Advice for starting accutane (isotretinoin)

[graole]

Hi, I have been approved for accutane for my acne and am struggling with making the decision whether to take it or not. I know the most common side effects are dry skin/lips and joint pain but I keep seeing that people are experiencing hair loss and are now finding themselves with bald patches, which worries me. I don’t want to take such a harsh drug to clear my acne and then have hair loss as a new problem. I am in my 20s and my acne is worse now than when I was a teen.

If anybody here has taken it, what were your symptoms and what dose was you on?

Also, if you decided to take accutane (or even decided against it) what helped you make this decision?

Sorry it’s a bit of a random thread, I just can’t seem to decide.
(Disclaimer: I know the most important person to ask is my dermatologist but I have already spoken to them about my thoughts and I would just like to hear some of your experiences if you’re happy to share).

ETA: I have tried many other options and am currently back on antibiotics but it just doesn’t clear my acne, and obviously is not a long term solution.

 

[Gembo]

Sorry, I don’t have any experience with acne and don’t mean to derail a bit but have you looked into blue light led therapy? Led therapy is something I’ve only just learnt about myself recently but in my research I’ve seen some amazing results when it’s been used on acne. I think also microneedlin/micropen can help (done by a process)
Not sure if either of these are things you’ve come across but I can appreciate how upsetting it must be to deal with and thought one of these that has no side effects could be a good option. Good luck x

 

[graole]

Sorry, I don’t have any experience with acne and don’t mean to derail a bit but have you looked into blue light led therapy? Led therapy is something I’ve only just learnt about myself recently but in my research I’ve seen some amazing results when it’s been used on acne. I think also microneedlin/micropen can help (done by a process)
Not sure if either of these are things you’ve come across but I can appreciate how upsetting it must be to deal with and thought one of these that has no side effects could be a good option. Good luck x

Thanks for your reply! I am vaguely aware of these things but haven’t really looked into them so thanks for reminding me. I would like to look into all of my options before taking something so severe.

 

[instasham13]

Hi,

I've taken Roaccutane twice. First time in 2010 and then again in 2019. Pregnancy messed my skin up so I had to take it a 2nd time. It really does the job it's designed to do but taking it is a real commitment. My biggest side were mainly dry skin and the dry lips were the worst. I couldn't go half an hour without putting lip balm on. I didn't experience any hair loss and certainly don't have bald patches. I do feel it did age my skin though. I once heard taking a course of Roaccutane is the equivalent to a 50 a day smoking habit on your skin. I certainly feel more wrinklier after it. If I needed to do it again however I would.

Happy to answer any more questions you have.

 

[graole]

Hi,

I've taken Roaccutane twice. First time in 2010 and then again in 2019. Pregnancy messed my skin up so I had to take it a 2nd time. It really does the job it's designed to do but taking it is a real commitment. My biggest side were mainly dry skin and the dry lips were the worst. I couldn't go half an hour without putting lip balm on. I didn't experience any hair loss and certainly don't have bald patches. I do feel it did age my skin though. I once heard taking a course of Roaccutane is the equivalent to a 50 a day smoking habit on your skin. I certainly feel more wrinklier after it. If I needed to do it again however I would.

Happy to answer any more questions you have.

Thank you! I’m glad it was an overall positive experience for you. I think I am leaning towards taking it but it’s hard when there are so many negative stories about it online. I’ve never heard it being compared to a 50 a day smoking habit but as least it would (hopefully) only be for 5-6 months in my case

 

[The Devils Arse]

I feel you! I had been on every creative, pill, etc from the doc before I was prescribed roaccutane. I've also been on it twice, it was a life saver for me.

As the above poster said no hair loss or bald patches, just dry skin. My lips and the inside of my nose (lovely!!) Were the most affected areas.

Carmex was the only lip balm that worked for me. All the others I found just sat on top of the dry skin on my lips, making them look even mankier. But carmex sorted them out. Also wear an spf if you dont already.

