Adult Accutane Experience?

I'm a male turning 22 next week and I've been on Accutane for 10
weeks and two days. My acne had disappeared for 3 years but then
flared up with a vengeance last September.

My acne has never been horribly, terribly, bad, but I do get cysts.
(well, *I* think it is horribly bad but I'm comparing myself to the
worst photos you see in your derm's office).

Anyway, I'll just say this: So far Accutane hasn't helped me one damn
bit. The ONLY way it has helped my skin is to reduce the oily glisten
I used to get on my face. I still get zits and I still get little
cysts on my face. And my red marks still take FOREVER and a day to
fade.

In a nutshell: I'm exactly at the halfway point, and I've gotta tell
you, I would have expected MUCH better than this considering that I'm
on the most powerful acne drug in the world. I didn't expect to be
all clear by now, but I also didn't expect to be getting a new batch
of 3-4 red bumps on my face every few days.

Very disappointing.


On 30 Jun 2004 09:11:36 -0700, welziak.DeleteThis@snet.net (Ryan) wrote:

>Hi,
>
>Having just started 60mg of Accutane a day a week ago, I am trying to
>gather some experiences from adults who are in a similar situation,
>but are further along (or complete) with their accutane treatment.
>
>While I know it's too early to tell much, the only side effects I have
>noticed is a very slight dryness of my lips (not enough to need to put
>something on them) and some dryness of my skin. I put Cetaphil
>moisturizer on my face each morning and night after washing with
>Cetaphil cleanser to be sure I am keeping dryness under control. The
>only other side effect I have had is some dryness of my eyes that has
>caused me to wear my contacts a bit less and use rewetting drops once
>day. The light headache and stomach ache I had the first couple of
>days is now gone.
>
>I have, however, already noticed a change in my acne. While I did
>break out slighly two days ago, those blemishes are now almost totally
>healed... something that would take up to a week before Accutane.
>Could the Accutane be "accelerating" my healing of blemishes? I used
>to get small blemishes that would seep for days.. now they stop
>seeping in 24 hours and begin to heal. The couple of blemishes i had
>on my back when I started Accutane are gone. Again, this is faster
>than normal.
>
>Also, I have mild acne that just won't quit (not severe). How well has
>this worked for others? I know there are no guarantees, but I hope I
>am putting myself through this to kill my acne for good.
>
>I can live with these side effects, just curious as to what others
>have experienced who were adults with mild acne when they started
>Accutane.
 >> Stay informed about: Adult Accutane Experience? 

I'm curious, exactly what does 'mild' acne look like? I went to the doctors
(not derm) not too long ago and he said I was very borderline and probably
would not qualify for accutane. He said I certainly would not be put on it
by a derm until I continue the Minomyclin for another 2 months (3-4 months
total). If I still have lingering acne after this time (just a few spots
around my face and some blotchy redness on my cheeks) would I be eligible
accutane? I have a feeling that my acne is too mild to warrant such a
serious drug, but I do want the 'knock out' effect of this drug.

I just don't have faith in Minomyclin clearing me forever, even today I
developed 2 small zits which is very discomforting given that my doctor said
there was a very good chance Minomyclin and Differin would clear me...
Anyway I'll give it another few months and try my lucky. Fortunately in
Australia accutane is covered under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme,
which means I can pick up a prescription for the same price I pay for
Minomyclin (~$AU 26.00).
"Ryan" <welziak.RemoveThis@snet.net> wrote in message
news:189b1c22.0406300811.6094291d@posting.google.com...
> Hi,
>
> Having just started 60mg of Accutane a day a week ago, I am trying to
> gather some experiences from adults who are in a similar situation,
> but are further along (or complete) with their accutane treatment.
>
> While I know it's too early to tell much, the only side effects I have
> noticed is a very slight dryness of my lips (not enough to need to put
> something on them) and some dryness of my skin. I put Cetaphil
> moisturizer on my face each morning and night after washing with
> Cetaphil cleanser to be sure I am keeping dryness under control. The
> only other side effect I have had is some dryness of my eyes that has
> caused me to wear my contacts a bit less and use rewetting drops once
> day. The light headache and stomach ache I had the first couple of
> days is now gone.
>
> I have, however, already noticed a change in my acne. While I did
> break out slighly two days ago, those blemishes are now almost totally
> healed... something that would take up to a week before Accutane.
> Could the Accutane be "accelerating" my healing of blemishes? I used
> to get small blemishes that would seep for days.. now they stop
> seeping in 24 hours and begin to heal. The couple of blemishes i had
> on my back when I started Accutane are gone. Again, this is faster
> than normal.
>
> Also, I have mild acne that just won't quit (not severe). How well has
> this worked for others? I know there are no guarantees, but I hope I
> am putting myself through this to kill my acne for good.
>
> I can live with these side effects, just curious as to what others
> have experienced who were adults with mild acne when they started
> Accutane.
 >> Stay informed about: Adult Accutane Experience? 

