Chris: how much did that scar removal surgery you had on your cheek cost?
Quinn - 07/31/98 16:00:30
Gender: female
Age: 18
Comments:
Chris: how much did that scar removal surgery you had on your cheek
cost?
Quinn - 07/31/98 16:00:30
Gender: female
Age: 18
Comments:
Dear Kyle, the doasge you are taking is 40mg per day since each tablet
is 20mg. You can't "have your cake and eat it" so if you want to achieve
the best possible results from using accutane, you have to be willing to
lay off the liquor and the drugs at l ast until after your treatment is
over.Generally, drugs and alcohol consumed in large amounts are hazardous
to your health , even more so when you are on accutane. One last note,
try to be consistent in taking your tablets..lay out a srategy that will
rem nd you that you have to take them at this or that time. I hope my advice
helps...Quinn.
Kyle - 07/31/98 15:13:49
My Email:kirvine@mines.edu
Gender: Male
Age: 20
Comments:
Hi I just started taking accutane cause I had some acne that just wouldn't
go away. Previously my older brother had the treatment and it worked miraculously
on him so now it's my turn. HOwever I was not aware of the nasty stories!
I'm a little concerne because my life-style doesn't exactly mesh with the
taking of this drug. Let me explain. First off I'm taking 2 20mg tabblets
perday, I'm not sure what kind of dosage that is, however sometimes I miss
a day. The longest I've gone with missing a dosage was 1 day. Will this
have adverse effects with the teratment? ALso I'm a partier. I love to
party it's my way of letting off steam, however this usualally leads me
into taking various drugs and alcohol. Mostly just Marijuana and Beer,
but sometimes Py chadelic mushrooms. I'm wondering if maybe this is a BAAAADDD
idea, just want someone elses opinion. THanx and good luck all.
nameless - 07/31/98 00:33:53
My Email:nope
Gender: male
Age: 24
Comments:
i took accutane after nothing else would clear up my skin. there was
no affect in the first few months except for severely chapped lips. then
after about 4 months my skin started to clear up. it is now over 1 year
later and my skin is still clear; w/ n outbreaks. accutane was a lifesaver!
(one very disturbing side effect was, shall we say, sexual dysfunction
that occurred about 3 weeks into treatment. this went away and never returned,
thank god!! but during the first few weeks, i was told that my emen tasted
very acidic and burned! [don't ask])
Chris - 07/30/98 23:49:34
My Email:not@havingany
Gender: male
Age: 23
Comments:
Hi! this letter is about roaccutane, skindermabrasion, sideeffects
to help others. Have had acne but not for long times couse I have trieted
it emmiedetly. Have been on tetracykline which worked perfect. No sideeffects
from it. I even did sun with it (no recommend) without any problems occurring
(less than 1 of 100 get problems taking s n with tetracyklin-antibiotic).
But I wanted to cure the acne completely and that is why I started roaccutane
course. First one for 4 months. One or two pimples appeared after 4-months
from the treatment. Then I started a second course. My doctor did not ant
me to go on couse I almost got no problems anymore. I went on for 5.5 months
the second time and have been off for 3 months now and there is no pimples
anywhere. What happened when I went on the (ro)accutane course? Skin: 1-2-3
weeks more pimples appeared. Then they suddenly dissappeared fast. Skin
got really dry and there is a cure for that. It is "tee trees" products,
their ointment which takes the dryiness away completely. My skin cured
really great and looks good Lips: They got dry after 5 days I think and
you have to use something to them. My lips were never so dry they bleeded.
After course it took one week, then lips and skin were normal again. Eyes:
Biggest problem for me. Red and dry eyes. They got dry 2-3 weeks in to
the course and after course they were normal after 1-2 weeks. Concentrationproblems:
Yes, I think I had it. I have always done best results in school. But now
I werent best in all subjects anymore. It somehow felt heavy to read and
study. I also have a work were I handle money and count a lot. There were
many more e rors than I usually have(almost none). This went back to normal
1 week after course. Training: I lift weights. And could do that normally
during course. I even gained 10 kg muscles the first course. So there werent
problems at all. Chestpain: In the middle of the chest I felt a little
pain. Nothing big. But when I took a deep breath I felt that there were
something almost having a knife in chest. But it was no problem at all.
It occurred 2 months in to the course. And dissapeared 2- weeks after finishing
course. Hair: It did go more curly than before and VERY dry. And I think
I have had some hairloss too. Specially the first weeks after finishing
the course I felt hair lossing. But it seem to have stopped. I have read
that hair do react on roaccutane. Some have e en had haircolorchanges.
One other problem that occurred after finishing course is dandruff. I had
it before too but roaccutane took it away. Common problem for me. Sun:
I did sun myself 2-3 weeks after finishing course without problems. Ok,
the first times very gentle on evenings and then more and more. Headache:
Sometimes I had it. I felt somehow filled in head, like it wanted to explode.
I think that this has something to do with my concentrationproblems too.
I somehow felt that I didnt know what to do really, almost that I was looking
for a more comfo table place to be in. Hard to explain this couse my english
words arent enough. Headache came for first time 3-4 weeks in to course
and dissappeared directly after finishing course. I did have headache about
2-3 times per week. But there was always this s range feeling that I cant
explain correctly. The "wanna do nothing feeling". That feeling dissapeared
directly after course. I think that had with the "push" created in head.
I read that while on roaccutane you act like you had a braintumor and I
think th t it was. Liver and so on: No problems at all. Tests once a month.
