We have all heard numerous accounts of Roaccutane, however many people tend to focus on the side effects of the drug rather that its effectiveness. Roaccutane is not merely a treatment for acne; in many cases, it is a cure.

Put briefly, acne is a result of excess sebum (this is the natural oil that hydrates our skin) production from the sebaceous glands. These glands are all over our body but are most numerous about the face, chest, shoulders, and upper back. This is why acne develops in these specific places. Roaccutane works essentially by restricting sebum production and it has been hypothesised (though not yet proved) that Roaccutane also reduces the size of the sebaceous glands

I used to have mild acne, and it really was just mild. Therefore, it really did not bother me too much. However, my older brother had done a course of Roaccutane and it had done him wonders. So my Mum (I was only 16 at the time) sent me straight to the dermatologist my brother had been to. He said my acne really wasn't too bad and I hadn't even tried any other sorts of medication, but even so he gave me the opportunity to do a course of Roaccutane, after explaining in depth all the pros and cons.

- I will note here that I did this course in New Zealand where I live, as England seems to have quite strict rules over Roaccutane.

Therefore after seeing the dermatologist, I was given a prescription (after being weighed) for Roaccutane but had to have a blood test first. This stems from cases of Roaccutanes adverse affect on ones liver. However, I got the all clear and so I began to take the supposed 'controversial' drug.

I did about a four-month course of Roaccutane, and for most of it, I was on the absolute max dosage. I was taking 80 mg a day and I weighed about 70 kg. This was in the form of two 20 mg capsule, morning and night with food, as the effectiveness of the drug is increased. During the course, I still had monthly blood tests checking my liver. After my course finished, I was literally amazed. My face continued to clear up for about a month until now, a year down the track, it is vary rare that I get a pimple.

The side effects I got during the course were pretty much what everyone seems to get: dry skin, lips, and the occasional blood nose when I went up to the max dose. However, these conditions seemed to lessen towards the end of the course. But a significant side effect I got, but one that no one else appears to mention is sensitivity to sun. I seemed to get sun burnt regardless of the amount of sun block used. Why no one else has mentioned this side effect is beyond me (or perhaps it has something to do with England's infamous weather!).

All the side-effects I mentioned above ceased within a month after ending my treatment and never once did I get any of the mental disorders, or depression or suicidal tendencies the media seems to think Roaccutane is guaranteed to bring on.

Through reading other's opinions on this subject, I picked up two issues that startled me. One was the horrendous price it appears one has to pay in England for a course of Roaccutane. I have seen quotes of £400-500 and I am amazed. For my four-month treatment, I would have paid about $60. That works out to be about £17. This is because the New Zealand health system subsidises numerous drugs, so all you really pay over here is the chemist's overhead. This makes me wonder what is happening with any sort of English subsidising.

The other issue that had me wondering was that of no alcohol during a Roaccutane course. I was never told to abstain from drinking, nor did I read this in the numerous information packs I was given. And so drink I did! I do not believe my alcohol tolerance was affected, nor my liver, as I currently have good health and all the blood/liver tests I did while on Roaccutane came back saying I was fine. Now I'm not recommending anyone on Roaccutane to immediately hit the turps after reading this, particularly if you've been told not to, rather I'm questioning how the English medical profession has come to the conclusion of no alcohol whilst on Roaccutane.

In my mind, the possibility of side effects should not stop someone trying Roaccutane.
Generally, either side effects can be dealt with by moisturisers and the like, or by having your daily dose of Roaccutane lowered. However there are more severe and dangerous side effects of Roaccutane, although quite often these only develop in patients who already have health problems. Roaccutane is a strong drug and should only be used under strict medical supervision, i.e. your doctor.

The reality of essentially clear skin for the rest of one’s life, is well worth the sacrifice of extensive moisturiser and lip balm use for a mere few months. I feel that the only negating issues against trying Roaccutane (assuming you can make do with the side-effects) are the incredible cost for the drug (in England), and having to go without alcohol for the duration of the course. Nevertheless, having to make do with some struggles for a few months should not turn people away from a lifetime without acne.