Hey everybody,
I'm starting Accutane to hopefully improve my facial acne and persistent/annoying scalp folliculitis. For a little background, I've tried basically every topical (Differin, Finacea, Aczone, etc) as well as every antibiotic in existence (minocycline, doxycycline, bactrim, amoxicillin). To be honest, my acne was completely clear during the amoxicillin regimen, but as soon as I came off about a year long treatment I developed a terrible case of folliculitis. My derm believes the folliculitis is a result of the prolonged use of antibiotics, so he suggested either ampicillin or accutane. I was hesitant about accutane because I'm a senior at the University of Wisconsin and drinking is a pretty big part of weekend college life on campus. Anyway, I've decided to go ahead with the accutane despite having to give up some college fun.
I've had my initial bloodwork and just finished my first week (acutally I'm on day 10) of 40mg/day of Amnesteem (1 per day). I'm a pretty tall guy at 6' 3" and weigh 185, but my derm wanted me to start low and work my way up to avoid serious side effects at the start.
So far, I've only noticed dry lips and maybe some facial dryness (I think that might be placebo effect), but nothing has really changed too drastically in terms of my acne. Sounds like it usually takes about a month to start working from what I've read. Anyway, the only thing I did notice was at about day 8 I had just about the worst breakout I've had since I was a 15 year old high schooler. Trust me, it was neither pleasant for me or those who had to look at it in my classes haha, but let's be honest at least I'm working to make it better
I'm mostly worried about possible joint pain/damage. I usually run 15+ miles per week and lift weights almost every day, so I'm concerned about harming myself while doing this in conjunction with my Accutane treatment. I'm a muscular dude, so hopefully I don't have to give up working out for clear skin.
I'll keep you guys posted on my progress hopefully once or twice a week if there's anything meaningful to say.
I'm not sure how to reply directly to your post, Michelle, but I'm not taking any other topicals. And I WISH I had to use sunscreen, but its been so miserable in Madison lately that I haven't had to apply any this winter.
On another note it's DAY 13 (I missed a day counting last time, so tomorrow will be 2 weeks) and it's definitely not placebo effect today--my skin is dry/kinda flakey in some spots. NO new acne spots when I woke up this morning, which hasn't happened in a long time. Still the acne that is healing is still noticeable/red--It seems like my skin is having a hard time healing over or at least taking a lot longer to heal than it did before I started accutane.
I'm worried that I'm not eating enough fat to adequately absorb the accutane when I take it with dinner; I usually stick to a pretty low-fat diet. I've heard of Absorbica, but I'm not sure how someone goes about getting prescribed this... Any idea? For the time being, what are some foods that are good to eat with accutane if I'm sticking with a healthy, low-fat diet.
More updates to follow!
I wanted to reply sooner, but I was looking into the amount of fat you'd have to eat. I did a post on this a while back:
"From the FDA and Center for Drug Evaluation and Research:
A high-calorie meal, 800 to 1000 calories with approximately 500 to 600 calories from fat (and 150 calories from protein, 250 calories from carbohydrates).
Source here: http://www.ncbi.nlm....PMC3509883/#B36
1 gram of fat = 9 calories, 600/9 = 66.67 g fat per meal, 500/9 = 55.55 g . . . so it would be best to have roughly 56 g to 67 g of fat for one meal to take with your prescription.
Now that doesn't mean it's purely trans fat like in fast food -- "fat" includes monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat (lipids), the "better" fats. You can get the "better" fats from olives, olive oil, avocados, a variety of nuts and seeds, fish, and leafy greens. Depending on the ingredients and serving size, you could easily meet this fat requirement with an olive oil-slathered and almond-covered salad mixed in with slices of salmon."
I'm not sure if it's still relevant (probably is, though). The derm has told you to take your pill with your biggest meal, correct?
Absorica recently became available, and it doesn't look like it's not as commonly prescribed as other brands. It's more expensive, and only some insurances will cover it.
Bacon and eggs are always good fat sources, by the way. 
Hey all. I'm new to this site. Just started Roaccutane so wanted to join and share things with everyone as I can't really talk to anyone who doesn't understand the medicine or what we're all going through. I've posted this similar reply on another page but I want to share this with as many people as possible as this as I'm sure you all know we don't really have many people that we can talk to about this who fully understands what we go through.