That was all about my side-effects while on roaccutane. Nothing except
thinner and dryer hair is left from course. But hair takes long time to
"change" its shape. I have read about them who have fel hairchanges while
roaccutane. They told that hair became normal after 6-months to 1 year
after finishing course. And the results with the pimples were great! Scars:
I think that roaccutane made the scars more pale and looking better. I
created scars on one cheek when I was 16 when I suddenly got cysts there
on cheek. Then I had no acne til I turned 19 so I did something to take
the acnescars away: Dermabrasion: I mechanically grinded my cheek. It took
20 minutes at a plasticsurgery and then I could go home. But having white
bandages on for a couple of days on face. And then I had to go back and
remove something from cheek. The wound-crust(spell?). hen my cheek was
read for one week. The results of dermabrasion. Great! But it took time
before I had pigment on the "shaped" area. The first summer after I did
not create any browness there at all. The second was better and now it
is normally suntanned. ow I look completely normal in face. It is a hard
struggeling against acne people have. But if you have it under control
do enjoy life instead bothering acne. People can stay at home couse they
have pimples. I have had really nice girls going out with tho gh my acne.
It isnt that important as many can believe. That was some word from me
and hope you didnt fell a sleep during reading it. And sorry for my english
in some parts. Bye
Alan - 07/30/98 17:43:13
My Email:ugly@smart.net.au
Gender: hermaphrodite
Age: 69
Comments:
You rule carr. you're the sweetest person i've ever met on the net
and u deserve all the best in this world. (excluding bichassstuart) hehehe
LOVE YA
quinn - 07/30/98 16:24:10
My Email:quinnie_yt1@yahoo.com
Gender: female
Age: 18
Comments:
Hi guys, I went to my doctor today and she's really impressed with
the way my skin is responding to roaccutane. It's only been two weeks,
but my skin is already completely clear. My back still has a few spots,
but i don't have any new ones. The dry lips a e'nt half as bad as people
made it sound. I've heard of cases where people's lips crack and bleed...i
just feel a little dryness, but a little chapstick goes a long way. Different
strokes for different folks.
- 07/30/98 14:09:59
My Email:wardo@sprint.ca
Gender: male
Age: 28
Comments:
I have suffered from severe cystic acne on my back for 13 years. I
was put on accutane for a while and to make a long story short.........the
cure was worse than the problem. I developed something known a ( pronounce
like ) Suto-tumor. This is an inflamat on of the eyesocket or optic nerve.
Extremely painfull. I actually lost vision for a while but luckily it came
back. The treatment for this condition is Chordisone, a steroid. Another
nasty drug. One of its side affects is ACNE. One just chases the other.
My sister took accutane for a while and now she can't have kids!!!!! There
is too much unknown about this drug and it is too easy for dermatologists
to just prescibe it. When I was to the doc last he suggested I take 3 months
off work and go on accutane again. I am a pilot.............i can't afford
3 months off work or ch nce losing my vision!!!!!!! It is just too easy
for them to say accutane is what is needed. I WILL NEVER TAKE ACCUTANE
AGAIN!!!!!!!! TOO RISKY IN MY BOOKS!
polly - 07/30/98 08:13:41
My Email:101360.2571@compuserve.com
Gender: female
Age: 41
Comments:
Hello, very interested in your website. I have suffered from acne since
I was in my 20's. I had a lovely skin in my teens but suffered badly from
about 25 to now (41). I have tried: long term antibiotics (tetracycline
etc.) Dianette (large doses of penicillin following a knee op. cleared
it up completely, but you can't continue that forever) Retin A cream many
different topical applications and eventually Roaccutane at age 38. I took
it for about 8 months and apart from the usual side effects (chapped lips,
dry skin - although I could still wear my lenses) I was fairly pleased.
The spots disappeared and the texture of my skin changed. Towards the end
of the treatment, I notice that my skin was becoming thinner and paper-y.
I had never been concerned about ageing before (a greasy skin has one BIG
advantage - it does not age as quickly), but now I was - BIG TIME. I came
off it. Within four months, my spots were back (although not as bad, however
they are now) and I looked OLD. Six months later I was in a state of severe
depression. I have only just heard that Roaccutane has been linked with
this. It shocked me. Having never suffered from it before, I am actually
quite glad to be able to say the cause may have been chemical, hough would
not wish it on my worst enemy. I was bordering suicidal. It is now 18 months
later. I still have spots, as bad as they ever were; I think I have aged
10 years in 2, and I am taking antidepressants. I would NOT recommend Roaccutane
to anyone. Although I was warned about many of the side effects, I was
not told (nor have read elsewhere) about the accelerated ageing - which
I am CONVINCED resulted from the Roaccutane treatment. Previously I always
lo ked younger than my age, now I look 10 years older. The depression was
a living nightmare, and although could have resulted from other factors,
I have my doubts. I know how unhappy a horrible skin can make you. Please
just consider all the factors before embarking on a course of this drug.
Khanh Duy Nguyen - 07/30/98
02:30:29
My Email:nguyendk@ucla.edu
Age: 24
Comments:
Hi all I just want to know if accutane can clear up acne's brown spot
and scars. Thanks a lot
Phil - 07/30/98 00:15:41
My Email:philm@comtex.co.nz
Age: 37
Comments:
I am interested in others that have had a similair experience to mine.
Having been told about the drug from a colleague when I was 29, I began
a course of the drug in mid 1989, and was on it for 7 months (Can't remember
the dosage). I had the usual side effects, but less than a month after
going off the drug, the results were excellent, and generally remain most
satisfactory over 8 years later. I did not make any link at the time (Did
not know there was one!), but I developed a serious and long lasting epression
at the same time, that through ignorance of what was happening etc, I did
not overcome for a very long time. It was not until I was reading a newspaper
a month or so back, that I saw the drug fingered as a link with depression
that had caused d ath. A penny dropped (Or rather thundered). The temptation
is of course for immediate attribution. This I have resisted, but the coincidence
is very strong, and I have not sufferred from this horrible affliction
either before or since taking the drug. Neither have I been able to uncover
much more - a search on Yahoo had 1 hit - this site! It is long past now,
just like the Acne, but I think the depression hurt more than the acne
did. At least we should alert people to the slight possibility of this,
nd that they may be called upon to monitor their state of mind whilst taking
the drug. Such has been my experience - any others?
