Sarah - 09/30/98 16:29:58
Gender: Female
Age: 30
Comments:
Sarah - 09/30/98 16:29:58
Gender: Female
Age: 30
Comments:
This is to Astrid. My understanding is that the threat of birth defects is applicable during treatment. It is advisable to wait one month (at
least) following treatment. Following that month there the tetragenic effects associated with Accutane use no longer pose risk. You should check with your physician for reassurance.
- 09/29/98 15:51:06
Comments:
It is vital that if you are a female and are sexually active that you get advice from your doctor regarding contraception.All of the evidence points to isotretinoin having severe teratogenic side-effects.You must be aware of the harm that this poses for t
e embryo.
- 09/29/98 15:47:07
Comments:
Astrid - 09/28/98 23:24:24
My Email:michael.bub@t-online.de
Gender: female
Age: 33
Comments:
Does anyone have expirience with having a baby after being on Roaccutane? My dermatologist suggested the drug to me. I'm afraid it might not only be harmful for the embryo while taking it but also have long term effects on my egg cells. Does anybody know
nything?
Charles - 09/28/98 18:30:09
My Email:ajay@thezone.net
Gender: male
Age: 16
Comments:
My acne got really bad over the summer and now while the acne is not so bad, I have a lot of scarring. Not indents, but dark marks. I am going to see the dermatologist when I can get an appointment, but until then, I was just wondering if anyone could tel
me if the scarring will ever go away or if their is any possible treatment for it? someone please awnswer. thank you.
by the way, the page is excellent. thank you.
Tom McCarroll - 09/28/98 09:00:40
My Email:tomm@vision.net.au
Gender: Male
Age: 14
Comments:
Very informative. Thanks heaps.
Niki - 09/27/98 16:47:28
My Email:niklet@pa.net
Age: 20
Comments:
I'm am 20 years old and have suffered with acne every day for 8 years. Recently, I discovered one thing that has been helping more than any Dr.'s perscription or over the counter treatment. It's Dial Gold. I wash my face with it in the shower, and also w
th my acne was of choice (currently Neutrogena's Oil Free Cream Cleanser). The cleanser doesn't seem to work as well if I don't use the Dial. I also use a Buf-Puf (very gently) to remove dead skin and allow my astrigent (Neutrogena's Clear Pore) and oth
r treatment (Neutrogena's Multi-Vitamin) to work better. For some reason, the Dial is the key. I see an improvement with one day of usage.
I wanted to share my discovery in the hope that it will help others like it has helped me. Good luck!
Sarah - 09/25/98 22:11:27
Gender: Female
Age: 30
Comments:
Does anyone have any experience/comments on glycolic acid peels (from the dermatologist) and their effectiveness for acne scarring. I finished Accutane a short time ago so I would not be doing it for a number of months. I'm considering the series of app
ox. 10 peels where they start off at a certain concentration and subsequently increase. I don't have many scars but I was hoping it might even out my complexion and the few marks I have. Thanks very much!!
Kathy - 09/25/98 13:18:24
Gender: Female
Age: 34
Comments:
In response to the question about recurrence of acne following Accutane treatment, my dermatologist informed me of percentages. He said that those over thirty have less chance of recurrence. Some younger people have a greater chance of recurrence. I un
erstand that Accutane can buy you time or completely cure acne. It varies from individual to individual. I have been off medication for approx. 3 months. I do get the occasional pimple however they are small usually and go away quickly. Through speaki
g with friends I have found a great deal of people, including those with cystic acne at various ages,
were completely cured with Accutane. I think it is a wonder drug.
Erik - 09/24/98 19:28:38
My Email:erik.gybels@village.uunet.be
Gender: male
Age: 38
Comments:
Great side , Good to know that you ‘r not alone .
I suffered from acne sins my 12 years. I tried almost everything without results.
Most of the doctors say “ you have to life with it.
My acne ended most times in a cyst or a scar . Most of the time my face looks horrible.
The only cream that helped a little bit was Clorampenicol rit ( I used it for years )
Last year , when I was talking to my doctor about my problems he advised me to visit a young
dermatolog . I did and after first try mino 50 , I started a 50 mg / day treatment with roacutane
I had the normal side effects ( found this side ) . after 4 months my face was clear from acne.
Only some small acne point which disappear after a few days . Now after 6 moths treatment and 5 months
Taking no medicine anymore , my face is a little bit oily again but no cystic acne anymore.
Next month my dermatotog will remove the leftover cysts and finaly after 26 years , I hope to have a
Acne free and cyst free face.
