<p>Thanks for the fabulous input. My daughter wants to start this and we have both done the research, but I still worry about permanent adverse effects. There is a 30 day waiting period so there will be plenty of time to get lots of input. Thanks again!!</p>
<p>It worked for the cystic acne when nothing else did, but the required careful timing of the monthly blood tests and doctor visits/web logins for refills was difficult (nearly impossible) for a female student away from home. Severe dry skin/cracked lips/dry eyes. Joint pain bad enough to quit sports. And depression that became so severe that we were all quite concerned. All in all, a miserable 6 months.</p>
<p>However, the acne is now gone and has not come back. We would not do accutane again, it is a very difficult course of treatment to make it through. </p>
<p>My youngest D was on it. She had moderate, persistent acne that did not respond to most other options and she is allergic to the mycin group of antibiotics.
Her acne made her depressed so I was not concerned about the Accutane having that effect on her. And it didn’t. After being on it for about four months she developed muscle stiffness and aches and they could not increase her dose and thought it best to take her off it. Her acne had improved while on it but had never cleared completely. After she went off it her acne returned but was smaller pimples. The poor kid had acne in some form or another for about 8 years.<br>
Shortly after going off the accutane, I took her to a new dermatologist who was a miracle worker. She determined that my D was most likely suffering from a form of acne that is caused by testosterone and sensitivity to it. She put her on Yaz birth control pills, a cream called Tazorac (a form of Retin A) and a tiny amount of a diuretic called Spironolactone (reduces inflammation of the pores which allows them to resist clogging). This combination was a miracle for my D. Her skin cleared and has stayed clear for 5 years. She is happy and healthy. If anyone wants the name of the Boston doctor that she goes to, I can pm you.</p>