Why this page?

• This page is simple for now.
• It is my personal experience with Accutane (which is a trademark of Roche).
• It attempts to be blunt as possible to spare you the digging through bloggers and message forums.
• This page is not meant to educate you on what Accutane is or how it works. There are PLENTY of links for that on Google.

Disclaimer:

• All information here is subjective.
• Any advice offered is strictly offered without warranty - use ENTIRELY at your own risk.
• Always consult with your physican for ANYTHING. Make no assumptions.
• Any product recommendations are just that. MINE. I do not endorse for them or guarantee they will work for you.

Why use Accutane?

• If you've exhausted all other avenues of reducing your acne issues.
• You are finally employed where the health benefits allow the consult of a dermatologist. Yes, a majority of insurance plans (in my employment experience) in the USA do NOT allow for this.

Why not use Accutane?

• Too many to list. See Google.
• I believe if you've exhausted all traditional methods (eg, antibotics) then see above points.

Chapped Lips?

• This appears to be a problem for almost everyone
• Consensus on various message forums, various links, and my personal experience shows a highly recommended product
• MY RECOMMENDED PRODUCT: Aquaphor by Eurcin (can be purchased at typical places like WallyWorld, and most drug stores)
• I have tried over 10+ different lip balms and NOTHING but Aquaphor worked for me. Save yourself the headaches, just stock up on it.
• NOTE: you will NOT find Aquaphor in the lip balm section in most stores. Go to the normal lotion section.

Dry scalp?

• Seems not everyone has this problem
• I had it during the first couple months of treatment
• MY RECOMMENDED PRODUCT: Nizoral (can be purchased at typical places like WallyWorld, and most drug stores)

Dry skin (body)?

• Everyone has this issue to varying degrees while on Accutane
• Any decent body lotion is good. Just apply lots of it and put on atleast twice a day.

Facial lotion (dry skin on face)?

• Too many out there and everyone has their opinions.
• AVOID: Neutrogena Intense Facial Lotion - some say it works for them, others say that it is too thick. It made me break out and the product says non-comedogenic. Naturally, non-comedogenic is too generic a statement for all.
• RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS: most oil free moisturizers, with SPF (15) protection is even better
• MY RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS: Neutrogena combination skin moisturizer and Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF-15

Use generic versions of Accutane?

• Roche's patent on Accutane has expired. There is now a (or maybe more) generic version.
• It is my opinion that the generics have not fully perfected approaching the reference drug (if you use Roche as the reference). I used the generic and had more issues with it. Naturally, it may depend on what you and/or your insurance is willing to pay for.
• MY RECOMMENDED ACTION: do not use generics

Red scales on back of hands, etc?

• Typically this is due to serious loss of moisure in those areas. Specially in areas due to contantly washing or rubbing. eg, hands, elbows
• Your physican (or you can ask them) may prescribe (or give you samples) of strong anti-rash cream/ointment. eg, Protopic
• MY RECOMMENDED ACTION: keep small samples or bottles of lotions with you in areas you are in the most, eg. your office desk and car. Apply lotions after washing hands.

Samples?

• DO NOT BE AFRAID to ask your physican/dermatologist for lip balm (Aquaphor) and lotion samples.
• Asking for samples SHOULD NOT be confused with being a "cheapskate".
• I was was able to get enough Aquaphor samples to leave them in strategic places (car, office desk, home, pocket)

Wearing contacts?

• Some people get really dry eyes while on Accutane
• I had to stop wearing my contacts daily during my treatment even though I carried contact eye drops.
• The times I would wear them I made sure I had wetting drops in my pocket.

Comments, suggestions? Send mail to accutane_@_purpleyam.com (remove the underscores _)