but im really not. I have upper back pain most of the time and the occasional chest pain. I get blurred vision and my eyes are killing me! Headaches on and off and im tired alot of the time,which doesnt change much actually as i do shift work but it is making it hard. Im definately not coming off the medication as i know it works but i know its gonna be difficult. Im just hoping that these are all i get. I can handle mood swings and the dry lips & face, just not the constant pain and the headaches. | I would still recommend it as not everyone gets the same problems....my twin is the prime example.....she sailed through!!! She looks radiant and i hate her for it! :-P My sister is just generelly better now, psycially and mentally then she has ever been. | F | 20 | | 10/22/2009 | 4 | Acne from severe to moderate | Dry lips, dry skin, lethargy and headaches. | This drug seems to be working very well - I have put off taking it for about 18 years or so. I have pimples every day but nowhere as bad as they used to be. My skin is almost clear except for a single pimple and ever present blackheads. When I started taking it, I already had a history of depression and Irritable Bowel Syndrome but it seems as if the aforementioned conditions have not be aggravated by this. I find that taking a B Complex with Vitamin C & 1000iu Vitamin E help with the side effects. Always take the pill with a meal and a full glass of liquid. I have also been using Bio Oil for dryness and scars. I am on a low dose 20mg so maybe that could explain the lack of severe side effects. I have been able to exercise and wear my contact lenses throughout the month or so that I have been taking it. I will see what the future effects are & I have been so afraid to take this drug because of the side effects but nobody that I know who has taken this drug has any of these long term side effects so maybe it depends on the luck of the draw. Good luck to all those taking it but I really think that this should be a last resort... | F | 28 | 1.5 months | 10/9/2009 | 5 | severe acne | dry skin, lips, nose; small rash on the back of my hands | Wow! This drug has helped me a lot. I have been taking accutane for about a month and within the 2nd week I noticed an improvement in my skin. I am still taking this drug and everyday my face has cleared up more. Yes it does make your whole body dry you will need lots of chapstick. I reccomend aquaphor. Recently I have noticed a small rash with little red bumps on the back of my hand. This is a common side effect and these bumps go away with mosturizing lotion. I reccommend using this drug if your acne is affecting you life. I have a lot more confidence because my skin is clearer and it will continue to improve. Thank you accutane!!! | F | 16 | 1 months | 10/7/2009 | 5 | Mild acne | dry nose, chapped lips, stiff and sometimes painful joints, irritable bowel syndrome | I had suffered from acne ever since I was 12 years old and could not find any way to control it until I went to a dermatologist that prescribed Accutane. Be aware that this should be a last resort drug, which it definitely was for me after over 10 years of trying every other acne treatment known to man. I was prescribed 30 mg a day and after 2 weeks saw great improvement to my complexion. After about 8 months of treatment my face is so smooth and clear with maybe one small pimple while menstruating and even then it heals incredibly fast. You'll experience excessive dryness first, but that can be combated with the help of Vaseline and Blistex. After about a month my lower back became sore, but it's mostly my feet now that cause me pain when I walk. It's not a debilitating pain, but the first few steps in the morning do hurt quite a bit. After about 6 months on the drug I began suffer from a very mild case of irritable bowel syndrome. I've just stopped taking Accutane and in a matter of days all of my side effects have disappeared. | 26 | 8 months | 9/30/2009 | 1 | severe acne | Fatigue, vomiting, loss of appetite, severe liver problems, overall pains and aches | I took this medication in 2004 after spending four years trying to combat my severe acne. I went from one week being a healthy teenager to feeling like an old woman. I could barely keep anything down and lost my hunger for several months during and after usage. I was so fatigued and weak that I could barely sit at the computer. Bi-weekly blood tests showed that my liver count went from a healthy number of 5 to close to 