Some back ground on myself: I'm a 28 year old guy from the UK. I had acne (hate that word) since I was 12 years old. Had it quite bad on my face but extremely bad on my chest & back. My back & chest is ruined with scars now so going swimming, taking my shirt off in public etc is completely out of the question as it really is that bad. Although my girlfriend is great and is totally cool with it so I'm not too fussed about it now. My Dr. put me on Minocycline & topical Isotretinion when I was 17 and finished it last year (when I was 27! He kept me on it for 10 years which I wasn't happy about!). Work for a few years and cleared my skin up on my face, then my body built up a resistance to it. I was then put onto Lymecycline last August which didn't work one bit. Also tried different topicals over tje past 10 years. So, I took the plunge (after much research and thought) to go onto Roaccutane (that's what they call it here). I had to pay to see one of the leading UK specialists which hasn't been cheap so far but I'm hoping it'll be worth it. I started my course on the 9th Feb 2014.
I weigh 75kg, not a fat person either. The specialist wanted to put me on 1mg/per day (around 80mg) immediately, to which I refused as I wanted to gradually work my way up due to reduce the side effects and initial breakout. So I've started on 40mg per day.
First few days were hard. I got bad headaches and found it difficult to comprehend things that were going on around me as I felt quite disorientated. This wore off after a few days and now I feel fine! Did anyone else get headaches?
I eat quite healthily. Try to exercise as much as I can too. I work long hours in the music industry so I can't exercise as much as I'd like to anymore but I still try to stay fit.
I take mine in the morning with food. Before I take the meds, I have a cap of olive oil, around 15ml, with my morning porridge as the fats break the medication down better and it's also a healthy fat too which helps cholesterol levels - something you have to watch while taking this med. I take the tablets half way through my breakfast then carry on eating.
A bit of advice - drink lots of water. This stuff dries your body out quite badly. I've been drinking 2.5L of water per day and my visual side effects have been minimal. Not much dry skin at all. Some dryness but not like the horror stories you hear of peoples faces cracking. No crusty nose either. I've been blathering lip balm on during the day and my lips are not cracked. I started the lip balm on the first day I started the meds as I didn't want to wait until they got chapped - I wanted to get them supple before it started. Now, they're a little dry but not chapped, yet. From what I've read, most side effects happen within the first 6 to 15 days but I've been drinking lots of water, using lots of lip balm and I have to be honest, the side effects so far aren't too bad. No mood swings either! I had a very small initial breakout around day 4 but that's gone down now. I've also not had any muscle pain but it's still early days for that I think.
So, today is my 7th day of taking the meds and I feel fine. Acne seems to be reducing slightly after my few little spots that came up earlier this week on my chin and right cheek. Headaches have gone too. Skins a little dry on my face & neck but nothing I can't cope with. Lips aren't too bad but I use lots of lip balm which is definitely helping.
My skin is still a little oily, but not really like it was - to be honest I've not seen a massive reduction in oil production so I'm on the fence so far with that.
Oh, I'm occasionally using a very (VERY) small amount of my topical isotretinion on the area of my face that broke out earlier this week and it cleared it up right away, so I'm going rarely use this just on the occasional acne spot.
Will keep you updated on my progress - so far I'm happy.
Hope everyone is well 
)
Regarding absorica: I was taking a generic, but I have a very low fat diet, so I had the same concerns as the original poster. I was struggling to find some seriously fatty foods to eat it with.
Anyway, I just told my derm about this and asked about the absorica (it is called epuris in Canada where I am from). She told me that a) it is more expensive (turned out to be $10 more for me in Canada), and b) there is NO research showing that it works more effectively than taking a generic with fatty foods.
I said I would like to try it anyway, and she said fine. I don't see why any derm wouldn't prescribe it. So, just ask if you are worried. Chances are good they will have no issues giving it to you. The only thing you should consider is whether or not whatever additional expense is worth not having to worry about the fat. For me, it was worth it for $10, but I think the cost difference depends quite a bit on your location and insurance.
Oh, also, I always have to bring my prescription to the pharmacy a few days ahead now because they do not stock absorica and have to order it. Just an FYI that is is not as common and sometimes trickier to get, so you would want to look into that if making the switch. I did not realize this and had to wait a few days with no meds the first time I did my absorica prescription.