So my conclusion is that in Belgium nearly nobody knows about roacutane ( or do prescribe ) this is really a pity . Voor informatie , een vertaling of nederlandstalige links over acne ed in het nederlands mag je altijd een e-mail naar me sturen.
roetjes
Margaret DiNatale - 09/23/98 17:34:17
My Email:dinatal3@adlibv.adelphi.edu
Gender: Female
Age: 28
Comments:
I forgot to ask a question the other day when I wrote in. It seems like many people have had to go back on accutane or have had there acne return. My perception of using the drug was that basically it would be a one shot deal. Is there anyone out there wh
has been off of it for a long period of time and not had any problems? As I stated previously, some of the oiliness in my skin has returned and some tiny red bumps. I have been really stressed lately so that could be it. However, now I am beginning to wo
der if it's just a matter of time before the acne returns ( that could send me sailing right over the edge!). I'd appreciate any response. Thanks!!! Margaret :):):)
Lisa - 09/23/98 07:26:38
Gender: Female
Age: 26
Comments:
I was originally on accutane 4 years ago, after a frustrating bout with acne. I had all the usual side effects-mostly very dry lips that bled, and daily nose bleeds. However, the oily skin I had for years was gone and my skin was clear and beautiful. Tw
years later, my skin was still not oily but my acne returned. I started a second cycle of accutane, at a lower dosage, but suffered immediate chest pains. I stopped the medication 2 days later and the pain disappeared. Now another 2 years has passed. T
ankfully, I still do not have the severe oily skin that I used to have. However, my acne is back and horrible. I now have severe cystic acne on my cheeks and neck. I am considering a possible accutane cycle again, but I am really scared. I feel like I
should try changing my diet, but I'm not sure how long I would have to wait to see results. I guess if the accutane hurts me again, I'll just stop it and never go back. I wish I knew it would help me permanently. I love this website. It's very helpful
to know other people's stories. Has anyone had success cutting out sugar or caffeine? I just saw a website that said sugar and oil were big problems. Thank you, good luck everyone!
jessica - 09/23/98 04:08:01
My Email:bergibear@hotmail.com
Gender: female
Age: 18
Comments:
I've been on roaccutane for 1 month on a dosage of 40mg a day, now for the last week I've been on 60mg a day. At first My acne flared up badly, but now its getting better (people have even started to comment on how lovely and soft my skin is again), and
he doctor has told me I only need three more months worth which is good cos summer starts in 3 months. I've experienced all the usual side effects like dry lips, but I've been lucky that my face and body aren't terribly dry and cracked (recommend Cliniqu
moisturisers) but no more oil face. BUT I have had rashes, terrible bleeding noses, horrible headaches, and really achy body after the gym.
I was just wondering, since summer is coming up for me, if anyone could tell me how bad and what protection can I use against getting burned from the sun while I'm on and after I've finished the roaccutane.
Also after reading the comments a lot of people have mentioned no drinking. I wasn't aware that you weren't allowed to, and am curious to know the side affects as I have been drinking whilst being on it.
Recently I have started to suffer from insomnia, is anyone else experiencing this or is it just a coincidence? Any comments and helpful replies would me greatfully recieved at my addy : bergibear@hotmail
thanks
Alan - 09/22/98 01:22:33
My Email:Poolfan3@yahoo.com
Gender: Male
Age: 22
Comments:
I am just writing as i have been a sufferer of acne for as long as i can remember. Like most people i got it iin small doces first but as i got over that at 18 or so it staged a evenge attack. I went to several dermatoligists and was prescribed usually,
ostacycline tablets, i was very depressed as i have never had a clear face in adulthood, anyway when i was reletively clear during my stint on hostacycline i started using PanOxyl Acne Gel with 10% benzol Peroxide. As i came off the tablets i expected the
acne to come back as it did before but to my astonishment it hardly did atall and now i use it regular like and am really clear. I just though i would share it with you to see if it worked for anyone else,any way hpe it does cheers
alan
- 09/22/98 00:53:25
Comments:
Margaret DiNatale - 09/21/98 20:31:22
My Email:dinatal3@adlibv.adelphi.edu
Gender: Female
Age: 28
Comments:
This site is great. I only wish that I had stumbled upon it during my course of treatment. I had started getting cystic acne at the age of about 25. Before that I would have small breakouts here and there but nothing to severe or that would cause scaring.