1000. Needless to say I went off of it after a month. Worse, is that after six months of being off of the medication, my acne came back with full force and has been with me ever since. To this day, not only do I still have trouble with my acne, but I have joint pain, chronic dry skin, and I recently noticed that my hair is thinning in spots. I didn't originally correlate these side effects to the Accutane, but after reading the other comments, it's making me second-guess myself. | F | 23 | 2 months | 9/29/2009 | 4 | Back Acne | Dry Eyes, Dry Lips, Cracked Lips, Dry Nose, Hip Paint, Back Pain | I am on my 5.5 month of 6 months on Accutane for back acne. My back looks amazing, before it would constantly bleed from zits popping open. My wife says she feels like she is cheating on me when she rubs my back because it had never been smooth : ) I am praying my side effects go away quickly. The worst has been hip and back pain in my 4th and 5th month. If I sit for a while or sleep and try to get up it is a killer. My Dermatologist said those are all side effects that should disipate quickly. The dry lips and nose have been terrible, but I wanted to say I have tried over 5 kinds of chapstick, most stink. However, my Dermatologist put me on Chop Saver chap stick and my lips have been great ever since. One tube only lasts me about 3 weeks but this has been a lifesaver. I also put vaseline in my nose every other day, otherwise it is so dry it becomes very painful. The vaseline has worked well, I can tell if I miss two days. Lastly, the Cracked lips were really bad in the beginning, and once they crack, good luck healing them, so when I told my Doc about this, he gave me a prescription cream for it to apply 2x a day to the corner of my lips. They healed in two days and as long as you apply, the cracking won't come back. | M | 36 | 5.5 months | 9/25/2009 | 3 | Folicalitis | Dry eyes ( I have to wear my glasses everyday because my perscription changed) , chapped lips, moody/irritable, upset easily, itchy skin, body aches | So far nothing has cleared up... just side effects. but the doctor said it was normal- I cant wait to wear a tank top. But im worried about future joint problems | F | 20 | 2 months | 9/20/2009 | 4 | acne | dry skin especially on face, at least. extremely dry face, rare nose bleeds & dry mucus. | it's easy & my family saw results in 2 weeks. still on my 6 month run. | F | 19 | 4 months | 9/18/2009 | 3 | Dry Lips within 5 days. Stomach rumbling and distention within 20 days. Trouble sleeping. | I believe reading comments and possible side effects increased the negative effects I am experiencing. Some are very real but some are psychosomatic and have been managed by positive thinking. This drug would not be legal if it was detrimental to everyone so do not become overly paranoid like I did. It is important to monitor side effects and stop taking isotretinoin immediately if they become serious. However, this drug has helped millions of people without severe side effects so take this into consideration before freaking out. | M | 34 | 36 days | 9/6/2009 | 4 | moderate to severe lifelong acne | Very dry lips, dry nose causing nosebleeds, dry eyes, SEVERE lower back pain | Accutane definitely cleared up my acne. 2 months after discontinuing usage, I am still 100% acne-free. Aquaphor became my best friend while I was on Accutane. I tried several things for my dry nose, but not much really helped. My nose would get so dry and clogged up at night that I usually slept with my mouth open - not very comfortable. Those side-effects were manageable. My biggest problem was the lower back-pain. It was not a muscle pain. It was a spinal pain. This began about 3 weeks after starting Accutane. I was very active and was training for a marathon. This came to an abrubt halt. I had to stop playing golf, riding a bike, almost all physical activity. Even walking was painful. This lasted for the entire course of treatment. I went to a couple of different doctors, tried physical therapy, took Meloxicam daily, and nothing seemed to help. The pain spiked at the beginning and then very gradually got better. It started getting better very quickly after finishing the course of treatment. Two months after finishing treatment, my back feels ALMOST back to normal. I have started lifting weights and biking again with no major problems. Hopefully I can start running again soon. | M | 36 | 5 months | 9/4/2009 | 5 | Severe lifelong acne, cystic | Aching joints, like