Post Accutane

My twin sister and I both suffered mild acne and, when we were about 20yrs old, were prescribed with Roaccutane after unsuccessfully trying a variety of other less potent medications. After two years of being off the treatment, our mild acne returned however we both developed cystic acne which neither of has had prior to the treatment. We have both found that taking the contraceptive pill (Estelle, Juliette or Brenda) controls our acne and we both wish that we had tried taking the pill rather than taking Roaccutane. It is now 9 years since we both took Roaccutane. We still get cystic acne when off the pill.  We want to know whether other people have also developed worse acne after taking Roaccutane. I have also found that my skin takes a longer time to heal now that it did before Roaccutane.

[loiloi]

It is possible to relapse after roaccutane and about 20% of people need a second or third course. As you say, anti-androgen contraceptive pills (We called them Dianette and Yasmin in the UK) are helpful for clearing acne but repeat prescriptions may be necessary for as long as you are prone to acne. I have taken roaccutane twice and relapsed both times. Statistically, my best hope of a long term remission is a third course of roaccutane but it is not without risks so for now i'm back on Dianette and oxytetracycline. This is an effective combination but if anyone is going to try this she should use a condom as there is a risk that tetracyclines could lesson the contraceptive properties of the pill. Loiloi xx