Paul - 07/29/98 21:35:48
My Email:pviolette@acnielsen.com
Age: 29
Comments:
I have a question about duration/dosage of treatment. All the information
I have found says that the chances of lasting success increase depending
on the total amount of the drug taken. I've read that duration should last
from 15-20 weeks. It also says that dosage should be between 5. - 2mg per
kg (which for me @155lbs works out to 35 - 120 mg per day). My questions
is, how much should I be taking during the 15 - 20 weeks; 40, 60, or 80
mg per day? I was on 60 then prescribed 40 mg per day. I'd like o end this
as soon as possible but want to make sure I don't have to take it again
(this is actually my second treatment) Could you let me know what dosage
and duration you are on or any other information about this? Thank you.
Jakob Savage - 07/29/98
03:09:31
My Email:skinners@otago.crt.co.nz
Gender: Male
Age: 20
Comments:
Hi all, I am about 13 weeks into my second course of Roaccutane. I
started getting mild acne when I was about 16. It intensified when I was
18 and I went on a 5 month course of Roaccutane. No treatment had ever
worked before this but it cleared it up brilliant y. The only side effects
were dry lips and skin and red dry eyes, but these effects were worth it.
My face was almost perfect for a year afterwards but then slowly but surely
my pimples returned in clusters. Now almost 3 months into my second course
I m feeling great again. I may continue it for another 2-3 months yet to
try and eliminate this very frustrating skin disorder. The side effects
has been less severe second time around. I used to lose self-confidence
in the past because of my skin but th n I thought - this is stupid, it's
not my fault I have acne and if people think less of me then that is their
problem. My faith in God and the support of good friends has helped me
be everything I can be. I have a beautiful girlfriend who I had a big ta
k to about my roaccutane treatment the other day and she is completely
accepting of my treatment. She herself has the most beautiful soft skin
you can ever have. I would love to be like that. For anyone who has bad
enough acne and is hesitant about usi g Roaccutane I'd say go for it. In
my experience it is a dream drug and has been the only thing to work for
me. Thanks for reading, comments welcome.
Patty - 07/28/98 15:59:56
My Email:p_menz@hotmail.com
Gender: Female
Age: 21
Comments:
I took accutane for 5 months and have been off of it for about 2 weeks.
My dermotologist had me go off of it because I lost 15lbs in the course
of 5 months and had only weighted 103lbs to begin with. Since I have been
off of it I have gained some weight back and my appetite is back too. I
was wondering if anyone else experience weight loss or a diminishing appetite?
Since I have been off of it I have noticed some acne returning. It saddens
me to see, I want to go back on the miracle drug of accutane I loved not
worrying or thinking constantly about my acne.
melanie - 07/28/98 11:54:41
My Email:n/a
Gender: female
Age: 22
Comments:
I think it is great that a site has been set up for roaccutane victims,
oops users. I was on roaccutane for 12 months, and although I would class
it as a wonder drug, I'm still a little skeptical about the long term affects
the drug may have caused. I was also wondering if anyone suffered from
depression whilst taking roac. I had a mild case of depression (about 4
months), which at the time I did not realise because I didn't know it was
a side affect, and as a result my work/uni studies suffered.Sore muscl
s, nausea, weight gain, chronic fatigue and dry everything were a few of
the other affects I felt. And although I complained about all these symtoms,
if I had not have taken roaccutane I would still be complaining today about
my acne. Oh well, you can't a ways win!
Al - 07/28/98 11:21:24
My Email:aab_2
Gender: Male
Age: 22
Comments:
Let me say that this site has been invaluable for gathering information.
I'd really appreciate hearing from anybody who has suffered the (I'm told
rare) side effect of hair loss. Apparently 307 cases have been reported
out of 2.5 million courses of trea ment. If you, like me are one of those
unfortunate few then I'd like to hear form you. Many thanks, Al.
Sherry - 07/28/98 02:08:19
My Email:misanton@cfw.com
Gender: female
Age: 29
Comments:
Here I am, almost 30 years old, still battling acne! Is there any hope?
I have 2 beautiful boys, & during pregnancy, my skin cleared up &
looked great. But soon after the birth of my babies, back to the same old
acne problem. In the past, I've been on antibiotics & am currently
using retin-A without much noticeable difference. I'm going back to my
dermatologist next month & am curious about Accutane. But I'm also
very concerned about using a drug with such serious potential side effects,
a drug, that it would appear from reading these comments, doesn't always
work. I'm very concerned about lingering side effects after treatment &
if this will impair fertility as I may want to have more children. Any
help or comments would be appreciated. Thanks for this Web site. It's nice
to know I'm not alone!
sn - 07/27/98 21:16:50
My Email:n/a
Age: 17
Comments:
Hey I have some questions for anyone whose completed a treatment, my
face seems to be coming along fine, and I dont really have any acne anywhere,
but I have pretty bad scarring on my back and arms, which is almost as
annoying as the face. Does anyone kn w if accutane will completely clear
this? And if not, does anyone know how much scar removal surgery costs?
Thanks.
Jack - 07/27/98 19:33:13
My Email:zephyr102@hotmail.com
Gender: male
Age: 21
Comments:
I have just started taking Accutane a few days ago, but being a tad
concerned about the side-effects decided to do some researching on my own.
There's two questions I forgot to ask my dermatologist about that have
been lingering in my head. If anyone co ld give me some input on this,
I'd be really grateful. 1) I work out at a gym several times a week....does
Accutane restrict or have any effect on exercise? 2) How bad does the flaking
(or peeling) get? Do you have to walk around with bits of white flakes
hanging all over your face? Many thanks, Jack. PS. Gill, it's great to
see someone do a site about this...makes you feel better about undergoing
the treatment. Thanks
sn - 07/26/98 10:30:44
My Email:none
Age: 17
Comments:
Hi, I have some tips for you guys who are having accutane troubles.
