Acutane or not?

[Janete]

I am 25 yrs old and have had acne for 5 yrs. I think it's pretty bad but others say it is mild. I have been on several anti-biotics over the last year that have not been very helpful. I am currentyl on erythromicin and I am not enjoying the side effects. I'm sure the side effects of Acutane are far worse and my doctor wants to put me on Acutane if the current treatment does not work. Is there anything else I can do besides Acutane? I'm scared of the side effects it will bring. At the same time, my acne makes me very insecure and I want to find a remedy very soon!!!!!! HELP!!!

[Stvieby]

A related discussion, Acutane was started.

[osubucks212]

A related discussion, is it possible to take accutane with no gallbladder? was started.

[Leah]

Should a person take a calcium supplement while on Acutaine?

[DENISE]

i took acutanne in high school as a last ditch effort to help cure my cystic acne.  i experienced the typical dry lips and plams, nose bleeds and slight hair loss.  acutane was a miracle drug for me... my face was acne free for over 10 years.  Now at 30, i am on actuane again to clear up mild acne.  I'm about 3 months in and am experiencing boughts of depression (mild to extreme).  i didn't have this problem the first time and wonder if any adult acutane users also share this problem.

[Erin]

I was on accutane for 5 months and have been off it now for about 6 months. My skin has cleared up, with the exception of a pimple here or there every now and again. You answered somenone's question about sensitivity to sunlight, and said that once the accutane is done, so are the side effects.  Well, this is not true. Since taking accutane, my skin is more sensitive to the sunlight and I freqently get ecxema, something that I have never had before. I have a brother who took accutane ten years ago, and the same is true for him. I think they do not know enough about this drug for it to even be on the market, and I am now worrying about cancer, liver problems, or the possibility of having a baby with serious birth defects, even though I am no longer on accutane.

[MIKE FERRIGNO]

Dr,
Hey whats up, I took acutane for 6 months, and boy did it help.  My skin is clear and healthy, but my question is.  After I stop taking it am I going to start getting acne again, or does it just go away.  I noticed that I after I shave and apply aftershave that has a alchochol base, my face is fine and no break outs.  Just wondering if it comes back.. thanks

Mike

[Rachel on Sunday, 27]

At the age of 11, I had severe acne that was such a curse to me.
I tried every product over the counter but nothing would help. over the years, of Facials and cleansers my face is not near as bad. But it is mild and still will never clear up no matter what I use. I have been wanting to take Acutane, thinking it will make my scars and blemishes vanish. My mom says that my face is not bad enough to be on Acutane. " Does it matter how bad of acne you have, to be on Acutane?"
Also Does Acutane efect the liver? - A doctor told me that I had an "over-heated" liver. Would taking Acutane be bad on my liver?

[Diane]

My son has been on Accutane for 4 months with great results.  He has not suffered any side effects other than slightly dry lips.  I am in constant fear that there could be side effects that which we can not see.  He decided he wanted to go on it after 1 year of antibotics which where probably not doing much for his system themselves.  After reading this forum however when this script runs out and he gets his blood tested I will look at them myself and decide.  If his liver count is up he's out.  For those of them that can take it though Accutane did clear up his acne and he claims it was worth it.

[keith]

I have cystic acne which is responsive to minocin 250 mg daily. I also have left side colitis long standing,13 yrs and I am considering acutane therapy. I am on asacol 2.4 gm. daily for maintenance. My G.I. says he is not aware of any contraindications regarding U.C. and Acutane therapy. Would you agree with my Gastroenterologist.

[keith]

I have cystic acne which is responsive to minocin 250 mg daily. I also have left side colitis long standing,13 yrs and I am considering acutane therapy. I am on asacol 2.4 gm. daily for maintenance. My G.I. says he is not aware of any contraindications regarding U.C. and Acutane therapy. Would you agree with my Gastroenterologist.

[Jack]

accutane is great!!! i just love how it makes my lips look like an ash tray. also i like the fact that it causes liver damage which was never told to me till after i completed a 5 month course of this drug. please anyone who is reading this consider what i have said. dont listen to that dumb ***** who claims to be a doctor.

[jenna]

Have there been any instances of Acutane disturbing the menstrual cycle. I'm now late and I'm not sure if it's from the acutane. please help.

