Roaccutane/isotretanoin experiences

[NecessaryOnABicycle]

Hi Munsnetters, I'm facing the prospect of a course of roaccutane for adult acne. I'm a bit nervous about the potential side effects - does anyone have experiences of this drug either re:side effects or effectiveness? Obviously I will discuss with my dermatologist but I would like some personal stories too. Thanks!

I recently finished a year of roaccutane. I was meant to be on it for about 6 months but really struggled with side effects so had to lower my dose and do it more slowly. Weirdly I got hardly any dryness but had awful muscle aches the whole time. It was definitely worth it though. After 15 years of acne my skin is now nearly perfect.

My DS is on it (13yo). He started at a low dose of 20mg a day for one month and is now on 40mg a day. He complained of achy muscles for about a week but seems ok now. His lips are very very dry (spending a fortune on lip balm!) and he has dry skin on his arms. Lots of moisturiser helps. He has the occasional nose bleed too which is helped by using Vaseline.
His skin is slowly looking better but I think he will be on it for at least 6 months, maybe longer.

I am currently on week 7 of a 16 week course. 80mg a day.

Ridiculously dry lips, but manageable with lip balm. Pain in my heels at the end of the day. Painful retinoid rash on my arms.

My ds ( 18 years) was on this drug for some time and it did work wonders for his acne. However I have been reading articles about side effects more recently and become worried as to whether I should have let him take it. He had very dry mouth etc.