First of all regarding side affects: it distinctly says take with food
or milk because when you do this the food and or milk will help to absorb
it and lessen side affects. Side affects do increase with the higher dosages,
even though some people believe otherwise, and taking 80 mg a day is not
a good idea if you are below 140-150 lbs. I also have a great product recommendation
for those who want their skin clear quick. Clearasil maxim m strength,
it has 10% benzoyl prexoide which technically should be given only by prescription,
thats the same benzoyl peroxide content as desquam-x which is more expensive
and takes a prescription. Washing daily with neutrogena and/or phisoderm,
allong ith clearasil will a.) keep you from having new breakouts and b.)
clearasil will peel away old dead skin to reveal new healthy skin, this
is what accutane will do eventually, but this speeds it up . My face is
clear from this after about a month, but jus washing and using clearasil
will lead to acne returning, accutane does damage to the oil producing
glands, and ive heard more success from people who took it for longer periods
of time, I plan to take it for about 8 months @ 60 mg a day. As far as
side a fects go, I havent had any except for the occasional headache. Dehydration
is a major side affect of accutane which can lead to more of the other
ones, so drink a lot of water. Best of luck to you all Shane
Ralph Engel - 07/25/98 16:48:18
My Email:ralph@q-net.net.au
Gender: Male
Age: 19
Comments:
Hello Fellow Roaccutaners :o) I've had mild acne for around 2 - 3 years,
I've tried every old trick in the book, and well all of the above didn't
work, from pills to creams.. nothing made it through! So I was suggested
Roaccutane, so far, I've gone through around 3 packets, which is 2 months
worth (I think), and it has only JUST started taking affect now, its taken
a while, but I'm very happy with the results that are coming through. Let
me warn you 'New' Roaccutane ppl, that you WILL get an initial flare up
:o( Sad, but true. I got it, real bad around my chin, and its all gone
now (well most of it). There are still a few things which I am a bit 'iffy'
about, things that I don't understand all that great, could you please
email me if you've been on the course long enough? Grea .. Thanks!
SFJ - 07/24/98 00:40:31
Gender: female
Age: 28
Comments:
Thanks to everybody for your honest comments about Accutane. Just wanted
to reply to Katherine's posting on 7/3/98 and Katie's response on 7/16/98
re: Accutane, birth control pills and antibiotics. Sounds like Katherine
was referring to the fact that anti iotics can decrease the effectiveness
of birth control pills [not cause spontaneous generation or anything like
that! :)]. So taking all three (Accutane, birth control pills and antibiotics)
in combination could make it much more easy for you to get pregn nt (assuming
you have sex, of course) and have a baby with severe birth defects. This
aspect of Accutane is so terrible. If anyone knows of any studies about
Accutane might affect pregnancy after the treatment ends, please post.
Thanks.
quinn - 07/23/98 21:41:45
My Email:quinnie_yt1@yahoo.com
Gender: female
Age: 18
Comments:
Hi guys!! I have a Question to ask. I was reading some literature on
Roaccutane and one of the side effects happen to be WEIGHT LOSS, does anyone
know, or have any idea why?----I just want to say that I'm going on my
second week of roaccutane now and i fe l great!! I don't want to jinx it,
but so far, my lips just feel a little dry (it's not like anyone can see
the dryness), but chapstick every now and then helps. I have mild acne,
some on my chest, but it's a little more than just mild in my back. Anyway,
my skin isn't dry, the bumps have dried out though, and i haven't gotten
any new ones. Two of my friends had acne, so bad that people used to call
them crater face, but after accutane, they have the last laugh and many
of the people that used to tease the have serious acne problems now. My
friends have spotless skin now. I'm not saying that everyone should run
out and get accutane...It's a serious drug!! It does have it's benefits,
but there is a flip side to it when people abuse it, and are ignorant of
things they should not consume and do while taking accutane. It took me
and my parents 3 months after serious consideration, and research before
we made the decision that i should go on it. I wish everyone the best,
i hope you get the results you are look ng for. Remember Accutane/Roaccutane
is a last resort. God bless you and i'll keep you posted,,,,QUINN>
Tim - 07/23/98 12:11:07
My Email:banksy@alphalink.com.au
Gender: Male
Age: 19
Comments:
I think an organisation such as Roche or any other medical organisation
should seek to find a cure for acne. As a recent survey stated 95% of the
worlwide population has had acne at one stage in their life. People, even
get stresses over just one zit. herefore, wouldn't anyone be willing to
pay money to have no acne for the rest of their life? This would make the
potential customers 95% of the population. A company like Roche could find
sell a cure to the mainstream population, this is a greater mark t then
just us severe sufferers. If medical organisation such as Roche, Procter
& Gamble Co. Could realise the potential financial return for such
a cure then it could justify spending billions in research. I am beginning
to think the the medical indust y is not about caring it is simply ECONOMICS.
Please reply if you have any thoughts on this.
Ilya - 07/23/98 03:24:59
Gender: Male
Age: 24
Comments:
First of all, GREAT JOB with the site, I am sure for many people it
is a great outlet for telling things they don't tell anyone. Well, let
me tell my little history and add my little 2 cents. It all started when
I was about 15 from that 1 little red dot on my forehead. My little friends
stayed with me since. As most of us did, I tried going to the dermo and
doing the only thing hey know how to do which is take antibiotics. It helped,
for a while, as long as you keep going and putting that stuff in your body.
Once I stopped cauz I had no insurance anymore the acne came back worst
then ever. Here are a few things I found helpful over the last few years.
There is nothing better then some sun and sea water. I know it's not a
cure, but at least I could enjoy the summer months a little. It might be
a little hard to take off the shirt at the beginning if u have acne on
your body, ut u just gotta tough it out. About 2 years ago I tried a more
scientific approach of vitamins and diet which was leading me nowhere.
While doing that I remembered a time about a year or 2 before when I had
a root canal and was taking some drug to prevent infection. At the same
time my face cleared from what was a mild acne back then. Well, after some
digging in my memory I realized it was penicilin. I know it is an antibiotic,
but what the hell. So I managed to get prerscriptions here and there, and
it is not easy with no insuran e and no money for a doctor. By that time
what was mild acne before turned into a horrible mess. The penicilin cleared
me back to mild acne, but the moment I stopped it kept flaring up again.