arthritis, extremely stiff getting up or down, sitting or standing, but once motoring okay. Dry and chapped skin and dry hair, very tired, feel poisoned every time the dose goes up, increased cholesterol levels, skin heebie jeebies, sleeping problems - tired but could not sleep with crawling skin - lead to exhaustion. | This is extreme medication, my doctor did not mess about and told me this. But I had extreme acne under control for most of my life but had exhausted every other cure and as a woman was really suffering from self esteem issues as it got worse, went down my back and chest and shoulders, my face could be used to frighten small children, and it always got worse under stress. The Accutane was like poison in my system, I feel sore and tired as if I am dragging myself around the whole time, eyes, skin hair nose ears dried out, vaseline my best friend....but the bottom line is it is a miracle cure for my skin and I can face the world again and smile at it, I am in my sixth month of taking accutane and my skin is wonderful, it was like getting a skin transplant. If it stays like this and the side effects go away it will have been well, well worth the six months of hard work. Will come back in six months time and update. | F | 42 | 5 months | 9/2/2009 | 4 | acne vulgaris | EXTREMELY CHAPPED LIPS!! dry skin in general, irritability, intolerance to contact lenses due to dry eye | Lesions worsened during the first 2 months or so and my skin looked worse than it ever had before which was frustrating. Began to clear up and was smooth sailing for the next 3 months of treatment. I suffered from severe acne on my chest and back, and now it is completely gone. I have extremely oily skin so during treatment it was so nice to not have to wash my face and hair all the time. Within 2 weeks of ending, my skin was back to super oily again, which is disappointing. Looking back, I think my mood was affected, as I was very mean to my boyfriend during that time! Lesions popping up here and there, but overall I am happy I took this drug. People were constantly commenting on how incredible my skin looked. I will probably do another course to try and combat the oiliness though. Be patient with side effects, they do get better. | M | 22 | 5 months | 9/1/2009 | 4 | Severe acne | When taking accutane I experienced very very chapped lips, dry itchy skin, peeling skin, thinning hair ( fell out in hand fulls), blurred vision (while on accutane I developed astigmatism and had to get special contacts, this later went away), flash headaches -this happened at least twice a day, a sharp blinding pain behind my eyes that lasted about 5 seconds then went away, last but not least I was extremely angry and aggressive. I was constantly frustrated and annoyed, I was either yelling or crying. I also had kidney stones 5 years after taking the drug...I am not sure if it could have been caused by accutane. | It works, but it is a very strange drug and you should make sure that you communicate all symptoms to your doctor. | F | 21 | 8 months | 9/1/2009 | 4 | Moderate Acne | Chapped lips, dry skin, joint pain, insomnia, moody/irritable. | I have been taking Claravis for almost 2 months, I started out on 40mg, my Dr. just upped my dose to 80mg every other day... the side effects just got worse. I got my first nose bleed today, that's how I ended up on this site. My acne is horrible right now and all I can do is hope that this is the process. I was warned that it would get worse, after the increase in dose it has really started effecting me. I would reccomend this if you have acne, but don't expect an overnight miracle. I was getting facials once a week and only buying the BEST products for my face, I also tried everything the Dr had to prescribe. I have spent so much $ over the last 5 years trying to clear my skin and this is the first one to give me some hope. | F | 26 | 7 weeks | 8/26/2009 | 5 | Garden variety acne | Permanently chapped lips, permanently dried out eyelids and inside of nose. Eyelids and nose were not dry until 26 years after finishing accutane therapy. Eyelids are so dry that I cannot even open them at night. I had no other side effects and was happier after taking accutane because I was unhappy with daily pimples on my face--it really got rid of the pimples. I do think the combination of the permanent accutane effect and natural skin dryness due to aging created the painful eyelid and nostril condition I now have. | I took 60mg per day of