Information About Accutane?
I have had a huge problem with acne vulgaris (nodular/cystic) for the past 3 years. I have tried literally everything – over the counter washes, topicals, cremes, etc. I have gone to the doctor and been prescribed oral and topical antibiotics, retin-A, and a few others. I used Proactiv for a year, (never worked) and now I’m on AcneFree Severe System (for a week and a half so far) and I have seen little improvement. My boyfriend’s sister works at a pharmacy and recommended I take Accutane. I’ve heard it can increase your chances of becoming suicidal is depresion runs in your family – and it does in mine. So what I’m asking, what can you all tell me about Accutane? And am I at risk with the depression issue if I go on Accutane?
Tagged with: About • Accutane • Information
Filed under: Acne
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hi there! accutane is a brand name of isotretinoin (generic) that is used to treat severe acne.
if you live in the US you cant get it over-the-counter you need a prescription from your dermatologist. in addition to that, you need to enroll to the iPledge program which basically binds you to a contract not to drink and get pregnant while on accutane. accutane can be harmfull to your liver thats the reason why you cant drink alcohol. and also, accutane is found to cause serious birth defects on women who gets pregnant while taking the medication.
Now, the iPledge program provides you an account (your derma should set that up for you) and a card which your local pharmacist will require, together with your prescription order, to dispense your medication.
like my dermatologist told me, you have to undergo monthly blood work just to check your liver functioning.
theres a lot of side effects on taking accutane. most common is severe dry skin, light sensitivity (ull burn easily under the sun), and sometimes depression! when i started my treatment about 3 months ago, my skin was so dry ive become a lotion and lip moisturizer addict!! LOL as for light sensitivity i have a dark skin tone so i have a slightly better advantage to people with lighter skin tone.
Is it effective? absolutely! my skin is clear already after 3 mos! my only problem is a few scars, which accutane wont cure. so dont pop it! take it from me! thats why i have scars. if ever you have scars theres a lot of anti acne blemish products out there so try one that suits better for you.
for your second question…
everyone on accutane have the risk of developing depression. now, you said that depression runs in your family right? that means youll have a higher risk of developing depression. if you ever go to your dermatologist just tell him/her that depression runs in your family and maybe, just maybe, he can taper the medication just for you.
okay, well depression runs in my family too.. and I never experienced any suicidal thoughts while on Accutane. The main thing it does that is REALLY annoying is that it dries your skin and hair out. but when you’re done taking it, you will have beautiful skin! (and the dryness will go away, eventually.) but if you do experience any suicidal thoughts.. stop taking it!
Accutane is a pretty serious thing. My brother was on it and he had to go in for periodic blood tests to make sure it wasnt affecting his liver. Just make sure you go in for regular checkups with your doctor and if you start exoeriencing any side effects you dont like stop doing it.