Are you still on 80mg, Kasey? It sounds like you might wanna drop your dosage, I still think 20mg to 80mg is brutal.

Elle - Yeah still on the 80mg, I'm gonna talk about dropping it. This is way too much for me. I can't believe I'm having like, every side effect it really sucks. I think the derm up here is insane and possibly trying to kill me.

I hope everyone else has a much easier time. On the plus side, I've recently noticed that my nose is incredibly smooth... I can't stop touching it... it's the only clear spot but it gives me hope

Elle - Yeah still on the 80mg, I'm gonna talk about dropping it. This is way too much for me. I can't believe I'm having like, every side effect it really sucks. I think the derm up here is insane and possibly trying to kill me.

I hope everyone else has a much easier time. On the plus side, I've recently noticed that my nose is incredibly smooth... I can't stop touching it... it's the only clear spot but it gives me hope

 

That completely sucks! Sorry you've been hit with all of it. Maybe you tolerated the 20mg so well that they thought you'd be alright with 80mg - at least you are smart enough to listen to your body and know what's good for you. All it means is that you will need to be on 'Tane for a bit longer. But I think that dealing with milder side effects for a bit longer is the more sensible option than having to really slog it out and suffer through a high dose. I'm only asking for 40mg my next appointment and that'll be six weeks into my treatment... even if it means it takes longer, I don't want any incentive to quit because I know there's a light at the end of the tunnel that I'll reach, even if I'm walking instead of running to get there. Keep your chin up!

My nose is really peely, can we trade?

You poor thing! I'm sorry that you are having so many crappy side effects. I agree with Elle that you should see about dropping your dose to tame the side effects. As for your eyes, are you still wearing contact lenses? My derm told me I shouldn't wear them at all while taking this stuff.

Best of luck with working out your ideal dosage Kasey. Bumping it to 80mg like that seems harsh, kind of surprised they did that.

Looking on the bright side though... you said you liked how your nose was looking and feeling, well imagine how awesome it will be when the rest of your face is like that!

It will all be worth it in the end. Even if dropping the dosage means the course lasts a little longer, as long as you get there in the end and you can be happy with your skin, that's all that matters. Stay strong and battle through this rough patch, then hopefully things will start to calm down for you if you can reduce the dosage a bit.

Thanks for your support and replies, it's so nice to know I'm not alone and people understand. It's so difficult being around people who don't get it

Elle - As much as I keep saying I just want to be done with this stuff, I think you're probably right, I'd rather be on it a little longer and have less side effects. My only concern is by taking a lower dose it may come back later and I'd really hate to have to do a second course. Don't worry about your nose!!! Mine was peely and disgusting for a while, it just recently became insanely smooth, you'll get there!!!

Jesoli - Yes I agree with Elle too haha I think I should try to lower my dosage, maybe 60mg wouldn't be bad? I just don't wanna be on this stuff forever because I miss things like drinking haha (silly but true!) and yes I am still wearing contacts. I'd wear my glasses more but they're really scratched up and the prescription is 3 years old :\ Contacts are only bad some days, but actually have been sort of worse since I started Ocuvites (eye vitamins?) Deff goingto bring it up when I call the derm tomorrow.

Paul - Thanks very much haha your statement 'imagine how awesome it will be when your whole face feels like that' totally just brightened my mood It's really all I want in life right now is to have clear, smooth skin.

Day 60 -

Wow! Day 60 already? Month 3 here we go! For anyone who hasn't seen my previous posts, I'm currently plagued with 2 different types of rashes, oral thrush and extremely dry eyes... possibly now an ear infection and I think tonsilitis... all caused by Claravis. My body does not like this stuff! Calling the derm tomorrow to talk about lowering my dosage... kind of bummed that I bought all of the pills for month 3 already though. I've been taking 1 pill a day (half of my dosage) because I've only been eating once a day because my throat/mouth are in so much pain. I've been on medication for the thrush but it's taking it's sweet time working. I really really hope no one else has to go through this, it really is hell... but will be completely worth it. 2 doctors in my school's health center suggested that I stop accutane and asked if it's really worth it and I just looked at them and said something along the lines of 'I'd give literally anything in the world to go a day without makeup.'... they didn't get it though and just said i should try something else... they obviously are crappy doctors and don't understand that there is nothing else.