Best of luck.
Kim28, thank you so much for the info! I have my next derm appt next week Friday, so I'll make sure to bring it up. Worth a shot at least... I stick to a very low-fat diet as well so it'd be amazing if I could at least give it a shot.
Also, is there a way to reply directly to a post within this thread?
The quoting is messed up for now. I think it has something to do with browser issues.
Here's what Ranbaxy Laboratories states about Absorica on the website:
"Due to its high lipophilicity, oral absorption of isotretinoin is enhanced when given with a high-fat meal. ABSORICA is bioequivalent to Accutane® (isotretinoin) capsule when both drugs are taken with a high-fat meal.[emphasis mine] ABSORICA is more bioavailable than Accutane® (isotretinoin) capsules when both drugs are taken fasted; the AUC0-t of ABSORICA is approximately 83% greater than that of Accutane®. ABSORICA is therefore not interchangeable with generic products of Accutane®.1"
So yes, Kim28, your derm is right. 
From what I can gather, it takes 4 eggs and 6 slices of bacon to achieve enough fat. Don't know if anyone can eat that in one meal.
Good luck smallguy86 and bluechimpanzees!
Michelle, thanks. It is always good to know one's derm knows what they are talking about!
One other thing I will say regarding the difference between Absorica and the generic I was taking: the pills are HUGE! I don't know what Amnesteem is like, but my generic pills were pretty normal sized and these new ones are about three times as big. I was a bit shocked when I first opened up the pack!
DAY 16
Okay, so a few updates for you guys:
Update 1:
I have been having the WEIRDEST dreams while on accutane and I usually never dream. I mean dreams that are so vivid that I wake up in the morning and can recount in detail what happened while I was asleep. Anybody else get this while taking accutane?
Update 2:
Drying has definitely commenced all over my body (even in places I'd prefer to not be dry). On a rather disgusting note, it's been more painful than normal use the bathroom (#2) as a result of excess dryness. No idea how to avoid this problem.
That's it for now. If I don't post later it's because I did not survive the snowpocalypse ravaging Madison right now.
DAY 16
Okay, so a few updates for you guys:
Update 1:
I have been having the WEIRDEST dreams while on accutane and I usually never dream. I mean dreams that are so vivid that I wake up in the morning and can recount in detail what happened while I was asleep. Anybody else get this while taking accutane?
Update 2:
Drying has definitely commenced all over my body (even in places I'd prefer to not be dry). On a rather disgusting note, it's been more painful than normal use the bathroom (#2) as a result of excess dryness. No idea how to avoid this problem.
That's it for now. If I don't post later it's because I did not survive the snowpocalypse ravaging Madison right now.
Hey I had weird and vivid dreams when I started accutane. The dreams were so vivid that I could remember most of them and tell my friends about them lol. But it didn't last too long. I would say just for the first two weeks.
Drying could be a problem especially considering that you are in Wisconsin. You could use body lotion to moisturize anywhere that's dry I guess.
Keep us posted. Good luck!
DAY 16
Okay, so a few updates for you guys:
Update 1:
I have been having the WEIRDEST dreams while on accutane and I usually never dream. I mean dreams that are so vivid that I wake up in the morning and can recount in detail what happened while I was asleep. Anybody else get this while taking accutane?
Update 2:
Drying has definitely commenced all over my body (even in places I'd prefer to not be dry). On a rather disgusting note, it's been more painful than normal use the bathroom (#2) as a result of excess dryness. No idea how to avoid this problem.
That's it for now. If I don't post later it's because I did not survive the snowpocalypse ravaging Madison right now.
Maybe take a bath in colloidal oatmeal? It's how some people take care of dryness with eczema.
Right after you get out of the bath, then apply some heavy-duty lotion, something like AmLactin.
DAY 16
Okay, so a few updates for you guys:
Update 1:
I have been having the WEIRDEST dreams while on accutane and I usually never dream. I mean dreams that are so vivid that I wake up in the morning and can recount in detail what happened while I was asleep. Anybody else get this while taking accutane?
