Acne Community
Anyone on Accutane?
About This Community:

This patient support community is for discussions relating to acne and foods, scars, adult acne, blackheads, rosacea, and pimples.

Font Size:
A
A
A
Background:
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank Blank

Anyone on Accutane?

Hey im starting accutane in a month and i just wanna know how it helped you all out? i guess it is a 5 month program.
Im gonna be getting the generic accutane too, i dont know if theres a difference.
im a lil scared cuz of how dry he said everything would get on me and my internal organs and stuff, but i guess if it helps with my skin then i can deal with it.
Let me know your experiences!  :))

Crystal
Related Discussions
24 Comments Post a Comment
Blank
Avatar_n_tn
drink TONS of water while you are on accutane.use a sunscreen at least an spf15.and follow a reguler skincare that is very gentle to your skin .Like cetaphil to cleanse.No soaps as they leave a residue behind.
and you will probably be comfortable with a gel moisturizer
Good luck and let me know how the treatment works for you .
Love Venora
Blank
Avatar_n_tn
I used accutane about 6 yrs ago for 4 months.  I was so happy b/c I was acne-free for three years!  I am acutally starting it again this weekend.  It stated again but not as bad as before.  It just happens that I am qualified to do a second run of it.  The only side affects I had was any little cuts (like paper cuts) would get infected. But all I had to do was clean any scrapes with peroxide and I was fine.  I also got a mild rash but once I used the rash cream, that was fine too.  One thing you must know is that you CANNOT get pregnant on accutane b/c it causes birth defects.  As long as your monitored and supervised on a monthly basis with you doc, I think you'll be fine.  I would recommend accutane treatment.  Its a miracle!
Blank
Avatar_n_tn
You would be smarter to take it now over the summer. I started in the winter and the dryness was 10 times worse then it is now and into the summer. Just take it with food and lots of water. I also woudnt use any topical(Cream/gel) meds either. I know its hard but it will probably prolong your acne and make it worse. Just apply cetephil lotion to your face after you wash it and you will do fine.

Good luck

Jesse
Blank
Avatar_n_tn
I hope you don't become hostile after taking Accutane.  Some side effects may occur.  It is classified as Controlled Substance Class II in the United State.
Blank
Avatar_n_tn
Hi there!!!! I was also on accutane and my experience was not as pleasant as the others that have posted. Or maybe its more likr the results. I was accutane 9 years ago when it had just come out in North America. The side affects, were not so bothersome, however the results make me wish I had never touched the stuff. I have severe scars all along by back and shoulders. I have gone to plastic surgeons and there is nothing they can do, so imagine how bad it really is.  Now I am not suggesting you refuse to take it, but just so you are aware that there is a possibility that your results won't be up to par.
Good luck
Blank
Avatar_n_tn
ju
Blank
Avatar_n_tn
Hey There

Ive just started roaccuatne today on a low dose of 20mg,10mg am 10mg pm,Im a bit concerned because ive previously had bowel disease but im sick of my skin having been on minocycline with good results and lymecycline with no result at all,ive started it my self but im due to see the derm in 4 weeks do you think im daft or is this sensible any comments please

