I suggested this product so that I would be able to give an honest opinion and my actual experience of this extremely controversial drug. Roaccutane (or medical name Isotretinoin) is a drug used to treat acne, it belongs to a group of medicines called retinods (similar to vitamin A). It works by reducing the amount of oil (sebum) that is produced by the skin. You can only obtain the drug from a dermatologist after numerous tests.

All of my teens I suffered from mild acne (when I say mild I mean I always had about 3 or 4 spots constantly on my face), I had tried various lotions, creams, antibiotics, teatree oil even a course of homeopathy to try to clear my skin. I also suffered from quite oily skin. Unless you have had the condition you will never really understand how it destroys your self-confidence. The first thing I thought of when I got up in the mornings would be 'have I got another' and before I went to bed I would smother my face in whatever the latest cream was that I got from the doctors.

I reached the age of 24 and was so depressed about the state of my skin (you always imagine it to be far worse that others' see it) that I changed my doctor (my previous doctor told me I would be wasting a dermatologists time if he had referred me). I saw a sympathetic doctor who looked through my (extensive!) medical records who then agreed to refer me to a specialist.

I received an appointment about 2 months later at a hospital dermatology clinic. They tried 2 other courses of medication on my skin, and after the 3rd appointment, reluctantly agreed that I could go on a course of Roaccutane (if you do suffer from acne I would very much suggest that you get support from the Acne Support Group - I spoke to their nurse on several occasions and she really helped me pluck up the courage to insist that Roaccutane was the next drug to try). I also know that each course of Roaccutane costs the NHS £500 (but I know that in the past I have probably cost a great deal more in doctors' time and various prescriptions trying to find a cure).

I was told of all the complications, the most serious I was told was depression. Apparently, one person had committed suicide whilst on Roaccutane (although whether it was depression from the drug or just from having the condition, no one is sure). I have also since read that in a national newspaper they had a feature entitled 'This drug has to banned now', blaming Roaccutane for suicidal tendencies.

Here is my own experience of using the Roaccutane:

I went on a four month course of 40mg (2 tablets taken in the evening with food as it can upset the stomach). I initially had to have a pregnacy test as this drug is known to harm unborn babies and therefore completely unsuitable if you are pregnant. During the four months of usage, because Roaccutane affects the fats in the liver, (and could potentially cause liver damage) I wasn't allowed any alcohol (very difficult as my course lasted over the Millennium new years eve celebrations, although I have since made up for this!!!).

The only two physical conditions I suffered from were very dry lips (you need to keep something like Blisteze with you all the time to moisturise your lips) and occasional minor nose bleeds.

Mentally, I never felt better! No depression whatsoever - in fact completely the opposite!. In the matter of a few weeks my skin had cleared completely. No spots, no oil - my face was completely clear. I had to keep having blood tests every month to check the amount of fat in my blood.

After completing the course both the dryness in my lips and nose bleeds stopped completely. I had clear skin - not even a blemish. I know there is a great deal of controversy surrounding Roaccutane but it really has changed my life. I have gained a great deal of confidence now I know people aren't looking at my spots, and don't have to buy anymore acne treatments. It is now a year on, and my skin is still completely clear.

There is no way that this drug should be banned - each persons case should be looked at individually. Like all drugs, it will affect different people in different ways. I knew and accepted the risks involved. Roaccutane has certainly changed my life completely. I will end by saying that I hope this has given a honest opinion about Roaccutane and maybe given some hope to anyone out there who is suffering from acne. There is a cure - it is just about finding the right solution.