No waxing as your skin is so delicate, and I think for maybe 6 months, or a year after. Always be honest with your beauty therapist as there can be a lot of contraindications!

It can also be linked to depression, which I'm sure your derm has gone through. I didnt get this side effect but worth keeping an eye out for.

I also had monthly blood and pregnancy tests.

Good luck with it, let us know how you get on!


eta - i went on it as I had been seeing the dr since I was 14 and nothing was working long term. There was also concerns that the pill i was for the acne wasn't suitable for long term use.

I cant remember what dose I was on.
X

 

[graole]

I feel you! I had been on every creative, pill, etc from the doc before I was prescribed roaccutane. I've also been on it twice, it was a life saver for me.

As the above poster said no hair loss or bald patches, just dry skin. My lips and the inside of my nose (lovely!!) Were the most affected areas.

Carmex was the only lip balm that worked for me. All the others I found just sat on top of the dry skin on my lips, making them look even mankier. But carmex sorted them out. Also wear an spf if you dont already.

No waxing as your skin is so delicate, and I think for maybe 6 months, or a year after. Always be honest with your beauty therapist as there can be a lot of contraindications!

It can also be linked to depression, which I'm sure your derm has gone through. I didnt get this side effect but worth keeping an eye out for.

I also had monthly blood and pregnancy tests.

Good luck with it, let us know how you get on!


eta - i went on it as I had been seeing the dr since I was 14 and nothing was working long term. There was also concerns that the pill i was for the acne wasn't suitable for long term use.

I cant remember what dose I was on.
X

Your experience sounds very similar to mine. I have also been suffering with acne since around the age of 14. I am currently on an antibiotic I have already tried twice before (Lymecycline) and they just don’t clear up my acne. I feel like I would rather suffer through the dry skin and lips for the end result but you just never know how your body will react until you try it. Thanks for your advice

 

[cheltenhamgirl9]

Hi! I’m 22 now but I took roaccutane when I was 19 for bad acne across my cheeks and forehead. I had to do two rounds, the second was a longer period of lower dose, bc the first didn’t completely work. After trying all the antibiotics, creams etc, getting referred for roaccutane really was my last hope! In all honesty, and I know this sounds over dramatic lol, but it was pretty life changing! Completely cured my acne, I genuinely haven’t had a spot since.
I experienced muscle soreness within the first month or so. I experienced very minor hair loss throughout which stopped and regrew as soon as I finished the course. Obvs the usual dry lips and skin but it’s bearable with the right products to hand. I did have low moods at the time but I wouldn’t directly attribute that to roaccutane, but it’s worth being aware of.

For me, it was worth it. I completely relate to the frustration of everything else not working, having acne is roughhhhh, especially when everyone else seems to have got through the phase.
Let me know if you want to ask any questions xxx best of luck whatever you choose to do!!

 

[graole]

Hi! I’m 22 now but I took roaccutane when I was 19 for bad acne across my cheeks and forehead. I had to do two rounds, the second was a longer period of lower dose, bc the first didn’t completely work. After trying all the antibiotics, creams etc, getting referred for roaccutane really was my last hope! In all honesty, and I know this sounds over dramatic lol, but it was pretty life changing! Completely cured my acne, I genuinely haven’t had a spot since.
I experienced muscle soreness within the first month or so. I experienced very minor hair loss throughout which stopped and regrew as soon as I finished the course. Obvs the usual dry lips and skin but it’s bearable with the right products to hand. I did have low moods at the time but I wouldn’t directly attribute that to roaccutane, but it’s worth being aware of.

For me, it was worth it. I completely relate to the frustration of everything else not working, having acne is roughhhhh, especially when everyone else seems to have got through the phase.
Let me know if you want to ask any questions xxx best of luck whatever you choose to do!!