At one point I combined penicilin and clindamycin, that did he magic, I
was almost toatly clear for about a year. It's not any fancy antibiotic,
just plain old penicilin. As a side effect it also seems 2 dry up the skin
while you take it. A 1000mg a day worked ok, but 2000mg worked much better.
The acne did co e back, but it is mostly mild acne with some severe periods
and some totaly clear periods. But nowhere as close to what I had before.
Right now I am really tired even from mild acne, how many times did u say
"why me?" I did plenty. This Sat. I am goin 2 the dermo to speak 2 him
about accutane. I held out for the last half a year waiting for this 2
go away. But alas poor yorik :) Reading the posts here made me understand
much better what to expect and I thank you all. I hope my 2 quick fixes
can help someone to. Eli P.S: I took Retin-A for some time, when my acne
came back after it I started scarring. I think the Retin-A is at fault,
anyone else had exp. like that?
Anna - 07/22/98 17:48:39
Gender: female
Age: 15
Comments:
Thankx. feeling ugly and full of acne.
Stephen K - 07/22/98 01:23:44
My Email:kingkwong@usa.net
Gender: male
Age: 18
Comments:
nice site. I've now been on (Ro)accutane (that's what they call it
here in Australia) for about 11 weeks and i'm tellin ya it's like a rollercoaster!
there are days where it seems to get really bad but then just two days
later it seems really good!! blood wierd but i'm still hoping for complete
improvement byt the end of the 20 weeks. Even if it hasn't fully cleared
i still have a little hope as i remember reading about someone who didin't
notice anything until after his treatment when his face cleared up ! I
wish they knew how this drug worked.
sheryl - 07/21/98 20:09:13
Gender: female
Age: 29
Comments:
Alice, Look into something fairly new (from what I can tell anyway)
-- I've read that they've started to use some anti-androgen drugs in conjunction
with birth control to treat acne. Normally these drugs are either for lowering
blood pressure or to treat hirsut sm (excessive bodily hair). The whole
thing supposedly works by regulating your different hormone levels. I think
the main drug used is called Spironoladose (somebody help me out here).
Has anybody else heard of this? I could only find scanty informat on and
no hard-core studies. If it does work, it sounds like it could solve both
of your problems, Alice.
- 07/21/98 18:34:04
Comments:
Bob Panerio - 07/21/98
15:43:03
My Email:bpanerio@bcti.org
Gender: Male
Age: 43
Comments:
Interested in acne treatment. How do I go about obtaining roaccutane?
Michael McCarthy - 07/21/98
06:04:12
My URL:http://www.oocities.org/SouthBeach/Sands/8868/
My Email:michaelj@cable-lynx.net
Gender: Male
Age: 15
Comments:
quinn - 07/20/98: In response to your question about how long the side
effects (namely the dryness of skin and lips, etc) take to be noticeable,
I noticed them wihin a week of treatment. I was camping for the first week
and I went prepared (with my chaps ick, sunscreen, and moisturizer in hand).
I didn't notice my lips start to be chapped until I got home. I noticed
my face dry out within a few days because when I would apply my sunscreen,
dead skin would just flake off my face. Speaking of sunscreen, applied
dermatologist recommended SPF 30 sunblock numerous times everyday, and
I still burnt, so the sensitivity to sun was instant in me. In my second
to third week I started having nosebleeds twice a day and this lasted for
about two weeks. I hope th s helps you out a bit!
quinn - 07/20/98 17:31:02
My Email:quinnie_yt1@yahoo.com
Gender: female
Age: 18
Comments:
Hi, i have a few questions to ask, i would really appreciate it if
someone could answer them as soon as possible: * How soon is it before
one experiences the dryness of the lips, eyes, etc? * Does accutane prevent
or affect future pregnancies? * Is a woman's menstral affected while she's
on accutane? * Is accutane accompanied by weight gain? if so, does anyone
know the reason for this? Thanks alot, i'd really appreciate your responses.
Davie - 07/19/98 12:05:54
My Email:dsimp@globalnet.co.uk
Gender: Male
Age: 29
Comments:
Gill, Congradulations on a great site. It's very interesting to read
about other peoples experiences with roaccutane, their hopes, fears, triumphs
and tears. I used this drug some 6 years ago and now have mixed feelings
about it's effects. Looking back, life would have been a breeze without
acne and how different a person may I have become if I hadn't suffered
from this awful condition. Keep up the good work. Davie:- 29 years old,
Firefighter,Married with first child on the way.
Jan - 07/18/98 21:34:19
My Email:torning@tig.com.au
Gender: Female
Age: 45
Comments:
Alice....I read you message with great interest! My testosterone level
is twice the normal level also, and they are doing further tests to determine
any other abnormalities. Where did you read that levels increase from the
overactive sebacious oil gland ? I am getting a blood test weekly to keep
an eye on my cholesterol which has fluctuated wildly from week to week,
and can let you know as time passes on Roaccutane if the levels decrease,
though they will only be testing the testosterone levels monthly. They
are leaning towards menopause and my hormonal levels running amok as an
answer to the higher levels, but I find your comment on sebacious more
feasible. Quinn...one of the side effects is muscle and joint aches and
pains, so I'm sure it is an individual thing about Aerobics. I find I can
only walk short distances at the moment and get crampy type sensations
in my calves and feet. You'll just have to wai and find out if you are
one of the unlucky one with this side effect.
quinn - 07/18/98 18:56:48
My Email:quinnie_yt1@yahoo.com
Gender: female
Age: 18
Comments:
Hi everyone. Well I've started accutane today, i'm aware of the pros
and cons and i'm hopeful, and at the same time scared. I live in jamaica,
and accutane is $60,000 (sixty thousand) for the 15 weeks that I'll be
taking it, so i hope it will be worth the cost and the risk that i have
to be putting my life through. I just want to know if anyone knows if it's
okay to continue doing AEROBICS while on accutane? Well guys, i'll keep
you posted on my progress.
