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Hi Sophia! Welcome! It seemed like when I was in highschool, birth control worked wonders for me to help clear up my acne, but as soon as I got older it did the opposite. I sure hope the copper IUD works for you:) And good for you for quitting the smoking and drinking and just taking time to take care of you since this medication can be so hard on our bodies:)
Abby, sorry to hear you were unable to get your dosage increased. Are your side effects increasing on the 30 mg?
Hi Maggie, Thats great that you didnt have an initial breakout! I only wish I was that lucky. My skin is still purging itself, and Im in month two now. Keep us updated:)
Taylor, Im with you..I dont feel my dosage is enough...Im on 40 now, but know I could be on higher. I have minor side effects, no dry flaking skin, and I am still getting new acne bumps everyday. Everyday I wake up theres something new so heres to hoping month 2 brings progress.
Welcome to all the new folks on this forum! Sorry I've been MIA -- been traveling. I had my 1 month follow up today with my derm, and was bumped up to 60mg a day (so two, 30mg pills per day)...! Skin has been getting drier, but my lips are not dry because I apply the Vaniply ointment religiously. However, if they dont have anything on them they burn like crazy (like right after a shower). No cystic acne since March 14th... extremely thankful for that! Just some pustules and papules that come and go (I still dot the tinniest amount of BP/clindamycn on these spots).... my derm said it was okay as long as its a tiny, tiny dot.
Side effects:
Body aches (back, legs, heels) // comes and goes
Dry hair/scalp
Dry, flaky facial skin in spots
Dry hands
Eye dryness (occasionally) / I wear contacts too
Hope you all are doing well. I'll be checking in again more often <3
18 hours ago, CNA7 said:I had my 1 month follow up today with my derm, and was bumped up to 60mg a day (so two, 30mg pills per day)...!
Great news with regards to increasing your dosage :). I'm hoping to get mine increased on the 11th as well. Please let us know if you get another IB and if your side effects get much worse (fingers crossed they won't).
Nothing new to report from my side. My lips are killing me, skin is getting drier and my hair still looks fresh even if i don't wash it for a few days. I wash it anyway 
but I did a small experiment on the weekend when I didn't wash it and it still looked fine. Skin wise, I got two small pimples but I definitely can't call it an IB. I'm more concern about my old red marks that somehow look more visible now. Not sure what to use on them to make them disappear :(.
Hi Maggie! Great that your hair is looking ok. I've did an olive oil mask last night, literally olive oil from sainsburys and a shower cap on my head and left it for 2 hours! Hair felt amazing today! Smelt like a salad.
I did have an IB, was quite bad and felt low for the whole weekend. However fingers crossed nothing since! My skin is starting to feel smoother so very positive!
so glad I'm off the pill however that's probably what made me break out and gave me my very low moods. A lot better today!
How is everyone else getting on?
CNA7, when you get your meds increased do your symptoms worsen?
also what has been everyone's worst week so far?
lovely and sunny in London recently..:obv can't go in the sun but nice to see!!
Xxx
Sorry...Maggie for the red marks have you tried bio-oil? Some people say it works.
Could also try pure honey, sounds weird and feels horrible but tastes nice and is actually really moisturising! Lots of natural goodness in it too
@Maggie -- luckily I never did get an IB...! So I am crossing my fingers that I won't with the dose increase. My derm said to not even worry about an IB when your dose get's increased. It rarely happens, and when people do get a flare, it's not an IB -- it's just a breakout. An IB is a breakout is described as being far worse than "your normal...." At least that is how he described it to me... He said 99% of people only get an IB when they start accutane, not when they increase the dosage through out treatment.... But who knows, I've read a lot of different things online. Hoping and praying things only continue to get better! I've read Rose-hip oil is great for hyperpigmentation as well. But since the stone crop is working so well for me, I am going to continue with it for now.
@Sofia -- my derm did say the side effects could become more intense, but usually its the ones you've already been dealing with, so for me, the body aches, dry skin, and dry scalp. My worst week was week 2 so far in terms of acne, but last week (week 4) was bad too with the eczema spots I got from being in the sun, even with SPF! So be careful ladies and gents They are almost healed now.
