Hey! Just started low dose Accutane 33 days ago (20mg/day), I completely understand how you feel, it's so hard at times just to go out when you have bad skin ( I thought I'd use my own experience to answer your questions

1) Do you get an initial breakout? What are the chances of this? How long does it last?

My initial breakout started in the second week and I feel like it's still there...But maybe it's just my skin clearing up now. I think it depends how «clogged» are your pores before you start the treatment as it works frome the inside out and gets everything out. It's not suppose to last that long though...Some people don't really experience an IB, especially on low dose Accutane so it might be a good idea to start that way to avoid it. But always remember that it means it's working!

2) Does accutane worsen hyperpigmentation? Does this clear after the drug?

I had mild hyperpigmentation before starting Accutane and my doctor recommended I stop using creams while on tane (was using topical isotretinoin). My hyperpigmentation did seem to get worse at first (probably cause I stopped using my treatments) but since I was not experiencing any dry skin with Accutane, I decided to use it again. And it cleared everything I had left! Very happy with that I guess it all depends on your skin's sensitivity.

3) My dermatologist said he would give me a four-five month course? Is this normally effective for moderate acne?

It depends on your weight and the dose you'll be getting. But your dermatologist will know what works best for you You can also continue Accutane on very low dose to make sure you get the full dose required.

4) When are results usually seen? The first month? last month? Or are results seen after the treatment?

5) Was this drug worth it?

Guess I can't answer these last 2 questions just yet...!

 

4) When are results usually seen? The first month? last month? Or are results seen after the treatment?

 

To answer this one, it seems like it's different for everyone. Some people can see results almost immediately(in the first couple of weeks) and never experience an initial breakout. However, some people have an initial breakout for the first couple of weeks or months, and then start to clear after that. I don't think there is any one answer to this question, although I wish there was. I just started a five month course of accutane, so feel free to follow it here: http://www.acne.org/messageboard/index.php/topic/325125-accutane-log-21-m-moderate-acne/page__p__3319932#entry3319932

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply! I think i'm just going to go on accutane because i cant deal with the constant flare ups from epiduo anymore ! Good luck with accutane, looking forward to seeing your results !

 

1) Do you get an initial breakout? What are the chances of this? How long does it last?

 

2) Does accutane worsen hyperpigmentation? Does this clear after the drug?

 

3) My dermatologist said he would give me a four-five month course? Is this normally effective for moderate acne?

 

4) When are results usually seen? The first month? last month? Or are results seen after the treatment?

 

5) Was this drug worth it?

 

Thanks for reading

 

1. Yes majority of people do. Like the others have said it usually depends on how active your acne was when it started. Mine was mild-moderate and I only got a small breakout at week 2. It was like 3 zits that cleared out quickly. Also a lot of people get tons of blackheads on their noses at the end of month 1 or so. Its a normal "purging" process.

2. It doesn't "worsen" hyperpigmentation, but since Accutane stops your skin's natural oil production, it would both impede the healing of any hyperpigmentation marks you already have before the course or those that you get during the course. This doesn't mean that hyperpigmentation won't heal at all, just that it will heal at a slower rate. You can speed up the process by keeping your face heavily moisturized at all times and by applying some natural oils on your face when you're at home. After the drug, your skin's healing capability will return slowly as oil production returns.

3. Course duration doesn't matter as much as total dosage, which is dependent on your body weight.

4. Again, depends on your acne severity. I have been 100% clear since my IB but some people still breakout into their 3rd or 4th months. In most cases it gets much better towards the end.

5. Each individual experiences different side effects of varying severity. I have dry lips, back pain, increased muscle fatigue into my 5th month but my face is completely smooth and spotless and my scars are healing, so yes it is definitely worth it for now. But will it be worth it in 5 years? The acne might not return, but will the side effects linger? Will I have problems with my joints 10 years down the road because I took accutane now? Its a difficult question that nobody can really answer.

