Intro

This is my Accutane (Isotretinoin) experience so far. I am a 24 year old male and have been struggling with moderate (persistent)acne and oily skin since the age of 17. The only medication that provided a temporary remission of the acne was Retin-A. But I believe my skin has become accustomed to the medication. I have been re-searching on Accutane since last year, however the horror stories posted online kept me away from the medicine. After further re-search I decided to self prescribe myself with Accutane. Please note that I did visit a dermatologist for regular liver and thyroid functions, however I chose my own doses as doctors where I live prescribe higher doses. This medication can be dangerous, please consult a doctor and do regular blood tests.

Weight: 87kg

Month 1: 35mg

Month 2: 40mg

Month 3: 40mg

Month 4: 40mg

Month 5: 45mg

Month 6: 60mg

Cumulative dose: 90mg/kg

Negative side effects:

I experienced the usual dryness in the mouth, eyes, lips, nose and surface of the skin, stiffer joints, tiredness/sleepiness, and mild road rages interestingly.

-Sensitivity to the skin increased dramatically where the skin was bruised easily and took a long time to heal. I can only recommend moisturizing yourself well, wear a decent SPF on youre face, and to take care by avoiding any activities that could do harm.

-Regarding my eyes, they were drier in the beginning of the treatment, which scared me. I used prescription strength medicine to moisturize my eyes to prevent any damage. However, the dry eyes slowly subsided over the course of the treatment especially when I moved to the coastal city, where the high humidity supressed most of the dryness.

-I was seriously worried about the dry mouth I experienced about two weeks into the treatment. I would constantly be drinking water and it would not quench my thirst. However, I am not sure if this side effect was related to my wisdom tooth. I was just hoping the effect of dry mouth was not chronic/long-term. Nevertheless I continued the medicine and the dry mouth subsided over the coming weeks.

-I experienced increased armpit sweat in the beginning stages of the treatment, which I controlled with Drysol deodorant. However about 4 months into Accutane I noticed increased facial sweating, mainly the eye brows and lips. I would become sensitive to heat and activities and my face would turn red. This was uncomfortable, but side effect has reduced a bit and I hope it stops after the medication. I believe Accutane does affect the thyroid and heat management in the body. Please do more research if you begin to experience this side effect, as it could be chronic.

-I did continue gym and noticed crackling joints when running on the treadmill, stiffer muscles and joints and a longer recovery period. However exercise did improve the overall stiffness issue and mood.

-I had countless road rages while on the medication. But believe me, there are many idiots driving on the road in my City. It seemed that the medicine made me an aggressive driver at times, or maybe its just me.

-Overall Accutane made me more tired and sleepy especially during the early stages while my body was adjusting to the medication. I decided to quit my job and continue work after the medication. However I recommend to keep going with your everyday activities, it just becomes easier overtime.

Positive side effects?

Accutane has seemed to miraculously cure my warts, increased my hair growth, gave me perfect nails and believe it or not, cured my acne as well.

-Warts affected me more than acne to be honest. I had three verrucas on my foot. One was surgically removed and grew back bigger, deeper and stronger. It was a painful procedure with a long recovery period yet yielded no result. I do not recommend excision. I had not done enough research before blindly visiting a doctor. With extensive research, you can be better than your doctor in a specific field, believe me.

I also had about 10 periungual warts on my fingers mainly around the nails. The warts were psychologically challenging, I was ashamed and hid them from as many people as I could. I have done hours and days of research on treating/curing warts. I travelled and looked for the best doctors in the world from India and the UK, to no avail. The only treatment offered was cautery, which would leave painful scars and damage my nail permanently, and also would not guarantee complete remission. Also, it did not make sense to do cautery on so many warts. It would be extremely painful and impractical.

Now before visiting all the various doctors across continents, I had tried Salicylic acid, freezing, excision, Aldara (immunoquid) 5%, Podophyllum resin, Duct tape method, cimetidine tablets. Also enquired about beetle juice, candida extract, and completed a painful needle therapy. I visitedSkin clinic in the UK, which is a total ripoff moneymaking company.

Now to cut the story short, I used 40% Salicylic acid (Verrugon), disposable scalpel blades, Apple Cider Vinegar, Accutane and lots of tapes. You have to be vigorous, scraping the dead skin regularly applying the Verrugon at night and soaking the ACV in the day. You know it starts to work when it throbs with pain and starts to turn black. However I believe Accutane has played a large role eradicating my warts. In fact there are no scars, it really looks like Ive never had a wart before. There are a few studies on Accutane and flat warts but I honestly think there is more to it. If you all want pictures I will be glad to provide them.

-Male pattern baldness runs in my family. Although mine isnt as severe, I still have receding hairline and hair loss on the top. I have to continuously use Minoxidil. It seems that Accutane has stopped and reversed the hair loss process. My hair is stronger than before, grows faster and I see no hair falling after a shower. After some research, it seems that Accutane affects 5-alpha receptors and blocks further production of DHT, which is the main cause of hair loss. Although I have no clue whether it is a permanent effect.

-I also noticed my nails growing faster and looking super healthy with no cuts around the nail, which I usually have.

-Finally another effect is the limited production of oil on face and the rest of the body. Its an amazing feeling fresh all day. I cannot comment on how long the effect will last, however I will update after a few months.

Opinion

All in all, Accutane is still a controversial drug. It can almost cure acne but carries an array of side effects. Roche claims that they do not understand how the drug actually works, or are they hiding something?

I strongly recommend doing your research, reading studies and consulting a doctor as well. If you decide to self medicate, inform your family about the drug and perform regular blood test. It is not worth risking your future. I have a needle phobia yet undertookthe blood test. Where I live, there are no standards, anyone can walk into the pharmacy and buy the drugs, also doctors dont enforce on the blood tests, which is frightening. Accutane has definitely improved my acne and most importantly has saved me from ugly warts. I cannot thank the drug enough. If you have any questions please post.