Hi Sophia. Thanks a lot for the tip with olive oil mask. Definitely picking up some olive oil from Sainsburys or Tesco today. My hair is getting really dry but I actually love it. Also, I'm not a big fan of Bio Oil. My college from work broke out really badly a few weeks ago because she was using Bio Oil on her face. I may try to use it just on red marks. I've never tried putting honey on my skin :). Sorry to hear about your IB. I hope your skin keeps improving. Any new side effects?
Hi Cristine. I will try to find Rose-hip oilonamazon. It's great that you haven't had an IB. I really hope your dermatologist is right and IB doesn't happen when the dosage gets increased. Unfortunately it's difficult to believe when you read all the posts, watch videos on Youtube etc. etc. Fingers crossed it won't happen to us. How are you coping so far?
Day 25 today....it seems like I started yesterday though :). Derm appointment on Monday and I'll probably get my dosage increased. Same side effects plus more nose bleeds and dryness on my body. It's like I've stopped producing sweat. Skin wise still no IB, no new spots. Face is looking smooth and red marks on my right cheek are fading away slowly. This week has been the worst for me because I got those 2 small pimples (which were gone within 24 hours but again left small red marks) on my right cheek. It's like my face is clear but if anything shows up it's always on one side of my face...strange. I really can't complain though. I was expecting an explosion to happen on my face within the first month but I've had 2 tiny pimples since I started the treatment. There is no way I'm so lucky and I'm expecting proper breakouts in month 2 :(.
Hi Maggie! Ahhh thanks for the tip on Bio-oil! I hadn't tried it and now won't! That's so good about not having an initial IB!
my symptoms- day 12 (or 11 I can't remember)
dry skin in patches - using clearasil moisturiser and it's been fine
nose blood has stopped!
very very tired, going to bed at 9pm most nights and sleeping through!
dry lips- Vaseline isn't working for me but Carmex is great.
dry hair - I've done 2 olive oil masks and it's definitely worked! Also washing/straightening less.
going to a concert tonight and the no drinking SUCKS! But hey ho good break for my body (will have one glass haha)
Initial break out has stopped, still have red marks but skin improving very quickly! With makeup on now you can't see any bumps at all! The ones on my jaw line have gone. Still get the odd one but they are tiny and can't even squeeze (very bad habit of mine haha)
All looking good! Hope you lot are doing well too.
When we all finish we should all toast a glass of wine to each other in our different countries haha! Xx
Doing well so far on 60mg a day. I have noticed a bit more of an emotional/aggression behavior that last few days since the increase...Not sure if it's related but I am pretty certain it is, if I am noticing the change. LOL. Otherwise, my skin actually got a little more oily this week -- pushing out all that sebum I am assuming! Still some dry patches though on the face and on the backsides of my arms. Been having heel/foot pain and it has gotten worse since the increase 
but.... it's worth it 
No new breakouts, one small pore popped on its own. Feeling good with my skins progress thus-far!
@Sofia! You know I'll be toasting! I still drink 1-3 glasses of wine a week. My derm said as long as I am not drinking and getting drunk and staying hydrated liver enzymes should not increase from this. I also take a liver support supplement anyways to combat the accutane, so I like to think it helps with my love of wine too. LOL
Day 38--derm. prescribed me 40mg twice a day, so I am up to 80mg a day now. Started Thursday, and I'm not sure if this was a coincidence or not, but that evening I got another cyst on my forehead. This is the third cyst I have gotten on my forehead since starting the treatment. Which for me is unusual because my acne breakouts are mainly on my cheek, chin area....so I'm sure its the accutane. I'm just ready for the breakouts to stop so I can start healing and get on with clearer skin. And I would be more then willing to toast to clear skin by the end of all this:) I don't even drink, but if my skin clears up, I'm def. going to celebrate that. My skin is not dry, still! Its not as oily as it was either, but I'm just shocked its not dry. We'll see what the next few weeks bring.
Ladies I™m definitely joining the celebration times when we are all done . I was naughty 2 weeks ago on Friday though. We went out for some drinks with colleges from work and I had 3 big, fat glasses of wine. I woke up with a huge headache next morning and haven™t touched alcohol since then. I™ve learnt my lesson that™s for sure.
