39 replies to this topic

[Warrior of Acne]

So you can see from my last posts that I am trying to get prescribed Accutane. There is now a bigger problem. I have stopped washing my face and just with water hoping my acne would get worse so when I go to the dermatologist she would think it is bad enough to be put on Accutane but now it is getting better. I have done this before and my acne comes right back but I am clear currently so now there is no chance that she will give me Accutane huh? That is what is disappointing that if the appointment was just a few days later she'd be convinced. What do I do? By the way, I scar easily.

[deleted10]

If you scar easily you should have plenty of scars. If your acne can vanish to the point a derm cant see it in just a few days, not a good candidate for tane. Got any photos of the severity of it?

[c'est la vigne]

Why don't you start taking pictures of your face when it's at its worst? That way, even if you don't get prescribed Accutane at this appointment, you'll have something to show your derm next time you go in.

[deleted10]

Good idea c'est la vigne!!
Remember too, tane is a serious drug, your skin has to be BAD BAD BAD BAD BAD for it.

[Warrior of Acne]

Ok, that is a great idea! I am going to do that in the future. I don't have that severe of acne or anything but when I have an OK sized pimple, it does leave a scar, and not a red mark. It is like darkish purple. Also, they do hurt and my skin gets pretty oily these days.

[deleted10]

Yea try having such bad acne that your chin sticks out 1.5 centimeters for a month? Try having the same pimples (i can still feel em now) that u had 6 months ago (no kiddin..)

[Warrior of Acne]

Sorry about that if I have been exaggerating (I don't think I have) but I don't really think it is a contest. Acne sucks whether it be mild or severe, although severe acne sucks more. I don't think you can really judge my skin without pictures.

[Thuglife2k5]

Just switch derms until they give u accutane.
My first one said they're going to try every product ever made before accutane..
I switched and got it right after a 4 month bullshit of minocycline. But hey I got it.
And trust me Accutane is the shit. Why? It works. 100%. At least for me and everyone Ive known to use it in person..

Btw I still dont think Accutane is as serious as it's made to be. I mean it's strong I'm sure, but in my experience almost no side effects.

[Warrior of Acne]

I agree. I mean Accutane is a strong drug but what is the HUGE deal with the whole side effects thing?? Everybody says you'll lose your hair, but it grows back. Everybody says you'll have really dry skin, but if it gives you clear skin who cares. Fertility issues don't really apply to me (I am a guy). Also, minor joint pain isn't the biggest deal to me and my family has no history of depression so what's the deal!?

[jbird12]

I agree. I mean Accutane is a strong drug but what is the HUGE deal with the whole side effects thing?? Everybody says you'll lose your hair, but it grows back. Everybody says you'll have really dry skin, but if it gives you clear skin who cares. Fertility issues don't really apply to me (I am a guy). Also, minor joint pain isn't the biggest deal to me and my family has no history of depression so what's the deal!?

For the most part I agree, as I was scared of all I read about Accutane before I started. I'm in my 3rd month now and the worst side effect has been the dryness. But please don't underestimate it. Well, for me atleast, as someone who was not used to putting anything on his lips or moisturizing, having to apply balm/vaseline to lips every few hours has started to become a necessary pain. And if you end up somewhere without your balm, etc. you will pay for it dearly with burning lips until you find something to relieve the pain.

Also, I needed to change my diet a bit after my cholesterol levels went up after my first month. As far as depression, I feel better now than I did when I was worried about my acne daily.

[Warrior of Acne]

I can understand the dryness though, I get chapped lips, like chronically. It sucks so this should not be too much of a change . Also cholesterol should not matter because I exercise 6 days a week and eat pretty healthy. Also, I am at a very healthy weight so hopefully that wouldn't matter.

[deleted10]

Other side effects include muscle pain - Bye bye exercising 6 days a week.
They include swelling of the brain and nosebleeds and constant thirst and can cause problems with.. basically every system in your body.

About half of the people who take tane regret it, and your acne sounds much much much less intense than anyone else. Stick with a good derm, if they wont give you tane, your not a good candidate, dont self diagnose your issues!

Antibiotics could very well clear up your mild sounding acne. You need to post photos to help us a bit, but if your acne vanishes in a week to the point a derm can not tell how horrible you have it, it is MILD!! I have a personal friend of mine with a few blackheads, who at the most has 2-3 pimples on her skin, she now thinks she should go on oratane. You might have more than a few blackheads, and more than a few pimples, but if your derm says you are not suited to it, your not :/

People take Roche to court over the side effects, they wouldn't do that over a little dryness.

[xandraa]

About half of the people who take tane regret it

People sure do love to throw "facts" like that around. Maybe you have a good source for that - do you mind sharing? And please don't cite this board, or any sort of website/online poll. Those are not an accurate representation of everyone who has undergone accutane treatment.

However, I agree with your statement that other, less serious treatments should always be attempted before accutane..

[Warrior of Acne]

I have tried so many things and trust me, I really do not want to go on Accutane, but I need to. Also, I really don't think HALF regret going on it, maybe 10 or 15 percent. I have seen so many people who had no regrets from Accutane!

[nikkia]

There are more posts in the "positive experiences" section of these boards than negative. I know many people in my life who have taken accutane and have no regrets... of course, they are not posting on these boards because they don't have acne anymore.

[Warrior of Acne]

Ahh sounds fantastic! hopefully I am fortunate enough to get prescribed it today. I am going to my derm in 2 1/2 hours so wish me luck!

[Warrior of Acne]

So I am back from the dermatologists and she gave me Retin-A samples even though I told her it did not work for me. WTF! BUT she told me that if the samples didn't work we could always try Accutane, so this visit was bitter sweet! I just want it now haha

[deleted10]

Okay, half the people on this forum Probably a better way to say it.

Well I went to by derm today too! (must be twins!)
He wrote my special authorisation number from the govt on my prescription, and I have two months worth of tane now xD

How long do ya have to try the stupid Retin-A for??

[xandraa]

So I am back from the dermatologists and she gave me Retin-A samples even though I told her it did not work for me. WTF! BUT she told me that if the samples didn't work we could always try Accutane, so this visit was bitter sweet! I just want it now haha

Yeah my derm did something similar at the first visit. She prescribed spironolactone even though I told her I didn't think it would work for me (had already tried similar treatments) but she said it was more for insurance purposes; they want to see that some effort has been made to try other (less expensive) treatments first. Not sure if that's the reason in your case, but at least it looks good for you to get accutane prescribed at your next visit.

[deleted10]

Ugh stupid insurance companies!
Here in NZ, tane is subsidized, I got 2 months worth for $15 today. Thought it was only $3, oh well, still cheap as quite expensive chips xD
So no insurance necessary