Accutane?

Dec 26, 2012

Melissa B.

So I've been struggling with acne for years, and I am now 19! I've tried so many things, from Proactive to prescription creams and antibiotics, and nothing seems to be helping :(
My dermatologist recommended accutane, but with all the side effects I'm a little weary to try it! Has anyone tried this drug before? And if so, did you experience any side effects?

(Also contemplating on trying microdermabrasion, chemical peels, or laser therapy)

Dec 26, 2012

Victoria H.

Hi melissa. Accutane is good for acne but if its the side effects that you're worry about, then don't use it. I believe that there's other ways to take care of your skin. At your age, you're going through lots of changes still. I want to ask you, how many time are you washing your face a day?

Dec 26, 2012

Melissa B.

Just twice, in the morning and at night! I don't over wash, and I use gentle products for my skin.

Dec 26, 2012

Crystal A.

I tried it when I was 17-18. The journey during was not easy for me but the end results were worth it to me. I was told that I had to be on birth control that had me gaining weight suddenly and quickly. I wish I hadn't actually taken that since it wasn't needed. The actual drug makes you super dry. Makeup will always seem flaky and you will need lip balm. My arms had slight eczema so when I went in the sun they would scale. and the lovely nose bleeds. You have to watch what you eat because it will sky rocket your cholesterol. I am being honest not to throw you off because even after my treatment and dealing with many side effects I would still do it. 

Dec 26, 2012

Crystal A.

It also isn't a permanent get rid of all your acne solution. I still will get a break out during the time of the month but I don't have acne to the extent I had it before.

Dec 26, 2012

Melissa B.

I appreciate your honesty! Thank youuu

Dec 26, 2012

Amanda R.

I literally tried everything for acne, and Accutane is what finally cured it. It takes awhile to kick in, but the benefits are amazing. Also, I did not have any harsh side affects, just super dry skin. Just don't get pregnant obviously! Also, my acne has recently been coming back and I have been off the medicine for about a year. Thinking about going back on it

Dec 26, 2012

Manasi S.

it dries out your skin and body pretty badly but i hear it does the trick

Dec 26, 2012

Marcia C.

As a RN with a son who used accutane, I would highly recommend it. His skin looks like a baby's now. You will need to go on birth control and have a blood test once a month to check your liver enzymes. Accutane can cause liver damage but so can many other medications, especially Tylenol

Dec 26, 2012

Marcia C.

PS Amanda: my son experienced NO side effects, just beautiful clear skin

Dec 26, 2012

Marcia C.

Sorry, not Amanda, Melissa!

Dec 26, 2012

Melissa B.

Thank for for your input!

Dec 26, 2012

Tiffany M.

Please read this
http://www.drugwatch.com/accutane/s...

I developed serious tendencies to self harm because of accutane
I have no previous history of mental illness and am now happy and healthy since getting off accutane

I'm not trying to scare you... I just want you to be informed
My doctor did not go over all of the risks before putting me on accutane

Dec 26, 2012

Carlita F.

If yur thinking chemical peels it take several several treatments 6-8 which equals up to a good thounsand dollars and its burns alot when yu get it applied then yu have to leave it on for a whole day and it stays greasy looking until you wash it the next day and yu have to take care of yur skin with post peel treatment creams and therea of course the peeling which looks like a really bad sunburn thats peeling away for days yu really got to look into all your options carefully before deciding

Dec 26, 2012

April D.

Use Birth Control I don't think I've ever broken out since being on it for 3 years but there are also risks to taking a bcp.

Dec 26, 2012

Lauren E.

I had a problem with acne A few months back, I went to my doctor and she prescribed me to two creams called eryacne and differin. They have little to no side affects and I found them very effective, I would recommend you ask your doctor about these, also washing your face twice a day might be over washing, I used to wash my face waaaaaaay too much, then one time to my horror my face wash ran out and I had to go without for a week, and my skin actually looked better! You still need to wash your face though and also it is completely normal to have acne at 19 :) hope this helps

Dec 26, 2012

Rebecca S.

Differin is really not near as strong as accutane.
Keep researching it and find out about side effects and how often they occur. If your not comfortable with Accutane you could always ask your Dr. what else he would suggest, or go for a second opinion. There is Retin-a and bc pills as a combo too, but it sounds like your dr. Wants to bring out the heavy duty meds.

Dec 27, 2012

Ashley T.

I was about to go on accutane also after teyubg three different types of antibiotics and several creams..I happened to go to a sephora and a girl there recommended prox clear by oil of olay.. aand literally it changed my life. .. I had terrible cystic acne.. and literally within 3-4 weeks I was seeing results ... and it wasn't like it got worse before it got better. 

Dec 27, 2012

Ashley T.

trying***

Dec 27, 2012

Yanet Y.

try laser treatments before you decide to take the accutane !!! laser really does wonders it totally works !!:) good luck

Dec 29, 2012

Maxine B.

hi im on accutane now and its not that bad! if you want great skin you have to put up with the side affects.im from england and accutane is only prescribed by a dermatologist when all other doctors prescriptions for acne have failed.my skin is dry and flaky but its managable.im a beauty therapist and skincare consultant and accutane is the only way to stop acne. speak to a doctor before you decide anything and try to get referred to a derm so you can get all the info you need.acne was ruining everything for me but now even though my skins dry and awful now, in 4 months its all over and my skin will be amazing! :) good luck!

Dec 29, 2012

Mozie P.

I have a love/hate relationship with Accutane.
I've had moderate acne since I hit puberty (I'm now 20). I started Accutane at 17 as a last resort. I was on it for a year.
Yes, it cleared up my skin. However, it made me severely depressed. Only plus side was it was the only point in my life when I didn't have to worry about acne!
Then again, less than a year after stopping the treatment, my acne returned. Granted, it's not as bad as it used to be, but it's still a daily struggle for me.
Is it worth it? I'd say so. Everyone reacts differently to medication. Don't let the side effects scare you off. 

Dec 29, 2012

Ave M.

It can severely affect fertility.

Dec 29, 2012

Kat M.

I had horrible psychological side effects. In the end, tons of water and other topicals were better for me. It's such a mindtrip... Acne makes u depressed then medication messes u up. It's a cycle :( I'm sorry

Dec 30, 2012

Gaby C.

I myself took accurate. Best thing I ever did. I was so depressed because I felt ugly every time I look in the mirror. Like you I tried many oral prescription meds my dermatologist recommended but nothing seem to work. Finally I started taking accutane. The side effects I had was very dry lips (to the point it looked like a burn), supper sensitive to the sun, and I was an emotional reck. I did take it twice. The first time around it worked but after a year I started breaking out. So I took it again for the 2nd time and now I break out little. Nothing compared to before. From this experience I have learned to take care of my face. I do get facials and microdermabrasion a at least once a year.