Really, thanks for your support guys, I appreciate it right now so much

I am so sorry you are dealing with these horrible side effects! I really hope your health improves and that you can get through this! I know what you mean about people not understanding... One day SOON we will have beautiful skin without makeup

I am sorry about your rash and throat side effects. I hope they will dissaprear fast.

My scariest side effects so far is thinning hair (some hair loss in front) and facial hair growing.. My forehead feels so velvety and my upper lip has very light hair growing that I did not have before. Unfortunately noone gives me any medication to stop this

Rebecca - Thanks! I hope so too! Can't wait for that day to come, imagine how much $ we will save on foundation!? The thought amazes me

Melinda - I've definitely noticed some hair growth too and it disgusts me but I try to just clip it with nail clippers or scissors to make sure it's as invisible as i can make it. I wish we could wax I have heard that some kind of androgen blocking pills help with facial hair growth in women but it can mess up having children or something I think... I don't remember exactly. And idk if you can take it while youre on accutane anyway. I'm sorry about the hair loss though, I am SO thankful to not have that side effect.

Elle - As much as I keep saying I just want to be done with this stuff, I think you're probably right, I'd rather be on it a little longer and have less side effects. My only concern is by taking a lower dose it may come back later and I'd really hate to have to do a second course. Don't worry about your nose!!! Mine was peely and disgusting for a while, it just recently became insanely smooth, you'll get there!!!

 

It's more to do with your cumulative dose, thankfully! So as long as you end up taking the same amount by the end of your course (whenever that turns out to be), you will be okay. I think it's weird how Accutane can really shock you with when it decides to start working! I think if your acne is annoying and stubborn it just takes a bit longer to let go, but it will!

I understand what you are saying about your dose level & possibly quitting accutane. I'm with you---if I were at the start of my third month, I think I'd be pretty hard pressed to stop the medication completely. I'm with you on taking only one pill a day though...that might help. I just want to have clear skin, and I think I'd probably suffer through any number of side effects and other health problems, even though I know that might not be the wisest decision.

Hey! Try and hang in there! Yes I agree, you really are having a lot and not so fun side effects. But, if it is safe to do, I would give it a little longer before lowering. I say that because of experience. If you go to the beginning of my log, you will see how miserable I was. I really didn't think I coul do 5 months of that! And then they all just sorta went away. Weird. And now, after 3 months, its almost as if i dont have any side effects. I was told by my doctor that this is very common. My doctor also mentioned how the studies show that 80mg a day for 5 months showed the best results long-term. But, I may know nothing considering this is my 3rd course. just thought I'd at least mention all this.

Day 61 -

Thanks again for all your replies! I'm pressed for time so not going to answer individually. I just found out my throat thing is NOT caused by Claravis. My mother called me and told me it was, and then found out there are no records of Claravis ever causing oral thrush, now I hear it may be a walking pneumonia... lol fun fun fun! But, I'm glad it's not the Claravis. Walking pneumonia also can cause rashes, and my little brother has it and I was home with him 2 weeks ago... and I live in a dorm where germs are abundant so, here's celebration of my Claravis not being like, satan Not lowering the dosage! This is just a crappy bump in the road but it should be over soon My skin is starting to look a teensy bit better, still a lot of actives but I feel like they aren't new, just ones that have been waiting to pop up. Homework time, but definitely feeling much more motivated

1 new active today. Not really complaining though. Trying so hard to stay positive!

Only hard thing about Claravis right now is that chapped lips make it extremely hard to play the flute, and I just started flute class this week. Being a music major on accutane is difficult haha. It will pay off though, and I can't wait

Day 65-

No improvements.

 

You're still beautiful!

Hang in there! One day this will all be a distant memory.

Day 65-

No improvements.

 

Hang in there. My acne was exactly like yours 10 years ago (when I was on my first course) and I saw improvement around the 2nd-3rd week of the third month. I didn't get completely clear, but I did have a substantial permanent improvement.