[Mui]

I have EXTREMELY bad acne, I have gone through so many different types of therapy without any help.  My doctor had put me on acutane and it made my skin horribly dry to the point of having severe blisters, extreme reddness, clusters of skin crust and an all round disscomfort leading to my severe depression.

As a result, I am in a tremendous deal of pain when I try to brush my teeth, eat, or even smile. Because of my pain I choose to stop taking acutane, was this a wise choice? or is there anything that can help or reduce the side effects that I am experiencing?  Is there anything other than acutane?

Please help me, I am 16 yrs old without many options
write back or email: ***@****

[niki]

Hi!, I'm 15 yrs. old, and i have a medium case of acne, since about 2 yrs. ago! i have absolutely tried everything, i have read these reviews and they seem petrifying, can all these side affects really happen? my sisters on it and has been seeing pretty good results, but i have more of a rashy acne, is it right for me? i heard if you take if for about 5 mos. your acne clears up and never comes back, is that true? pleasssseeeeeeeeeeee write back and give me answers, that would be much appreciated to not only me, but everyone!Thanks!:)

[lina]

I underwent a treatment with accutane several years ago for severe acne, and when i finished my course of treatment there was not a blemish is sight....
until several months ago. The acne has now returned and am trying a course with Orthotricycline to clear it up.
My biggest concern isn't only the acne, but have developed some untoned areas on my face, blotches of dark skin....like a pregnancy mask. I'm wondering if those will get worse with the new treatment and if it was a result of the accutane.
anyone know??

[Julie]

This message is for the people that have been on acutane for extended periods of time-some mentioned being on it for a year or more. Acutane is a serious drug and should not be taken carelessly, I would consult the opinion of a different doctor if you are  advised to stay on the drug for extended periods of time.  I think the recommended time period is between 3-6 months. You should also ask your pharmacy for a print-out of the side effects related to acutane.  If you have any severe effects you should contact your doctor immediately.

[Maxine]

My husband took acutane in 1988 at age. He had a stroke. He survived thank God. He wears a brace and had limited use of left since. It was attributed to Acutane since it raises the blood pressure.   He took it for adult acne.

[Alfredo]

MY GIRLFRIEND IS CURRENTLY ON ACUTANE BUT EVER SINCE SHE HAS TAKEN THIS DRUG I HAVE SEEN HER ATTITUDE GO FOR THE WORST IS THAT POSSIBL? WHAT ARE ALL THE SIDE EFFECTS

[Alfredo]

MY GIRLFRIEND IS CURRENTLY ON ACUTANE BUT EVER SINCE SHE HAS TAKEN THIS DRUG I HAVE SEEN HER ATTITUDE GO FOR THE WORST IS THAT POSSIBL? WHAT ARE ALL THE SIDE EFFECTS

[David O'Dell]

I need some advice on how to get rid of excessive dry lips.  I am not currentlly on medication, but I use blistex regularly, too much... I drink plenty of fluids every day, but my lips are always chapped. ( no sores of any kind, just cahapped) What can I do to stop the dryness?

[Lindy Lacey]

My 19 year old daughter has been on acutane for 5 months.  Her face has cleared up tremendously.  However, she is experiencing symtoms of a urinary tract infection.  She is testing negative for that but continues to have pain, pressure and urgency.  She has undergone seveal tests and the urologist cannot find the problem.  I heard yesterday that sometimes the acutane can cause  unspecific urological problems.  What do you know of that and can you just come off acutane all at once?

[blah]

Hi I've had bad acne for quite awhile now.  I've taken all the anti-biotics known to man.  But none seem to work.  Do you think Acutane might be good for my acne?

[Ashley]

hi-i am 14 years old and want to go on acutane but my doctor says i should try other things first but i have already tryed alot of stuff i really want acutane my acne is not that bad but i makes me drepessed and self-consice (spelling) is my age the reason my doctor won't give me acutane? please write back

thanks!!!
ashley

[M.Deh]

My son had thyroiditis last year, (hyperthyroid symptoms), and 6 months on Tapazol has him back to normal. He has an elevated Bilirubin count, but liver function tests are normal. His doctor thinks he may just be one of those who has an elevated bilirubin. Can he go on Accutane? He has had acne for5 years, and on every antibiotic you can name. He has been on non for the last year, only topicals. Can he go on Accutane with the high bilirubin? please respond.