accutane for 4 months in the fall of 1982 and again for 4 months in the fall of 1983. It was extremely effective on my acne. I have never seen another pimple. It caused the hair on my legs to permanently fall out too. I was not unhappy to see the leg hair disappear. My lips were permanently chapped since I took it in 1983. I had no eyelid or nose dryness till 2007. Unfortunately, now I have permanent eyelid dryness and extreme dryness inside my nose. My doctor of internal medicine is baffled as to why my nostrils are so extremely dried out. Accutane is my only guess. My ophthalmologist said the glands adjacent to my eyelashes have permanently failed. I think the accutane may have caused this because it permanently affected the skin all over my body. It is a really effective drug for acne--it works. However, you must be prepared to live with permanent side effects because it has a permanent affect on your skin everywhere. | F | 47 | 8 months | 8/19/2009 | 3 | Derm and Mom referred me | Dry Eyes/ Lips, Ecsema, Persistant Hair thinning, Distrust of modern medicine/ FDA | Worked wonders on my acne. Litterally never had bad acne since I took 40mg over 3 months at the age of 17. I did notice that my hair was thinning after the treatment was completed. I had thiick brown hair before the treatment and afterwards noticed my scalp showing on the top of my head. Both sides of my family have MPB in the genes so I figure that becoming bald is inherent, but I am positive that accutane sped this process. I also remember tennis matches having to wear a knee brace after treatment to deal with knee pain. Apparantly the oils your skin excreets to moisturize your skin also lubricates your joints. I feel real bad for the people who suffered life dehibilitating conditions from this drug and I am scared for my two little sisters (and myself) who also was treated with accutane. FDA is full of individuals who have conflicts of interest which is why drugs like vioxx and accutane have been passed for consumer usage. I am scared for what long term effects this drug may have on me but it's kind of silly trying to change the past. I am just going to be more vigilant about modern medicine. Humanity has walked the face of the earth for thousands perhaps millions of years and have survived just fine up to this point without the help of cheaply made toxic pharmacauticals. My advice for anyone considering this treatment is to simply say, no thanks. Remember that the term 'side effect' is just marketing bull. The drug causes all those things to happen, the manu | M | 22 | 3 months | 8/19/2009 | 5 | adult cystic acne | Dry lips, pain where Achilles tendon attaches to heel, some dry eyes and stiffness in the hips. The Achilles tendon pain was the worst side effect for me. It has subsided but was bothersome for a few months. | Absolute miracle drug! I suffered from cystic acne for the latter half of my life and had wasted my money on practically everything - antibiotics, Differin, Retin-A, Clindamycin, ProActiv, special cleansers, and probably other stuff I can't remember. Nothing worked. I just finished my Accutane treatment and the results are unbelievable. My skin isn't disgusting and oily anymore, and I cannot even remember the last time I had one zit. I finally don't have to put on makeup before leaving the house, and I'm no longer embarrassed to wear a tank top. | M | 33 | 6 months | 8/11/2009 | 5 | adult acne | dry skin, chapped lips, dry eyes, slight increase in cholesterol levels. | I took this drug in my late thirties after experiencing embarrassing break-outs on my face and very oily skin. I was thrilled with the results. My face was like glass -- no pores! But I did tire of the sore lips and dry eyes and was relieved to go off of it. Still, well worth it. My skin stayed good for about three years and OK for another 10. I have used Minocycline periodically for the better part of the last 5-7 years. When my son developed cystic acne at age 16, I didn't waste any time in getting him to the derm and getting him on Accutane. He took it for six months and hasn't had any problems since. That was five years ago. His acne is just like my sister's, who unfortunately struggled needlessly with cystic acne her entire adult life and didn't go on Accutane until last year -- at age 46. She loved it too. Now, at age 50, not yet in menopause, and experiencing poor skin quality again with breakouts seemingly tied to my cycle, I would go on Accutane but my derm seems reluctant