I had taken just about every antibiotic possible( tetracycline,minocycline, doxycline, eurythromyocin, etc.)and tried all sorts of over the counter as well as prescription topical creams( retine-A, benzamyocin,azelex,etc.) and nothing would work on the la
ge and painful cysts that I was having on my face. Fortunatly, I found a great dermatologists ( after a couple of tries ) who told me about accutane and put me on a 5 month course of I think it was 40mg per day. I experienced the usual side effects of dry
skin,rashes, dry lips ( bag balm works great ) and headaches and body aches. My skin cleared up immediatly. I have been off of the accutane since April and some of the oiliness has returned but no major breakouts( a couple of tiny red bumps here and there
that generally go away in a day or so ). I still us azelex cream in the morning and at night. My skin looks great and there is minimal scaring left. I only wish that I had used it sooner and avoided all the time,money and worsening of my self esteem. I wo
ld advise anyone who has not seen results from other treatments to talk to a doctor about it and get all the information you can. In my case, so far it has been worth a couple of months of not so terrible side effects. I feel so much better about myself a
d my appearance and do not worry constantly about what my skin is going to look like. Good luck to all of you who are on or considering using accutane.
P.S. - Please excuse my horrible spelling!!!
Kathy - 09/20/98 23:57:12
My Email:kja@pacificcoast.net
Gender: female
Comments:
my son has been on acutane since June 29/98. The results are remarkable. We were very hesitant in letting him take this drug. His dermatologist started him on one pill of 40mg a day. At his 4 werek visit he upped the dosage to 2 a day , 80 mg. on his
ast visit he wanted him to up the dosage to 3 a day. That is 120 mg. which we checked around and that is a very high dosage. His reasoning was his still was having the odd pimple on his face. He has been on it now for nearly 3 months and it is 90% bett
r. The only side effects were the drying lips and cracking which he controls with vasaline. Needless to say we have changed dermatologist, and he goes this week to the new one. Everyone including the pharmacist says that is far too high a dosage He i
only taking the 2 a day. If you don't like or believe what your dr. is prescribing get a second opinion.
Debbie - 09/20/98 07:26:26
My Email:c010172g@netvigator.com
Gender: Female
Age: 26
Comments:
I would like to share my experience. I have acne on my 16 years old and this product is recommand from my grandmother.
This product is made from Chinese herbal medicine, which have a unique curative effect for skin dephlogisticating. It can seep into skin, dissdve acne and comedo.
It does not contain hormone and essence. It preserves the original Chinese herbal medicine. It has no side effect.
Besides, I have other product for remove acne scar caused from acne.
Sarah - 09/19/98 16:54:03
Gender: Female
Age: 30
Comments:
I am just curious to know how effective Accutane is against Acne Rosacea. I finished my treatment a couple of months ago. I am seeing my derm. in a few weeks. My acne is gone but my facial skin is very sensitive. I also have very small red spots which
I can't seem to get rid of one one side of my face. I will ask my Dr. if I can put anything on these. Does anyone have advice for what kind of skin care regimen works post Accutane. I am somewhat concerned about recurrence of Accutane after reading fel
ow acne sufferers comments on this site. Finally, my palms are still very dry and peeling. The skin on my face still doesn't seem "normal". It is more easily injured and my cheeks are still red.
I'm hoping this will resolve. Any comments would
be greatly appreciated!! Thanks!!!
Static - 09/17/98 20:36:31
My Email:h1ve@hotmail.com
Gender: Male
Age: 19
Comments:
Hi,
I have mild acne and very oily skin. Until now I was fighting my acne with
Benzamycin & Differin and Tetracyclin, but for
some reason my skin became alergic to most topical creams.
I mean , even a bit of Benzamycin turns my face really red! :(
I'm very confused right now ... I don't know what to do.
I' ve been to 2 derms. First one told me
that my acne is too mild for accutane and that accutane is an
evil drugs that can make me disabled for the rest of my life!
Second derm told that he could put me on Accutane if I want to, but I
chickened out because of the side effects and decided to stay on
anitbiotics and topicals.
I'm 19 years old and my acne started when I was 16.
Should I take Accutane ?
Did anyone use accutane to treat mild acne?
Any information will be very appreciated.
h1ve@hotmai.com
Betsey - 09/17/98 19:15:36
My Email:betsey68@yahoo.com
Gender: Female
Age: 30
Comments:
I just started my first treatment of Accutane here in the US on 9/11/98. I take 40mg's once a day, NO side effects at all(atleast yet). I've already noticed a positive change with my skin. I don't have severe acne, but enough to drive me crazy and to give
Accutane a shot. I was very reluctant to try this powerful drug, but I have faith in it. I plan not drink alcohol at all, eat healthy and stay active during the whole treatment. Good Luck to you all!
Fran Clarke - 09/17/98 09:29:56
My Email:sprite9@dragnet.com.au
Gender: Female
Age: 33
Comments:
Just started on R and was a bit concerned about the side effects of the drug.
Good to see some success stories.