Sam
Blank
Avatar_n_tn
My daughter went on Roaccutane when she was about 15 as she had very nasty cyst-type acne on her face which was scarring. The treatment got rid of her acne completely and now 3 years later she is largely spotfree apart from the odd very mild breakout common to most teenagers. She had no side effects apart from dry skin which I think she found a relief after oily skin! Her lips got very dry so she took a small pot of vaseline (petroleum jelly- not sure what you call it in US) with her and constantly applied it to her lips and that seemed to keep it under control.
Blank
Avatar_n_tn
I heard that a side effect of accutane is diabetes. One of my sisters friends actually did the accutane treatment and ended up with diabetes because of it. Like all medicenes accutane has side effects but they seem to be a little bit more of a big deal. So I guess it all depends on wether you're willing to take the chance of getting these side effects or not. good luck!
Blank
Avatar_m_tn
I'm in my 2 month of Accutane and for some reason my skin isn’t quite as oily as when I first started.  I do not moisturize throughout the day other than when in the morning, after taking a shower.  It’s weird, I guess you can call it a blessing – I just question if my body is getting used to the meds????? I have my follow-up visit at the end of this month, so I’ll ask my dermatologist.  Just wondering if anyone else on Accutane experienced the same scenario.  BTW – I always had mild acne, the meds. Appear to be working considering I don’t breakout as much, just curious as to why my face appears a little more oily than others who have experienced dryer skin at this time of treatment (2nd month).  Any comments welcomed!
Blank
Avatar_n_tn
i have to say that i am amazed at the results so far. I am a parent of a son who has been battling his acne for 3 plus years. He only start the accutane on August 2 at which time he had many cyst type of pimples mostly on the sides of his face and forehead, and some on his back. withing 4 days his pimples had shrunken and his face at day 12 is already looking so much better. only side effect so far is dry lips, easily remedied. Maybe what has helped him is thta he was on retin-a before and doxycycline which may have put him in a more prepared state. I dont know, ut i will say I was so worried because he has had a 24/7 headache since 04 and we were afraid this would make it worse. He is also on a swim team so the exercize may help alleviate other physical smyptoms...but like i say so far so good. Keep a healthy respect for drugs and trust your doctor.
Blank
Avatar_n_tn
the dry skin is the result of the accutane. Accutane is a toxic dose, basically, of vitamin a which shuts down your sebaceous glands (oil) you will dry up throughout your body, and yes, if you are oily skined, this is a blessing. good luck.
Blank
Avatar_n_tn
Been on it 4 5 months, after a few weeks into the treatment it just got so freaking bad
like i never had it before fat lumps of that cystic acne apeared everywhere it was a nightmare
after like 4 months it cind of dissapeared but i was left with realy ugly red skin with purple spots
it looked eaven worst that before like  i had acne, it has been about 9 months since i started the treatment and still my skin looks realy **** with red marks and my whole face is red, i guess its fadin away but my skin just doaesnt look the same like it looked before, its not smooth anymore, guess i have to wait for a few months still. About the acne, well still get some spots but its not the big fat lumps just little pimples. About the dry staf well i had no problems with any of the side effects.
I thought im gonna be free of acne for ever when i started it will work 100% but i was wrong, i wish i never went on it, my skin could of been ok and i aint goin back on ot never. Ahh well, see what happens. Good luck to u tho hope it works 4 u, for some people it does and for some it just doaesnt.
Blank
Avatar_f_tn
IM ON MY SECOND MONTH INTO ACCUTANE AND IT SEEMS THAT MY FACE IS CLEARING I NEVER REALLY HAD BAD ACNE IT WAS MILD BUT I HAD OILY SKIN TOO. EVERYDAY FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS I DONT THINK IV WOKEN UP WITHOUT A PIMPLE ON MY FACE. I BEEN ON ACCUTANE AND I LIKE THAT IT DRYS MY FACE OUT BUT WHEN IT SCABS ADN READY TO COME OFF IT LEAVES BEHIND A RED SPOT ? DO YOU THINK THIS WILL GO AWAY WHEN IM DONE WITH THE TRETMENT?  HAVE YOU HAD ANYTHING LIKE THIS?
Blank
Avatar_n_tn
I had really dry skin throughout treatment and was pretty tired.  I started taking B-12 shots and my doctor recommended instead a multivitamin specifically for accutane patients.  It is called B to Zinc.  Their website is www.accutanevitamins.com.  I found I felt less tired, my skin recovered well, and I was happy to be back to my vitamin routine.  Good luck with your treatments.  I'm sure things will turn out fine!  Katie
