Acne and Skin Disorders Forum - Accutane Experience

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Q: Accutane Experience

asked by: chrisy987 on June 2nd, 2004

New User

Hi everyone,
i've read many stories on here about people with acne and I just wanted to share my experience with accutane with you. I've had mild to moderate acne since I was about 12...I'm now 20. I tried everything! Creams, the pill, home remedies...You name it, i've tried it! Anyway, a few months ago I decided enough was enough! I went to go see my derm and told him I wanted to go on it. He agree and now here I am...Using accutane. It's been 10 weeks, I started with 40mgs and I am now up to 50mgs/day.

The major side-effects i've had are back pain, dry lips, dry skin and dry eyes, but besides that i'm doing great and my skin is looking better and better every day!

I've been using carmex for my lips which helps a lot and cetaphil cream for my face. And I never go a day without my 400iu of vitamin e. It's really helped.

For those of you who are worried about the side-effects...They're not that bad and the severe ones only happen to a small percentage of users. Besides, you're carefully monitered when you're on them. You have to take blood tests every month and you have to go see your derm every month as well.

They've really helped me a lot..Not only with my acne but with my self-esteem as well. If nothing else has worked for you and you're fed up...Think about it.

Christina

Replies(13)

lawman

replied on June 6th, 2004

New User

Christina,

i'm happy to hear that you are having success with accutane. I took accutane when I was in high school. I too had tried everything, antibiotics, creams, retin-a, etc. Nothing really seemed to work. Accutane cleared up my acne once and for all. I did have to take three courses before my acne was eliminated for good.

Of course, there were side effects, but they were minor for me, basically dry lips. But, the drug is not to be taken lightly, there can be some serious side effects, including liver problems (which your doctor will monitor you for - be careful of your alcohol intake. Your doctor might suggest abstaining), and birth defects. Less common problems have been accutane related depression and recently some talk (unconfirmed) about bowel obstructions possibly being caused by the drug.

All of that being said, accutane does do what it promises, but it's not always pleasant. It has worked for me and thousands of others. But you should consider all of the risks and benefits before you decide to take this medication.

niceguy

replied on June 6th, 2004

Experienced User

My wife has had a problem with acne for the last 3, 4 years. For the last two months she has gone to the birth control pill. Dramatically, all her problems are under control with the bc pills and she doesnt break out at all. Her skin is back to normal. She was thinking of taking accutane before, but the pills have worked so well for her that she probably won't need it.

chrisy987

replied on June 6th, 2004

New User

Niceguy,
i tried bc pills hoping they would clear up my acne but they didnt't work...At all! I'm glad to hear they helped ur wife and she didnt have to go through all the annoying side-effects of accutane.

niceguy

replied on June 7th, 2004

Experienced User

Chrisy, how long were you on them?

The first time my wife took bc pills they helped but didnt cure her. Then when she quit them, her acne came back in full blast. So after another 3 months she started back on them. Now its been 2 months and this time they have worked.
But I guess you are right. Her doctor said it was a hormonal problem, thats why the bc pills worked on her.

chrisy987

replied on June 7th, 2004

New User

I've been on bc pills for almost a year now...And no results. My Dr. Said they might help but that they don't help everyone. I guess acne happens for several different reasons and my acne wasn't due to hormonal problems.

niceguy

replied on June 7th, 2004

Experienced User

Well at least its over for you with accutane now so I am glad you are free of this dreadful problem. I know my wife is glowing with happiness.

wakkochic17

replied on June 14th, 2004

Experienced User

The bc helped very slightly when I was on them (for 3-4 years?).. But then I switched to the depo shot (which contains no estrogen) and my acne came back in full force. It didn't clear it up but I didn't realize what it did help with until once I got off of the bc. However.. Now that I have been off the birth control pill and on the shot for 6 months now, my face has cleared up and is clearer than it's been in years, even though I still get plenty of breakouts.
I went on the accutane myself 3-4 years ago, which is when I went on the birth control, and it helped, but the effects only lasted 6 months afterwards and then my face went back to the way it was.

chrisy987

replied on June 14th, 2004

New User

Wakkochic,
from what I hear, accutane doesn't always work the first time on everyone. Sometimes it takes 2 or even 3 times for it to work. I'm happy to hear that the depo shot has helped but if your still breaking out, and it bothers you, then maybe you should consider trying accutane again. Good luck!

2ferano

replied on June 16th, 2004

Extremely eHealthy

My sister was going to go on accutane and they would not let her. Since she is of child bearing age. They told her that if she did decide to go on it she had to sign a contract stating that if she were to fall pregnant while on accutane or within some time period after that she would have an abortion.
Also if there is any history of depression or any kind of mental illness in your family (like your whole family tree) that you should never take it.
Also, people who have never had any problems with mental illness can develop it.

I am glad that it works for all of you. I really am, and I sincerely hope that you do not develop and major or long term effects.
I have had acne since I was eight years old (i am now 25) klear action (generic proactiv) works wonders for me. I just wish I would have found it all of those years ago.

To niceguys comment: acne is only sometimes hormonal. Sometimes certain b/c pills help some people which is wonderful. But it is not a guarantee and sometimes it can become even worse.

Everyone is different and you kind of have to experiment to find something that works for you. I really hope that you all find something that works for you! Just be careful, please.

chrisy987

replied on June 16th, 2004

New User

I live in canada so it was a lot easier for me to get accutane. From what I hear it's a lot harder to get it in the states..And very expensive! I didn't have to sign any contracts and all I have to do it take a blood test every month. No pregnancy tests! The other amazing thing for me is that I got it free! I'm a university student and every semester I pay $51 (health and dental fee) and I get all my medication free! Birth control, accutane and anything else not covered by medicare. I must say, for that...Being canadian rocks!

wakkochic17

replied on June 29th, 2004

Experienced User

My dermatologist told me I had to go on birth control in order to go on accutane. I don't remember if she gave it to me or if I went to my ob/gyn and went on it. I don't think that's a universal rule, but it was her rule to make sure that the users do not get pregnant. I also had to sign a contract that I wouldn't get pregnant and that I understood the risks (but never anything about abortion.. I think there would be a lawsuit there somewhere). I also had to do once a month blood tests for pregnancy as well as liver function and cholesterol (since it can shoot your cholesterol up.. Mine was up over 200 after I got off of it, but it's back down now) it is very expensive if you don't have insurance, but thanfully I just had to pay about $20 a month for it.

2ferano

replied on June 29th, 2004

Extremely eHealthy

As I said, I am very glad that it works for you! Very glad.
But it isn't anything to fool around with. The possible side effects must be considered.
Yes, they told my sister that she also would have to go on birth control, but she would have had to sign a contract agreeing to get an abortion if she did get pregnant. There cannot be a lawsuit if the contract is signed. That is why they required the contract. That is why my sister did not go on it.
Well, that and the fact that if you suffer from depression or if it runs in your family (or any mental disease for that matter) can be worsened and can take over if you use accutane. Also, a lot of people who never knew or never did suffer from these things can develop severe mental problems.
But of course, that does not mean that it will happen with everyone. It simply means that it can, and each individual person has to weight the pros and cons.
Just be careful.

wakkochic17

replied on June 30th, 2004

Experienced User

Certainly.. I agree.. It should not be prescribed for just anyone.

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