Roaccutane

[Saucygirl]

I am just starting my second course of Accutane, 5 years later.

I am one of those unlucky 5% that needs a second time to completely clear my skin.

It was a much easier decision to go on it the first time, as I had no idea what I was up against. This time took some more thought, but ultimately I've decided that 5 months is just a blip on my life's radar.

I had the dryness, everywhere. Be prepared to invest in good lip balm, eye drops, and something for inside your nose, facial moisturizer, body moisturizer and some KY Jelly (without sounding too riske).

I had some trouble with night vision, making it impossible for me to drive at night.

My joints and muscles were incredibly sore, almost like an arthritic old lady. I remember crying before bed because it hurt so much to walk up the stairs.

My skin peeled off in layers, like a snake. It also became very sensitive, any clothing that brushed against it would cause pain. I would bleed easily too, and nicks or bumps.

And the worst part about the whole process was when everything under my skin started coming to the surface. I got boils and pimples in places I never had acne, nor did I know I could even get it. It was ugly and painful.

But, having said all that, it was all worth it. And that is why I'm going back on it again. I had beautiful clear skin for 18 months before it came back, and the dermatologist believes that one more round should clear me for good.

I've never experienced and mood swings or depression, but it's something I made my friends and family very aware of, just in case.

Good luck.

 

[~Emmsybabes~]

Is anybody on this at the moment ?

I have just been to the doctor again now over my acne, he wasn't my usual doctor but has prescribed me tetralysal 300,
I have an appointment with my own doctor next week and I am debating whether to ask to be referred to a dermatologist..
I am nearly 30 and well nearly 29 lol....This has gone on too long,
The majority of the time I am in pain with the spots, its pathetic ....

I don't know though ???? Is it a bit drastic considering the side effects
?

 

[divadeva]

Is anybody on this at the moment ?

I have just been to the doctor again now over my acne, he wasn't my usual doctor but has prescribed me tetralysal 300,
I have an appointment with my own doctor next week and I am debating whether to ask to be referred to a dermatologist..
I am nearly 30 and well nearly 29 lol....This has gone on too long,
The majority of the time I am in pain with the spots, its pathetic ....

I don't know though ???? Is it a bit drastic considering the side effects
?

I was prescribed tetralysal for my spots when i was 30 , managed to take them for a week gave me really bad headaches and upset tummy , went back to docs and saw a different doc who was a skin specialist at local hospital , she put me on erythomicin and i have never looked back , took them for about a year lowering the dose every couple of weeks so in the end i was on 1 a day . Dont need them anymore . suppose we all react dirrerfently to drugs but found these on spot on :!:x

 

[divadeva]

Is anybody on this at the moment ?

I have just been to the doctor again now over my acne, he wasn't my usual doctor but has prescribed me tetralysal 300,
I have an appointment with my own doctor next week and I am debating whether to ask to be referred to a dermatologist..
I am nearly 30 and well nearly 29 lol....This has gone on too long,
The majority of the time I am in pain with the spots, its pathetic ....

I don't know though ???? Is it a bit drastic considering the side effects
?

Was prescribed tetralysal when i was 30 , took them for a week gave me really bad headaches and upset tum.Went back to docs and saw a different one who is a skin specialist at local hospital , she put me on erythomicin and i never looked back , was on them for bout a year lowering the dose every couple of weeks till i was only taking 1 aday.Not needed them again since worked a treat, mind we all react differently to drugs so what suits one might not suit someone else xx

 

[DollBird]

I was on roacutane as a teenager and it literally saved me.
As a teenage girl I had real troubles with acne, severe acne so bad my face could look completely covered at times. It made life very hard and I often was bullied because of it. Kids can be so cruel! I was prescriped all sorts of cremes, tablets and lotions but nothing worked and each time I went back to the docs with my heart broken.

Apart from dry lips, scalp and hands I had no other side effects. I would suffer anything to improve my skin so it wasn't a big deal.
I can't remember the length of time but I'm sure it was less than a year when my course was finished. Day by day my skin was improving and you could literally see my skin clearing up.My skin still isn't perfect I still have tiny scars which I dislike but I know they are there.

The best day ever was when I worked as a Virgin Vie rep and was told by a client that I had the best skin she had seen! Almost cried.

I will never forget the hurt I felt from acne but will always recommend Roacutane, it really changed things around for me.

 

[TJReiki]

Hi

I have been advised by my dermatologist to go on a course of Roaccutane.

I have done some research with mixed results.

Thought the lovely geeks on here may be able to shed some light on this for me!?

