December Postings

Comments:
My dermatologist told me that after taking the Accutane my acne would be over! This is absolutely not true! Over a period of two years i used it for a total of eight months and it has improved but it isn't over! It even gets worse now. People who don't have this disease don't know what it does to me emotionally. They don't care!!! It makes you uncertain even if you want to start a relationship or go out on a date. I have tried now so many medicine and therapies but i just do not know it any more. The medical people say Accutane is some sort of "miracle" medicine but i still have ac e, so what they say is not true. Hopefully it goes better for all of us in the new year!

Alli - 12/31/98 17:51:20
My Email:amuss@hotmail.com
Gender: female
Age: 27

Comments:
I'd like to start by thanking everyone who has been brave enough to share their experiences with this drug. I have been taking 60mg of Accutane for about 8 days now, and my side effects are minimal at this point. I do respect the power of this drug and 'm doing my best to take care of myself and listen to by body while taking it. I suppose my long history of dealing with acne has made me an expert on both prescribed and over the counter acne meds, I'm sure I'm not alone in this. I've had very little s ccess with topical and oral antibiotics. My dermatologist has diagnosed me as having Cystic acne. The only relief from acne which worked with me was going on birth control (ortho tri-cyclen). This particualr pill contains an androgen hormone which alle iates acne in females. Acne is a disease which I inherited from my mother. I was blessed with her oily and cystic prone skin (of course I still love her anyway:) Well, this summer I decided to go off the pill and prepare my body to start a family. Abo t three months later, my acne returned in full force. So back to the dermatologist I went, seeking some relief. The last time we had visited (about four years ago) he had suggested Accutane as a last resort since I wasn't responding to anything else. I was terrified of the side effects. The phrase "birth defect" horrified me. Of course fearing the unknown, I declined then, but now, realizing I can't stay on birth control forever, I accepted the treatment. Luckily I have decent health insurance, so I pay $10 for a months supply of 40mg and 20mg pills. Doing my homework on the internet on sites such as these has educated me greatly. Each of us has our own unique chemistry, so of course the side effects differ for each one of us. What we all have in ommon however is that we deal with this disease daily and have suffered from it physically and emotionally. In making the decision to take this drug, I had to think long and hard. I had to weigh the positives and negatives. I tried my best to educate m self so that I might troubleshoot possible side effects early and hopefully even prevent a few. I'm sharing this because as I read this guest book I find myself questioning some of the decisions made by people who chose to take this drug. My heart goes ut to people who have experienced ill effects from Accutane, but please realize, it does work. Just take care of yourself and listen to your body. I don't think anyone has ever died from the physical effects of acne. So if it doesn't kill you, it only akes you stronger. Find the strength within to combat your acne and allow your inner beauty to shine through. You are beautiful you know!! The best of everything to everyone in this final year of our millenium.

- 12/31/98 15:46:13
Age: 35

Comments:
Hello, Male 28 yrs. Regarding using Accutane for 2 years. Is that 2 years straight? 2 years seems like a long time to be on Accutane. Have you thought about checking around for some other opinions for Dermatologists? DONT GIVE UP! I wrote below abou chinese herbs. I have been taking them for about 2 or 2 1/2 months and I am seeing improvement, however, someone did mention to me about whether or not Accutane has continued to work since I stopped taking it (in October). This may be so, however, I am looking for long term help. And, I do not have oily skin taking the herbs, it feels like normal skin. My next posting on chinese herbs was supposed to answer a question as to how to find a reputable chinese herbalist. However, my herbalist took off til the 5th so I have to wait to ask the question. Back to the Accutane, It was much easier for me to bear the side effects of Accutane knowing that it would only last 5 months. Take care

- 12/30/98 21:14:23
Gender: Male
Age: 28

Comments:
I have used Accutane 2 years and my acne has improved a little. From the age of 17 till now i'm still suffering. I have used every medicine from antibiotics to Accutane but my face is still not clear. It ruins my life and i'm suicidal. It is one of the wo st diseases a teenager can get and makes you feel disgusted.

Kristin - 12/29/98 17:40:59
Gender: female
Age: 29

Comments:
Regarding whether a doctor will prescribe Accutane for blackheads and oil: My current dermatologist prescribed Accutane for me with no hassle, and I never had "severe cystic acne." I had persistent small breakouts and *constant* oiliness. My previous derm tologist had put me on antibiotics and was ready to recommend Accutane, but then I moved to another state, hence the new dermatologist, who reviewed my file carefully. I think some physicians are more aggressive in treating acne than others are. I am now inished with six months of Accutane, and I am delighted with the results. My skin feels like velvet! I drank LOTS of water during treatment, which helped. Best regards!

vgk - 12/28/98 19:51:57
My Email:vk0001@unix1.cc.uop.edu
Gender: female
Age: 25

Comments:
P.S. Vasoline is essential while on accutane. I don't leave the house without it. If I didn't put vasoline on my lips religiously they would be painfully dry and cracked. Someone suggested using a humidifier to help with the dryness in your nose. I u e one in my room while I sleep and so far no nose dryness...yet. If anyone has questions regarding the scientific evidence regading accutane's efficacy please do not hesitate to email me- I will be happy to answer any questions. Internet lit searches ca be done by getting into Pubmed and typing in "isotretinoin" for the search. Stay informed!