"I'm curious, exactly what does 'mild' acne look like? I went to the
doctors
(not derm) not too long ago and he said I was very borderline and
probably
would not qualify for accutane."


I appreciate all the feedback.

For ME, "mild acne" is acne that is only a few blemishes, but acne
that hasn't been taken care of my other methods. In my experience, I
have been on most topical treatments, most oral antibiotics and even
went about a year on Proactiv. ALL of them worked for a while, then I
would start to break out again.

My new doctor took down all my history and seemed to feel (and I
agree) that all avenues had been explored and the best chance of
ending my breakouts at the ripe old age of 35 was Accutane. In fact, I
went to him to discuss the new "blue light" therapy, he was the one
who wanted to try Accutane and I was very concerned at first as my
prior doctors were against it for a case of mild acne.

In fact, when I visited my new derm I had ONE SMALL blemish on my
face.. that's it. But, I explained to him that my cycles are like
this. I will go almost clear, feel great and WHAM, my chin or above my
lip will start to break out again. While I had improved over age,
nothing would stop my acne dead for long and now my chest was starting
to get some activity it never had before.

For those that Accutane has not worked for, I feel badly for you. Of
course, ALL MEDS don't work for some people. I have been on other Acne
meds that worked great for others and did nothing for me. Doesn't mean
they are "bad" just my body didn't respond.

I am only on week one and my lips feels slightly dry, the rest of my
face is ok and I don't seem to have other side effects so we'll see. I
had a mild breakout this week, but it's fading and it no worse than
the ones I had before.

So here us praying I am one of the 80% of adult acne sufferers who's
breakouts are ended by Accutane!

Thanks again for all the feedback. This group has been so helpful!
 >> Stay informed about: Adult Accutane Experience? 

> I can live with these side effects, just curious as to what others
> have experienced who were adults with mild acne when they started
> Accutane.

Im on week 14 now at 80mg a day however for the first month I was on half
dosage. Like everyone I have very dry lips and have to apply chapstick
every few hours. Every now and then I have dry eyes but a few drops takes
care of that. The only other side effect I have is that I have a light rash
on my arms that comes and goes, my derm said this was also fairly common.

Had a lot of skin peeling during the first few weeks especially to my face.
Around week 8 almost all of my blackheads popped out at once which was an
interesting experience. Acne does dry up much faster on accutane but I find
it still takes a long time for the red spots to disappear.

BTW try to avoid/limit using moisturizer in acne prone areas as it can limit
the effect of accutane.

The good news is that for people in our category, adults with mild yet
persistent acne(im more of a medium than a mild) my derm said that there is
a 80% success rate of a permanent knockout. Im trying not to get my hopes
up but fingers crossed Im not one of the 20%.

Ive likely left a lot out so feel free to ask more questions.
 >> Stay informed about: Adult Accutane Experience? 

"Grant" <hatetheviruses.DeleteThis@hiding.com> wrote in
news:WImdndLTJr9_an_dRVn-gw@adelphia.com:

> A few of the people here don't like it when I post this. But since
> you asked:
>
> I experienced depression. Severe dryness. Exhaustion. I was
> bleeding from everywhere possible. My period lasted for a full month
> - that's when I pulled the plug on the accutane. I also had two
> migraines during my treatment. My skin cleared up for a few months
> but then the acne was back. I was on the lowest dose possible.
>

Its important to note that only the extreme minority suffer from this type
of reaction. May I ask why you were on the lowest dose possible? Hard to
imagine what you would have went through if you had of started at full
dosage.
 >> Stay informed about: Adult Accutane Experience? 