Blank
Avatar_n_tn
I have red spots and cysts 23 years after Accutane.  They have never gone away. I took Accutane at 35, so it looks pretty funny for a 59 year old to have zits.   Zits are the least of my problems.  You all should read the scientific studies to have come out on Accutane.  Only politics, failure of the regulating agencies to be accountable, and money in Washington D.C are keeping it on the market right now.  You cannot imagine the latent side effects of Accutane that are not reversible.  Patti Lodes
Blank
Avatar_n_tn
Hi Patti, hope you are doing well.  I have been looking for the Roaccutane Action Forum, but cannot find it anymore.  The link I saved in my Favorites is no longer working.  Has the forum been shut down?
Blank
Avatar_f_tn
I think the moral of the story is to stick it out! A lot of people have their skin get worse and thats to be expected, my brother was on accutane for a long time to get rid of his. I am 24 and have been on Accutane for 2 weeks. The only side affect i have had is dryness. I have dandruff, flaky face and dry lips, but if you ask me...its worth it! Acne sux and i will do whatever to clear it. Not everyone experiences terrible side affects, dont be scared.
Blank
Avatar_m_tn
Hello! I am a 19 year old male. I have been on Doxycycline for 10 weeks. After the 7/8 week my acne started getting terrible again (before this, it was working great). I don't have a derm. app. for another 2 months. I am willing to do whatever it takes, so I started stopped doxy and started taking 300,000 I.U. of natural vitamin A: I am well aware of what this can do to me. I've been on this for about 2 weeks. I am experiencing dry lips, back pain. My acne was never incredibly bad, but it's still very far from well. After the first few couple of days it seemed to be working, but now I'm it's to the very very bad point. I am just wondering how long It'll take to show even small results; To where It Isn't still terrible?
Please let me know, if any of your info. will be helpful to me.
Thanks
-Luke
Blank
Avatar_m_tn
I took Accutane when I was 32 in 1988. I am now 53. I was always healthy, slender and pretty happy. Now I have been diagnosed with diabetes, depression and my stomach and colon are inflamed and not normal. When you are young you want desperately to have a clear complexion. The better way to resolve the acne problem is to look to the source and find out what is wrong with your diet and body systems. The long term effects of Accutane are not worth it. I wish I had consulted with a good Holistic doctor first before taking a risky drug.
Blank
Avatar_f_tn
  Best Pharmacy Drugs
Blank
Avatar_f_tn
I am 33 years old and as of about 1-2 months ago, the moderate acne that I have had for about 6 years, went horribly severe, cystic, itching, hurting and bleeding.
It has gotten progressively worse for years but when I was about 31, it got much worse on cheeks only, and then now, it completely changed and got insane.
I can't sleep because of the itch. It hurts to open my mouth to eat.
I am vegetarian and have organic green smoothies and organic, whole, vegetarian food. Drink plenty of water. Go running regularly.k
I'm pretty healthy and take care of myself so I really don't understand all this!
I am wanting to do anything- have tried sooo many things that have failed.
Accutane is the only thing I can think of doing.
I would rather have muscle pain, IBS, diabetes- that this! I can't even work or do anything normal- my face hurts and itches all the time!! And looks atrocious!
I am always into herbal remedies (which I have tried over and over and over again) and don't take medications, but I am actually wanting relief so bad that I will take accutane.

I read your post and wanted to reply as I understand you. I am also about the same age starting accutane for the first time.
Blank
1820709_tn?1317189808
Accutane is better medicine than others. You can buy from emedoutlet online
Blank
Avatar_m_tn
i'm taking accutane right now and the only side effect i have so far is extremely dry skin and lips.
Blank
Post a Comment
To
Go
Blank
Weight Tracker
Reach your weight goal faster
Start Tracking Now
MedHelp Health Answers
Top Dermatology Answerers
Avatar_f_tn
Blank
jemma116
United Kingdom
RSS Expert Activity
1741471_tn?1349564002
Blank
Parkinson Awareness Month: Parkinso... Blank
May 10 by Michael Gonzalez-WallaceBlank
233488_tn?1310696703
Blank
NEW STUDIES ON PREVENTING PROGRESSI...
May 08 by John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAOBlank
2126606_tn?1346348724
Blank
Heroin Use in the U.S.
May 08 by Clare Waismann Kavin, Blank