because of my age and cholesterol levels. We have discussed Spironolactone but I don't like messing with my hormones. | F | 50 | 5 months | 8/10/2009 | 5 | severe acne | tired all of the time (however I was also student teaching, finishing my degree, and planning a wedding), i was definitely excessively tired with the meds though, extremely dry skin, especially lips. had some nose bleeds and nose is still very dry even though I've been off of it for 2 months, thinning hair started at the end of my 6 month treatment. i've lost gobs of hair. i'm taking vitamins, but i don't know if it's really helping. | after trying several acne prescriptions including duac, benzacline, retin-a, tetracycline, etc. accutane is the only thing that really worked over an extended period of time. the doc started me at 30 mg and then after 2 months he put me on 60 mg. i have not had any acne for months!! it completely cleared up my face for my wedding! i do have a couple of blackheads on my face that it didn't clear up, but the doc gave me another perscription of retin-a, so that may help. accutane is a miracle, and i would suggest it in a heartbeat.. having severe acne problems for over 10 years was rough. | F | 22 | 6 months | 8/1/2009 | 1 | Moderate to severe | Excruciating neck and back pain, hair loss,insomnia problems, loss of eyebrow hairs on ends only, eye irritations, loss of appetite, allergies, Triglicerides went sky-high from 120 to 450. Muscle aches, oh,I can go on and on. I am now depressed as I look older even though I'm no longer taking it. | This stuff is horrificly BAAAAD! Wish I had known of this site before I even tried 1-day of this. Derm Doc never advised me of these after-effects. Wasn't taking any meds for anything as I was healthy. My blood numbers before initially starting were perfect. I am still having symptoms, a year later. Initially, the Derm doc tried other meds/lotions & they didn't work, so that led to the Accutane. Derm Doc said she never HEARD of such a thing re the after-effects after I stopped. I am so angry. I had problems in early teens, but started taking birth control pills for gyno. problems which really helped my acne. After I had a partial hysterectomy @ 43 I had to stop taking the pill; acne returned. Spironolactone was very helpful, but by the time I turned 50 it made me go #1 too much, so stopped. I am breaking out again, plus all those horrible side-effects still & am frightened that it won't go away. I never had any menopausal concerns until now, this has changed my entire system! I used to have a lot of thick hair, now I can see my scalp. My Mom & Dad had beautiful heads of hair so it is not hereditary. My Mom is 89 & her hair is just now starting to look thinner on top. My skin started breaking out & returned to oily within 3 months after I stopped. I really do need to find out where to find a site re how I can get included in a Class Action suit. It is a dangerous MAN-MADE concoction. If you are 30 or older it should be a definite "NO". Be | F | 62 | 4 months | 7/31/2009 | 5 | moderate acne | dry lips, skin, etc. minor rashes from dryness (especially on arms and legs). nose bleeds from dry nasal passages. decreased appetite (lost weight). And the later months brought dry eyes and minor discomfort wearing contacts. I also had temporary headaches and muscle soreness in the first week or so, but went away after that. | This really is a miracle drug and is worth it if your acne is negatively affecting your life. Everyone is different and tolerates the drug differently. I am 115 lbs and took 80mg a day for 5 months, and definately found the minor side effects to be worth not having acne anymore! :) | F | 21 | 5 months | 7/30/2009 | 1 | Folliculitis | Depression, dryness, joint pain. | I was 40 years old when I first took Accutane to treat folliculitis (similar to acne). I was having severe breakouts on my chest. Accutane DID clear up the breakouts in about 2 weeks. BUT- the side effects were horrible. First, the dryness in my mouth, lips and ears was painful. I was drinking water constantly to try to combat dry mouth. I had to use Aquaphor on my lips and ears all day long. My hips were very painful while taking Accutane. I could never get comfortable. But the worst was the depression. It hit about 6 weeks into the treatment. I continued taking Accutane for another month, but I became completely despondent and irritable. I got into arguments at work and at home. It was horrible. I finally stopped