Hi samg,

I was on a low dose for my body weight and the fact that I tend to not do
well with meds. My doctor was hesitant to take me off the accutane - I made
it four months, I think. But i couldn't take it anymore. The constant
bleeding from everywhere was really bothering me. My gums and nose were
bleeding as well as my month long period. I also was bleeding anally. It's
much easier for me to just avoid my food triggers!

ar

"samg" <samg RemoveThis @inter.net> wrote in message
news:Xns951976034382Fsamg@203.97.37.6...
> "Grant" <hatetheviruses RemoveThis @hiding.com> wrote in
> news:WImdndLTJr9_an_dRVn-gw@adelphia.com:
>
> > A few of the people here don't like it when I post this. But since
> > you asked:
> >
> > I experienced depression. Severe dryness. Exhaustion. I was
> > bleeding from everywhere possible. My period lasted for a full month
> > - that's when I pulled the plug on the accutane. I also had two
> > migraines during my treatment. My skin cleared up for a few months
> > but then the acne was back. I was on the lowest dose possible.
> >
>
> Its important to note that only the extreme minority suffer from this type
> of reaction. May I ask why you were on the lowest dose possible? Hard to
> imagine what you would have went through if you had of started at full
> dosage.
 >> Stay informed about: Adult Accutane Experience? 

> I'm curious, exactly what does 'mild' acne look like? I went to the
> doctors (not derm) not too long ago and he said I was very borderline
> and probably would not qualify for accutane. He said I certainly
> would not be put on it by a derm until I continue the Minomyclin for
> another 2 months (3-4 months total). If I still have lingering acne
> after this time (just a few spots around my face and some blotchy
> redness on my cheeks) would I be eligible accutane? I have a feeling
> that my acne is too mild to warrant such a serious drug, but I do want
> the 'knock out' effect of this drug.

Normal treatment order is topical, antibiotic and then accutane. As I
mentioned in another post, I had very bad acne until I went on mino, it
cleared me up a lot but lost effectiveness over time and now Im on
accutane. Its subsidized here as well, all up my treatment will cost me
around $10, cant argue will that. Cant say Ive got any idea how mild is to
mild for a derm to prescribe accutane tho.
 >> Stay informed about: Adult Accutane Experience? 

I have followed the normal treatment order - used retin-A to absolutely no
avail for 6 months, then Minomycin (antibiotic) and Differne. But as I said
before, my acne really isn't that bad, but it has come to the point where I
just want it completely eliminated, no matter how mild is might be - the
only way I could get a prescription, I guess, is to keep pushing the fact
that the other treatments have failed (ignoring the fact that my acne is far
from severe).

What is the minimum amount of time one has to stay on Minomycin before
deeming it ineffective and considering the alternative accutane?

Thanks again

"samg" <samg.DeleteThis@inter.net> wrote in message
news:Xns9519C72ED926Csamg@203.97.37.6...
> > I'm curious, exactly what does 'mild' acne look like? I went to the
> > doctors (not derm) not too long ago and he said I was very borderline
> > and probably would not qualify for accutane. He said I certainly
> > would not be put on it by a derm until I continue the Minomyclin for
> > another 2 months (3-4 months total). If I still have lingering acne
> > after this time (just a few spots around my face and some blotchy
> > redness on my cheeks) would I be eligible accutane? I have a feeling
> > that my acne is too mild to warrant such a serious drug, but I do want
> > the 'knock out' effect of this drug.
>
> Normal treatment order is topical, antibiotic and then accutane. As I
> mentioned in another post, I had very bad acne until I went on mino, it
> cleared me up a lot but lost effectiveness over time and now Im on
> accutane. Its subsidized here as well, all up my treatment will cost me
> around $10, cant argue will that. Cant say Ive got any idea how mild is
to
> mild for a derm to prescribe accutane tho.
>
 >> Stay informed about: Adult Accutane Experience? 

> I have followed the normal treatment order - used retin-A to
> absolutely no avail for 6 months, then Minomycin (antibiotic) and
> Differne. But as I said before, my acne really isn't that bad, but it
> has come to the point where I just want it completely eliminated, no
> matter how mild is might be - the only way I could get a prescription,
> I guess, is to keep pushing the fact that the other treatments have
> failed (ignoring the fact that my acne is far from severe).
>
> What is the minimum amount of time one has to stay on Minomycin before
> deeming it ineffective and considering the alternative accutane?
>
Not sure soz. My doctor(slap) had me on mino 5 times (3 month treatments).
The last time I went to see him he was away and the temp doctor said there
was no point in using it anymore and referred me to a derm for accutane.
And of course he also mentioned that my doctor should have done this much
earlier.
 >> Stay informed about: Adult Accutane Experience? 