Thank you for your time and efffort in putting this page together.
david - 09/17/98 01:51:00
My Email:foreverclaire@hotmail
Gender: male
Age: 21
Comments:
The doctor was supprised, my acne began getting better right from the start! I coundn't hardly believe it, anyway i was only on roaccutane for about three months and the acne was tottally gone, and because i experienced skin problems while on the drug th
doctor and i thought it best if i discontinued taking roaccutane. It's been just over one year and the acne has never returned, BUT...... since then i've had dry lips, palms and scalp which are very sensitive, these i can deal with. BUT...... i've also
had a very sensitive throat, subseptale to infection, iv'e had to stop sport and stay indoors, because fast breathing and cold air make me very sick.(i see a specialist in a couple of weeks).
I would really appreciate it if someone could tell me if the effects of roaccutane ever return to normal or there abouts, and if so how long it usually takes. Please please please thank you thank you thank you
Christal Maxey - 09/16/98 17:29:21
My Email:c2maxey@aol
Gender: female
Age: 24
Comments:
This site has been very helpful to me, especially since I am about to be put on the Roaccutane myself. I am hoping for few side affects from this, and for wonderful results too. Thanks for giving us with this an edge on this very self esteem lowering mess
Claire - 09/16/98 12:55:18
My Email:D0089081@infotrade.co.uk
Gender: Female
Age: 25
Comments:
Having just discovered this great website, I thought I'd share my experiences with all other Roaccutane users. I have had acne vulgaris for 15 years and have tried everything including over the counter, prescription, natural/holistic remedies and of cour
e the beloved Roaccutane. I have now been on two separate 4 month courses of Roaccutane with a gap of 8 months in between. The first course worked far better (less side effects, clearer skin for longer, miracle like changes to my face, back and chest) t
an the second course although in both cases the spots came back after abuot 4 clear months. The 2nd time the spots came back just in time for my wedding (pretty typical stuff), and are now (9 months after the course) worse than ever. The first time I to
k Roaccutane I was led to believe that acne disappeared in about 70% of patients taking Roaccutane. From reading about others' experiences this doesn't seem to be the case. Also, after blood tests during my first course, my dermatologist said that bloo
tests would not be necessary during the 2nd course (this seems strange and against what American doctors advise). I was told to cut down on alcohol but not to cut it out completely. I seem to have survived but does anyone know of any long term liver da
age that could have occurred - I probably drank no more than 14 units per week? And why are patients being told such different things? This is very worrying with such a potent drug. Another complication was that despite taking usual contraception preca
tions I got pregnant in the last week of my second course. All the research about fetal abnormalities was VERY negative and so I felt I had no choice but to have a termination. Following this termination, I then discovered I had large ovarian cysts which
had to be removed (I've now had 2 operations). Does anyone know of any links between Roaccutane and ovarian cysts? I am going to see my dermatologist this week to see what she recommends nextt as my spots are really bad at the moment, but I don't want
o go back back on Roaccutane. Has anyone out there been completely cured (spot free for at least a year) after the third course of Roaccutane having already had limited success from the intial courses? If not I would rather learn to live with my spots t
an go through the same disappointments and side effcts all over again.
Kurt - 09/16/98 09:50:41
My Email:kurtporter@hotmail.com
Gender: Male
Age: 16
Comments:
Hi,
I have just started my first week on Roaccutane (20mg) and I just want to know what happens if you take alcohol during roaccutane, and what happens if you use clerasil face cream. What are the side effects of these two productsn ?????
Please someone quickly email me now if you know ok.
Lance Chan - 09/16/98 02:53:26
My Email:phylocke@singnet.com.sg
Gender: Male
Age: 24+
Comments:
Well, as from my own Dermatologist, it is a must for us to have a liver or blood test before we can actually consume Roaccutane as it will cause serious side effects such as liver damage to the body. A consent form has to be signed even before we could ev
n be on this medication. Well, this is just to keep you informed and hope that this is taken into consideration by other Roaccutane users. Take care and best regards.
Elaine - 09/15/98 15:51:05
My Email:Zzannee@aol.com
Gender: female
Age: 35
Comments:
This is a great site. It is hard to get information from other people about their experiences, so thanks! I am just three weeks in to my treatment. The first two weeks I was on 40mg a day. My dermotologist just changed mine to 60mg last week. The first tw
weeks were easy. I had the usual drier skin, lips, and eyes. My back was a little achy. The side effects increased greatly the first with the new dosage. Not all the side effects are bad. For the first time in my life since I was about 10 I DO NOT have o
ly skin.It is the most amazing thing. That in it self makes the rest tollerable. I have had a couple of headaches, not migraines just minor. I still have the dry eyes(use artificial tears) and dry lips(always have lip balm with you where ever you are).I h
ve had acne since the age of twelve. It only cleared up briefly in my late twenties and early thirties, but just recently came back with a vegence. I researched a lot before I made the decision. I think it is the most dangerous drug I have ever been on, b
t I also think it is my only option. I would never advise anyone either way to take or not take this drug. It is a personal decission. I like the results so far but it is going to be a long 5 monthes.