Thanks for the replies

Elle - aw, thankyou haha

Jesoli - I can't wait for that day to comeee!

sd85 - Yay that gives me hope haha maybe the next few weeks will be awesome for me then

Day 66 -

Lips are really dry, couldn't wear contacts today but that could be from something else not sure. Very bad back pain, I think its probably a combo of Claravis and lots of violin playing, I want a massage. No real improvement yet. The worst feeling is when you can see a pimple on your face all day like, at the bottom of your eye. I have one on my cheek and it has been depressing me all day. I hope this is all worth it! I was looking at my pictures that I posted during the beginning of month 2 and my skin looked so much better then

Elle - aw, thankyou haha

The worst feeling is when you can see a pimple on your face all day like, at the bottom of your eye. I have one on my cheek and it has been depressing me all day.

 

I do mean it!

I had one of those types under my eye a few months ago, deepest nodule I've ever had, right where the skin is really soft. I still have the red mark under my eye, thankfully it didn't leave a gigantic scar. I hope yours nicks off quickly.

Don't let it get you down too much Kasey. I don't suppose it's easy trying to stay positive when you feel your skin's taken a backwards step. but don't forget that it's a long-term thing and it's all about time and patience. Besides, the bump from 20mg to 80mg will account for any changes which may now be creeping in, and there's every chance things will settle down once your body adjusts. Hang in there!

Day 67 -

Still no real improvement... I guess there are some less actives on my left cheek which is where thye have all been lately, just slightly puffy red marks, but only one or two actually hurt, the others appear to be fading slightly. The right cheek is breaking out a bit and around my lips but I think that may be from getting lip balm all around them when I play flute, not sure. Lips and eyes are as dry as ever but I'm getting used to it. Lots of back pain lately though, it's really effecting how long I can play violin comfortably, I'd like to get a massage sometime soon... massages are awesome ;P Also, this may be slightly awkward to mention but since I started every once in a while I'll get a painful pimple on my boob... and it usually looks gross and REALLY hurts, anyone else experiencing anything like this? They're not deep or anything, just very painful and sensitive! I've had acne on my chest but not like directly there.... soo yeah

Also thanks again for your replies and support

Hey Kasey!

Aaww, I feel bad for your back pain. Specially when you have to play flute. Maybe try changing positions while playing and exercide before you play? Sometimes my back hurts a bit after sitting in one position, so I stand up and strech a bit.

As for acne, I have the same situation, my skin is not clearing much. Still getting new pimples on my cheeks and forehead (really red, itchy and painful). And I have so many scars, saw them in different lighting at my derms office (had to go there without make-up!). My only clear part is nose and around my nose. But there I have the hugest pores ever! My skin feels little bumpy even bcoz all the pores seems to be open as some holes.

I saw my derm yesterday and he was little surprised I did not have that good results yet. He was telling me - Its because you are on such a low dosage! (I was thinking - Yeah, but you put me on this dosage yourself). Then I agreed to take a higher dosage but when he asked my weight (50-52 kg), he was like - Well, then 50mg/day is good for you, cant give you higher.

He is really funny sometimes. So I am stuck to my dosage and he also told me I might have to have my course longer than 21 weeks as we agreed first, if I do not see results. Anyways, I am not upset about that, still trying to be positive and believe that everything will be good in my 4th month. For you the same, belive that next month will be better! It should be

Hey Kasey! You can ask your derm to prescribe you a massage and it will be covered by your insurance I had my first one the other day and it was sooo niiceee. Feel better soon!

Melinda - Lol yeah the back pain is awful, a good night of sleep and a heating pad have been helping a tiny bit but not enough. Hopefully the high dosage will help you! I'm really hoping that I see results soon, I feel like SOMETHING should look good by now :\

accushame - I am most definitely going to do that, haha I hope it will work for me! That is the BEST idea ever.

Day 67 -

This rash on my hands/arms is progressively getting worse and starting to become painful :\

I guess I'll keep putting stuff on it (it goes away a little when I put it on at night but if I forget one night it's really bad the next morning. I need to keep on top of this i guess. It's frustrating. Bloodwork tomorrow, I feel like it's incredibly early... whatever I have my derm appt next Thurs. so I guess she knows what she's doing?