- 12/28/98 19:51:50

Comments:
I was just looking up Accutane on the Internet, and I stumbled upon these pages. I see that someone else has asked what I am about to ask, but no one answered, so I'm going to pose the question in hopes of a response this time. PLEASE? Here goes: Is i unheard of for dermatologists to prescribe Accutane for a mild, but very persistent, case of acne (characterized by a lot of blackheads and some oily skin) that has not responded to months of previous treatments? Please answer me because you'll be answe ing my question as well as someone else's (two birds with one stone). Thank you so much to anyone who does take the time to answer this.

vgk - 12/28/98 19:44:09
My Email:vk0001@unix1.cc.uop.edu
Gender: female
Age: 25

Comments:
Hi everyone! I just started accutane about a week ago. I have "mild" acne which was completely unresponsive to all the treatments prescribed. I did an extensive literature search on current therapies for acne and subsequently made an appointment with a dermatologist to ask if I would be a candidate for accutane. I think that it is important to be informed about your healthcare so I would suggest doing a literature search for any health issue you may have. Accutane is definitely the best treatment avai able to those who don't respond to oral antibiotics and topical treatments. There are individual differences in side-effect experience but for the most part the VAST MAJORITY of people experience significant improvement. I will keep you updated about my experience. After one week I found that those blemishes that I had pre-treatment have gotten worse (more redness and more spots around those areas) but my face isn't as inflamed. According to research done with accutane I should see improvement in 2 mon hs. I'll let you know...

Bill - 12/28/98 14:14:45
My Email:crying54@hotmail.com
Gender: male
Age: 25

Comments:
Does anyone know of any blemish fading creams or peeling agents which work? If you do where can I get them at? I have a very bad blemishing problem. Thanks!

Johanna - 12/28/98 11:15:01
My Email:nyponros@hotmail.com
Gender: Female
Age: 18

Comments:
I saw some entries about prices of Roaccutan in different countries.. Here in Sweden we pay full price, BUT we have a high-cost system, so you never have to pay more than 160$ a year for prescripted drugs. I almost got my Roaccutan for free, because I had tried prescripted antibiotics and gels before starting on Roaccutan. I've had many of the side-effects, not at the same time though. When one side-effect is disappearing another one starts.. Now I've had headache for a couple of weeks =( but I'm glad the epressions are gone. (I've taken Roaccutan for almost 3 months now)

- 12/28/98 05:45:08
Gender: female
Age: 19

Comments:
I'll second that request for ideas about hair loss!! I've been on accutane for about three months now, and recently I've noticed some shedding. Now, I don't know if this is due to excessive paranoia or not . . . fear of thinning hair was the _only_ reas n I ever hesitated about accutane, and then I only hesitated two weeks!! I read that it's normal to lose 50-150 hairs a day, and I certainly don't think I'm losing that much. However, I'm scared that what I am losing is slightly more than normal for me. Since I'm almost at the three month mark and accutane still hasn't completely cleared me, I'm considering requesting that my dose be upped from 40 mg a day to 60 mg/80 mg (alternating). (I weigh 120-125 lbs). I'd be happy to do this, since my treatment would be over sooner, but I'm desperately afraid it will cause more hair loss!! I don't know if it'd be better to lose my hair gradually in small doses or all at once in a larger dose!! Any comments/ideas/experiences/suggestions to share? I'd be most g ateful!!!

Static - 12/28/98 05:02:53
My Email:h1ve@hotmail.com
Gender: 19

Comments:
Hi, Recently, I have been into a bad motorcycle accident, almost twisted my neck... Today while in the shower I noticed that I'm shedding a lot of hair from all over my head and body. Usually I lose 10-20 hair while in the shower, but this time it was like 150 or more! I'm really frustrated and confused. Could it be that the stress has caused my enormous hair shedding ??? Also a month ago my derm has increased my Accutane dosage up to 80 mg a day , I weigh 150 lbs. Could it be that the higher dosage is causing the hair thinning? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

Steve - 12/28/98 02:53:05
My Email:p14094.aol.com
Gender: male
Age: 17

Comments:
Hi, I just started my accutane treatment 1 week ago. I have bad cystic acne which doesn't respond to other treatments and I also have CYSTIC FIBROSIS. I want to know if there is anyone else out there with CF who is on accutane, or has used it. Please te l me if you noticed any drying of your mucus or decreased lung function. Tell me off your experience with the drug. Also include your age, gender, dosage, and the duration that you were on the drug. Please e-mail me or respond in this guestbook. I wou d greatly appreciate your response.

- 12/28/98 01:38:03
Gender: female
Age: 19

Comments:
Yeah . . . to the person who asked if anyone was still breaking out after six weeks. Of _course_ people are still breaking out after six weeks. Personally, I am incredibly skeptical of all the people in this guestbook who claim that they were completely cured after a month of accutane and that they never had any trouble again. In three days, I will have been taking accutane for three months. And yes, I am _still_ breaking out. The difference is, I only have one zit on my face now, as opposed to the co ntless zits that covered my entire face before starting accutane. Every time I think I will be completely clear, another one pops up. Does this mean that accutane isn't working? No, not at all. I will most likely take the medication for a total of sev n months, unless I can convince my dermatologist to up my dosage. It takes a different amount of time to work for everyone, and breaking out after six weeks is completely normal.

Sara - 12/27/98 18:34:04
My Email:cialdina@rocketmail.com
Age: 25

Comments:
Hello to everyone. I'm on my third week of Roaccutan,40 mg per day. I've been told by my dermatologist that in only a 10 %people this drug doesn't work.But you have to take it at least 4-6 months,not less.When roaccutan doesn't work,it means you took a to low dosage or you took it for a too short period.I'm not suffering from collateral effects (only dry skin and lips and such things). Here in Italy it costs about 100 $ per 30 pills, but the state make us pay only 4$. We're very lucky! Don't get discouraged, and go on roaccutan because it works!