Cristine I™m happy to hear that you haven™t had any breakouts since your dosage has been increased. The side effects are a pain but you™re right it™s all worth it.
I™m keeping my fingers crossed for your breakouts to stop Kimmy. You™re on such a high dose now though.
I™ve done the olive oil mask on my hair Sofia and it has worked like magic J.
Had my one-month check up today and I™m officially on 40 mg as of today.
Day 28¦..my skin is peeling like crazy especially on my nose, mouth area and chin. I™m still trying to find a good moisturiser to use before putting foundation on my face that would not clog my pores and would not break me out. Still experiencing same side effects¦stupid nose bleeds, tiredness, DRYYYY lips. I™ve told my boyfriend¦.no more kissing my dear for next 5 months :). No new breakouts to report, skin is smooth but very sensitive. Blackheads on my nose are almost gone! I™m praying to all Gods not to get IB this month with my dosage being increased :(.
Hey guys! I always finding myself reading through yall's posts on this forum so I wanted to join the party!! I started 40 mg Absorbica almost 30 days ago and it has been quite a strange experience lol. I can finally say I am producing almost no oil, scalp included, but I am still getting some pesky little inflamed blackheads every few days. They leave a little mark and I unfortunately cannot stop my popping them! Do you guys avoid popping/picking at all costs? I really feel like I should, but I just have an obsession. I have gotten a lot better and haven't scared at all since I began the medication, but I know upping my dosage in a few days will make it very likely for me to scar ugh. Other than that I am so glad I started this journey and I'm glad I see you ladies are facing the struggles too! Also, do you guys use any other anti-acne treatments, like medicated face wash or AHAs? Just wondering!
Hi guys!! Also so glad to hear everyone's getting on well!! Massive hugs all round. I sill have scars (red marks) and the odd spot but MUCH smaller now and can be covered with makeup!!
Fairlie- yes it has gone so quick! My next appt is already looming, also wanting to go on a higher dose
CNA7- apparently some people don't notice any change until the 5th month so keep persevering! On all the antibiotics etc that I was on it always took about 4-6 months
Maggie- yes the olive oil is soo good! Little tip I've been told is to heat it up slightly, I haven't tried this yet but also remember to massage it into the scalp! I'm washing my hair much less now!
Tanebabe- WELCOME!! Yes I have a MASSIVE picking habit however have found since starting accutane that they go on their own and leave less of a mark when I've not picked them, now I'm getting obsessed with picking my dry skin. Not good! Washing face I've tried to keep to a bare minimum....a) not to irritate my skin b) I don't want to spend loads of money on expensive products and then be too scared to come off them when treatment is finished! I just use "simple" face wipes morning and night and wash with clean hands and water! Moisturiser I'm using clearasil and so far everything's been fine. My doc has also put me on antibiotics- 4 tablets daily erythromycin 250mg
Hope that all helps ladies! My new teeth braces are annoying me much more than my skin but sooo happy with progress!! Xxx
Hi ladies wanted to join in on the party. I'm on amnesteem got bumped from 40mgs to 80 and I'm on day 48 I believe. And let me tell you I am dealing with a pretty bad breakout since doubling my dose. The first month my skin got oilier the first 2 weeks got a little more small breakouts then was clearing up nicely. When my dose was raised same thing happened my skin and scalp got oiler then flaking. My skin and hair are completely dry...but this breakout is terrible. Since doubling my dose I've gotten more cystic breakouts. Cystic breakouts are a rarer occurrence for me pre acctuane so it must be the med. I'm hoping this will subside soon because its been making me feel pretty down. It's embarring you know. Wish yall luck and will keep following this. Btw my acne was also caused by birthcontrol. When I started the pill my skin got bad when I came off of it it got worse. Anyways wishing you ladies lots of luck and it's nice we can support one another! Well be clear soon!!!
I really need a good advice this us my 2 day on acctune an I'm station over seas in a third world country the hospitals are out of the question what can I do to get the medc out of my system my stomach is killing me an back with crazy hit cold chills. Any advice, I took it around 6 an it's 8:30.
