10 replies to this topic

[Lover]

Hello, fellow sufferers of acne! I hope my personal blog by give you some good tips over the next 6 months or so.

I started Accutane after six years of persistent, and sometimes severe acne. I was very hesitant to begin when my doctor mentioned it a few years ago, but I have finally tried just about everything by this point.

I am currently on 40/mg a day, and my doctor is going to up the mg next month or so to 60/mg if I do well this month.

This is my fourth day, 11/24/11. No side effects, unless my sore back is from the effect of VitA on muscle and joints, but I highly doubt it would happen so soon. My skin already looks better.

I have severe scarring on my cheeks, so I am also monitoring that.

In anticipation of the serious health effects of Accutane/VitA, I am taking natural supplements (milk thistle) to help my liver process the VitA overdose. I also avoid too much protein at once. Additionally, I quit my muti-vitamin and I take the following daily instead: pro-biotic (for the bowel diseases many people claim Accutane caused), biotin (to protect against losing my hair), fish oil (to help energy and health of skin), and my usual hypothyroid medication. I may also add a zinc.

I also use Vaseline even though my lips aren't even dry yet, and moisturize for my face.

I eat Greek yogurt every day, at least three servings of fruits and vegetables, and drink at least a gallon of water a day.


I want to ask my doctor next time if I can take 30/mg twice a day instead of 60/mg at once. This may prevent short and long term side effects.


That's it! I'll update next week or so.

P.S. I'll include before and after pictures at the end of my cycle

[mozzy]

Hi, wishing you all the best with your accutane adventure, I too, am taking 10mg per day for severe rosacea with pustules/papules. This is my first week and I've been keeping a daily log of events.....in the hope it will give fellow sufferers the courage to give this a try

Looking forward to reading your blog next week

[dreamer003]

Well you seem very well prepared haha, good luck!

[PaulH85]

Best of luck with the course!

[Lover]

It hasn't been a week, but I just want to say this is the clearest my skin has been since 2010. No side effects except that I'm more prone to headaches after stressful days at work. I don't know how long I have to take Accutane, but I would imagine not very long if it's already working so well.

[Lover]

#2 Accutane Log: 1 and a half weeks


I feel fine, and my face looks and feels amazing. No side effects except for more prone to headaches. No new spots in the past week. Still drinking lots of water, taking milk thistle, biotin, fish oil and a pro-biotic throughout the day. Even though I just turned 21, I haven't drank any alcohol since I started. I still have acne scars and wear makeup everyday, and it hasn't irritated my skin.

Until next week!

[dreamer003]

Oehh sounds like you're off to a good start
Happy belated birthday (can you even say that?) Did you have a party?

[blahdeeblah]

Woo Hoo! We are within a week of each other on our start dates. Much luck to you...great that you are seeing results so quickly! I lucked out with a giant hard lump right between my eyes yesterday...here's hoping your skin stays nice and smooth

Good call on the supplements, I've got a handful that I'm taking as well and from the reaction from many of these logs...they really do help.

I'll be following your progress, keep us updated

[Lover]

#3 Accutane Log: Almost a Month

No side effects, except for my lips are sometimes a little chapped, but not as nearly as I thought they would be. A few pimples this month compared to dozens a month before I started the medication. No more headaches, smooth/soft skin, no oily face anymore. I got compliments from my friends and family for improving, and believe me, it was nothing to compliment for the last five years.

I think it has to be all the supplements I'm taking, and the water. I mean, I feel fantastic and my skin is perfect (except for previous scars). I keep waiting for anything bad to happen.

Another plus is I'm getting way more dates! But I don't think it's because of my skin- I think it's because of my new confidence.

I still need to exercise, but I'm so laaazzzzzyyyyyyy

Dreamer: Thanks! It was the best bday I've had. Most of my closest friends were there and I got random drinks from strangers I gave to my friends. What could be better?

PMalaska: Sweet! I think they have made all the difference for me. Try Swanson's, they're the best value!

[Lover]

Accutane Log Four - I have a question


After a mild breakout last week, my skin is back to being almost acne-free. I just have some nasty scars and indents I want to eventually take care of. I am probably going to have to stop taking Accutane because the constant doctor visits are very expensive, with the bloodwork and dermatologist appoints every month. I just moved to a new city for college, and I won't have the time/money to keep doing this on such a rigid schedule. The fact that the dates have to be perfect or you are locked out is going to prove impossible I think.

Anyway, I think it did what it needed and now I can start anew. I am going to start a new post unless someone can give me some advice on how to proceed without Accutane. How should I stop taking it: phase it out or just taking 60 a day until this month is gone? This'll be my second month.

I have been taking lots and lots of supplements these past two months to prevent the side effects of Accutane, and I am going to continue taking them. In addition, I am wondering if I should start taking a Vit A and zinc supplement to replace the Accutane (the best I can probably do right now with my means).

Any advice would be much appreciated!

[wmd1234]

Happy to hear that you have been having such good results! I would caution you from stopping your Accutane treatment prematurely, however. The long-term success of Accutane seems to be correlated with the cumulative dosage that you take over your course. If you stop now, you risk having your acne return.

Of course, this is your decision to make. Good luck with whatever you decide but be sure to do your research and speak with your dermatologist so you make an educated decision and don't have to deal with this drug again in the future!