Cara - 12/27/98 18:18:26
My Email:eclinken@concentric.net
Gender: Female
Age: 21

Comments:
Hello everyone. Well, my acne story started when I was 13 years old. I started breaking out with tiny pimples and blackheads. My mom imnmediately took me to her dermatologist and he put me on tetracycline and some topicals. After several years, that s opped working so I started on minocycline which also worked for several years. Most of my junior and senior years in high school were acne-free. Then, at about the middle of my freshman year at college I started getting pimples again. Not too many at f rst, then more. I tried minocycline, then monodox again and numerous topicals. Nothing worked. So, after much debate I began accutane about 5 weeks ago. At first, I had really dry skin on my nose, lips and chin. They peeled a lot. I use lots of lotio and Blixtex on my lips. The benefit was that the blackheads on my nose are all gone now. However, my skin is breaking out really bad on my cheeks with large red cyst-like bumps. I also have many whiteheads on both sides of my jawline. These are now mo e obvious and the whole patch of skin is really red and ugly. They don't seem to be going away at all. Is there anyone who has had a lot of whiteheads that accutane has gotten rid of? I would appreciate your answer. Also, did anyone still break out a l t at six weeks? I am a little discouraged. Also, I live in California and the cost of accutane is about $5 per pill. However, my parents have good insurance so I only pay $10 per month. Take care everyone and sorry my message is so long!

Marie - 12/27/98 13:29:13
My Email:mariesoderstrom@hotmail.com
Gender: Female
Age: 20

Comments:
Sorry, I wrotw thw message below and wrote the wrong e-mail address The correct one is mariesoderstrom@hotmail.com

Marie - 12/27/98 13:26:07
My Email:Mariesoderstrom@hotmail.com
Gender: Female
Age: 20

Comments:
Hello, I had to stop using Roaccutan after 3 months because I got terrible side-effects. It all started with ache in one toe and then it spread to the whole foot and after a week to the other foot too. My feet has felt "ice-cold", I have had a terrible cramp in y feet and a terrible ache in my feet and ankles. My toes also become swollen and turn into a black-blue colour. I also have back ache. I have been to the hospital for 8 times but the doctors can not help me, since they don´t know anything about Roaccutan . (This medicine is only given by special doctors here in Sweden) My dermatologist doesen´t believe me and doesnt take me seriously. I get no help and i am very depressed and afraid. Will I have this for the rest of my life? I only wanted to get rid of my spots and I got this! It is 2 months and 2 weeks since I stopped using Roaccutane and I still have a terrible ache in my feet, anckles and my back. I can hardly walk anymore. My skin is perfect now, has never been better, but I think I live in hell! Is there anyone who has had theese side-effects? Please, send me an answer, I don´t know what to do anymore since no one whants to help me! Marie

- 12/25/98 22:13:23
Age: 35

Comments:
Amie, I forgot to answer one of your other questions. Examples of the chinese herbs mixed for me are 1. Leonurus (yi mu tsao) 2. Rehmannia glutinosa (di hsiang) 3. Astragalus (huang chi) 4. Mastic Tree (ru hsiang) The next three I did not find in my 10 healing herbs book. I will continue to see if there is another book at book stores that has these in it. Herbalist also said I could look them up in their Chinese Medica book. Of course, she mixed these herbs specifically for me and what items I check d off on her Questionnaire. The other three herbs my be something like Carthamus, Eviobotrye, and Tang Keui. Merry Christmas

- 12/25/98 20:03:49
Age: 35

Comments:
Hello all. Merry Christmas. Amie, In response to your good questions to my entry. I too wonder how long Accutane is suppose to continue working after the course is finished. How long do some of you think or have you heard Accutane continues to work af er stopping the treatment. I have not asked because I feel like the Accutane did not clear all my acne this 2nd course and that by taking the chinese herbs I have not given up hope. The first course I took in 1991 worked very well. I will ask my Chinese erbalist on Monday or Tuesday, when I pick up my new batch of herbs, how to find a reputable (I am on the entry page and I forgot what word you used) Chinese Herbalist. I will post then. I do know that she did tell me that any chinese herbalist could he p. That was interesting to me because to me that means that they are no selfish with business. To the person who posted before Amie. I will be a chore but if you search for foundations (make up) with high pigment levels, you can actually cover up with ess makeup. It is very frustrating to have acne as well as covering it up. Using a beauty wedge (cosmetic sponges) was helpful for me. helps colors to blend.

Amie - 12/24/98 10:01:20
Gender: Female
Age: 26

Comments:
I just wanted to comment on the person's story from before. Someone wrote that her doctor told her just to get pregnant and the hormones would clear her skin! I just wanted you to know that when I was pregnant and nursing my skin was the clearest it has e er been. I hardly had any acne. Absolutley no cystic acne! The other thing I wanted to ask about was how do you find a credible chinese herbalist? What are some examples of the herbs she/he is giving you? I was wondering if maybe you should have given th accutane a little more time after stopping it to see it effects? Isn't our skin suppose to keep improving after finishing? Just wondering what your philosophy is? How is everyone else doing on there treatments? Merry Christmas!!!