12 hours ago, Jesaccc2 said:I really need a good advice this us my 2 day on acctune an I'm station over seas in a third world country the hospitals are out of the question what can I do to get the medc out of my system my stomach is killing me an back with crazy hit cold chills. Any advice, I took it around 6 an it's 8:30.
What dosage are they? How did you get the medication, who is your prescribing doctor?! You need to call a doctor!
I do agree with TaneBabe. You do need to call the doctor ASAP! Accutane is a serious drug!
How is everyone doing? Its gone quiet here. Does it mean that everyone is happy with the results? J
Day 36 for me and 2nd week of being on 40 mg. Still no IB, no new spots! My marks are getting less and less visible which is great! Same side effects plus more dryness and eczema on my handsL. Its itchy, red and I want to scratch is all the time!
I'm waiting for my 1st month check up tomorrow!! Ahhh Maggie that's BRILLIANT!!! I have some small dry patches too, coconut oil is my best friend ATM lol it's brilliant, buy a huge tub for cheap in Holland and Barrett. My skin is still ok but still have marks but as I said just waiting to hear tomorrow! Xx
Hey ladies! Things are going well over here for the most part! Day 50 is today! 
I did wake up to my FIRST whitehead since starting accutane. Crazy. Probably because of my period (just ending it) ... but the accutane pushed it to the top of my skin so it was easily extracted. Red marks are still fading well. I do get red after working out or being outside even for a short time. More flushed than like an actual red. Makeup covers that tho!
Lips are still moist with the Vaniply ointment and skin is dry but my Eminence products are working wonders and barely show signs of dryness once its on. Still dealing with heel pain, but not as bad.
Glad everyone is doing okay for the most part! And welcome to all the new ladies and gents here!
@Jesacc Definitely seek medical attention. You could be having a allergic reaction. Hope you are okay.
My greatest fear right now is getting off birth control post accutane! I hope I dont break out again and then have to do round II with no birth control and hubby would be so mad about that LMAO 
Hello all... I am planning to start AbsoricA shortly. I have been plagued with cystic acne for a long, long time - completed2 rounds of Accutane many years ago. Now, I am hoping that the new formulations of this drug will do the trick. I don't really remember the bad side effects, I guess those memories have been effectively blocked - LOL!
I do remember that I was able to get cortisone injections for the cysts that popped up during the initial stagesand that was a "comfort". Now, however, I am being told that getting injections while on the program is not done - that they "won't have any effect" on the cysts... Hmmm.. what have you all heard/experienced?
I have been getting injections for years (with excellent results) and this just seems kind of strange... I mean, a cyst is a cyst, no matter what triggers it. Should I consult with another dermatologist before stating?
Hi everyone,
Such amazing support in this thread:) Im currently 54 days in, and I have been seeing some progress so that's super motivating to push through . Jesaccc2, are you deployed right now, there should be a medic on site. Other then that, your primary care Dr will likely want you to follow up with them.
Krissy990, your experience sounds a bit like mine. I got more cystic acne as well, and also when he doubled my dosage. He's likely going to bump me up again...so I'm hoping it won't happen again. I still havnt really experienced dry skin. We are all a day closer to the finish line...we got this:)
Hi everyone! Sorry I haven't written in a while. So glad everything's going well for everyone!!!
kimmy how long did your IB take to heal and what were the spots like??
had my dose increased from 20mg to 30mg and literally had the worst break out!!! Soooo gutted but skin does feel softer.
went to Marbella for the weekend and wore factor 50, was only in the direct sunlight for 3 hours on sat (was cloudy) but chest is bright red raw even tho I had factor 50 on! Been naughty with my drinking (tbh only 3 glasses of wine max) and makes me feel horrendous if I don't drink a lot of water. However with water it is fine. Praying this new breakout will go! Also noticed if I try and squeeze a spot now NOTHING comes out I just irritate it and a LOT of skin comes off easily making it raw and difficult to put on makeup to cover it.
so yeah been very naughty with my habits however a bit unmotivated at the moment due to this explosion (did not get it this bad with my first month).
sending lots of love to everyone! I'm 6 days in to this higher dose and hating it.
No other side effects apart from very very dry hair (from washing it every day to now every 4/5 days!)
send me me some healing vibes for my skin Arghhhh!!! 🙁
lots of love xxxx