Accutane

[helen-rox]

clarins? Clarins are a cosmetic company not a medical treatment manufacturer.

You're lucky you got no side effects! How much were you on helen? I'm 60mg, going up to 80mg soon.

I remember I started off on a medium dosage and went up to the highest, not really sure what it was (it was just so long ago).. I guess I got really lucky with the side effects, except for getting burnt a little easier in the sun I had none

 

[Lite_Brite]

helen-rox, did you stay on it a full year, or did the improvement continue after stopping treatment? I know a typical treatment period lasts 4-5 months.

 

[helen-rox]

yes nearly a full year maybe 8 - 9 months, I was on it for a longer period of time as my case was pretty bad, I was monitored more in the last few months of the treatment (bloodtests) making sure my liver was taking it alright. And once I was off it it still improved a bit yes

 

[kisa]

I was on accutane when I was a teen - about 15 or 16? I had moderate acne and it totally cleared up my skin for years after. I've just started it again about 15 days ago since I was tired of my mild adult acne. The first time I had a little bit of hair breakage and chapped lips. This time my hair seems fine, my lips are SO chapped though. My skin also seems to be more sensitive to detergents. I've been having the fabled "initial breakout" this time as well. SUCK.

 

[turnofflights]

hmm Accutane is wonderful if you have systic acne. But I don't think its a good idea for people with moderate acne. The side effects are not worth it. Chapped lips, change in hair texture/loss, susceptibility to more scarring due to exposure to the sun. NO DRINKING OR GETTING PREGNANT for 6 months! But as long as you do one cycle and never have to do again its great. I've just met too many people whose accutane use was link to MS? I don't know how. Use Retina-A works the same; topical treatment, doesn't effect your liver, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles!

 

[Deleted member 106803]

What Retina-A products are there though that aren't extremely expensive?
What do you mean by MS?

 

[kfan]

Im not pointing out a particular something someone said or anything, this is just my general opinion on the Accutane topic: while i think that being educated about this-or any drug is great and important, I also think it important to understand that any and all drugs have potential side effects and even theories about linkage to serious diseases, like Multiple Sclerosis (MS) . I think Accutane gets a fairly bad wrap. Its a serious drug--absolutly no doubt, but so is Cipro, and other more common drugs--even Birth control pills. If the need for the drug out-ways the "potential" side effects, than its worth it in my opinion. I think that anyone who is suffering with acne should think about it. Acne, especially cystic, or even persitant drug-resistant acne is dibilitating and serious stuff. People should educate themselves about the the drug, decide if its the right course for them to take, and proceed. Its unfair to make it seem like this drug is the worst drug ever. 35 years ago people were saying the same thing about the birthcontrol pill, and over 100 years ago people were saying it about penicillian. I took Accutane for my cystic acne, and while I didnt really enjoy the experience, it was pretty tolerable. Just be sure you have constant contact with your Derm. Also, I didnt have to stop drinking ...just modify and control what you drink. Then again, thats never really a bad thing to have to do, as one shouldnt be drinking a ton anyways. Just my 2 cents!

 

[Deleted member 106803]

I totally agree with the above post. And I drank last night and have no hangover this morning. Hah.

 

[helen-rox]

I also drank when I was on it no problems

 

[Ryan Riverz]

When I had more problems with acne my dermatologist recommended accutane, but after weighing risks and everything I decided to just use other products in combination. I think like anything else the side effects and effectiveness just depends on the person, but I've heard that it does the job quite well.

 

[lanakau]

Accutane is amazing. When I was a teen I had some acne, not too much, but after finishing Accutane, my skin has ever since been perfect. Like literally perfect, I don't even remember what it feels like to have to worry about my skin. I don't wear foundation, ever. It's just terrific.

 

[mmBop]

i eat Accutane for two weeks now and i hope it will work for my skin too. I see some results on my face already, forehead is almost clear already, but i have terrible acnes on cheeks and down on the neck and it will take time to heal this

 

[Valkyrie]

have been on it since middle september and my cheeks are almost free now, still some scarring and brown spots though but with makeup on you hardly see it

I still get new ones but it's lessening

a few weeks ago I went to my dermatologist for a checkup for my blood and he was really impressed with my progres

 

[mmBop]

Valkyrie before you got those pills, your doctor send you to do blood tests?

 

[Valkyrie]

no, I take the pill so I wasn't pregnant - the checkup was needed for my liver, but everything was fine

I'm also on a low dosis (30/a day) and he didn't raise because there already was improvement, I sometimes have dry painful lips but apart from that feeling fine

 

[AlmostFamous]

You have to get a blood test once a month while on accutane before they refill your pills.

 

[Deleted member 106803]

I'm on my last two months on it now. Can't wait to finish. Fed up with side effects.

 

[Valkyrie]

it's not the actual accutane I'm on, it's isotetrione

daniel how has it been for you?

 

[mmBop]

You have to get a blood test once a month while on accutane before they refill your pills.

I read something about that, but wasn't sure and my dermatolog never mentioned it either. So i better go to my doctor to make me blood tests?

 

[laurette]

^yes, you should get your liver values checked once a month.