Amie - 12/24/98 09:09:11
Gender: Female
Age: 26

Comments:
Happy holiday's everyone!!! Well, I am on 40mgs of Accutane and I am in my 12th week. I feel a bit frustrated with my skin. It got worse in the very beginning and then tapered off. It was still bad (cystic), but not as bad as the first 2-3 weeks. It seeme as though the medication was not working, my skin was not that dry anymore. I took a few days of 80mgs to see what would happen. Well...I think my skin is way worse now. I am so irritated with the medication. The last two weeks my skin has been such a me s. Peeling and dryness, sometimes it stings and feels raw and very irritated. Makeup doesn't even really vcover anything up because its such a mess. I thought it would start to improve. Will I be on a roller coaster ride with it the whole time? Or will I tart to see improvement? Is it true that your suppose to stay on the Accutane till your acne is ALL cleared up? I hope some of you who have been through this type onto the site. Thanks

- 12/24/98 04:14:35
Gender: Female
Age: 35

Comments:
I begin with praise for Accutane. It is indeed a Miracle drug. I do see a need for something to take over after the Accutane is gone. I may have found it for myself anyway. I signed this guestbook on 11/21/98. I stopped taking Accutane in October afte a five month plan. I actually was a little surprised that all my acne did not go away. My first treatment back in 1991 did rid me of all acne. So this time it did not, however, I still did not lose hope because I had tucked away a local newspaper artic e from July 98 that had a brief article about a local herbalist who said she cured her own acne at age 32 (before Accutane). I am always skeptical of products as I have tried many on television, etc. to no avail. Again the Derm told me that the oilyness ould return within 2 to 3 weeks and lo and behold it did return, so I made an appt for a consultation with the chinese herbalist. She is also an accupuncturist. My consultation cost was 35 dollars. I marked off all the items on the questionnaire that wa given to me previous to the consultation. My main goal, of course, is my skin. I started taking the chinese herbs on 11/4/98. It has been about a month and a half. I have been very faithful in consuming them as prescribed. It has actually turned out to be costing me 42 dollars a month. As with most acne remedies they say it may worsen at first. Well, the first month, I did break out but it slowly started changing from more cystic type acne to whiteheads. This was a move in the right direction. I h ve not had oily skin. I have had several other bonuses with the herbs. No PMS. I used to have to take midol for two weeks out of the month. Total opposite of any depression, I feel very happy throughout the day and this has not let up since I started th herbs. I am not irritated with others and sensitive. My back, chest and arms are just about cleared up. If this continues to work positively with the acne on my face eventually to rid me of acne, what a milestone that will be for me. The chinese herb list cured hers and she said she has not taken the herbs for that purpose for many years. Sounds like if it works for me, once I and freed from acne, I will not have to take the herbs for that purpose unless I would begin to break out again. I went to B rnes and Nobles (book store) to look for a book on chinese herbs and only really found a book with the most popular 108 chinese herbs. I only found 4 of the 7 that I am taking in the book. I asked the chinese herbalist about it and they have a Chinese M dica book for 120 dollars. I think I will leave it up to her to mix them for me. It sounds like it may cost me quite a bit to try and grow the herbs myself. I am not writing this to you to sell you anything. I make no money. I will keep you apprised o how I am progressing. I do feel like I am progressing as this was my second dose of Accutane and I know that it will return on it's own and I would have to take a third course of Accutane. I just hope that these herbs are a permanent miracle (making Acc tane a temporary miracle for me). I also am really happy that the timing was so good for the herbs, just after finishing my Accutane, as the skin may (and has) worsen(ed), I will be use to it already. I want all my friends to see the herbalist. I gave consultation as a gift. Believe me, I was depressed for years. Sorry for the long note but if there is one other person who follows the chinese herbal path and has the great success I am having it will be worth it. P.S. My herbs are granules mixed by t e herbalist, they are not in tablets, etc.

Julie - 12/23/98 15:01:07
Gender: Female
Age: 35

Comments:
I think I must have been one of the first people in Britain to take this drug (1985). I was on it for 6 months and in that time it ultimately did the job it was supposed to - it "cured" my acne. However, the side-effects were pretty much glossed over, t e only stipulation was that I should definitely not get pregnant whilst on it, or for 6 months afterwards. The dry skin, chapped lips, headaches, joint aches, irritable bowel syndrome, depression, irritability and rashes on other parts of my body were al part and parcel of taking the drug. Its only recently, since people have been talking about the side effects that I have realised that I am still suffering from a lot of them after more than 10 years. Given the chance to take it again I probably would s my skin was (and in my eyes still is) really very horrible. After my treatment I had dermabrasion but my skin still makes me sick when I look at it. I am happily married but I dislike my husband touching my face or anyone standing close enough to me to see the scars in detail. I feel disfigured, and a lot of the time very sorry for myself. I am a vegetarian now and take zinc and and ACE with selenium multivitamin and I find that this helps to dry my skin a little. What I would say to anybody who has problem with their skin: GO TO YOUR DOCTOR AND DON'T LET HIM FOB YOU OFF. If your skin gets as bad as mine was it can effectively ruin your teenage years. My Doctor couldn't care less when I went to him at 13 - his advice was to get pregnant as my skin would improve because of the hormones. Thankfully this attitude is pretty much a thing of the past. Good luck to everyone on or about to take Roaccutane. A Merry Christmas to you all.

Julian - 12/22/98 21:15:57
My Email:hullianx13@hotmail.com
Gender: male
Age: 16

Comments:
Can anyone tell me anything about where to find AMBI antiblemish cream-I've looked for it everywhere-I have a very bad blemishing problem Can anyone give me any info about icepick sc ars? Thanks Merry Christmas

- 12/22/98 19:48:46

Comments:
I was just looking up Accutane on the Internet, and I stumbled upon these web pages. I see that someone else has asked what I am about to ask, but no one answered, so I'm going to ask this time in hopes of a response. PLEASE? Here goes: Is it unheard f for dermatologists to prescribe Accutane for a mild, but persistent, case of acne (characterized by blackheads and some oily skin), which has not cleared up with the use of other treatments? PLEASE answer me because you'll be answering my question and s meone else's (two birds with one stone!).