Hey, I’m glad to hear that it worked for your acne. At the moment I think I am going to try it as i’ll never know until I try. I would love to have clear skin and be able to stop using foundations/concealers to cover it - lockdown made me realise how much I love being makeup free

I go to the gym quite often (about 4 times a week) so i’m hoping that I can continue despite the muscle soreness and joint aches. Did you take any supplements to help with this?

Luckily I have quite long, thick hair so if I lost a bit it wouldn’t be the end of the world but i’m glad to hear that yours grew back.

 

[Hope77]

I had 3 courses over several years of Roaccutane and it was totally worth it. I didn't have particularly severe acne but nothing ever cleared it, but this did.

For me the main side effects were that it dries you out - so use a good quality lip balm, for dry eyes I got drops from the chemist (hypromellose from pharmacy is much cheaper than branded), I used a balm to clean my face (coconut oil would be good) and a good quality natural moisturiser.

My brother was on a much stronger dose than me and his skin and lips were much drier but it completely cleared his acne and he only ever needed one treatment period.

Hope this helps, I think it is worth it as acne can be so demoralising - good luck x

 

[whatsfortea?]

Hello!

I had clear skin as a teen and as soon as I hit my 20s my skin turned upside down! I had severe acne for years and had tried everything possible. Taking Accutane was the best decision I made and was the only thing to clear up my skin.

As mentioned above it is a huge commitment but if you use the right products on your journey it will make things a lot easier! I swore by Eucerin Aquaphor for my lips, it was a god send! They were plump and juicy and never dry with this

I did not experience any hair loss however I was on quite a high dose and I did experience dry tight skin, slightly sore joints but mostly I felt like I was on an emotional rollercoaster and some days I felt like a psycho

(I was also on the pill so it could have been a mix of hormones ect!)

it is hard work but the results and happiness after for me were worth it, hope this helps xx

 

[graole]

Just wanted to say thanks for the replies and sharing your experiences, I definitely feel a lot better about it than I did yesterday

P.S. you guys give great advice for a bunch of ‘tattle life haters’

 

[cheltenhamgirl9]

Hey, I’m glad to hear that it worked for your acne. At the moment I think I am going to try it as i’ll never know until I try. I would love to have clear skin and be able to stop using foundations/concealers to cover it - lockdown made me realise how much I love being makeup free

I go to the gym quite often (about 4 times a week) so i’m hoping that I can continue despite the muscle soreness and joint aches. Did you take any supplements to help with this?

Luckily I have quite long, thick hair so if I lost a bit it wouldn’t be the end of the world but i’m glad to hear that yours grew back.

It really is amazing to wake up and feel like you can leave the house without loads of makeup etc! i went to the gym and played sport whilst on roaccutane, the soreness did only last about a month and was mainly my lower back weirdly!

 

[Kitty4321]

Sorry Iv never had it but _myskinstory has spoken about it in depth a lot so possibly worth having a read on her insta.
I am just starting training in skin care as I find it fascinating- before you try that it might be worth looking at your overall diet / gut health as a lot can be linked to that. I’m sure you’ve already tried many things but have you looked at medical grade skincare? Keep it simple but if you look in your area you should find someone who can advise based on your skin get you a good routine at home then every 4-6 weeks can look at different treatments from peels to enzyme facials etc then once that is cleared up can look at micro needling for scars etc.
If you go down the aucutanne route you need to wait 6-12 months after finishing the course for most facials

Good luck on your journey

 

[Practically Perfect]

I recommend a YouTuber called Hailey O/ Just buy the make up (hailey from Beauty News). She has done a whole series on it whilst she was going through it.