Thanks

Becki xxx

Hi Becki
I took roaccutane for almost 5 months and I was glad that I did. Yes, there were the usual side effects, mainly cracked lips and a few scaly areas. However, the results were brilliant. I had to stop because I had some abnormal liver blood results - getting regular blood tests is amust and following any instructions that the dermatologist gives you is paramount. Overall - well worth putting up with the side effects (in my case). Go for it - if you don't, you may wish you had in later years. They monitor you very closely, so, problems are picked up quickly
Good luck ..ps sorry for any typos, this damn keyboard is buggered!

 

[Shellie xx]

Hi Becki,

Have you finished your course of roaccutane yet? I've got an appointment with the dermatologist in 2 weeks because I've decided I can't take having horrible skin anymore! i've tried eveything and nothing has worked permanently for me. How have you found being on roaccutane? How long did it take for your skin to clear? how did you find not drinking or going in the sun?? sorry about so many questions ~ I'm really scared about taking it but also excited at the possibility of actually having spot free skin at last! xx

 

[Voodoo]

hi guys.

my skin has started going downhill since december - hard cysts and massive deep spots on my jawline, neck, shoulders, chest and back. :cry:

as a teenager i used to get spots on my face, but nothing as bad as what is currently happening now.

i've also noticed that the hair on my upper lip has darkened to the point where i am having to remove it, and have found the odd "whisker" on my chin.

seeing as i had problems with ovarian cysts before i had my first child at 27, i was wondering if any of you ladies have also had ovary problems, or if your dotors checked to see if there were any cysts present.

bad skin and excessive hair growth are symptoms of PCOS.

i'm hoping that my gp will prescribe me with something to clear my skin up, as it is soooooo embarrassing, and i'm hoping even more that it isn't my ovary playing up - i had my left one removed when i was sterilised as it was badly scarred due to the amount of large cysts that had been on it.

jue x

 

[JellyJane]

I can't even count the number of times I have been on Roacutane. i used to get really big boils on my face and also I have a problem with my glands which is mostly what I took it for (buts thats a long story... 3 operations and a skin graft!). This is all the doctor ever gave me. I never had any problems/side effects with it apart from going to the loo (let's just say you had to get there quick!! lol) not for a wee i might add. I was on a high dose. I think my body is immune to it now I've had that much. Anything to do with spots, acne or skin conditions and they will give you this.

I don't have a problem anymore. I never had dry lips or anything either. if it is offered then take it. If you do get any problems then stop.

 

[Voodoo]

well, i went to the docs last night and he refused to give me roaccutane...

so i came away with anti-biotics which i am loath to take as i know it's going to be at least 2 months til i see any difference...and i also have to have a blood test and go for a scan.

his reason for refusing the roaccutane was because he isn't happy with the side effects and the need to keep an eye on blood levels.

oh well...we will see what happens eh? :lol:

 

[Shellie xx]

Hey Voodoo, if you're not happy you could always ask to be referred to a dermatologist because a doctor cant prescribe roaccutane, it has to be a dermatologist. Its a dermatolgist and their nurse that keeps an eye on your blood and liver throughout your treatment xx

 

[Voodoo]

well that's interesting...he didin't say that he couldn't prescribe it, just that he was loathe to because of the side effects etc...but then again it wasn't my gp that i saw but his partner, and i have been told by friends who see him that he isn't really on the ball when it comes to "delivering the goods".

i will be going back in 4 weeks to my own gp to show if the anti-biotics are helping, and hopefully i will have had a scan by then and my blood results will be back as well.

jue x

 

[Shellie xx]

Hey Voodoo,

Maybe your own gp will be able to refer you. Its good that you've had a scan and blood tests though because I think the dermatologists ask that you have those tests before going on roaccutane. I'm going to see my dermatologist next Monday so will let you know more then when I know more!! xx

 

[Voodoo]

good luck with it michelle. :hug:

i just want to get the spots on my shoulders and back cleared up before summer, then i can wear my strappy tops...cos if nothing changes, i will be wearing my jumpers lol!

jue x

 

[Shellie xx]

Ah thank you. I know exactly how you feel ~ I just want my skin to be perfect for my wedding, its so frustrating isn't it? I'll keep you posted! xx

 

[Voodoo]

well my blood tests are normal - no high prolactin or testosterone levels.

in the past when i have had ovarian cysts these levels have been sky high, hence the acne.

got my scan next friday but if my levels are ok then i doubt there are cysts present.

so back to the drawing board as far as i'm concerned...been 2 weeks on the metrasyl and no sign of improvement, when i go back to the gp in 2 weeks i'm going to ask for a referral to a dermatologist.

roaccutane will be one of the first words that i speak! :lol:

jue x

 

[Shellie xx]

Good luck Jue, I hope you get on well at the dermatologists! I went on Wed and was able to go on Roaccutane so I'm so happy! I'll keep you posted as to how I get on... xx

 

[Voodoo]

good luck honey.

apparently my acne and other problems i've been having are due to having candida...:irked:

have you been tested or tested yourself to see if that is what's causing yours?

jue x