Hello, I have been on Roaccutane (called that in the UK) twice, first time I was in my early 20s, second time I was in my mid 20s (I'm now 29). To be honest I only have good things to say about the drug, I know there is alot of bad press and if you've ever been on an accutane/roaccutane forum there are tons and tons of people moaning about it. For me though I would say it was the best decision I ever made, I had spots covering my back, shoulders, sometimes on my chest and also on my face, it was pretty awful, and it really effected my life. I didn't go on holiday, couldn't go swimming, couldn't wear strappy tops on nights out, and in the summer I was constantly covered up because I was so embarassed and ashamed. The first time I took the drug it got rid of my spots completely, it was amazing, unfortunately they came back on my face so I went on it for a second time, again they went but a couple of years later they came back. If the doctors would allow it I would go on it a third time, but they say if it doesnt stay gone after the second time then it will never completely go. Now my only avenue is to lose weight in hope that that will help, to be honest though since I took Roaccutane my face has been alot better.
I do believe that some people can experience side effects, but I also believe if you do not have severe acne then Roaccutane is too much, and it seems that it was these people who were having problems. Also young and emotionally unstable people found that they had depression problems, but I really think that it needs to be there in the first place, so I think these people had underlying problems before they started it.
The only problem I had was dry lips, which everyone experiences, my moods were fine, the rest of my skin was fine, I had no other problems. I know 4 other people who have taken the drug, 3 of them are my cousins, all of them had bad skin, and not one of them experienced side effects other than dry lips. My cousins took it before me and to this day they all have clear skin, so it looks like I've just been unlucky. Saying that, now that I have clear skin on my back I dont feel unlucky and I maintain that Roaccutane/Accutane is the best decision I ever made.
You should weigh up your options and decide if it is best for you, I dont know how it works in the US, but in the UK I was monitored by the hospital I was given all the info about side effects and had blood tests every 6 weeks. I couldn't fault their treatment of me.
Hope whatever you decide you manage to get rid of your spots, because I know from personal experience how bad it can make you feel.
All the best. x |