Dee - 12/19/98 04:05:45
My Email:dreeves@mailexcite.com
Gender: male
Age: 15

Comments:
I am on the verge of taking accutane. Maybe in the next month or so. The side effect that has me worried the most is the dryness of the eyes. I wear contacts and have read that you may not be able to wear contacts during and sometimes after the treatme t. Can somebody who has taken the medicine and wears(or wore) contacts email me about their experience. Thanks

Chansland - 12/16/98 07:25:12
My Email:cseng1@hotmail.come
Gender: male
Age: 16

Comments:
I wanna share my experience with u. I have been on accutane for 3 months and 7 of January is the end of this course. My acnes were getting worse on the 1 - 5 weeks when i was on accurane. My doses increased each month from 20 - 50 mg. There are many side ffects such as nose bleeding, lips and skin dryness, headache and bone aches. Now my face seems like clearing 40% and some of the scars (even on my chest) have gone. But i wonder why the scars on my face can't be removed. My face is now very sensitive espeacially to the sunlight. If u do know anything that can cure the scars on my face(are not expensive) , please do email to me. Anyway, I think Roaccutane is not the best way to cure the acnes because the acnes will be return after couple of months.

Dave - 12/16/98 06:12:31
Age: 16

Comments:
Merry Christmas. I have a serious message, mainly aimed at the younger people on Roaccutane or Accutane. (Same thing really!) Well... I finished my course last week, and I have absolutely no zits, anywhere. For those who are doubtful, keep in mind that it DOES work. However, on the packet it says that there "may be some limited worsening". That is pretty much a lie. You will find that after starting it, the skin will worsen so much it isn't funny, and you'll think that it isn't working at all. The truth is that it only starts improving after about three or four months, and it isn't a sudden disappearance, its a very gradual thing. Some side effects I have gotten were mainly along the lines of dryness and itchiness, but they weren't my biggest problem. The b ggest problem is inconsiderate people. One of the best things that happened was that one person said something horrible to me while I was at the worst stage, and now my skin is sooo clear, and he is getting really bad zits. He's expecting me to say someth ng... but I won't! :o) The biggest problems for me are the recessive purple bits (they fade after 6 months), the pitted scars (they can be vanished with laser therapy), the redness (it's fading as I speak) and the chance that it might come back again (fingers crossed it doesn't !!). The thing that most worried me, for both girls and guys around my age is "ARGH! I look like a monster, as if I will EVER get a girlfriend/boyfriend!" It was the worst thing about the entire acne episode, and I have learnt that, whether or not you hav zits, there is always someone who is right for you and can accept you as you are, and they are always drop-dead gorgeous/hunky. So all you people out there, don't worry. If I can find someone then you can and will too! Good luck, and have a happy & holy hristmas. I am thinking of every one of you. --- Dave

- 12/13/98 16:06:42
Gender: Male
Age: 18

Comments:
I would also like to comment on that price issue. In here Finland, a box of Roaccutan 20 mg (100 pills) costs 1,000 marks, that is about $200. But because of our socialsecurity system, our government pays 50% of my accutane. So the real prize (that I have to pay) for 100 pills is 500 marks (= $100). I guess we are very fortunate here. I've been on accutane for 2,5 months now. It hasn't worked very well for me (yet). Anyway, my doctor said that the average treatment time is approx. 4 months or so, I'm still very hopefull. Good luck to all of you, soulmates!

Amie - 12/13/98 04:57:54
Gender: Female
Age: 26

Comments:
Does anyone feel that the reason the doctor may INCREASE the dosage of our Accutane is because 40 mg's may not be strong enough? I have been on 40 mg for about 8 weeks. My skin is still getting some cystic acne, but the immense dryness is gone. Lips are s ill VERY yucky but otherwise...I was just wondering if maybe I really should ask to increase my daily dose to the max of 80 mg's per day??? Has increasing the dosage helped anyone? Or did you notice a change when your medicine was increased? Please type b ck on this web site. I check it all the time. Hang in there everyone!!!

geralyn - 12/12/98 15:27:05
My Email:gstockstill@premier.net
Gender: female
Age: 39

Comments:
Accutane is a miracle drug. I took a 5 month dose and finished this 2 years ago. The worst side effect was the arthritis pain in every joint in my body. I took 10 - 12 ibuprofins a day per my doctor. That did help, otherwise I don't think I could hav walked. I did continue my work outs daily. Now my 16 year old son has started this drug and is experiencing horrible nose bleeds. He's been on it now for 4 weeks. What should he do for the nose bleeds? I'm afraid the doctor might take him off the medicine and I don't want that. I want him to b free from the gross acne problem I grew up with. Is there anything he can do to help? thanks

Johanna - 12/12/98 11:09:47
My Email:nyponros@hotmail.com
Gender: Female
Age: 18

Comments:
I've used accutane (or Roacutan as it's called here in Sweden) for over two months now. Most of the blemishes are gone, but my whole face is covered with red marks. My dermatologist says that they will fade away eventually, and I hope she's right! I have xperienced some of the side effects; back aches, nose bleeds and dry skin. I can't work out anymore (used to do aerobics twice a week) because I get too exhausted and get aches in the muscles... another side effect is "depressions". I wouldnt call it actu l depressions, but I do cry a lot, in average once a day.. I can start crying for anything, the most rediculous things can get very sad. I guess my friends and boyfriend are getting a little tired of my sensitivety.... anyone else experienced this sideeff ct?? I still think it's worth it, though, as long as the red marks will fade away.

