Day 23 - Amnesteem 40mg/day

Starting my fourth week and things have improved markedly since the IB that happened between days 7-9.

Following up from my last post, the cyst on my right cheek did continue to get bigger (biggest one I've ever had) however after a week it began to heal relatively quickly. Since then I have had no new actives. I called my derm to ask if he typically prescribed antibiotics to people who are experiencing an IB when first taking Isotretinoin and he said no. I've heard from the majority of people here that the first month is the worst, whether their IB occurs towards the beginning (like me) or towards the middle to end of the month. I am hopeful the worst is behind me, yet I realize flare ups can occur anytime especially if they increase my dosage.

I am continuing to have chapped lips. So long as I apply aquaphor prior to going to sleep and in the mornings they don't peel too bad during the day. This has been a life saver as chapstick or berts bees would not be getting the job done alone. Some areas of my face are a little drier - my ears and eyebrows specifically. I am getting more dandruff than I used to. I've noticed if I scratch my ears it's much easier to develop irritation and break the skin. The same goes for my arms. My skin just does not heal as quickly as it did prior to using this medication (if I get a scrape on my arm etc.). Try to resist scratching as much as possible! I have yet to experience a bloody nose or any dramatic mood swing. Like others I have noticed my face is not producing nearly as much oil, which is awesome!

I continue to use PanOxyl 4% creamy wash. I bought Cetaphil in anticipation of needing it to combat dry skin however the problem is not that bad yet. If it does get to that point my plan is to ditch the PanOxyl and stick with Cetaphil. I have my one month checkup coming in 5 days.

Another note - I've been thinking about the discussion I had with my derm with respect to the idea that certain types of food cause acne. I was always under the impression that eating a lot of bad fats and sugars can lead to acne. In addition I read hormones found in dairy products can cause it as well. He told me studies have been inconclusive and that he does not think certain foods lead to a higher risk of acne. I feel like everyone has a different opinion on this and I don't know what to think.

Day 37 - Myorisan 80mg/day

I had my 1 month checkup last week with a different dermatologist out of the same office due to a scheduling issue. She increased my dosage to 40/mg twice per day, and this time I was prescribed Myorisan instead of Amnesteem. She also prescribed an antibiotic for me (cephalexin 500mg) due to the chance of breakouts while increasing the medication. I told her my regular derm never prescribes antibiotics for his patients on accutane and she told me she does whatever she can to make this treatment more comfortable for us. I might have to switch doctors... She also advised against using a benzoyl peroxide wash due to skin irritation and breakouts, so I am using cetaphil twice a day. Other thoughts - she suggested taking this medication with fat to help it absorb into the body (milk was her example). She also said the monthly blood tests are more or less pointless and are there for liability issues. Towards the end of the third month was when she said people begin to see a dramatic change in their skin.

Since my last post I have gotten a few breakouts, however I noticed that while they tend to linger for a week or two they don't become as red, large or infected as they used to. Since increasing the dosage I have noticed my lips are drier as are my eyes. I have had no severe joint pain nor have I experienced a bloody nose. I'm waiting for IB round 2, yet I'm hopeful the cephalexin will help.

I've noticed that my cysts don't seem to last as long as they used to before Accutane. Maybe there is hope for us! Lol good luck to ya!

Thanks Miss Mandy.

Day 54 - Myorisan 80mg/day

I have one week to go until my 2 month checkup and everything continues to go well since increasing my dosage from 40mg to 80mg/day. I have had only one cyst since then, located directly next to my left earlobe (seems like accutane causes these things to pop up in the oddest places). It is very large and has lasted for a few weeks, yet the color is much more mild than I typically experience and is hardly noticable. Recently I have gotten a lot of white heads on my nose and a few pimples on my neck. Overall this month has gone much better than the first and I'm curious how much of a difference the antibiotics are making.

The side effect that I've been experiencing the most is dry skin and mild eczema on my arms, hands and legs. During the night I will scratch and make it worse. If redness or a rash develops it can take a few days to a week to clear up. I suggest everyone use a moisturizer on sensitive areas prior to them becoming itchy/inflamed. I've read some people have experienced facial flushing. I am getting something similar on my hands, where all of a sudden a patch will be red. It is happening in the same area on top of both of my hands.

Ever since I started using Cetaphil and Cerave I have had no dry skin on my face. The only downside is these products have brought back the oily complexion compared to when I was using a benzoyl peroxide wash during the first few weeks of my treatment. Aquaphor lip repair is amazing! Still no bloody nose, still no major joint pain. Excited to start month 3!

Day 64 - Myorisan 80mg/day

I had my 2 month checkup a few days ago and my blood work came back fine. The dosage for my third month will be the same as the second, 80mg/day. She mentioned increasing the mg's at some point in future. I'm not sure what the next logical amount would be, 120mg/day? I was prescribed antibiotics (cephalexin 500mg) for another month. My doctor said she will take me off the antibiotics once I stop breaking out. During the 7 or 8 days that I've been off the cephalexin I have had more acne centered on my back. Overall my doctor was pleased with my progress.

Day 113 - Myorisan 80mg/day

My 3 month checkup came and went with no issues. They did not take a blood sample because my previous 2 were good. I will see my doctor again in a week and a half. I have been off antibiotics (cephalexin) for about 20 days after taking them for 2 months and have seen no increase in breakouts, moreover I have not had a cyst since the early part of June. As I approach month 5 I feel like I am seeing major results from this medicine.

My current side effects are dry skin, lips and eczema. I spend part of my day in a warehouse and have noticed that if I cut my hand or bruise myself it will take considerably longer to heal. The thing I will enjoy most once I stop taking Accutane will be the ability for my skin to heal itself without my having to put tons of moisutrizer/eczema cream on it.

Roughly 2 and a half more months to go! Incredibly glad I decided to go through with this. After the first month or two it's a breeze.