Update 2:
Drying has definitely commenced all over my body (even in places I'd prefer to not be dry). On a rather disgusting note, it's been more painful than normal use the bathroom (#2) as a result of excess dryness. No idea how to avoid this problem.
That's it for now. If I don't post later it's because I did not survive the snowpocalypse ravaging Madison right now.
OMG im on day 9 and I'm having the same problem with #2. Apparently aquaphor is good for that area too, I've also been using baby wipes which tend to be more gentle as well.
DAY 16
Okay, so a few updates for you guys:
Update 1:
I have been having the WEIRDEST dreams while on accutane and I usually never dream. I mean dreams that are so vivid that I wake up in the morning and can recount in detail what happened while I was asleep. Anybody else get this while taking accutane?
Update 2:
Drying has definitely commenced all over my body (even in places I'd prefer to not be dry). On a rather disgusting note, it's been more painful than normal use the bathroom (#2) as a result of excess dryness. No idea how to avoid this problem.
That's it for now. If I don't post later it's because I did not survive the snowpocalypse ravaging Madison right now.
OMG im on day 9 and I'm having the same problem with #2. Apparently aquaphor is good for that area too, I've also been using baby wipes which tend to be more gentle as well.
This is really going to sound weird, but is anyone using cotton gloves for their hands and Suran wrap for their face or arms? Or would even consider using one of these techniques?
DAY 16
Okay, so a few updates for you guys:
Update 1:
I have been having the WEIRDEST dreams while on accutane and I usually never dream. I mean dreams that are so vivid that I wake up in the morning and can recount in detail what happened while I was asleep. Anybody else get this while taking accutane?
Update 2:
Drying has definitely commenced all over my body (even in places I'd prefer to not be dry). On a rather disgusting note, it's been more painful than normal use the bathroom (#2) as a result of excess dryness. No idea how to avoid this problem.
That's it for now. If I don't post later it's because I did not survive the snowpocalypse ravaging Madison right now.
OMG im on day 9 and I'm having the same problem with #2. Apparently aquaphor is good for that area too, I've also been using baby wipes which tend to be more gentle as well.
This is really going to sound weird, but is anyone using cotton gloves for their hands and Suran wrap for their face or arms? Or would even consider using one of these techniques?
What's the intended purpose of the Suran wrap? Is it supposed to help with dryness?
UPDATE: 1 MONTH COMPLETE!
So I had my most recent round of blood work competed and it came back normal (or at least normal for me). My liver enzymes are very slightly elevated, but they started very slightly elevated, so this isn't as a result of the accutane. My doctor told me that in some individuals heavy weightlifting over the course of several years can lead to a sustained rise in certain liver readings.
Anyway, my doctor increased my daily dosage to 80mg (40 mg, 2x per day). Also, I developed a sinus infection and was prescribed amoxicillin for 14 days, which dramatically improved my complexion. My doctor also noted the improvement and prescribed me another 2 weeks on ampicillin to reduce my initial breakout, which was no fun. I don't like using so many medications simultaneously, but I have job interviews now and I feel like people don't take me seriously if I walk in with a face that looks like I can't take care of myself and the ampicillin/accutane combo has given me a much clearer complexion.
My skin is so much better than when I started. I used to have to either blot my face with oil wipes/tissue paper to alleviate the oiliness and now I can literally go all day without doing this. I also doubt I'll have to use very much shampoo while taking accutane because my hair is so dry. Honestly my hair is like straw right now due to accutane and winter.
Side effects:
Skin is so dry. Incredibly dry. Dry dry dry. It's actually so dry in some spots (in between my chin and lips) that It's kind of flaking, which is causing me to breakout from too much dryness (not sure what to do about this). I tried using a light application of CeraVe lotion, but this also made me break out in that area.
Otherwise, I'm just having crazy accutane-induced dreams. Nothing unexpected in terms of side effects so far.
The improvements have been incredible in the 1 month I've been on it. Really pleased so far. I didn't think it would work so quickly, but this drug has lived up to its reputation thus far.
More updates to follow.
DAY 16
Okay, so a few updates for you guys:
Update 1:
I have been having the WEIRDEST dreams while on accutane and I usually never dream. I mean dreams that are so vivid that I wake up in the morning and can recount in detail what happened while I was asleep. Anybody else get this while taking accutane?