Laura - 12/11/98 19:05:50
Gender: Female
Age: 42

Comments:
Just got on the web page today and read through several posts. In answer to the cost question: I live in California and pay about $350 a month from Costco (warehouse store). That's the least expensive price I could find. Also, to clear up the red/dark marks that former acne has made, my dermatologist uses a dry ice treatment each month when I go for the checkup. He said it will clear up the marks, however, while on Accutane the marks will appear redder. After treatment is over, they should fade quick y. I've only experienced the dryness, the lips, and mild headaches. However, I am noticing severe joint pain lately and didn't know this could be related to the Accutane. I planned on checking with the dr. next week at my appt. Feel like I have arthri is.

Chris Gin - 12/10/98 19:39:58
My Email:chris_gin@yahoo.com
Age: 26

Comments:
I'm currently in the UK and want to go on Accutane, however it'll be MONTHS before I can see a dermatologist via the NHS system (I don't have medical insurance). Is such a long delay to get an appointment normal here in the UK??? I'm desperate to get on Accutane again, and I don't want to wait until next year before starting treatment. What can I do?? Should I get a month or two's worth privately and then get it v a NHS? Are there any tricks to jump the queue? Help!

James - 12/10/98 14:48:59
Gender: Male
Age: 18 (bday doday!)

Comments:
To the gentleman with a hairloss problem, There is a possibility that this could be a result of accutane as it is a documented side effect. However it says in the drug information sheet that in the vast majority of cases hair grows back after the course o accutane is completed. If youre really worried, the best idea is to see your dermatologist, soon! As for myself I have just been perscribed another two months of the drug for a grand total of five months. My acne has almost completely gone away at the th ee month mark so the drug does work, dow I'm just working on fading blemish marks, which have developed even though I never picked or squeezed my acne. I have started washing with 5% benzoil peroxide twice daily to exfoliate the skin and speed up cell tur over. Any other ideas?

BioHazardous - 12/09/98 04:01:26
Gender: Male
Age: 23

Comments:
Hi everyone. I was on Roaccutane for 12 months in total (2 x 6 month courses). It has been about 3 years since I completed the second course. The first treatment was unsuccessful. The second was relatively successful. About 2 months after completing the second course. acne started again however, the worst of it subsided after a while. It seems that users of Roaccutane are either fully cured or suffer as much as they originally did or the acne is reduced somewhat in se erity. I would say that my present acne state is very mild compared to quite severe before starting the treatment. In the end what you realise is that we are all different chemically. Roaccutane is somewhat of a hit or miss solution. In the end you have to put the possible side effects ahead of your present health state. So many myths exist about what causes acne c nfusing the issue even further. Good luck to you all.

- 12/08/98 19:04:29

Comments:
Has anybody experienced any hair loss while taking Accutane. If so,how much? Is it temporary? When did it grow back?

Sean - 12/08/98 18:56:18
My Email:Sean0974@aol.com
Gender: Male
Age: 24

Comments:
Hi all i took accutane 5 years ago and still suffer from very dry red and irritated skin . does anyone know why this is ? Is the dryness causing the irritation and itching ? Anyone with similar problems please contact . My eyes are also still very dry and bloodshot . Does anyone else get itching since taking accutane ? Anyone tried aveeno moisturising cream ? Which is the best moisturiser ? Also has anyone applied retin A after accutane ? How long does retin A stay in the skin and does it cause severe long lasting irritation ? Cheers and good luck all

Ema - 12/08/98 11:06:38
My Email:emmyloo_17@hotmail.com
Gender: Female
Age: 17

Comments:
Hi all, Well to add to all the stories I have been on Roacutane sine I was 16 and I feel that I have been quite lucky with all the side effects. We have really good friends of the family and their son was on Roacutane and he got alot of side effects such s blood noses and really dried out skin. He would go through depression stages and would not get out of bed for days. As for me I have had dry lips and that is it. Occasionally after sport I would get aching bones but nothing that would be too hard to han le. I guess I was lucky starting on Roacutane over the winter months as when summer came around I was pretty much used to having dry skin and the sun never bothered my skin if I put sunscreen on. I always use a body wash in the shower to help my skin and have personally found Dove body wash to be the best. For dry lips I highly reccomend any kind of lip balm with jojoba in it. It works really well and I also use paw paw ointment for dry skin patches and even on my lips. Well I hope I have assisted some o you in any way possible and contact me if have any questions or hesitations about Roacutane. PS. I think it is the best stuff I have ever been on for my skin and I have no regrets about going on it. My skin is pimple free at the moment and has been like it since the first month I started on Roacutane. Cyas

James - 12/07/98 20:16:43
Gender: male
Age: 18

Comments:
To Hallinux13@hotmail.com below;I too would like information on the AMBI antiblemish cream that I have heard so much about. If anybody knows something, it could be very useful. Why do people take zinc, what good does it do?

C.R - 12/06/98 20:55:23
My Email:skicka64@hotmail.com
Gender: male
Age: 23

Comments:
*****depression*****hairloss*****......have you experienced any of this and think accutane caused it please send a mail to me. ///Christer

Jen - 12/06/98 14:38:57
My Email:jaycee@pacific.net.sg
Gender: Female
Age: 25

Comments:
Hi all, Let me tell all of you my situation.. I'm on my THIRD course of Roaccutane. The first course I took was in 1995, the second in 1997 and i just started my 3rd course today. I can tell you honestly that Roaccutane did work for me, but 6 months after completing the course, my acne started to b eak out again. I have tried numerous antibiotics and creams and spent hundreds of dollars at my dematologist. Now, as I'm starting my 3rd course, I hope it will work this time and not come back again! My doctor suggested that I take birth control pills but i'm against it. Wish me luck! Jen

- 12/06/98 03:34:23

Comments:
Hey y'all . . . someone in this book said that it's dangerous to be on accutane for longer than six months . . . now, last time I went to my dermatologist, she gave me two options: I could up my dosage and take 60 mg one day, and 80 mg the next, or I cou d just stay on the 40 mg for maybe, seven or eight months. I weight about 120 lbs, and she said that to get the optimal effects I would have to average 60 mg a day, and that it didn't matter how I got it . . . right now, all at once in big dosages, or a maller dosage spread out more. She recommended just staying on the 40 mg so my skin doesn't become much drier, so I agreed. Any thoughts on this? Does anyone feel their health has been adversely affected by being on accutane for longer than the commonl quoted length of 20 weeks?