Krister - 09/14/98 18:36:34
My Email:no@nix
Gender: male
Age: 23
Comments:
Hi. A respons to the lady from Sweden. It is a difficult situation you are in. I have read a lot about Roaccutane and it´s sideeffects. And you are in riskzone!!! I would not take the risk. Why not wait 3-4 months? (I would wait longer).*****************
***************************And then I would like to share my experiences. I have finished my second 5-months course of accutane. 60mg/day. I finished it in may and now in september I start to get the pimples back and have a really oily skin. After first c
urse it took 6 months before the pimples came back. Im not gonna go on on a third cykle. I think it is too heavy. I also notice a depression now. Im really glad otherwise. Hope it will dissapear. Good luck to you all!!!
sEVGI - 09/13/98 18:41:20
My Email:gulizar97@hotmail.com
Gender: hh
Age: 25 year
Comments:
HELLP ME !!
Hi Im a25 years women. I have a problem and I hope someone can help me whit my problem.
I did use Roaccutan..and my doktor teld me that
I dont should be proagnet (whit child)
But I did a mistake ... Im prognet now..
I live in Sweden. My doktor told me that my baby will not be good. The baby can even die.
I want this baby. If you dont use Roaccutan..if you stop use Roaccutan u can be prognet after 2 monts .... But I stop use Roaccuton for 1 monts then I was prognet. In USA u can be prognet after 2 weeks in Europa 1 monts but in Sweden 2 monts. I want u too
help me.. Can u give me more information about Roaccutan..will my baby die???? Pleas help me.. Im waiting for u answer....Pealese help me..Im not good at English... I hope u anderstand me...pelase write something...this is importent for me..
my email: gulizar97@hotmail.com
I waiting!!!
Thanx!!
vicki - 09/13/98 16:48:40
My Email:liquidsabby@hotmail.com
Gender: female
Age: 14
Comments:
I've had a bad case of acne ever since i can remember,and im sick of it, i've tried everything over the counter and now im going to try roaccutane (isotretinoin) Im in desperate need of info (bad or good) any information would be greatly apperaciated.
Simon - 09/13/98 14:39:36
My URL:http://SHolborn@mcmail.com
My Email:SHolborn@mcmail.com
Gender: male
Age: 37
Comments:
I had R when in my early 20,s I think- It wasw new in the UK at that time and I think experimental. In any event the side effects were as I read from your pages. At the time I have to say it was such a relief as all other treatments had failed.
I had 2 or 3 courses and acne has gone forever (i hope).
One thing I notice after all this time was that my skin was altered for good-more prone to sunburn I think. I remember thinking that what ever was happening that this R was powerful stuff. I can understand the pain of acne sufferers even years later. It m
de such a difference to how I felt about myself.Kind regards Simes
Steve - 09/13/98 10:36:57
My Email:smay@start.com.au
Gender: male
Age: 24
Comments:
To Al. Sorry I haven't contacted you for a while. I have been trying to get an email to you, but my server seems to be having major problems. I'll keep trying. Please don't think I've been ignoring you. Steve
Kelly - 09/12/98 16:39:34
My Email:tmeloche@mnsi.net
Gender: female
Age: 33
Comments:
I just recently completed my 20 week course of Accutane (4 days ago to be exact). Does anyone have any recommendations on what products to use on my face now. My skin used to be extremely oily and I'm praying that those days are over. Any comments or advi
e is more that welcome. Thanks
John - 09/12/98 10:19:50
My Email:priv18@hotmail.com
Age: 18
Comments:
Im on roaccutane and ive been told to stay away from certain other medication. I was just wondering if any one knows is its okay to take creatine, while on roaccutane.
Thanks, Cheers
Margaret Pearce - 09/10/98 23:45:40
My Email:maggie@warrandyte.starway.net.au
Gender: Female
Age: 51
Comments:
I have been on Roaccutane for one month and have expreienced, dry cracked lips and eyelids, cracks in lips have beome infected and are being treated with antibiotic cream. By the way, the VERY BEST treatment for dry lips is WOOL FAT as used by nursing mo
hers to keep nipples moist and supple, Vaseline is PETROL and I believe it is not a good idea to put petrol on the lips. I have also experienced rashes, headaches, blisters on the hands, blurred vision when looking down and aching shoulders. I have been
on 3 x 20mg per day (2 AM and 2 PM) my dermatologist has taken me off completely for one week and then returning to 2 x 20mg each day (1 AM and 1PM). I hope there is an inprovement in the side-effects. I am on a treatment for four (4) months. Any comme
ts will be of assistance. I have experienced acne since about age 30, as a teen I had the very best skin, now, I have scars all over my face from sebacious (?) (not sure of the spelling) cysts. For the first time since I can remember, I can now apply my
akeup for work and it stays on, it doesn't come off all over my clothes and this is the best and well worth all the discomfort. maggie@warrandyte.starway.net.au.