Update 2:
Drying has definitely commenced all over my body (even in places I'd prefer to not be dry). On a rather disgusting note, it's been more painful than normal use the bathroom (#2) as a result of excess dryness. No idea how to avoid this problem.
That's it for now. If I don't post later it's because I did not survive the snowpocalypse ravaging Madison right now.
OMG im on day 9 and I'm having the same problem with #2. Apparently aquaphor is good for that area too, I've also been using baby wipes which tend to be more gentle as well.
This is really going to sound weird, but is anyone using cotton gloves for their hands and Suran wrap for their face or arms? Or would even consider using one of these techniques?
What's the intended purpose of the Suran wrap? Is it supposed to help with dryness?
UPDATE: 1 MONTH COMPLETE!
So I had my most recent round of blood work competed and it came back normal (or at least normal for me). My liver enzymes are very slightly elevated, but they started very slightly elevated, so this isn't as a result of the accutane. My doctor told me that in some individuals heavy weightlifting over the course of several years can lead to a sustained rise in certain liver readings.
Anyway, my doctor increased my daily dosage to 80mg (40 mg, 2x per day). Also, I developed a sinus infection and was prescribed amoxicillin for 14 days, which dramatically improved my complexion. My doctor also noted the improvement and prescribed me another 2 weeks on ampicillin to reduce my initial breakout, which was no fun. I don't like using so many medications simultaneously, but I have job interviews now and I feel like people don't take me seriously if I walk in with a face that looks like I can't take care of myself and the ampicillin/accutane combo has given me a much clearer complexion.
My skin is so much better than when I started. I used to have to either blot my face with oil wipes/tissue paper to alleviate the oiliness and now I can literally go all day without doing this. I also doubt I'll have to use very much shampoo while taking accutane because my hair is so dry. Honestly my hair is like straw right now due to accutane and winter.
Side effects:
Skin is so dry. Incredibly dry. Dry dry dry. It's actually so dry in some spots (in between my chin and lips) that It's kind of flaking, which is causing me to breakout from too much dryness (not sure what to do about this). I tried using a light application of CeraVe lotion, but this also made me break out in that area.
Otherwise, I'm just having crazy accutane-induced dreams. Nothing unexpected in terms of side effects so far.
The improvements have been incredible in the 1 month I've been on it. Really pleased so far. I didn't think it would work so quickly, but this drug has lived up to its reputation thus far.
More updates to follow.
So glad amoxicillin worked well for you. It was amazing for me for the two weeks that I was on it and as soon as I got off I broke out. I think my sinus infection is coming back cause I'm sick as a dog so I'm seeing a doctor this week to help me out so maybe I can go back on the amox, hopefully it'll clear me up a bit cause this IB is brutal for me.
DAY 16
Okay, so a few updates for you guys:
Update 1:
I have been having the WEIRDEST dreams while on accutane and I usually never dream. I mean dreams that are so vivid that I wake up in the morning and can recount in detail what happened while I was asleep. Anybody else get this while taking accutane?
Update 2:
Drying has definitely commenced all over my body (even in places I'd prefer to not be dry). On a rather disgusting note, it's been more painful than normal use the bathroom (#2) as a result of excess dryness. No idea how to avoid this problem.
That's it for now. If I don't post later it's because I did not survive the snowpocalypse ravaging Madison right now.
OMG im on day 9 and I'm having the same problem with #2. Apparently aquaphor is good for that area too, I've also been using baby wipes which tend to be more gentle as well.
This is really going to sound weird, but is anyone using cotton gloves for their hands and Suran wrap for their face or arms? Or would even consider using one of these techniques?
What's the intended purpose of the Suran wrap? Is it supposed to help with dryness?
UPDATE: 1 MONTH COMPLETE!
So I had my most recent round of blood work competed and it came back normal (or at least normal for me). My liver enzymes are very slightly elevated, but they started very slightly elevated, so this isn't as a result of the accutane. My doctor told me that in some individuals heavy weightlifting over the course of several years can lead to a sustained rise in certain liver readings.
