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Accutane In South Korea

MemberMember
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(@jhk103091)

Posted : 08/12/2013 4:18 am

Hey everyone.

Before I start, I'd just like to introduce myself. I'm 21 years old, I'm a guy, and I am currently living in South Korea. My nationality is Korean but I lived in the states for about 12 years. I've had acne ever since I was in the 7th grade. I would say I have moderate acne. One or two cysts and a lot of those little bumps all over my chin, cheeks, and forehead. I also have really oily skin. I tried a lot of products, but they never worked. I recently found out about accutane and did some research. At first, I was freaked out by all the side-effects, but I figured what the hell, I might as well give it a try.

One thing you should know about accutane in Korea is that it's so much more deregulated here than it is in the states. Basically, I went to a dermatologist(my first time), told him I wanted to go on accutane, and he prescribed it to me. The whole consultation literally took only 30 seconds and I'm not exaggerating. He asked me if I had any health issues regarding cholesterol or liver function, and when I answered no, he prescribed me a weeks worth of a generic brand. I think the pills are low dosage, 10mg. I take it twice a day so that means I take 20mg a day. After a week, the derm told me to come back, he'll check me out, and if nothing's wrong, he'll prescribe a month's worth.

I know that in the states, the process of obtaining accutane is really difficult. You guys have to sign a pledge, get blood work done regularly and all that crap right? Not to mention if you're a girl, it gets even more difficult. It's just crazy that I got mine so easily. I guess it just goes to show how different the pharmaceutical system is between two countries.

Anyways, today is my first day. I just took my first pill. I hope things work out. I'll try to keep a journal on here every week to let you guys know whats up.

here are some pictures. the quality is horrible but my laptop webcam is all i have so....

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MemberMember
2
(@heftymug)

Posted : 08/12/2013 10:20 am

Good luck sir! Hope you get awesome results.

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MemberMember
0
(@jhk103091)

Posted : 08/14/2013 8:34 am

been three days. no side effect whatsoever. no improvement.

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MemberMember
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(@jhk103091)

Posted : 08/17/2013 2:28 am

day 6. still no side effects. not even dry lips. and no improvement.

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MemberMember
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(@jhk103091)

Posted : 09/01/2013 6:44 am

just an update. its been 3 weeks. side effects are starting to settle in. dry, peely skin. dry lips. dry nasal. nothing too bad though. then again, im only taking 20mg a day so i wouldn't expect the same degree of dryness as someone who is on a regular course of 40/80mg per day. as far as improvements go, no real change. my nose is really bumpy and rough. i hope to god that this is accutane pushing out my blackheads. i won't post a picture cause there's visible difference so far.

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MemberMember
1
(@wecandoit)

Posted : 09/03/2013 4:12 pm

I got those blackheads on my nose during week 3 too! It was strange because I never had them before but now that I am on week 5, they are mostly all gone! So I think yours should go away soon too.

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MemberMember
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(@iluvblue)

Posted : 09/07/2013 3:21 am

I'm on 20mg/day as well. Currently on week 4 and I'm experiencing some improvements. My face is really flaky even though I'm using Cetaphil moisturizer and I have to constantly apply lip balm throughout the day.

All the best on your accutane journey!

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MemberMember
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(@jhk103091)

Posted : 09/15/2013 2:17 am

I got those blackheads on my nose during week 3 too! It was strange because I never had them before but now that I am on week 5, they are mostly all gone! So I think yours should go away soon too.

You were right! I'm on my fifth week and all the blackheads on my nose are gone. My nose hasn't been this clean in ages.

I'm on 20mg/day as well. Currently on week 4 and I'm experiencing some improvements. My face is really flaky even though I'm using Cetaphil moisturizer and I have to constantly apply lip balm throughout the day.

All the best on your accutane journey!

Good to know there's a fellow member on here that's on a similar course as me. My face is also a bit flaky and my lips are dry, but its very manageable. I actually prefer having flaky skin to having super oily skin.

I have a few questions for you. Are you planning on changing your dosage or will you be taking 20mg/day throughout the entire course? And also, if you don't change your dosage, for how long will you be taking accutane? I'm asking because here in South Korea, there is no specific course where you take a certain cumulative dosage per kg so I'm not sure when I should stop taking it.

I wish you the best of luck and also that you see better improvements in the future.

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MemberMember
1
(@wecandoit)

Posted : 09/15/2013 11:14 pm

I guess we are experiencing similar side effects on accutane haha.

Actually, the first time I was recommended accutane was when I went to see a derm in South Korea while I was on vacation travel there.

It was strange because the doctor there recommended I use a topical, get laser treatments, and take accutane all at the same time, whereas here in North America, people tell you not to do anything else while taking accutane, oh and yeah, it was super easy to see a skin doctor and get a prescription for accutane, no blood tests or anything.

But since I wasn't going to be in Korea for long, I waited until I got back to Canada to get my prescription, which wasn't actually that difficult either since in Canada, all doctors can prescribe accutane.

Anyways, goodluck on the rest of your course!.

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(@iluvblue)

Posted : 09/18/2013 2:41 am

I will be taking 20mg/day throughout the entire course for 6 months. Actually this dosage was recommended to me by my derm, since he said it is just as effective, but without the side effects. That is true for me, since I've been seeing improvements, but I think others might need a higher dosage depending on the severity of their acne.

I'm actually going to talk to my derm about a maintenance dosage (20mg/week perhaps) after my course is over. We'll see how that goes.

I'm from Singapore, which has not much restrictions on accutane as well. My derm just took a look at my face and asked me if I wanted to go on accutane or antibiotics. I only had to do a blood test once throughout the course.

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