Accutane: What do you think?

[Aria]

Accutane. If you've ever tried it, you'd know it was a miracle drug. So for those who are informed (if you're not, google it and read some literature if you feel like it), do you think that it's too dangerous? It causes birth defects, yeah, but if you don't get pregnant (like it very clearly tells you not to), it wouldn't be a problem. So putting the cost of the drug aside, let me just hear everything you have to say about it.

[Duke Luke of Juke]

FDA Website for Accutane (http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/accutane/medicationguide.htm)

The fact that one of the risks, according to the FDA, is serious mental problems (see above link), I don't think any acne-medication would be worth risking that.

Of course, I never know how seriously one should take those sorts of claims, as how long after taking the medication are those mental disorders occuring--and how can we be sure that those mental disorders are, in fact, a result of taking the medication?

I would still be deterred, though. =/

[FOBulous]

I took that stuff about a decade ago before they started cracking down on it. It worked for a bit but it made me look like I got kicked in the face by horse while I was on it. My self-esteem went down significantly back then. And later on I started getting acne again anyway. I wouldn't recommend the use of it. Just waiting it out until you out grow it would be better.

Edit: I dig the Peanut Butter Jelly scene. :clap:

[shukusatsu]

What's growing older? I'm almost 21 and I still get acne (not alot mind you, but the annoying zit from time to time). Maybe I should buy alot of skin care crap or something, but I am lazy. Darn.

[Masa the Masta]

I don't believe in meds.

Just cause I think for most things, the body's natural defenses will do. If it's acne or whatever, just wash your face, and if that doesn't work well..I suppose a little meds wouldn't hurt, but I'd go see a dermatologist first.

[Anders]

I've had pretty bad acne since oh- junior year in high school. I'm 23 now, and I still have it. (Thanks mom and dad!) I have a very strong immune system and I take care of my skin every way I can. Accutane has been offered to me more often than I can really remember, but the side effects of taking it are so severe, to me it's replacing one problem with a bunch of major ones.

[shukusatsu]

I've had pretty bad acne since oh- junior year in high school. I'm 23 now, and I still have it. (Thanks mom and dad!) I have a very strong immune system and I take care of my skin every way I can. Accutane has been offered to me more often than I can really remember, but the side effects of taking it are so severe, to me it's replacing one problem with a bunch of major ones.
One time I got a subscription to help with dizziness. The side effects: dizziness. I shit you not.

[ellie]

One of my friends used Accutane for a little while, and she said it was miraculous. I know there are some scary potential side effects associated with it, but I guess it's a choice you have to make. There are a lot of other good products out there that don't have the bad side effects of Accutane. I don't think Differin has the problems of Accutane, but I guess it's also not as strong. Benzoyl peroxide works really well, and you don't need a prescription.

[FOBulous]

Yeah, I've been on almost everything out there when I was younger and you know what worked best for me?

Biotherm (http://www.biotherm-usa.com/_us/_en/facecare_men/index_prod.aspx?prdcode=ac000002&CatCode=AXE_HOMME_FACECARE^F1_HOM_facecare_Moist^F 2_HOM_facecare_Moist_Anti_Acne&)

There's a woman's version of this stuff too. It works so well.

[Shadowknight]

They got the FDA to rush it through the approval process. I think they're finding out some rather harmful, long term side-effects. Can't remember what offhand.

I use Differen, MD. Forte eye cream, face wash II, facial cream II, restorative lotion II and neutrogena 30spf facial moisturizer. It takes care of most, though not all, of my skin problems. After not seeing her for several months, my sister told my mom that she was amazed at how much better my skin was.

[paul]

Isn't Accutane only for SEVERE acne? And should not be used for mild acne? Its just something to do with vitamin A right? In that case if you feel like it, take a large carrot, take a bite, run the bitten side all over your face so you have carrot juice on it, then take another bite, and repeat. XD

[Trump]

There are many reasons not to take it beyond the serious side effects. Its a drug that will alter your skin (not just on your face). I think it helps dry it out and makes it less oily. If you have dry skin in other places it may not be a good idea. It's unnatural, its a drug. If you live in a place (like Florida) with a lot of sun, maybe you should think twice due to the problem with UV and sunlight.

So, unless your acne is so bad you'll have pretty nasty scars on your face, I'd recommend against it. There are other things you can do to help anyway. I know my hair is very oily. If I sleep with my face in my pillow, I will often get zits there. Change your pillow case often, and wash your face when you get up in the morning. In general, just keep your face clean and don't rub your hands on your face too often. I won't get into medications or anything here because I'm against that sort of thing.

[paul]

Go with the CARROTS! It works!
[insert testimonials]

[marycatherine]

a friend of mine went on it after trying everything else and it worked for what it's for, but it made her hair really freakin' thin after and it's been years since she was on it and her hair is still thin. She used to have a really thick pony tail, say an inch in diameter, now it's about the diameter of a pencil and it doesn't grow as long either.

Mary Catherine

[Aria]

Differen/Benzyl Peroxides/Retin-A = Childs play compared to Accutane. If you're considering accutane, topicals have proven uneffective. Hence the recommendation of accutane. It does dry you out, and yeah, if you have dry skin already, it might be hard.

Mental disorders...I think LukeG is confused. In some, it caused depression and I think one kid commited suicide. But they say that he was having problems before that. He was on prozac before he started accutane and I guess he wasn't monitored closely enough while on it. It doesn't cause any lasting mental problems. Though it does mess up some babies, but if you got pregnant while you were on accutane...well, I'm not going to say you asked for it, but it did have a BIG "DON'T GET PREGNANT" icon on EVERY pill blister of the blister pack.

I dunno, I've had crazy acne for so long that when I did accutane, it was like...my last resort. So when it worked for me, i was like "MIRACLE DRUG"! And So now I'm like...a little more than a year off the drug and my skin is a lot better. But I still get breakouts. Bad ones. Though not as bad as before. I wanted to ask my dr if she would recommend a 2nd treatment. But mom is liek "read this article! It deforms babies!" and I'm just like "mom...we knew that the first time around. It's easy, I just won't get pregnant".

People says it's drugs and unnatural and what not, but a lot of those very same people are taking things like claritin and allegra to deal with allergies. Acne and Allergies are both terribly annoying nuisances, so how come people say that it's 'unnatural' to take a drug for acne, but not for allergies?

[ruaidhri]

I’m the father that Anders has to thank for his severe acne problems. I’m 64 and still occasionally get bad pimples on my face and back. My father had the same problems when he was 80. My wife also had problems with acne that lasted long beyond the teens, 20’s, 30’s and beyond.

Yes, we all bear the scars both physical and emotional.

Medicine doesn’t work for everyone. Generally, it never worked for me or for Anders. It’s a real curse. Anders is probably the luckiest of all because he is the true extrovert. His personality overcomes his skin problems. He is a very popular young man engaged to marry a beautiful and intelligent young woman next August.

If anyone would be a candidate for Accutane it would be Anders. Yet, from the time he was in Middle School he assessed the risks against the benefits. He chose to not take the medicine. As his father, I left that decision to him. Instead he works daily with a multitude of topical preparations and vitamins. Still, he suffers and still he says “No” to Accutane.

[Duke Luke of Juke]

...I think LukeG is confused.
Not the first time, unfortunately. :/

But good for you, Anders! You just can't let things like this stop you from doing what you want (and need) to do. ^_^

[General_Admission]

I've taken 2 courses of accutane. It was the only thing that worked for me. I still get a few pimples, but not like I used to.

Great drug it is. It was originally made for cancer, but during the testing phase they found out it cleared up acne. It screws up tRNA transcription or something, causing the oil glands to shrink, the oil to be less sticky,and skin turnover rate to increase so the hair folicles can shed skin and oil better.

& tomorrow I get to donate blood for the first time b/c it is out of my system finally. :D

There are many reasons not to take it beyond the serious side effects. Its a drug that will alter your skin (not just on your face). I think it helps dry it out and makes it less oily. If you have dry skin in other places it may not be a good idea. It's unnatural, its a drug. If you live in a place (like Florida) with a lot of sun, maybe you should think twice due to the problem with UV and sunlight.

So, unless your acne is so bad you'll have pretty nasty scars on your face, I'd recommend against it. There are other things you can do to help anyway. I know my hair is very oily. If I sleep with my face in my pillow, I will often get zits there. Change your pillow case often, and wash your face when you get up in the morning. In general, just keep your face clean and don't rub your hands on your face too often. I won't get into medications or anything here because I'm against that sort of thing.

keeping your face clean is good and all, but don't wash any more than twice a day. Over washing can irritate your skin and cause more acne.

[nice gaijin]

Accutane gives you dandruff of the face. What it does to your skin is pretty horrible but i've seen it work on friends once they finished their treatment. These days I'd sooner check out proactiv or something else; accutane is a very extreme solution.

[Trump]

keeping your face clean is good and all, but don't wash any more than twice a day. Over washing can irritate your skin and cause more acne.


Yeah, I didn't say wash your face all the time. I guess to me keeping something clean involves not getting it dirty in the first place. Don't touch your face with your hands if you can help it, don't rub your face on your cat, and other things like that. Do make sure you wash your face when you get out of bed though since your pillow can collect oil from your hair and transfer it to your face. Also, don't go to bed with wet hair as rolling around on a pillow with wet hair it makes your hair oilier.

The drug has worked for people, but just make a serious consideration that the drug changes more about your skin than just your acne.

[Aria]

& tomorrow I get to donate blood for the first time b/c it is out of my system finally. :D

Good for you. :D I've always been too small to donate. Not a bad thing, though. I could barely deal with the monthly tests for accutane. But boy, that shit was worth it.

[SoAP]

I say if you have acne and want to see what you can do about it, go to your dermatologist. I had moderate acne, and that proactiv stuff (and all the other over-the-counter products) didn't do a damned thing. My dermatologist prescribed an anti-bacterial pill and a special topical cream. My skin is almost as clear right now as it was when i was a little kid. So yeah. Dermatologists can help immensely.

On accutane...
it was the next step for me if my skin did not respond to the cream/pill combo. The doctor said she hoped not to have to go to that because of the risks associated with it. I think it is fairly rare that you have to go that far, but it does happen. Anyway. Just my two cents.

[clgrnt]

I like 50% of youth have dealt with acne. It was quite bad for a year and got better during the next 6 months but then I saw no change for 2 years. I made the big mistake of not seeing a derm in the early stages so I had to deal with it later on. Luckily I didn't experience any scarring and regular old pears soap and nothing else cleared me up 95%. I still get occasional breakouts but their very minor.

[drdan]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=16447596&query_hl=1&itool=pubmed_docsum

Isotretinoin is a very effective drug for the treatment of severe recalcitrant acne. However, it's use is associated with many side effects, sometimes is associated with the emergence of psychiatric symptoms. During of a prospective study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of isotretinoin in acne, six male patients, refer difficulties in maintaining adequate penile erection in association with clinical symptoms of depression. To our knowledge this is the first time that this side effect is reported, so the results suggest that further studies of it's use in similar patients are warranted.


And...(based on Physician's Desk Reference 2005 or 2004?)

WARNINGS
Psychiatric Disorders: Accutane may cause depression, psychosis and, rarely, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, suicide, and aggressive and/or violent behaviors. Discontinuation of Accutane therapy may be insufficient; further evaluation may be necessary. No mechanism of action has been established for these events (see ADVERSE REACTIONS : Psychiatric ). Prescribers should read the brochure, Recognizing Psychiatric Disorders in Adolescents and Young Adults: A Guide for Prescribers of Accutane® (isotretinoin).

Pseudotumor Cerebri: Accutane use has been associated with a number of cases of pseudotumor cerebri (benign intracranial hypertension), some of which involved concomitant use of tetracyclines. Concomitant treatment with tetracyclines should therefore be avoided. Early signs and symptoms of pseudotumor cerebri include papilledema, headache, nausea and vomiting, and visual disturbances. Patients with these symptoms should be screened for papilledema and, if present, they should be told to discontinue Accutane immediately and be referred to a neurologist for further diagnosis and care (see ADVERSE REACTIONS : Neurological ).

Pancreatitis: Acute pancreatitis has been reported in patients with either elevated or normal serum triglyceride levels. In rare instances, fatal hemorrhagic pancreatitis has been reported. Accutane should be stopped if hypertriglyceridemia cannot be controlled at an acceptable level or if symptoms of pancreatitis occur.

Lipids: Elevations of serum triglycerides have been reported in patients treated with Accutane. Marked elevations of serum triglycerides in excess of 800 mg/dL were reported in approximately 25% of patients receiving Accutane in clinical trials. In addition, approximately 15% developed a decrease in high-density lipoproteins and about 7% showed an increase in cholesterol levels. In clinical trials, the effects on triglycerides, HDL, and cholesterol were reversible upon cessation of Accutane therapy. Some patients have been able to reverse triglyceride elevation by reduction in weight, restriction of dietary fat and alcohol, and reduction in dose while continuing Accutane. 5

Hearing Impairment: Impaired hearing has been reported in patients taking Accutane; in some cases, the hearing impairment has been reported to persist after therapy has been discontinued. Mechanism(s) and causality for this event have not been established. Patients who experience tinnitus or hearing impairment should discontinue Accutane treatment and be referred for specialized care for further evaluation (see ADVERSE REACTIONS : Special Senses ).

Hepatotoxicity: Clinical hepatitis considered to be possibly or probably related to Accutane therapy has been reported. Additionally, mild to moderate elevations of liver enzymes have been observed in approximately 15% of individuals treated during clinical trials, some of which normalized with dosage reduction or continued administration of the drug. If normalization does not readily occur or if hepatitis is suspected during treatment with Accutane, the drug should be discontinued and the etiology further investigated.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Accutane has been associated with inflammatory bowel disease (including regional ileitis) in patients without a prior history of intestinal disorders. In some instances, symptoms have been reported to persist after Accutane treatment has been stopped. Patients experiencing abdominal pain, rectal bleeding or severe diarrhea should discontinue Accutane immediately (see ADVERSE REACTIONS : Gastrointestinal ).

Skeletal: Bone Mineral Density: Effects of multiple courses of Accutane on the developing musculoskeletal system are unknown. There is some evidence that long-term, high-dose, or multiple courses of therapy with isotretinoin have more of an effect than a single course of therapy on the musculoskeletal system. In an open-label clinical trial (N=217) of a single course of therapy with Accutane for severe recalcitrant nodular acne, bone density measurements at several skeletal sites were not significantly decreased (lumbar spine change >-4% and total hip change >-5%) or were increased in the majority of patients. One patient had a decrease in lumbar spine bone mineral density >4% based on unadjusted data. Sixteen (7.9%) patients had decreases in lumbar spine bone mineral density >4%, and all the other patients (92%) did not have significant decreases or had increases (adjusted for body mass index). Nine patients (4.5%) had a decrease in total hip bone mineral density >5% based on unadjusted data. Twenty-one (10.6%) patients had decreases in total hip bone mineral density >5%, and all the other patients (89%) did not have significant decreases or had increases (adjusted for body mass index). Follow-up studies performed in 8 of the patients with decreased bone mineral density for up to 11 months thereafter demonstrated increasing bone density in 5 patients at the lumbar spine, while the other 3 patients had lumbar spine bone density measurements below baseline values. Total hip bone mineral densities remained below baseline (range -1.6% to -7.6%) in 5 of 8 patients (62.5%).

Hyperostosis: A high prevalence of skeletal hyperostosis was noted in clinical trials for disorders of keratinization with a mean dose of 2.24 mg/kg/day. Additionally, skeletal hyperostosis was noted in 6 of 8 patients in a prospective study of disorders of keratinization. 6 Minimal skeletal hyperostosis and calcification of ligaments and tendons have also been observed by x-ray in prospective studies of nodular acne patients treated with a single course of therapy at recommended doses. The skeletal effects of multiple Accutane treatment courses for acne are unknown.

In a clinical study of 217 pediatric patients (12 to 17 years) with severe recalcitrant nodular acne, hyperostosis was not observed after 16 to 20 weeks of treatment with approximately 1 mg/kg/day of Accutane given in two divided doses. Hyperostosis may require a longer time frame to appear. The clinical course and significance remain unknown.

Premature Epiphyseal Closure: There are spontaneous reports of premature epiphyseal closure in acne patients receiving recommended doses of Accutane. The effect of multiple courses of Accutane on epiphyseal closure is unknown.

Vision Impairment: Visual problems should be carefully monitored. All Accutane patients experiencing visual difficulties should discontinue Accutane treatment and have an ophthalmological examination (see ADVERSE REACTIONS : Special Senses ).

Corneal Opacities: Corneal opacities have occurred in patients receiving Accutane for acne and more frequently when higher drug dosages were used in patients with disorders of keratinization. The corneal opacities that have been observed in clinical trial patients treated with Accutane have either completely resolved or were resolving at follow-up 6 to 7 weeks after discontinuation of the drug (see ADVERSE REACTIONS : Special Senses ).

Decreased Night Vision: Decreased night vision has been reported during Accutane therapy and in some instances the event has persisted after therapy was discontinued. Because the onset in some patients was sudden, patients should be advised of this potential problem and warned to be cautious when driving or operating any vehicle at night.

[marycatherine]

sometimes the thing you're being treated for isn't as bad as the potential side effects...makes you wonder what the hell they're using for treatment.

Mary Catherine

[mayorgc]

sorta like jet

accutane is different for everybody. some people have horror stories, some have success.

i've actually got zero experience with it, so i can't really comment. but i do hear about the severe side effects.


but, go check out http://www.acne.org

and check out the guy's Clear Skin Regimen. it's a very simple 4 step process that does work for almost everybody. it takes 1 - 3 months to kick in though and it's time consuming.

[Gandido]

Proactiv has worked miracles on me. Anyone have any complaints about it? The only thing that bugs me is that sometimes my skin gets hella dry.

[Kuri]

Isn't it a bit much to call acne medicine a miracle drug?

[Aria]

kuri: People who have suffered from acne for most of their lives would definitely call an acne medicine a miracle drug.

About Antibiotics: I tried 2 different antibiotics before I went on accutane, and due to the nature of antibiotics, I had gas the entire time. That's like...gas for a year. It sucked. And I was like "I am NOT going to be on antibiotics my whole life for acne if it's going to give me gas. No way." Enter Accutane. I've been going to a dermatologist since I was like...11, and it wasn't until I was 17 that they finally perscribed accutane. So don't think I haven't tried a ton of stuff. Haha, so they give me samples when I go in when they want to change my topical. And sometimes I'll use like..1/2 of them and then change again. So I saved all the leftover ones I have and stuck them in a bag and I now have this biiiig ass bag full of topicals that I've tried.

For the record, none of them really worked.

[General_Admission]

It is so very much worth it x20. The risk is a no brainer.

I've done everything there is to do with medications and topicals and such. I even almost tried a drug they used in the 1950s for leprosy, but I said no. :boggled:

The bad thing is I know x100 what most people know about skin & pamper it to the max, yet I have really bad skin.

I guess people never really know how good they have something until that something goes wrong.

[Naomi]

Hey Aria!
How long have you been on it?
I have started taking it 8 weeks ago...
I did all kinds of research on the internet first, and was pretty scared from what I heard of side effects. But then again I had been going to the dermatologists for years, and my skin hadn't gotten much better (Although it was never as bad as some of the pix you see in the internet..). The doc had offered me Roaccutane before, but I was rather reluctant. But when the knots on my back just wouldn't go away and hurt real bad... I decided to try it...
It hasn't been a "miracle" drug so far for me.. But I'm not expecting it to work that quickly, I was told it takes quite some time... (Actually, my back has even gotten worse, but that's normal too... XD)
Regarding the side effects, I have dry skin, and annoying nosebleeds... I used to have them like, once a year... and now, the past two days I've had two!
Well yeah, but really it's nothing near what I expected... I can deal with the side effects until now, and I'm confident, that it's effect will increase.. :)

I understand the general attitude in this thread is rather anti-roaccutane, and I do think it's wrong to use it on some teenage pimples... I'm not an expert, I know (8weeks is nuffin), but I believe that in severe, long-lasting cases, there is a justification to try it... :) Course, always the person's choice...

[Kuhool]

if this was posted sorry, not much time to read this, gonna go to sleep soon.

www.acne.org

one of the most effective acne treatments out there, and it's all over the counter.