 

[Sunflower91]

I’ve been on accutane 3 times so my biggest piece of advice is to not be disheartened if it doesn’t work the first time. Each time I had different/ varying degrees of the side effects but I think that’s because of the differences in dosage. I don’t think I could put myself through it again. First time I was on the standard method- start off on a low dose and then they increment it and you come off after like 6-9 months. Second time they thought a short high dose would work so I had 4 months of really high dosage, the third time they tried a lower dose for a longer period of time and that’s what’s worked for me. Dosage is weight dependent.
You’ll be recommended Vaseline for your lips but dr paw paw is much better. Also if they get really sore, put some honey on them and leave them to soak it in.
Don’t eat Nando’s/ be super careful with spice- it hurts so bad.
When they say be careful in the sun, they aren’t messing around- one time I got sunburnt in the car.
Don’t exfoliate or wax.
I had a bit of hair loss but I think it just looked like I was losing because I didn’t have to wash my hair as often- honestly that part is great. You can probably leave it a week and have 0 grease.
Even after all these years I still get joint pain especially in cold weather and my skin is still sensitive. But my skin is still clear.
sorry for the huge essay! But if you have any questions feel free to pm me.

 

[hanmill]

Hi, I have been approved for accutane for my acne and am struggling with making the decision whether to take it or not. I know the most common side effects are dry skin/lips and joint pain but I keep seeing that people are experiencing hair loss and are now finding themselves with bald patches, which worries me. I don’t want to take such a harsh drug to clear my acne and then have hair loss as a new problem. I am in my 20s and my acne is worse now than when I was a teen.

If anybody here has taken it, what were your symptoms and what dose was you on?

Also, if you decided to take accutane (or even decided against it) what helped you make this decision?

Sorry it’s a bit of a random thread, I just can’t seem to decide.
(Disclaimer: I know the most important person to ask is my dermatologist but I have already spoken to them about my thoughts and I would just like to hear some of your experiences if you’re happy to share).

ETA: I have tried many other options and am currently back on antibiotics but it just doesn’t clear my acne, and obviously is not a long term solution.

Hey, I’ve just stumbled across this thread as I’m in the exact same position as you and wondering whether to start accutane as I’m terrified of all the negatives I’ve read about it. Did you try it in the end and what was your experience like?x

 

[loobylou2704]

Hello,

I was on isotetrinoin around 10 years ago when I was in my early twenties after trying every over counter product/contraception and antibiotic possible!

I’ve always had joint issues with my knees and I don’t think the meds made it any worse although they may have? The major side effect I had was dry skin and lips, I bought a huge tub of aqueous cream and used this to bath and wash my face with and I was constantly using lip balm I literally had to put it on constantly throughout the day. The major plus to this though is that my hair didn’t get greasy at all so I went from washing everyday to only every 3-4 days!

I was closely monitored every month with blood tests and mental health screening, I didn’t have any side effects around those areas at all.

For me it was completely worth it and it’s only now ten years later that I’m starting to get spotty again! I’m going through a stressful time at the moment but once that’s improved if my skin doesn’t settle back down I’ll be asking togo back on isotetrinoin.

Good luck with your journey!

 

[hanmill]

Hello,

I was on isotetrinoin around 10 years ago when I was in my early twenties after trying every over counter product/contraception and antibiotic possible!

I’ve always had joint issues with my knees and I don’t think the meds made it any worse although they may have? The major side effect I had was dry skin and lips, I bought a huge tub of aqueous cream and used this to bath and wash my face with and I was constantly using lip balm I literally had to put it on constantly throughout the day. The major plus to this though is that my hair didn’t get greasy at all so I went from washing everyday to only every 3-4 days!

I was closely monitored every month with blood tests and mental health screening, I didn’t have any side effects around those areas at all.

For me it was completely worth it and it’s only now ten years later that I’m starting to get spotty again! I’m going through a stressful time at the moment but once that’s improved if my skin doesn’t settle back down I’ll be asking togo back on isotetrinoin.

Good luck with your journey!

Thanks for sharing! Can I ask if all the side affects stopped when you stopped taking it? Like did your lips stop being dry and your hair go back to normal?

 

[Hope77]

Thanks for sharing! Can I ask if all the side affects stopped when you stopped taking it? Like did your lips stop being dry and your hair go back to normal?

In my experience once you stop taking it the issue of dryness subsides, its only while you are taking the medication and can be managed. You're also monitored by the dermatologist.