"Accutane"

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!