taking the medication after a total of about 10 weeks. I stopped taking it a year ago, and I still suffer from dryness in my ears and mouth. I talk like I have cotton stuffed in my cheeks. I am not sure if the depression is completely gone, but I do feel a lot better. I would never take this again. | M | 41 | 10 weeks | 7/30/2009 | 5 | had acne vulgaris | cracked lips, eye dryness, nose bleeding due to dryness, muscle pains, loss of concentration, depression, hair loss (at first, but after a month or so it stopped) | though it has lots of side effects i did not experience any liver problems or increasing cholesterol levels. so far my skin is so beautiful and i've been having acne problems for 10 years (since i'm 11) | F | 21 | 6.5 months | 7/19/2009 | 3 | VERY oily, acne prone skin w/ cysts | VERY dry, chapped lips; dry, itchy eyes; HA; neckache; fatigue; dry, itchy skin; facial flushing/heat; mild nausea w/ decreased appetite. | I started my first week on 80mg per day - within a few days my lips & face dried out quite a bit. Lovely to not have an oil slick on my face for the first time in my life! However, increase in zits, headaches & neckaches, nausea, itchiness, some facial swelling & flushing, & more extreme lip/face dryness occurred so I cut back to 40mg per day. It's a bit better, I can tolerate this so far. I may cut back to 20mg per day - not sure. Need to talk with the MD about it. My skin is also extra sensitive now. I'm hoping to see some significant clearing of my skin soon so I feel that continuation of the drug is worth it. This was my last resort - after 20+ years of persistent acne & all other treatments, I have had it! Anyone else with facial flushing, redness, heat that just comes on out of the blue like a sunburn??? | F | 38 | 2 weeks | 7/18/2009 | 5 | cystic acne | extremely dry skin, cracked lips (minor) | I took Accutane when I was 16 and I am 25 now. This medicine was truly a lifesaver and I had virtually NO side effects. I never write reviews, but I felt I had to because of all the horror stories out there. People who are happy with their results aren't typically searching for the drug. I'm going back on for a second course-- I was on birth control for 7 years and I've experienced horrible acne for almost a year straight since going off. I don't think I'd need to do a second round of Accutane had I not been on the pill for so long. I have several friends who took the Accutane the same time as I did and their skin is still perfect. Even though I'm going to do a second round because of this hormone drop, my skin is still like 85% clearer than it was pre-Accutane. Basically, do it. It's ABSOLUTELY worth it. I didn't worry about my skin for almost 10 years. It was amazing. Good luck! | F | 25 | 5 months | 7/17/2009 | 2 | Acne from 12-43 | Severe neck pain, seized hips after sitting for short periods. Depression, crying spells. The good part was no oily skin. The inside of my ears were not oily anymore, and my scalp,chest and back were not oily. This DID NOT LAST BUT 2yrs. This is NOT a MIRACLE DRUG! Your Dr. will tell you that. Acne comes back most of the time. My neck pain went away right after stopping Accutane. My hips have NEVER been the same. I also received several letters for a Class Action suit against the maker for Accutane, allowing me the chance to sue them in 2002. I didn't respond. People. Antibiotics Work. Talk to your Dermatologist! Facials Really help too! Beware of Fraxil Laser! I broke out in 20 cysts and have 20 NEW scars! | I was so oily for 30 years, I could grease a frying pan right after washing my face. Acne was mostly on my chin and nose with a cyst here and there constantly. My face would clear for short periods. After suffering until 23, I tried Retin A. It worked for 2 years. I tried again later No luck. Broke me out worse. In 1993 I was a mess! I tried Accutane. I took it for 2 mths and my Dr. took me off because my Triglycerides were too high. I was so mad and upset because it had been working so well! I was 27 at this time and had No side affects. I later took it at 34. I broke out horribly! Immediately I had severe neck pain and my hips started seizing up after only short periods of time sitting! I became Very depressed. My husband wanted me off of it, but I was determined to get rid of my acne! I stuck with it for 5 mths. I could'nt take it anymore! I had not slept for 5 mths due to the neck pain! For a whole year I still had acne mostly on my chin. Then almost a year to the