Darlene - 09/10/98 20:48:32
Gender: Female
Age: 30
Comments:
Hi,
I just started on Accutane 9 days ago. I am on
30mg for the first month and then I go on 40mg
for the remainder of the treatment. I have
mild/moderate but chronic acne. This drug was
my last resort. I'm scared to death of what might
happen in the weeks ahead. I am wondering if many
people have eye problems, I do wear contacts.
Also what are the best products to use on your
skin while on Accutane? I would love to hear
from others who have gone through, or are going
through Accutane treatment and hear their experiences. I'm very nervous about the whole
thing, but tired of battling acne! Thanks in advance.
Darlene@comports.com
tim - 09/08/98 17:27:26
My Email:timcarvosso@hotmail.com
Age: 18
Comments:
I am 4 weeks into a four 16 week course of roaccutane. I did suffer from an initial breakout but my skin has now started to improve. I weigh about 11 stone and am 6 foot tall, I am currently on 40mg a day, is this about right? I was also wondering how
ong it takes before there is any noticeable effects. Please could anyone with any answers please e mail me, or just anyone who has completed a course and is willing to correspond with me while I am on the treatment. Many thanks for this informative websi
e, it helps to know that there are others struggling on.
- 09/08/98 14:22:58
Comments:
Suzanne - 09/07/98 21:35:57
Age: 28
Comments:
Like Sharon and Sarah, so far I am pleased with Accutane (marketed as Roaccutane outside the US) treatment.
I had few breakouts when I was a teen, but I was always able to control it with topical Salicylic acid. However, when I went to college, my acne got worse. My dermatologist put me on systemic and topical antibiotic treatment (erithromycin, tetracycline, m
nocycline, and later ampicillin), Retin-A, and Adapalene (Differin Gel). I am allergic to benzoyl peroxyde. My acne was pretty much under control with few breakouts once in a while, but when I stopped the systemic antibiotics, it always got worse. After y
ars of these never ending cycles, my dermatologist decided to put me on Accutane. I was sick and tired of taking antibiotics, and decided to go with Accutane, after my acne got worse early this year-- for the first time I started having cystic acne that d
dn't respond to antibiotics. I started with 40 mg during the first month, and increased to 50 mg for 4 months. I weigh 100 lb. My acne improved significantly 3 weeks into the treatment, and since then I've had a couple of little pimples that went away in
a couple of days. This is nothing like huge, red, painful cystic acne I had when starting the treatment. My side effects are dry skin and VERY dry and cracked lips, bleeding gums, occasional canker sores, and fragile skin that bruises and bleeds easily. I
also get tired easily and my muscles hurt after working out. I am able to wear my contact lenses and work in front of the computer at least 10 hours per day. I use artificial tears occasionally. I put generous amount of Vaseline Lip Therapy (Petroleum Jel
y) and it does the job. I use mild soap when showering and apply baby oil immediately after shower, and use skin lotion a few times per day as needed. I pay extra attention to my elbows and hands, which get really dry during the day. My skin burns easily
nder the sun, so I use sunblock/sunscreen every day (SPF 30 or 45). I never skip the dose, and I don't drink alcohol at all during treatment. I know it's very hard not to drink, especially when I watch my colleagues drinking margaritas in Happy Hours. I a
so changed my diet and was able to lose weight! I only eat lean meat and fish, lots of veggies, fruits, grains, and drink a lot of water. I also make sure I have enough sleep, and try to reduce stress from work. I go work out 3-4 times per week.
I understand this drug works differently on different people. I know quite a few people who took this drug and now they have perfect skins. My advice to y'all who are considering this drug is to consult with your dermatologist. Find a good dermatologist w
o cares about you. I am lucky to have a wonderful dermatologist who explains all the options and information about this powerful drug. I am also required to take blood tests and pregnancy tests each month. She reviews the test results to determine if she
hould clear the refills. There is no way to predict if my acne will come back later but I am optimistic. My dermatologist wants me to come see her as soon as I see new breakout.
