Acne.org Products
I am a 28yr old male, 180lbs,6ft. I started Accutane about a month ago 40mg/day. 2 weeks into the treatment, all hell broke loose. My face exploded with zits all over my cheeks, forehead and chin. My acne beforehand was cystic and contained to my jawline. It was embarassing having to go to work every day with my face completely covered in acne.
About 4 days ago, I had to stop the medication because my left ankle is swollen, red and inflammed. I don't know what could have caused this or if it is a side effect of the 'tane. I am seeing my dermatologist tomorrow morning, but I am scared to death that it could be a blood clot. My face still hasn't healed from this "initial breakout" thing either. So all Accutane has done for me is 1) made my acne more severe 2) my lips are on fire 3) i have trouble sleeping from these cysts on my face, that also bleed periodically 4) i can barely move due to my swollen ankle whereas I was super active before the medication 5) a potential life threatening disorder.
Does anyone know of similar stories? Advice?
Well accutane causes most people a bad initital breakout. Sometimes the doctor can give you an antibiotic to ease the initial breakout so I would talk to yours soon. As for the lips, you need to be applying vaseline or some sort of heavy duty chapstick to keep them from getting dried out. I did read that "swelling of the ankles or feet" is a less common side effect of accutane(10-29% of people) and you should always inform your doctor of any symptoms. Should go back to normal after stopping accutane, but your dermatologist may decide to just lower the dose to see what happens. A blood clot would be very rare! But if you are very concerned and have the means to, then go to the ER. Are you breathing okay?
I read about the initial breakout on these forums. As far as the lips, I've been using chapstick religiously.
I just got back from the Derm. He acted surprised that my ankle had swollen. In his experience, he had never seen such a reaction. He thinks it might be the onset of Arthritis, accelerated by the Accutane. He had no answers for me other than to stop the Accutane.
Still, I am very worried about the swelling of my left ankle. It is painful to walk and I am uninsured. Now, I have to have a series of tests to determine the cause. Sweet.
I read about the initial breakout on these forums. As far as the lips, I've been using chapstick religiously.
I just got back from the Derm. He acted surprised that my ankle had swollen. In his experience, he had never seen such a reaction. He thinks it might be the onset of Arthritis, accelerated by the Accutane. He had no answers for me other than to stop the Accutane.
Still, I am very worried about the swelling of my left ankle. It is painful to walk and I am uninsured. Now, I have to have a series of tests to determine the cause. Sweet.
I read the ankle swelling side effect on this site http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/drug-info/accutane.aspx#.UrCpf-LPFQQ
I think you should find a new dermatologist if they can't help you, also, you should think about applying for healthcare on the government website. That's what I have to do since my job doesn't offer any.