Alice - 07/18/98 13:35:41
Gender: Female
Age: 25
Comments:
I am trying to find an answer to a question on Roaccutane. In my studies
I have found that Roaccutane is highly effective in treating severe acne
by destroying the sebaceous glands. However, is Roaccutane also effective
in reducing excess bodily hair whi h is caused by testerone build up on
the sebaceous glands from which bodily hair roots originate. Does Roaccutane
reduce testerone levels in the blood? Does anyone have an answer to this
question and has anyone experienced a reduction in bodily hair? If so I
would be very interested in hearing a response. Thank you.
- 07/17/98 18:41:02
Comments:
Al - 07/17/98 15:08:45
My Email:aab_2@hotmail.com
Gender: Male
Age: 22
Comments:
This is a further plea for anyone who has suffered hair loss/thinning
whilst taking Roaccutane to contact me. I started a second course of treatment
in Feb this year but stopped after only 4 wks due to rapid thinning of
my hair. It contiues to fall out to date. I'm the first case of hair loss
my dermatologist has encountered so obviously I'm anxious to get as much
information as possible. I'd really appreciate it if anyone could contact
me and share their experiences. Please email me at aab_2@hotmail.com. want
to sort it out, this problem is ruining my confidenece and self esteem.
I look forward to hearing from anybody. Many thanks, Al.
Jan - 07/17/98 09:12:47
My Email:torning@tig.com.au
Gender: Female
Age: 45
Comments:
I've enjoyed reading the comments a great deal! I started Roaccutane
a little over two weeks ago and have already noticed a huge difference!
I was diagnosed with hidradenitis suppurativa (a mild case...it's a horrible
disfiguring disease with no cause o cure!) and what my dermatologist believes
is cystic acne brought on by the changes in my hormonal levels for my age.
I have been getting horrible boil-like or cyst type lesions on my face
and chest for about five years. They were getting increasingly w rse and
more often. After just two weeks on Roaccutane, my previously excessive
oily skin is much clearer and a smattering of whiteheads I have had around
my right eye for years has all but disappeared. The acne I did have is
slowly going away, though I did have an outbreak right away after starting
and it seems to clear and I have another....they are less severe each time.
However, I am getting several bad side effects already. The joint aches
and pains are annoying and my eyes are quite dry and red a ter a few hours
at work (I work at a computer all day). Also, something I haven't noticed
anyone else mention, but is listed as a side effect, is symptoms of irritable
bowel syndrome.....my stomach and abdomen are distended and I seem to have
a perpetual stomach ache. My dermatologist is keeping a close eye on this
for now. Also, my cholesterol soared after the first week, but as I have
altered my diet considerably and am eating much healthier, it has come
down again in the second week. My hair used to have to be washed every
day because it was so oily and I've noticed that now every other day is
sufficient, though I am getting a bit of dandruff/dry scalp. I've noticed
a significant improvement in my skin already, and it's not my imagination,
as others are also noticing the difference. Into it only two weeks and
I can see improvement! Will keep you posted as time goes by for all you
folks who are thinking of taking the plunge! I just completed 20mg a day
and have just started 40mg a day. Bye!!
- 07/17/98 06:20:28
Gender: male
Age: 23
Comments:
I am 23 years old and have taken accutane over 3 different 6 month
periods. My acne began when I was 15 and got persistantly worse throughout
high school. When I was 16 I began seeing a dermatologist who put me on
several different treatments including etracycline and a few topical creams.
After little improvement, and much frustration and worry, I was prescribed
accutane. I suffered severe side effects-- dry lips, skin, pealing of palms
and feet, poor vision, red eyes, back pains, and unusual mood sw ngs. After
about 3-4 months my acne was eradicated. I continued to take accutane for
about 6 weeks after that. My skin was perfect for about 3 months and then
my acne slowly returned. When I was 19 I was prescribed accutane a second
time. This time the side effects were less severe and my skin was clear
in about 3 months. Again, I continued taking the drug for about 6 weeks
after my skin cleared up. A year later, my acne was back in full force
and I decided to take accutane for a third time when I was 21 years old.
I was on the d ug for less than 3 months when the side effects became so
severe that I had to cease the treatment. I had the usual dry skin and
lips but this time I suffered from mild rectal bleeding and constant anal
discomfort. My skin cleared up even after I stoppe taking accutane but
a few months later, my acne returned, albeit relatively mild. I still have
occasional outbreaks which I treat with over the counter creams. Looking
back on the treatment, I think using this drug to treat acne is like putting
out a match with a fire extinguisher. I would only recommend this drug
if you have SEVERE acne. In my case, I think the drug was too strong and
I worry that my hea th has been permanently damaged by taking this drug
throughout my teenage years and early 20's. I would read all possible information
on the drug before beginning treatment. This is a POWERFUL drug that effects
MANY sytems in your body.
- 07/17/98 01:56:11
Comments:
carole - 07/16/98 21:42:08
Gender: female
Age: 37
Comments:
hello again, i have just returned from a visit from the dermo after
being on roaccutane for three and a half months, I was praying he would
take me off roaccutane as the side effects are really getting to me(horrible
lips, sore eyes, rough dry skin,no alc hol,no sun) my acne is better than
it was but I still have a few cysts on my face (ie I can count them on
my hands instead of a calculator) anyway the bottom line is I could be
on them for about amother 5 months so I can either put up with the side
effect or the acne! So I have decided to continue withthe treatment, at
least I might be spot free for xmas.he also said I need to take at least
2 but really 3 20mg tablets to see an effect (I weigh 54kg)so I am wishing
this year away, praying it works and also praying my 2 beautiful daughters
take after their dad for their skin. I must add I am a different person
when my skin is bad, very little confidence and shy away from going out
socially, I would love to get back to my old self, I don't know anybody
else w th a skin problem like mine which makes me feel worse, good luck
to everyone, i'll keep you posted.