Gill, thanks for creating such a great website. It's very comforting to know we are not alone suffering from acne, and it's great that we can share each other's experience.
I also just want to let y'all know that having acne isn't the end of the world. I was able to date when my acne was bad, and all of my dates had clear skins. Don't let acne ruin your social life. Go out and have fun, because hiding inside the house isn't
oing to help.
Good luck to everyone, and remember, take a VERY good care of yourself during Accutane treatment, and stick with the plan. Don't skip the dose, and don't drink. If you have unbearable side effects, contact your dermatologist immediately.
chaza - 09/06/98 11:18:23
My Email:maxwell@ultra.net.au
Gender: male
Age: 16
Comments:
lisa, I to have noticed little change in my face and i have 6 weeks left of treatment. My dermotoligist told me that most of the time, the skin continues to improve for months after treatment has finished, it has to reach a certain level in your system wh
re it kicks in, some sooner than others. I have been drinking alcohol and did not no that it was a big no no until some lad commented on this site a few days ago. i think may have slowed the process down dramatically so i have now stopped drinking complet
ly and hoping for a rapid improvement soon. cya
lisa - 09/05/98 21:49:15
My Email:JudiNic@aol.com
Age: 20
Comments:
My 20 year old daughter has been under a dermatologists care for the treatment of acne since the eigth grade. She has tried all the topical treatments as well as Tetracycline. About a year and a half ago, she was put on Minocycline. Her acne seemed to wo
sen and some was appearing on her back as well. At the beginning of June she was started on Accutane. She doesn't drink and has a relatively healthy diet. She only has 4 more weeks of treatment and we have seen minimal results. The acne on her back has
isappered, but her face continues to have large red blemishes. If it wasn't for make-up (water based as the doctor recommended), she wouldn't leave the house. Needless to say, she is quite frustrated, as am I. Is there any hope? Can she expect to see a
clearing of these unsightly blemishes on her face with only 4 weeks to go? I'm anxious to find out if anyone else has had such poor results from this medication. Despite the side effects of Accutane, she has taken it regligously, as she has done with ev
rything suggested to her by the dermatologist over the years. It breaks my heart to see all she has gone thru and to not be shown any light at the end of the tunnel. If anyone can give us some hope, I'd appreciate hearing from you. Thanks.
Angelina - 09/05/98 06:58:00
My Email:rodand@goldweb.com.au
Gender: female
Age: 25
Comments:
This is a very informative site. Most of the information i already know. I am not taking Roaccutane but my fiance is. This is the 3rd time that he has been on it.
I am trying to find out if we really need birth control. His dermatologist says one thing our doctor says one thing and the information pack says one thing. Do you have a thought on the situation?
Anything would be of some help.
Sarah - 09/04/98 13:58:40
Gender: Female
Age: 26
Comments:
I agree with everything that Sharon states in her posting. Accutane has been a miracle drug for me. I am so grateful for it. I took this medication very seriously as well. I would never drink while on Accutane. Antibiotics for some people work wonder
. However, for me they had ceased to be effective. Fortunately, Accutane did work for me. For what it is worth my advice is take this drug seriously because it is a serious drug. I know many others who are now acne free due to this medication and you
ay be one of them. As Sharon said if you decide to try it and it doesn't work or the side effects are too great, discontinue treatment. This medication should not be denied from those who can benefit from it. Good luck to everyone!
Kevin Coulter - 09/04/98 13:18:15
My URL:http://members.aol.com/acneinfo/
My Email:acneinfo@aol.com
Gender: Male
Comments:
Gil, email me if you are interested in placing reciprocal links on your links page. My site Absolute Acne Info provides free natural acne treatment information, acne remedies, and acne tips and techniques.
