Have you ever wondered what it is like to go through Isotretinoin (Accutane) therapy for acne? Well, you're about to get a regular update on what it's all about. I have recently started this therapy for antibiotic resistant acne and thought that sharing my experiences on this medication could help someone decide if this therapy is right for them. While this treatment is definitely a last resort (it took over 6 months of trying other treatments with no success) it is the closest thing to a cure for nodular/cystic acne that there is.
If you have cystic acne and are wondering about Isotretinoin (aka, Accutane, Amnesteem, Sotret, Claravis), have a frank discussion with your dermatologist about it's risks (and there are risks) and benefits. You will be required to participate in the iPledge program and ladies, you'll have some extra hoops to jump through in regards to birth control while on the medication.
Well, today is day 19 of my treatment and I am already seeing an improvement in my skin. The number, frequency and severity of the cysts has decreased significantly. Some of the more common side effects that I am experiencing are chapped lips and dry eyes, so, I always have chap-stick and eye-drops on hand. In general, my normally oily skin is getting drier and I have had to switch from my regular serum based moisturizer to a night cream for sensitive skin. I am trying to increase the amount of water that I drink as the doctor says it's the thing to do. The most annoying side effect that I am experiencing is some lower back pain. Joint pain is a side effect of the medication. Exercise seems to help it and I'm taking Glucosamine to see if it will help.
I'll be needing to schedule my monthly bloodwork in the next week or so. The therapy requires you to have blood tests done once a month to monitor certain levels in your system. These tests must be done in order for you to get your new Rx for the month. No "refills" are allowed - you need to have a new Rx each month when you go to the pharmacy and your Rx must be filled within 7 days of the doctor writing it or it expires and you need to go back to the doctors office for another Rx.
I'll be posting regular updates on my treatment. Feel free to ask any questions!
A posting of miscellaneous information pertaining, for the most part, to skin care, hair removal and esthetics. A medical esthetician and certified medical electrologist with a Degree in Natural Health, I have 11 years experience that include the spa industry and medical aesthetics with plastic surgeons and dermatologists. I also do freelance skin care training and am currently designing The Aesthetic Apothecary. Stay tuned for more information on that exciting adventure!
2 comments:
Is there an alternative route to take if you are still considering children? My other friend mentioned that they would not allow her to be on accutane without being on birthcontrol too because the defects are soooooo bad. Thanks for sharing!!
Hello! Accutane is definitely NOT an option for you if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. It is true that most doctors will require you to go on two forms of birth control prior to and during your therapy. Monthly bloodwork that includes a pregnancy test is also required.
Unfortunately, there a very few medications that you will be able to use while being pregnant. Obviously, pregnancy causes big hormonal shifts which can have an impact on your acne. The good news is, after you give birth, your skin should go back to it's pre-pregnancy appearance and you can then go to a board certified dermatologist and get the medications that are appropriate for you.
I would suggest that during your pregnancy, you seek out a licensed skin care professional that can provide guidance on what products you can safely use and what treatments you may be able to get while you pregnant to keep your skin healthy.
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