- 07/16/98 18:28:16
Comments:
Michael McCarthy - 07/16/98
15:11:01
My URL:http://www.oocities.org/SouthBeach/Sands/8868/
My Email:michaelj@cable-lynx.net
Gender: Male
Age: 15
Comments:
Hello again everyone. I was wondering if anyone knows the best time
to take accutane? It says to take with food or milk, and for my first course,
I took it when I woke up with a glass of milk. My pharmacist told me that
maybe I should try taking it at upper time because that is when I have
the most food in my stomach. When I took it with just milk in the morning,
I didn't suffer from a stomach ache. Has anyone found the most effective
time to take it, or is there one? Also, does anyone else have nos bleeds
often? During my first course, I had about two or three every single day.
caroline - 07/16/98 12:41:50
Gender: female
Age: 25
Comments:
my acne fears began when i was 15 - i got my first spot and many a
spot were to follow after that.it seems that my acne gets worse whenever
i move - when i went away to uni it progressively got worse (then cleared
itself) . i really feel that my acne is a result of stress. i have recently
moved to the uk from australia and yes my skin has flared up terribly-
this is the worse it has ever been . this is an extremely embarrasing condition
and i am desperately trying not to lose the confidence i have always h
d in earlier years. here it semms everyone has perfect skin - so i feel
like an alien walking the streets of london. i have consulted my local
doctor and of course he has suggested an antibiotic and topical cream -
i used this for one day and the effects were horrendous(my s in was so
red and angry and the spots multiplied). anyway, i quickly took myself
off this 'cure'as at the end of the day i still have to live,go to work,earn
a living and face people. what are doctors thinking when they prescribe
these drugs - its ok for hem they dont have to walk around sporting the
results. my acne is very concentrated around my neck and chin area. recently
i have been getting a burning sensation down the side of my neck and it
does get uncomfortable - so much so that i have to dose my neck in water
to relieve it. i am desperate not to use drugs and i guess at the moment
am hoping that my skin will just clear up of its own accord as it has done
in the past. can anyone suggest anything to me - i read all your stories
about Accutane and some of them do sound horrendous. the thing is i am
desperately missing the support of my family and need to get through this
- there must be an alternative to walking around i this 'ugly'state. acne
is socially debilitating - the less i try to worry about it isn't helping
either. i would appreciate any comments/suggestions people can make.tell
me about your experiences... thankyou
Katie - 07/16/98 04:14:09
My Email:katiemyles@hotmail.com
Gender: Female
Age: 18
Comments:
Hi everyone - I just finished reading every message in this guestbook,
and I was definitely glad for the information. I am currently trying to
make a decision about going on Accutane, which my dermatologist prescribed
relatively easily (which concerned m a little) and hearing about everyone's
personal accounts is the kind of things I need to know before I make my
decison. I have suffered from acne for about 5 years, not always severe
but definitely chronic and persistent. I often get painful, red lumps which
I think are the cyst-like type, I'm not sure. It has been resistant to
all over the counter stuff, as well as topical prescriptions and a year's
worth of minocin antibiotic. It is embarrassing, painful and makes me feel
unattractive and depressed, lthough I'm not letting it ruin my life. I
want to go on the Accutane, because I have two friends who have taken it
with wonderful effects - beautiful skin and no side effects after stopping
treatment, and I am prepared to deal with the side effects that ill disappear,
but I am really concerned with the stories of people with side effects
staying after they are off the treatment. I guess I will have to give it
a lot more thought that I originally thought - I think my dermatologist
downplayed the potentia effects. However, on an information site I visited,
they listed that in a study only 15% of the patients experienced joint
and muscle pain, and so I am worried by the number of people here who are
experiencing that effect. (that site, with other percent ges of different
side effects is www.capederm.com/info_accutane.htm). If anyone has any
info or anything for me, I would appreciate an e-mail. To Katherine, who
posted on 07/03/98 - I cannot beleive that a reaction between Accutane,
birthcontrol and ant biotics could cause pregnancy - that is simply biologically
impossible, don't you think? Anyway, sorry for making this so long, but,
again, I would appreciate hearing from anyone at the address above so I
can make a decision about this drug - it could work wonders, and am I really
willing to give that up? But is it worth it, not knowing how will react?
I actually filled the prescription and everything, I have the pills, I
just haven't taken them yet. Bye for now.
Kellt - 07/15/98 21:20:06
My Email:tmeloche@mnsi.net
Gender: female
Age: 32
Comments:
This is directed to Kristin who posted her message 14/07/98. Yes the
stinging and the itching after exercise really bothers me too. I find it
begins on my calves and then moves to my quadricep area and finally most
of my body feels like a thousand mosquit s have stung me. I was doing alot
of aerobics and was thinking that maybe the indoor airconditioning was
bothering me, but even when I'm running or biking outside I am affected
but not as bad. Let's hope this is a temporary side-effect. Good Luck!
Lacey - 07/15/98 20:06:36
My Email:Lacey7941@hotmail.com
Gender: female
Age: 21
Comments:
I have just finished my third month of Accutane, and I just got bad
news from my dermatologist. My last blood test showed that my cholesterol
is 231 and my triglycerides are in the upper 300's. I am only taking 40mg
a day, an amount that my doctor says ill probably not work with my weight
(I am 5'6, 135 pounds). I work out at least 5 times a week, eat a good
diet, and I don't know what else to do. My dermatologist says she is going
to take me off of Accutane if my next blood test is not normal. I don t
want that! My acne is still terrible, and I am so embarrassed to do the
things that I love (like dancing and working out at the gym) because my
face gets all sweaty and my acne gets very red. People's comments hurt
too. I was standing in a store and woman said "You are very pretty. Why
don't you do something about your skin?" I am doing something, and it doesn't
work. The weird thing is that NO ONE in my family has ever had this problem.
Could it be hormones? PLEASE, someone write back to me if you have had
similar problems with cholesterol and taking a dosage that supposedly would
not help Thank you. I'd appreciate any input I can get.