sharon - 09/03/98 18:29:53
Gender: female
Age: 29
Comments:
I read every entry and there doesn't seem to be enough positive stories about accutane. I was on accutane for 20 weeks. I weighed about 125 -130 pounds and was on a dosage of 2-10mg pills in the morning and 1-10 mg pill at night. I was required to be o
birth control, and to have blood tests every month that would test my liver, cholesterol, triglycerides and determine if I was pregnant. I have been off of Accutane since March of 1998, and I have not had a recurrance of acne so far. My skin looks gre
t and I am absolutely thrilled to not have to worry about having a breakout. I no longer enviously look at people who have perfect skin, because I am now one of those people. I was an active person before, during and now after accutane. The only chang
I had to make was to not drink at all for the 20 weeks I was on it and to eat a proper diet. I did get the side effects of dry lips & eyes, and towards the end of treatment, my skin was more susceptible to scratches. Other than those, I was fine. I l
ve in the US. From reading some of the comments, it seemed as if most of them were from persons outside the US. I did A LOT of research before I decided to use this drug and I was a bit apprehensive when I started it because of the "bad" things that co
ld happen. I decided that I was going to follow all of the "rules" recommended while I was taking it. This is what I found: First of all, DO NOT DRINK. This drug is processed through your liver. Alcohol is also processed through your liver. Since it
s already working overtime to process the medicine, overloading it with alcohol consumption is just plain stupid. If you don't think you can be mature enough to not drink, then don't go on the medicine. Secondly, a person should not be on Accutane for a
period longer than 6 months. If your dermatologist keeps you on it longer, switch doctors, because they are putting your health in jeopardy, by not doing their job of being educated about the medicine. If the "first round" doesn't do the job, your body
ust be given a break of 4 - 6 weeks and then another 4-week session can begin. If your doctor isn't making blood tests a requirement every month, switch to one who does. This is a necessary step in order to keep yourself healthy!! If your doctor isn't
onitoring you closely, switch. Some people do have more severe side effects, as shown by all of the postings to that effect. Unfortunately there aren't more positive ones. All of these stories should be taken seriously to some extent...those proclaimin
accutane to be a "poison", and those who are "crusading" against Roche Pharmaceuticals...in my opinion are taking their cause too far. but anyway, reading all of these stories should be part of the research that you should do before you take any drug.
VERY PERSON IS DIFFERENT. If you begin taking it, and you get horriffic side effects, just stop taking it an consult with your doctor. you are allowed to discontinue. You don't sign a contract that requires you to finish every pill. If you have a goo
dermatologist, call them immediately and they should help you immediately, since they are supposed to know how serious this medicine is. I hope I have helped those of you who are considering Accutane. Take the warnings seriously, because side effects c
n and do happen, but also consider your own body and health. Others may have horror stories, but what you won't know about them is their lifestyle and discipline while they were taking the medicine. Accutane should be a consideration only if nothing els
works--my doctor informed me of that. Keep that in mind, and good luck!!!
B. Clemens - 09/03/98 16:00:45
My Email:rpgguy@dp.net
Gender: male
Age: 13
Comments:
I am searching for a gentler cure for acne for my sons. Ages 21 and 13. Accutane can be very harsh I understand. We've gone the normal route of glycolic acid,salicilyic acid, benezol peroxide,tetracycline, erithromycin ect. but nothing seems to help. One
hild has cystic acne.
SN - 09/03/98 00:20:26
My Email:n/a
Age: 17
Comments:
Does anyone know how much Vitamin A roughly is in 20 mg of accutane? Or does anyone know exactly whats in Accutane? Im trying to find a healthier replacement for when my prescription is over
Julian - 09/03/98 00:02:45
My Email:hullianx13@hotmail.com
Gender: male
Age: 16
Comments:
HELP!!!
My mother is going to end my doxycycline (tetracycline) treatment after only one week. A medical student said it would make the bacteria that cause my acne immune to it. I need to convince her that this is true. Can someone bakc me up on this. Any evi
ence will do fine. Please e-mail me.
Vasil - 09/01/98 14:37:36
My Email:vasill@hotmail.com
Age: 24
Comments:
People, never use this drug Roaccutane! This is a poisson. I'd been through this treatment (during a month total) a year ago. Only now I begin feel recovering from a terrible side effects having nothing common with skin dryness or such triffles. Mine were
pulpitation, tachicardia, high blood pressure and overwhelming fatigue. By the way, I never was a sissy and very rarely caught a cold. Excellent walker, good bicyclist and table tennis player, not very bad boxer, gymnast and footballer. But during this y
ar I was a complete invalid, I can't run or go uphill or even make a fast movement with a hand without this nasty feeling in my chest. I've been through all this and don't advise anybody to repeat. Acne is not just annoying problem. It indicates that you
RE NOT COMPLETELY HEALTHY. Certainly, consumption of great dozes of little studied but sure very strong toxin CANNOT IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH in general. DON'T KILL YOURSELF. May be you won't suffer as I was (which means that my health may be weaker than your
or your health problems are of other origin) but don't think that you can go along the violence over your body with impunity. Instead, simply TRY TO IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH. There are so many natural ways to do this that amusingly I'm almost happy now with
y brains being cleared up with Roaccutane treatment. This is may be the most useful effect, isn't it?
Jenny - 09/01/98 06:49:04
My Email:yforever@hotmail.com
Gender: Female
Comments:
I'm on Roaccutane and I'm burning very quickly in the sun. It's the first day of Spring here in Australia, where I am. I have one question:
*CAN I PUT SUNCREAM ON MY FACE INCLUDING ON THE ACNE WHEN I GO OUTDOORS?* Please help.
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