Dry lips are the most common side effect. Lip balm must be applied every 30 to 60 minutes to prevent the lips from cracking. It is not too difficult to manage the lip dryness.
Roaccutane
Dry skin is the second most common side-effect. The skin dryness can be easily managed by the regular application of skin moisturizer.
The third most common side effect of Roaccutane is sun sensitivity. Winter is the easiest time to be on Roaccutane, but Roaccutane can also be taken in summer. The regular application of a sun block is essential.
The other potential side effects are much rarer. Mild joint pain and lower back pain are rare side effects and almost never required treatment. Dry eyes can occasionally be a problem, but moisturising eye drops easily controls the eye dryness.
It is unclear if Roaccutane can trigger depression. Some studies have found no link between Roaccutane and depression. However, if patients have a family history of depression, prescribing Roaccutane should be carefully considered.
Females must be on contraception while on Roaccutane, because Roaccutane can cause birth defects.
It is extremely rare for Roaccutane to cause liver, kidney or bone marrow abnormalities, but we still recommended monitoring the function of these organs with blood tests where indicated.
In general Roaccutane is an extremely safe drug if used correctly. It has the potential to prevent Acne from scarring, which can cause lifelong suffering and psychological problems.
My son is in roaccutance, has been for two months now. He has been having the usual symptons of dryness of eyes, nose (nosebleeds which can happen I believe). He is 19 years old and being a boy and at University does go out on the occassional night. He had a bit of a party the other night and really felt quite ill for a couple of days. Could this be a side effect, he says he did not consum much more alcohol than normal but I was wondering if this could make him more ill than normal as I see it can effect the liver. He also wanted to know if eating alot of red meat and biltong can also have an effect. Thank you for your timje and await your reply.
Dear Lynne. Biltong and red meat is fine while taking Roaccutane. I would say that the party is the more likely cause for his ill feeling, but the only way to be sure that the Roaccutane is not affecting his organs is for him to have the prescribed regular blood tests. He should have kidney functions, liver functions and a lipogram done.
Hi Doctor
I am in my mid 20′s and was on the pill for about 3 years. About a year ago I got deep vein thrombosis that was caused by the pill. So I am not allowed to use any contraceptive anymore.
I do get acne breakouts, but I won’t call it severe, it is keeping me from enjoying a lot of things though.
Is Roaccutane really that bad for you? I’ve spoken to a few people and they said that the side effects remain, and that your skin gets a lot worse during the use of it. Is that true?
There is a product called Benzac on the market as well, do you have an opinion about that? I’m afraid to just use anything as it might have side effects like the pill did.
Dear Nadia. Roaccutane is the best treatment there is for Acne, but is generally only used in cases of failed Acne therapy or scarring Acne. The side effects does not remain after finishing a course of Roaccutane. Acne can sometimes flare up when treatment with Roaccutane is started, but if the initial dose is correct then this side effect is not very common. Benzac is a topical lotion that can be used for mild Acne.
doctor ive been on acnetane for less than a month now,,i however want to stop it because we want a baby,,after how long must i wait to fall pregnant?
After stopping the Acnetane, you should stay on contraception for another 2 months. You should wait at least 2 months before you can even try to become pregnant.
Dear dr ive been on oratane treatment for more han a month now but there is no improvement and im not experiencing any side effects except that my lips are a bit dry please help me
Dear Andile. One month is short. Give it some time. I presume you will be seeing your doctor again soon, anyway.
dear DR ive been on oratane treatment for a more than a month now but there is no improvement on my face and im not experiencing any side effects except that my lips are a bit dry
I have been prescribed acnetane 10mg for 30days,but I haven’t commenced treatment yet. I want to know which contraceptives will be more effective when using this treatment..
Dear Boitumelo. If it is a contraceptive, it will be effective. Just remember to take it! And you must be taking the contraceptive for at least 6 weeks, before starting the Acnetane.
I have been prescribed acnetane 10mg for 30days,but I haven’t commenced treatment yet. I want to know which contraceptives will be more effective when using this treatment…should I use oral or injectables like nur -istrate?
thank you lot Dr. Jeanne Louw
dear doctor, i have taken Roaccutane for nearly 1 month but still there is no improvement, is that a negative sign? moreover am experiencing darkening of the skin, will i ever get my fair skin like before. plz advise me. i thank you in advance
Dear Noush. It depends on the dose you are taking. If you are taking the correct dose then give it another month or so to start working. A good dose to start with in someone of average weight is around 20-30mg per day. Make sure you wear sunblock all the time, because Roaccutane can make you more light sensitive and therefore more prone to tanning.
Good afternoon Dr. Louw
I am 30 years old and I have had slight acne problems since my early teens.
I thought it would be gone by now! My breakouts are normally only bad a few days before my menstruation cycle, but for the past 3 months or so it has been a continuous problem. I have tried to get an appointment with a dermatologist in my town, but every single one of them can only help me at either end of May or June… and we are only at the beginning of MARCH now… I can’t wait that long ;(
I am a bit scared of taking Roaccutane / Accutane for health reasons.
I do not have any existing health problems though.
I have tried “the pill” and it has not helped me at all.
Can you please give me some advice?
I thank you for your time and your wonderful idea of online service.
Kind regards
Vicky
Dear Vicky. Yes, the dermatology waiting lists are a nightmare. Please read here about the online consultation service.
Hi Doctor – I have been on Roacutan but I have noticed that my adult acne is back. I am 47 years old. I would like to go back on Roacutan – what strength would be advisable this time around.
Dear MaryAnne. Adult acne should be investigated a bit more than teenage acne. There are a few extra potential causes to consider. Once any underlying cause has been excluded, the treatment can focus on the choice of therapy. If your acne is scarring or resistant to treatment then Roaccutane can be considered. If you have never taken a full course of Roaccutane (120mg multiplied by your weight as a total cumulative dose), then it can be considered as an option. If you have already taken a full course of Roaccutane before, but the Acne recurred, a maintenance dose of 10-20mg per day is another option. So, as you can see, it can be a bit complicated. If possible, come and show me.