4 replies to this topic

[Momma G]

Hi everyone-
I am new here and have been looking at all the before and after pics and posts. My son is just now starting his 3rd month (9th week) of Isotrentin (we use this because there is a $275.00 difference between the brand and generic per our insurance) and he seems to be going in spurts of looking somewhat improved one week and then 2 weeks later when I see him really breaking out alot. He is on 20 mg one day and 40 mg the next day (he was just bumped up to this). He is in college and I am paying for the derm visits and meds,. I don't want to stress him out by seeming to constantly ask him how he thinks that the med is working and how he thinks his face is looking. (I can tell he gets aggitated with me sometimes:) I personally had a really bad round of acne last year (I'm 45) and my skin cleared up in 2 weeks being on Solodyn. Do you think I am out of line calling his dermatologist? I am the kind who expects immediate results and I truly believe this has not had any effect on his personality. He is his usual charming, funny and outgoing self. I just think we should be seeing some improvement by now. I would appreciate any input you all can give me. Also he had Amnesteem for the first month and then went to a different pharmacy in different town and they gave him Isotrentin. Could this make any difference? I think that he will continue on the Isotrentin since he is getting it in the town he is going to college in. Sorry to go on and on, but I want to be sure to get the whole story to you all and am just REALLY concerned. Thanks-

[jimmyjammy]

Hiya.

Firstly there is no difference between the generic and brand name so dont let that worry you. Im on exactly the same dosage as your son and my advice would be to let him carry on and finish the course. Alot of people will continue to break out whilst on accutane well into the latter stages of their treatment; its very common so dont worry. At some point (hopefully soon!) he'll find that the break outs will decrease untill they stop, no-one can tell you how long this will take it just depends on the individual (it may not even happen untill the course has finished). Hes come this far into the course so it would be a shame to stop now.

Im in the middle of month 2 (day 50) and im still breaking out on and off but im confident that once my skin has finished purging I will be clear. As far as nagging him goes just be encouraging, on the days his skin is looking good give him a compliment. On the bad days just leave him to it, I hate it when anyone draws attention to my acne on bad days!.

Anyway good luck to him, hope this helped!

[trevor930]

Hi momma g.
I would say that you shouldn't be too concerned, Some people don't really fully clear up until after they are off the meds. And a FEW very lucky people get clear after about a month of treatment. If he isn't already doing this, i would tell him to make sure that he takes the pill with a meal that has adequate amounts of fat in it. This is really important for the absorption of the pill. i hope this helps

[Momma G]

Thank you both for the helpful information. I will take your advice and relax a little and not bug him on his breakout days. I think I will contact the derm anyway to get his opinion also. (since I am paying for it I will make sure that he is taking the pills with a meal that has fat in it.

[GoldenRatio]

I would probably see that he drinks a lot of water. Accutane really dried me out! You do have to give it time and I wouldn't hesitate to talk to the doctor since you're the one paying for it anyway. Be patient. My skin never cleared up while on it (and it got much worse after I stopped taking it) and I find Accutane to be a rip off personally.
Maybe it will help your son but it never helped me or anyone I knew unfortunately.