- 12/06/98 01:57:17
My Email:hullianx13@hotmail.com
Gender: male
Age: 16

Comments:
I've been taking Zinc for a month and a half and have seen no results-instead my skin got worse and I have small icepick scars-will these go away? What's sort off worked are the Biore products-the warm facemask, strip and moisturizer-they work pretty good. Does anyone know where to find AMBI antiblemish cream?

Tiffany - 12/05/98 22:58:39
My Email:tiffany@dp.net
Gender: female
Age: 23

Comments:
My acne is not cystic or terribly disfiguring, but it has been persistent for years (since puberty actually) and has been progressively getting worse. I am on two 40mg pills a day. In looking through the guestbook this seems more than everyone else. An ways, I have only been taking it for 2 weeks and my face has cleared up dramatically. My scarring is far less noticable and the pimples are less numerous. This doesn't seem to be the norm... I hope I won't be let down. Although I am on my 3rd month of O tho Tri-Cyclen (birth control pill that lowers androgen levels, thus treating acne) so maybe this is the reason for the results. Right after I started the course I got terribly sick with sinusitis due to the dry membranes in the nose. I have recently bought a HUMIDIFIER and I let it run every night while I'm sleeping. This has worked terrificly!!!! My skin, lips, eyes, etc aren' nearly as dry in the morning when I wake up. I would recommend this to anyone on Accutane. I would love to recieve some comments from anyone who has tried this combination of medications.

Adrienne - 12/05/98 05:37:08
Gender: Female
Age: 41

Comments:
Colette, you should probably check with your doctor about the blistex and using alpha-hydroxy products. I am almost finished with five months of Accutane treatment and was told specifically NOT to use Blistex in a tube. I think Alpha-hydroxy is some form of Vitamin-A derivative, so you should probably check on this. Purpose have a really nice oil-free moisturiser with SPF 15 which I have used for the past four months with good results. My lips have survived (more or less) by using Aquaphor. Good luck!

Colette Miller - 12/04/98 22:47:36
My Email:colette_miller@eee.org
Gender: female
Age: 25

Comments:
I have been on accutane for 8 1/2 weeks. My face is better, but not all the way clear. For the dryness of my lips, I have found a new lip revitalizer made by Blistex. It contains alpha-hydroxy, so it repairs lips fast. Three days ago my lips were crac ed and bleeding, today they are completely healed! It is in a pink, plastic tube and it is called Lip Revitalizer. Also Purpose has a new facial moisturizer. It too contains alpha-hydroxy. I have noticed a significant change in the smoothness of my ski . I know we all are going through the same side effects and I just hope this stuff will work on your dryness like it has mine. Take care!

Catherine - 12/04/98 19:59:04
My Email:super_west@hotmail.com
Gender: female
Age: 20

Comments:
I finished the course a year ago. However, I don't find any terrible and serious side effects that the posts and the warning mentioned. The most headache problem is the dryness of lips. But after the treatment, this problem has go e. May be I am lucky. I have got 2 friends who tried this pills, 2. We consulted different doctors. We also have less pinpoles. However, they have got some "red patch" left on the face after the treatment. Not so serious. Just like the face of shy little irl. They have finished the course 3 years ago. Nevertheless, the holes left by the pinpoles on my face cannot be cured by this pill because they are too deep. So, I am having the surgery on it.

- 12/03/98 21:20:10
Gender: Female
Age: 28

Comments:
I am responding to two previous entries in the guest list. The first is to James B. concerning the dark spots. I too had them on my face and was concerned that they would never go away. It takes time and also the amount of time that it takes for them to g away can depend on what race you are. One doctor told me that typically for caucasians it takes about 3 months, for asians and races with darker skin about 6 months to one year. Some people just get these marks for reasons that I am not sure about, but s metimes antibiotics like minocycline can cause them or make them worse. Anyway, the accutane because it can cause your skin to peel helps alot. If not, they do have light peels that you can ask your derm about. The next response is for Kelly. I had been on antibiotics for so long that it has had effects on my immune system. I try not to take them anymore unless absolutely necessary. I have noticed that when I do have to take them, they do not speed up my recover much faster than if I were to take nothing and that I immediately get a yeast infection sometimes after taking just one pill. If you do not feel that your acne is getting any better and that your doctor is not willing to put you on accutane, I would sugg st finding another doctor. My acne was not severe, just persistent. The latest doctor that I found was honest enough to level with me and explain that I could keep coming to him forever and stay on antibiotics, or try the accutane and in the long run save alot of time,money and grief. Some doctors today are too quick to prescribe antibiotics for every little thing and that is not good for the immune system. Soon your body is no longer able to fight anything off on its own. Try boosting your immune system w th vitamins and suppliments( like Vit. A,C,E and suppliments like echinacea, acidopholis, & liquid garlic extract). You'll be healthier in the long run.

