6 replies to this topic

[00Cardinal]

I've decided to split this off into a new log instead of continuing the old one.

So after seeing my derm, I've decided to do a second course of accutane. My acne is certainly considered "mild" right now, but I'd rather not see it get worse, and the options my derm gave me were a second course or an indefinite period of time on Bactrim.

I'll be doing the same course I did the first time, 80mg a day for a little over 4 months. I've updated my signature appropriately, I don't know how often I'll be updating but we'll see.

Does anyone have any personal experiences on their second time on accutane? I had a pretty bad IB the first time, but I also had much worse acne when I started the first time. I'm hoping to have little to no IB this time, seeing as it's only been 4 months off of accutane and my pores can't be that clogged already, right? Maybe just wishful thinking.

I'm seeing this girl right now who will support me through the whole thing, which is nice. Especially considering we were good friends when I was going through my first course and she told me she didn't care then either.

Oh well, here we go again...

[sundance32]

Hi Matt-

So sorry to hear that you have to do a 2nd round of Accutane. But, I think it's for the best! Hopefully this 2nd round will clear you completely.

How long were you on your first round? If it was only 4 months...maybe that wasn't long enough? My course ended up being 8 months!! But FINALLY I am clear and hoping to stay that way...but if my acne were to come back, I think I would definitely do another course of accutane.

Let's hope this clears you for good!!

Kristen

[melaniermb06]

Hi there,

I don't think I posted in your old journal but I remember seeing your screen name. Anyhow, I am about to request a 2nd round from my derm as well. I just finished my first treatment in Dec and my skin started to go bad just a few days ago. I am not waiting to watch it get worse, so I completely feel your pain. It sucks, but I also know how fast I cleared on Accutane the first time around. Hopefully this will be your last treatment, btw, did you ever post in Dana's log?

[00Cardinal]

Hey Kristen,
I was on the first round for 4 months and about 10 days. Being only 145 pounds and taking 80 mg a day, that was enough to reach 150mg/kg. But yeah, time for round 2, I'm glad to hear that Accutane worked out great for you!

Melanie,
Looks like we're in the exact same boat (I finished in Dec.). I didn't clear very quickly on Accutane the first time, but I'm hoping that because my acne is milder now (almost nonexistant really), it'll clear quicker this time. I did post in Dana's journal a few times if I remember correctly. Good luck, I'm sure I'll be checking your journal a lot as we do this again!

~Matt

[00Cardinal]

Day 5

I've only been taking 40mg the past few days, I'm kind of afraid to bump up to 80 (where I'm supposed to be). I think I'll finish this pack of 10 doing one a day, then rotate 40/80 (effectively 60), and then bump up to 80. Hopefully the side effects won't get worse.

So far.

Dry. I've been flaking a bit even though moisturizing, so I think I'm going to need to start using even more moisturizer. My hands have also been really dry too. Lips still okay with Burt's Bees, but I know I'm going to need to switch to Aquaphor soon.

Hot. The hot flashes are back as well as the general feeling of having an elevated body temperature.

Tired. Getting used to it.

Face And of course the most important part. I've been breaking out some, but nothing too bad yet (I wonder when/if the IB will start? Last time it started right away and continued for about 2 months). My face is getting a bit of Tane flush, although I'm not sure how much is Tane and how much is dryness.

[Freedom2008]

Heya Matt...

1st... i want to say all the best with your second course... keep in mind that every time u take Accutane, it reduces your the percentage of getting acne again (1st 20% of getting acne and the 2nd is 15-18%... sorry i cant remember the formular... was told by my Derm ages ago).

This is a quick copy and paste from www.roaccutane.com.au about IB/flare up.

When some people take Roaccutane, their acne gets a little worse for a while before it gets better. This is called a 'flare up' and is generally nothing to worry about as it doesn't last long and shows that the treatment is working.

If your dermatologist has requested that you contact them should you experience a flare-up, it is important that you do.

Flare-ups usually happen about 2-4 weeks after starting Roaccutane, and if you get one you will probably notice some worsening of your existing acne and you may even get a couple of new spots. If you do, make sure you tell your dermatologist (particularly if you have been asked to) and avoid using anti-acne creams. There is no need to stop the Roaccutane unless your dermatologist says you should.

Takecare...

[00Cardinal]

Day 10

No real changes. A few zits here and there, getting some tane flush. I've started feeling joint/muscle aches the past day or two so I may start taking some fish-oil pills again.

I'm going to bump up to my rotating 40/80 starting today now that I've finished my first blister pack.