Anyway, my doctor increased my daily dosage to 80mg (40 mg, 2x per day). Also, I developed a sinus infection and was prescribed amoxicillin for 14 days, which dramatically improved my complexion. My doctor also noted the improvement and prescribed me another 2 weeks on ampicillin to reduce my initial breakout, which was no fun. I don't like using so many medications simultaneously, but I have job interviews now and I feel like people don't take me seriously if I walk in with a face that looks like I can't take care of myself and the ampicillin/accutane combo has given me a much clearer complexion.
My skin is so much better than when I started. I used to have to either blot my face with oil wipes/tissue paper to alleviate the oiliness and now I can literally go all day without doing this. I also doubt I'll have to use very much shampoo while taking accutane because my hair is so dry. Honestly my hair is like straw right now due to accutane and winter.
Side effects:
Skin is so dry. Incredibly dry. Dry dry dry. It's actually so dry in some spots (in between my chin and lips) that It's kind of flaking, which is causing me to breakout from too much dryness (not sure what to do about this). I tried using a light application of CeraVe lotion, but this also made me break out in that area.
Otherwise, I'm just having crazy accutane-induced dreams. Nothing unexpected in terms of side effects so far.
The improvements have been incredible in the 1 month I've been on it. Really pleased so far. I didn't think it would work so quickly, but this drug has lived up to its reputation thus far.
More updates to follow.
DAY 16
Okay, so a few updates for you guys:
Update 1:
I have been having the WEIRDEST dreams while on accutane and I usually never dream. I mean dreams that are so vivid that I wake up in the morning and can recount in detail what happened while I was asleep. Anybody else get this while taking accutane?
Update 2:
Drying has definitely commenced all over my body (even in places I'd prefer to not be dry). On a rather disgusting note, it's been more painful than normal use the bathroom (#2) as a result of excess dryness. No idea how to avoid this problem.
That's it for now. If I don't post later it's because I did not survive the snowpocalypse ravaging Madison right now.
OMG im on day 9 and I'm having the same problem with #2. Apparently aquaphor is good for that area too, I've also been using baby wipes which tend to be more gentle as well.
This is really going to sound weird, but is anyone using cotton gloves for their hands and Suran wrap for their face or arms? Or would even consider using one of these techniques?
What's the intended purpose of the Suran wrap? Is it supposed to help with dryness?
UPDATE: 1 MONTH COMPLETE!
So I had my most recent round of blood work competed and it came back normal (or at least normal for me). My liver enzymes are very slightly elevated, but they started very slightly elevated, so this isn't as a result of the accutane. My doctor told me that in some individuals heavy weightlifting over the course of several years can lead to a sustained rise in certain liver readings.
Anyway, my doctor increased my daily dosage to 80mg (40 mg, 2x per day). Also, I developed a sinus infection and was prescribed amoxicillin for 14 days, which dramatically improved my complexion. My doctor also noted the improvement and prescribed me another 2 weeks on ampicillin to reduce my initial breakout, which was no fun. I don't like using so many medications simultaneously, but I have job interviews now and I feel like people don't take me seriously if I walk in with a face that looks like I can't take care of myself and the ampicillin/accutane combo has given me a much clearer complexion.
My skin is so much better than when I started. I used to have to either blot my face with oil wipes/tissue paper to alleviate the oiliness and now I can literally go all day without doing this. I also doubt I'll have to use very much shampoo while taking accutane because my hair is so dry. Honestly my hair is like straw right now due to accutane and winter.
Side effects:
Skin is so dry. Incredibly dry. Dry dry dry. It's actually so dry in some spots (in between my chin and lips) that It's kind of flaking, which is causing me to breakout from too much dryness (not sure what to do about this). I tried using a light application of CeraVe lotion, but this also made me break out in that area.
Otherwise, I'm just having crazy accutane-induced dreams. Nothing unexpected in terms of side effects so far.
The improvements have been incredible in the 1 month I've been on it. Really pleased so far. I didn't think it would work so quickly, but this drug has lived up to its reputation thus far.
More updates to follow.
Some people use Suran wrap to make sure the Vaseline doesn't slide onto their pillows, and it's a "better occlusive". That's a little...I don't know, "extreme?", but some have done it. It's not really comfortable to do. I'd probably do it as a last-ditch effort. But I think using cotton gloves for dry hands would be fine.
Yay for improvement! 
But not dryness! Dryness is so difficult to control! Ugh.