Paula - 07/15/98 14:35:17
Gender: Female
Age: 30
Comments:
I have been off Accutane for one month. I am very pleased with the
results--no more acne at all. The first week off the drug it was a relief
not to have dry, chapped lips anymore. Subsequently, other improvements
occurred. The flat red marks from prev ous acne, mainly on my cheeks, started
to heal quickly. I, like the message by Kristen previously, was pleased
with this as I was concerned about scarring. The spots are now pale pink
and I am hoping will completely disappear. Also, I had red skin that looked
like a sunburn while I took Accutane. At times it would worsen from pink
skin to intense red, mainly on my cheeks. I would blush, feel hot, and
turn red. This seems to have gone away also. I want to encourage everyone
that if you can get throug this course of treatment it does seem to be
worth it! I am truly grateful for Accutane. Best of luck to everyone.
Rob Taylor - 07/15/98 14:32:27
My Email:Rob Taylor2@Compuserve.com
Gender: Male
Age: 38
Comments:
I've suffered from Acne Vulgaris for 25 years. Finally after 'contracting'
Acne Roseacea a couple of months ago my GP sent me to a consultant dermatologist
and he prescibed Roaccutane. After reading a lot of info about the side
effects, particularly the e acerbation of already depressing symptoms,
frankly I'm worried about taking it. Any advice gratefully received.
Michael McCarthy - 07/15/98
04:32:35
My URL:http://www.oocities.org/SouthBeach/Sands/8868/
My Email:michaelj@cable-lynx.net
Gender: Male
Age: 15
Comments:
I too have suffered from acne since the beginning of puberty close
to four years ago. When I was thirteen, I noticed it starting to be more
persistent -- I mean, not reacting to the over-the-counter medications.
A few months before I turned fifteen, I w s suffering severe breakouts,
especially on my forehead where I had never before had a large number of
pimples. My doctor put me on Tetracyclene and a topical solution. If anyone
out there with severe acne has used tetacyclene, you know that all it does
is turn your teeth yellow! I was on that a while, then I went back and
told him that I was not happy with the results and that I needed something
more effective. I was put on Retin-A 0.025% cream next and Bactrim DS as
an anti-biotic. I was happy with he results for a while, but then it did
nothing. Towards the end of my treatment with that, I noticed that I could
put noting of my face because it had become so sensitive and red -- even
sunscreen! I went back again and my dose was increased to 0.05%. Again,
it worked for a while then ceased to amaze me. I had enough and went to
a new doctor in my city. He told me I had moderate-severe acne and I should
have been put on Accutane a long time ago. I had been reading up on Accutane
and when I heard tha , I was very excited. I had to have blood tests done
to make assurance my liver could handle all the extra vitimin A. I was
put on a dose of 40mg once a day. Within weeks, I noticed an improvement,
without, fortunately, having a bad breakout stage. Ho ever, I noticed the
side effects instantly. Unfortuantely, I as well suffered headaches, fatigue,
and muscle and joint aches and pains in addition to dry skin, chapped lips,
sensitivity to the sun, and so on. I was very pleased, though, that Accutane
wa not a topical cream and I could actually use a moisturizer on my face.
I have followed a strict cleansing and moisturizing regimen the whole time
I have been on Accutane. I truly believed that has helped. I just got contact
lenses and I haven't notice my eyes being too dry to wear them -- yet.
I must mention that I am still only half way done my second course (meaning
I have been on it for a month and a half, and I have another month and
a half to go). Anyone who is considering Accutane should remem er the following:
1. Do your homework: Research this drug and get to know everything about
it. Most of all, take it seriously. 2. Non-comedegenic: Buy cleansers and
moisturizers that are non-comedogenic and hypo-allergenic. I have found
that Johnson and Johnson's "Purpose" cleanser and moisturizers are excellent,
as well as "Complex 15 Philosophid face cream. 3. Chap stick will be your
best friend: Take it with you everywhere! I have found the only kind that
works effectively for me is "Carmex." This may not be available in all
areas (seeing as I live in Alberta, Canada). 4. It's worth the money: For
me, it is $100 a month, but for those who take 80mg a day, it is doubled.
Just remember it is worth it! 5. The side effects will go away: I have
noticed even being on it only a month and a half that my side effects aren't
so harsh. If anyone has questions or comments, please feel free to e-mail
me at: michaelj@cable-lynx.net Gill, you have done an excellent job on
this site -- I commend you! I am glad to have found a place to share comments
with other people about this subject.
Kristin - 07/14/98 20:19:21
Gender: female
Age: 25
Comments:
This is an excellent and important site. I finished 5 months of Accutaine
about 3 months ago, and the results have been great. A note to the people
concerned about scarring: I was sure that I would be left with many scars.
I had many, many flat red mar s during Accutaine and for the years before
I started taking it. Most of them have faded quickly, and are hardly noticable.
Also, regarding the discussion about exercise, I had a side-effect that
I did not see mentioned. After intensive exercise, where y heart rate was
high and I was sweating a lot, the skin on my arms, legs, or wherever I
was sweating, began to sting unbearably. It would get very red and irritating
to sweat. I wonder if anyone else experienced that.
Steve Segreto - 07/14/98
20:01:21
Gender: Male
Age: 23
Comments:
I have suffered from acne since I was 13. The interesting thing is
that the main area that I have acne is on my cheeks (primarily the cheek-bones).
Everywhere else is just fine. I do have an aquiline face and my cheeks
are very sharply defined. Anyway, I wanted to write and tell you all that
my acne s finally clearing up, and all it has left me with is a couple
of minor acne scars along my cheekbones. I have never taken drugs to cure
the acne or even been to a dermatologist, but I wish I had, because then
I wouldn't even have the scars I do have. I greatly sympathize with everyone
who suffers from this problem, as I experienced a great deal of introversion,
depression, l ck of self-confidence and anger because of the acne. I had
the problem of neurotically squeezing, scratching and picking at the pimples
that would form on my cheeks. Once I did this, I would usually end up squeezing
every pore on my face, thereby covering myself with red spots, wounds and
marks. Then I would be "sick" from college or school for about a week.
Afterward