Ryan, your input is greatly appreciated - I am glad I still have the
opportunity, if I so choose to pursue it, of taking accutane. I am glad
that your acne need not be severe to take the drug, as I fall within this
category given that I have tried many other treatments which have failed to
destroy this plague. The physician that I saw certainly was not supportive
of the drug as he kept highlighting its toxicity before making the
"boarderline" comment - nonetheless, when I have taken the antibiotics for 3
months I will go back if I am still displeased.

James
 >> Stay informed about: Adult Accutane Experience? 

> I was on a low dose for my body weight and the fact that I tend to
> not do well with meds. My doctor was hesitant to take me off the
> accutane - I made it four months, I think. But i couldn't take it
> anymore. The constant bleeding from everywhere was really bothering
> me. My gums and nose were bleeding as well as my month long period.
> I also was bleeding anally. It's much easier for me to just avoid my
> food triggers!
>
gosh thats appalling. Good on you for taking yourself off it, sounds like
the doctor was a bit of a plod.
 >> Stay informed about: Adult Accutane Experience? 

I began accutane treatment when I was in my late 50s. I know this
sounds very late but this was around 1986 before any real research had
been done on accutane treatments for the post 35 age group.

I am lucky that I have one of the top global specialists in
dermatology and he was very cautious and monitored my treatment every
step of the way. I had monthly visits for the first 6 months and
3-monthly after that for a year, followed by twice a year. I took
quite a low dose to begin with: I think it was 20mg daily for the
first 6 months and then alternating 20mg and 10mg for the next 6
months. He expected this treatment to take more time because of the
lower dose.

Early in the treatment I did have side effects and mainly it was
drying. The doctor recommended I use a water-based moisturiser, and
eye drops and lip salve and keep well out of the sun and wind for the
entire period (this was very hard but you have to be disciplined and
obey the medical advice).

After the first 3-4 weeks the acne seemed a little worse - but I was
told to expect this. Then it began to clear and after 2 years it was
decided I could go off the accutane.

Unfortunately, the acne returned, but much milder and now in the form
of water blisters. I went back on 10mg a day for the next 12 months
and gradually reduced the drug to 30 mg a week - and this maintenance
I kept up for about 8 years. I visited the dermatologist every six
months and used other topical accutane treatments from time to time.

I have recently stopped taking the drug altogether. After 17 years I
am now free of acne and the drug! I still have to use an
anti-bacterial lotion after washing, but may even try stopping that
soon!

Don't give up out there. Be patient and follow the dermatologist's
advice. Ask plenty of questions and contact the drug company and quiz
them also if you are having problems.

My understanding is that about 1-2% of acne sufferers cannot tolerate
this drug - and the adverse symptoms show up pretty early on. Heed
them if you are one of these and perhaps try something else.

I only know it worked for me -- but it took a very long time.

Cheers

Kim

"Success comes to those who don't let it happen, but make it happen."
 >> Stay informed about: Adult Accutane Experience? 

In article <Xns9519DC1294C59samg.RemoveThis@203.97.37.6>, samg <samg.RemoveThis@inter.net>
wrote:

> > I have followed the normal treatment order - used retin-A to
> > absolutely no avail for 6 months, then Minomycin (antibiotic) and
> > Differne. But as I said before, my acne really isn't that bad, but it
> > has come to the point where I just want it completely eliminated, no
> > matter how mild is might be - the only way I could get a prescription,
> > I guess, is to keep pushing the fact that the other treatments have
> > failed (ignoring the fact that my acne is far from severe).
> >
> > What is the minimum amount of time one has to stay on Minomycin before
> > deeming it ineffective and considering the alternative accutane?
> >
> Not sure soz. My doctor(slap) had me on mino 5 times (3 month treatments).
> The last time I went to see him he was away and the temp doctor said there
> was no point in using it anymore and referred me to a derm for accutane.
> And of course he also mentioned that my doctor should have done this much
> earlier.

Why don't you just not take/use the Minomycin and then tell the derm it
didn't work, like I did, because I was determined to get the accutane no
matter what?
 >> Stay informed about: Adult Accutane Experience?