day I stopped, my skin cleared up, and the oily skin on my upper body was Normal. For 2yrs my skin was NORMAL. All of a sudden, it came back! My nose and chin nodules and cysts have been cleared by the antibiotics Bactrim and Minocyclin. They quit working after a year or 2. So you have to go back and forth. I won't take Accutane again though. I highly recommend it for younger people before the age of 25. Do it young! If you have had any injury to bones or joints, or depression BEWARE!!!! | F | 43 | 5 days | 7/14/2009 | 1 | mild but persistant acne | Joint pain, neck pain, anxiety. I practice aerobics 3 times a week, all of my bones/cartilages started to crackle even after the exercises, i was very scared. Started to research and found a lot of bad stuff about it at PubMed and here. Bone changes, chronic diseases, psychiatric stuff..so i quitted. It felt like poison, a very bad feeling. Didn't want to expose myself. Now i returned to contraceptives and my skin is great. I know it's harmul either but a lot more safer than Accutane. | Stop if you feel something is not right. This is not for every person. Stop before it's too late. | F | 32 | 12 days | 7/10/2009 | 4 | moderate acne | very chapped lips, dry skin, mood swings, dry eyes and mouth, blurred vision, bloody noes. After effects: dry skin and face, dry eyes, hives/rashes, itchy skin, muscle pain. | Accutane deffinatly cleared pretty much all my acne; afterwards i did have the casual pimple or two.. but nothing like i use to have before. i do recomend this for people with sever acne if you have tryed all other possiblities and have considered the sie affects and longterm afters of accutane. i tryed everything you could possibly thing of to rid of my acne, but nothing truely worked, which left my with the choice of accutane. | F | 15 | 6 months | 6/30/2009 | 3 | tried other products, to no avail | dry skin on my face & scalp. chapped lips. kind of hurts to open my mouth. | just continue to consult with my dermatologist about the symptoms & he's helping out a lot. prescribing certain soaps & lotions. | F | 19 | 8 days | 6/29/2009 | 3 | severe acne since the fourth grade | nothing yet...but i balm my lips like crazy in haste to experience anything undesirable! | i've just started the 'program' or whatever you want to call it yesterday.:D so im hopeful. tripping about the earlier posts but hopeful. nothing risked, nothing gained. just keeping positive & preventive. i guess all you really need is a strong mind set & healthy life style. then again, you need that to live in this world anyway. i've been through a lot with this persistant & irratably stubborn acne. it's hereditary for me & i've tried more products/drugs that i'd love to forget. im a dictionary now. lol. so here's to clear,healthy skin. | F | 19 | 2 days | 6/25/2009 | 1 | Acne | SEVERE and PERMANENT back and joint PAIN! Poor VISION and THINNING HAIR. This drug has ruined my life! BEWARE! | I took it at age 30 and was completely healthy before beginning it. 3 months later, the SEVERE PAIN came in my back and EVERY joint in my body! My hair thinned, and my eyesight became worse. I have also noticed my skin looks older, no doubt because of the lack of oil needed to stay looking young. It is now 8 years later, and I am unable to work full-time and have to lie down or rest frequently throughout the day. I, also, have a bladder lining disease. This drug wreaks havoc on your body! I am with the other person about a class action law suit. This drug has no business on the market! | F | 38 | 3 days | 6/16/2009 | 2 | severe acne, cystic acne | dry lips, fatigue, sadness, decreased libido, pain after ejaculation | Started 40 mg of Accutane 7 days ago. Difficulty with ejaculation. For an odd reason, an urge to defecate follows right after the orgasm ceases. Girlfriend got worried! I am stopping taking it immediately. My sexual health is not something I would give up for clear skin. | M | 21 | 7 days | 6/9/2009 | 4 | cystic acne | chapped lips, occational bloody nose, sadness | I took this medication when I was in my early 20's. I am now 44. For the last 17 or so years I've had some back, joint and muscle pain. It has gotten worse in the last five years. I was told I probably have fiber myalsia by my doctor. I only recently realized that this could be a lasting side affect from taking accutane. I am in severe pain every day.... | F | 44 | 4 months | 6/7/2009 |
| Key to
ratings: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |