Hey all,

I'm a 24-yr-old female struggling with acne for 13 years. So just started my accutane treatment 2 weeks ago and my derm prescribed me 10mg accutane along with prednisolone 10mg to reduce the IB. Over just 4 days of prednisolone medication, my face has been swelling like I have been eating too much lately. My co-workers kept asking me why and that was so embarassing.

So would that be okay if i start tapering off the prednisolone and taking the OTC zyrtec to come by the IB or any kind of inflammation caused by taking accutane? Anyone please advise, really appreciate it!!

From what I know, prednisone really helps reduce breakouts. Zyrtec is an allergy medication. I have pretty bad allergies and have taken Zyrtec countless times, but it never got rid of any swelling or inflammation on my face. It reduced puffy eyes a little, but that's because it stopped them from itching, therefore stopped me from rubbing hence no inflammation. I wouldn't take Zyrtec for your face.

It seems like you may be having a bad reaction to prednisone, so you should call your dermatologist as soon as you can. Hope this helps and good luck!

That's a normal side effect to prednisone treatment. I'd choose an initial breakout over the "chipmunk face" any day of the week. Call your doctor or the nurse's hotline at your health care center, and figure out the right way to taper off the medication for you if you really can't take it.

thanks you guys for the tips! my derm told me she will take out the pred medication from my treatment after two more weeks since im not really comfortable with the swollen face.