Drummond Lawson - 12/03/98 19:12:03
My Email:dlawson@x-stream.co.uk
Gender: Male
Age: 26

Comments:
I was on roaccutane for around four months three years ago. Although there were the usual dry lips etc., I suffered no bad side effects, and three years later, I very rarely have spots, and even then it's only one or two. The only problem I now have is lackheads, which I can't seem to get rid of whatever I do, so any ideas gratefully received.

Drummond LawSON - 12/03/98 19:09:49

Comments:


James B - 12/03/98 13:56:39
Gender: male
Age: 18

Comments:
Well, It's been almost 3 months on accutane now and my pimples are almost all completely gone, however my stress level remains high thanks to the dark marks left by almost every spot I had during the 6 months that I have had acne. My derm told me that the arent scars and that they will settle down. Does anyone know what this is and if there is any way to speed up the fading process, peeling agents perhaps? other people must have had this problem too!

Kelly - 12/03/98 04:09:49
Gender: Female
Age: 33

Comments:
I have had a slight acne problem for 5 years. The last 3 years it has become red around the nose area and more so on my chin. I have been to 3 dermos. One says it is rosacea, one says its adult acne and it is hormonal. I have been on vytone, emgel, kl ron, differen,azelex, sul sulf and minocycline (200 mg per day starting). All with little improvement. I am currently taking benzac 5 tetracycline 750 mg and clindets. Though my face is shiny, which seems like it is oily, the clindets seems to burn and cause and even greater redness. All the antibiotics over the past 2 years seems to have taken a toll on my immune system. I am becoming more and more depressed and withdrawn with people. I tend to not look directly at them when I can. I have asked the dr's for accutane but have been told it is not a severe case. Maybe it is mild, but it does not seem to be improving and the redness is most embarrassing to me. (People tend to look at my chin). I cannot use birth control pills as I have experienced sid effects with them. If anyone has any suggestions out there I would really appreciate your feedback. I don't know what else to try or better yet how to convince my dr. about accutane. I am becoming more and more withdrawn.

Kelly - 12/03/98 03:53:08
Gender: Female

Comments:


- 12/02/98 02:48:11
Gender: female
Age: 19

Comments:
Jennifer . . . just because it always makes me feel so angry and sad to think I'm alone in anything, I can assure you that you're not alone in being 16 and on accutane!! I'm not talking about me, since I didn't get acne until a couple months ago, BUT I h ve a friend who took one course in eighth grade and one during her sophomore year of high school. So you're not the only one. :) BTW, for everyone reading this, I've heard that my friend's face used to be really bad (I don't remember myself because she s had great skin for so long) . . . now her skin is porcelain like . . . smooth and beautiful and white . . . I know I'll never be like that, but the accutane I'm on now will help me get close!!! Probably this guest book seems so negative because people re always a lot more willing to complain than to praise. Think about it. If you were successfully cured by accutane years ago, would you surf the web for acne sites and guestbooks to sign? No, because you wouldn't even worry about your skin anymore. H wever, if you've got something to gripe about, you're going to make sure the whole world hears it!! So I wish people wouldn't be so scared by this guestbook. There ARE tons of people out there that accutane has helped enormously.

- 12/02/98 00:40:40

Comments:


Jennifer - 12/01/98 21:11:23
My Email:rward@tinet.ie
Gender: Female
Age: 16

Comments:
Anyone who ever wantd to ask a question about Roaccutane I will answer them all bcause as of tomorrow I will be finished my 18 week treatment of that wonderdrug!!! OK, so a lot of you wouldn't agree it's a wonderdrug , I probably wouldn't have either a fe weeks ago, but after seeing the unbelieveable improvement - it's been completely worth it. So any questions, wonderingments, queries etc, feel free. I'll answer everything. Jennifer. (Has anyone else noticed that I seem to be the youngest person that has signed this guestbook? Is there nobody else out there as young as me?)

Clayton Price - 12/01/98 16:24:03
My Email:clay88@hotmail.com
Gender: Male
Age: 19

Comments:
To all readers. I have been on Roaccutane before and found it terrible depressing. I know what it was like to have the side effects and feel tired and aching. If there is anyone who needs any questions answered then don't be afraid to mail me, because will always have time to answer your queries.

- 12/01/98 13:10:37
Gender: Female
Age: 27

Comments:
Hello! I've been on 60mg Roaccutane for 2 months now and there is at last an improvement in my skin but it has definitely been worse over the last 6 weeks. I wish I has been given more realistic expectations of the drug before I started and reading other people's experiences has stopped me losing all faith in the drug and wailing "It's not going to work! Nothing will ever work!". I can see 60mg is probably higher than average (I weigh 55kg so am on the supposed maximum dose). I have had few side effects, ry lips but nothing unbearable. For those worried about possible depression/mood swings etc., all I can say is that I have suffered from manic depression for 8 years and so was particularly concerned. However, so far at least, I have had no problems and t at is without any controlling medication. I would say definitely go on Roaccutane - there are scare stories of people committing suicide while on the drug but you never hear of the nodoubt 100s whose lives have literally been saved by it.

jose - 12/01/98 05:11:19
My Email:ferjos0580@yahoo.com
Gender: male
Age: 18

Comments:
hi Ive been in accutane for five months now on a 40 mg per day and my acne is gone. My side effects joints and muscles pain; i feel very tires and usualy im a very active person . some depresion and the normal things dry lips and skin etc. I THINK TAKING ACCUTANE IS WORTH THE SIDE EFFECTS IT REALLY WORKS¡ One question WILL MY ACNE COME BACK HARDER THAN IT WAS (ive herd some cases)


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