Hi, we are parents (u may not want to listen to us-we are mid 50's ) of 2 girls (our first is age 20) and our youngest is 14. Some background first, my husband's side of the family has a history of acne; moderate to severe. My wife's side has very mild acne. We are both hispanic so the hyper-pygmintation is an issue b/c we have darker skin. As to us as adults and for our children, we tried EVERYTHING out there for our acne. Ointments/antibiotics/home remedies, i mean everything! Nothing worked. With that being said, here is what we can tell you about our experiences for our children who took and are currently taking acutane: IT WORKS! But, you and your PARENTS NEED to educate yourself about this drug and the range of possible side effects.

1. Research this post and get facts about what to expect. here is the link to the page to read first before taking acutane. i wish we would have had this web site when my oldest took acutane. THIS IS A REALLY IMPORTANT LINK! READ IT! UNDERSTAND THE CALCULATIONS!

If this link doesn't work, search " acutane dosage".

2. After you read the do's and dont's figure out what is the best time period to start. Duh, my 14 yr old just started her 5 month course in Nov 20 2012 and this is really important. For example, she had to take a private school entrance exam and we never figured the acutane could affect her ability to focus. So make a 5-6 month plan.

3. Make sure your dermatologist, not a regular DR, knows their stuff! Acutane is based on the cumulative intake; your body weight is what determines how much you can take. KNOW WHAT YOUR INTAKE SHOULD BE! If your derm doesn't discuss this in length with you plus any possible increase or decrease in dosage that you can take during a course of acutane, FIND A NEW DERM!

4. SIDE EFFECTS. Each person varies. For our girls, my 14 yr old is in good health, weights 50kilgrams (you need to know how to convert) and is on 40mg of acutane for a 5 month course. She is very athletic; she plays club volleyball and this is intense! Here is what she is experiencing: Extremely sore knee joint pain; back pain; initial headaches which went away; on going rashes on elbows and hands; and we believe an inability to focus like she could before starting acutane (hence, time it with your school plans). Dry lips and eyes (she wears contacts), dry body. Nobody tells you this, but your skin becomes really tender and sensitive; like babyskin so be extremely gentle: FOLLOW THE REGIMEN for washing; 10 seconds to wash and no more; very gentle foam cleanser AND USE NO OTHER ACNE PRODUCTS! Your skin cannot handle it. Ok out of room but will post a second link with what to expect.

Well, if you got thru that, here is what you can expect: remember, your derm will really focus on the pregnancy issue, liver issues, cholesterol etc. Yes these are all extremely important but they won't tell you the side effects or really how to handle the course of treatment so continue to post questions. Here are the answers your seek

1. YES there will be an initial breakout (IB). My oldest daughter didn't have one but my 14 yr old after 3 months continues to have good and bad days. So expect things to get worse before they get better. i have read it can take up to the entire course before it kicks in.

2. As to the hyperpygmintation, for my 20 yr old, WOW, as best as we can recall, after 6 months, she was 100% clear and soft as a baby's bottom.Today, at age 20, you would never know she ever had any acne; her skin is so beautiful as parents who suffered acne, it makes us feel so good that we could do this for her.

3. Your course of treatment, figure it out! Question your derm, but 4-6 months seems to be the norm. Here's the issue: The shorter the course, the higher the dosage. I don't think my 14 yr old could have handled a higher dose than 40mg. Only you know how much you can handle. Start low and if necessary build up; that's what we are considering for months 4&5 for our 14 yr old. Her 1st mo was w/o food, this meant about a 50% absorption rate; thereafter she took with food. That's how it's supposed to be taken with food. We think our derm knows what he is doing b/c 1st mo at 50% w/ later increase in mos 4-5. will get her the cumulative amt she needs.

4. Results. Who knows; each person varies and it takes time to build up the cumulative amt in your body for it to work; have patience b/c it is worth it!

5. Is acutane worth it? ABSOLUTELY! But, you need to do more research on this site; for example we forgot to mention our 20 yr old suffered from depression after taking it; we never made the connection until years later with the help of websites like the one DAN THE MAN has made here. It is a serious drug, but if taken with proper medical derm advice and educating yourself of the wide range of effects it can have, you can do it! It can be life changing. read the blogs and good luck if u go for it!