
I am almost 40 and still have acne, mostly blackheads. Large pores. I am lightly considering accutane. Does anyone have actual experience. How awful is it? |
Has your doctor recommended it? Accutane is some strong stuff. I did it 3 times at the ages of 15, 18 and 23. I didn't have acne all over my face but I did have very painful cystic acne that left horrible scars. It worked very well but it didn't last and I had to go back on it.
I remember having to take a monthly pregnancy test which I thought was pretty ridiculous since I was virgin the first two times I took it. I'm trying to remember other side effects. I think my skin was really dry and would get irritated very easily. I also know that it made me a light weight. That second time I was a freshman in college and the combination of Accutane and drinking was not a good thing. I don't know if a dermatologist would prescribe it for blackheads. At least when I went on it, it was a last resort. |
I took it in college after years and years of taking Tetracycline and everything else under the sun. Accutane really helped me. It was the only thing that ever helped me. I no longer get large cystic pimples, but I still have oily skin, blackheads and large pores. As far as I know and from my own experience, Accutane doesn't really help with that. While you are on it, your skin will be drier, but it will become oily again after you stop. I'm assuming you have oily skin. I would be surprised if a Derm prescribed Accutane to you just for generally "bad" skin. It's really meant for cystic acne - unless of course doctors are more liberal with it now.
I lost some hair while on it and my nose got really dry causing nose bleeds. Those are the only side effects I recall. |
I had two courses of Accutane--at age 34 and around 40. I had severe cystic acne. Side effects were fatigue, joint aches, and very dry lips (requiring constant application of Lip Medex). Also, it caused my cholesterol level to increase slightly. I am so glad I used it--it has cleared up my cystic acne entirely. For blackheads, how about Renova or Differin--they are very effective prescription topical creams without the nasty side effects. |
It's also associated with depression. |
You don't need accutane, PP, for your skin. It's a tough drug meant for those with cystic acne. I was on it twice when it was experimental. It's a wonder drug, but it doesn't come w/o side effects that the PPs mentioned above.
Retin A is good for oily skin, minor breakouts, and large pores. |
I also took Accutane in my 20s for sever cystic acne. I would not take it again unless I had severe cysts. I had extreme skin dryness, dry eyes, lips, nose. I could not wear my contacts and my lips were always peeling. My dermatologist required bi-weekly bloodwork while on Accutane. It did clear up the cysts, but my skin is not perfect.
For blackheads, you should use a topical retinoid or vitamin A derivative (which is what Accutane is, I think, in oral form) like Retin A. I have also used Tazorac for blackheads and it was very effective. |
I took Accutane when I was 16/17. I really don't recommend it unless you have SEVERE acne. For small breakouts, try Tetracyclene (sp?) - it always helped me. Also, are you on the pill? Some kinds help acne, some make it worse. |
There's also dynacin -- a more powerful antibiotic than tetrocyline -- that I would try before Accutane.
Things I hate about Accutane: 1. The cost. Even with really good health insurance, it's insane. 2. At least when I did it, every single pill came wrapped tightly in a . . . I don't know what to call it. And each one warns you not to get pregnant!! Suffice to to say that I spent hours one evening unwrapping these things and putting them in a vial. 3. Dry skin. Dry nose, dry mouth, dry eyes, dry vagina. 4. It is not a permanent fix. They just say it is. Unless you have cystic acne and are in danger of real scarring, I'd stay away. Try the dynacin first. |
Agree with the extremely dry skin/chapped lips. And I also had extreme sun sensitivity - burned walking outside at lunchtime. So that isnt healthy either. I did it for 3 months and wouldn't do it again. Go for RetinA. |
oh yes, now I remember. Accutane also makes your skin very thin. Almost like a stocking. If you so much as touch it while you're taking Accutane, your skin will react by getting red. |
i thought if you get the generic of accutane it's a lot cheaper - my husband was on it and only paid $5.00 for a monthly supply of the generic - maybe our insurance is good? |
My experience with Accutane is over a decade old. So things may have changed. I don't think I had a generic option. |
Accutane damaged my liver - think long and hard before you start on a course that could change your life...negatively. |
I was on it three time in late teens and early/mid 20s. First time it worked really well. Second time ok result. Third time my cysts did not clear!! I think my scarring is worse as a result because of that third time when my skin was so fragile but I still had cysts. Very dry skin -- it would just slough off. Nevertheless, I must have felt it provided a significant benefit if I was willing to do it three times. Biggest disappointment was realizing that it didn't cure my acne as I had been told by my derm that it would. I've heard of some people taking very low doses for a long time to get good results. I never tried that - always had to be at extreme levels.
Good luck to you!! |