Accutane

Anyone use it?
I want to try it, i'm scared to... but I think the risk is worth it for me.
Any opinions on it?
Thanks

Updated On: 9/12/06 at 06:24 PM

Read as much as you can about it and talk to your PCP or dermatologist. It's a powerful drug, and people who use it are closely monitored for side effects. You also have to have labs done monthly while taking the drug. I used to work for a dermatology group, and we had many patients taking it. It can be a very effective drug for your derm problem (I'm assuming it's severe acne).

The best info is straight from your doctors. They can answer any questions you may have about the drug, and probably have literature you can read.

Good luck.

There was an article on this in the Wall Street Journal today (9/12) talking about the restrictions on the sale of Accutane and how some physicians have stopped prescribing it because of them. The FDA set up a really elaborate program to reduce the risk of birth defects where patients have mandatory monthly doctor's visits and controls on the prescriptions. Also, women of childbearing age have to take monthly pregnancy tests in order to receive the drug.

It's an interesting article, but too long to post. Let me know if you're interested and I'll PM you. Bottom line, it looks like Accutane works, but I don't think I'd want that kind of hassle if I could find anything else that worked.

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I used it when I was a teenager. It truly works wonders. I was never really told about any major side effects, however I did read all of the information that came with it. One of the most significant side effects for me was my lips were always dry. I constantly had to put chapstick on them. To this day, and this is like 10 years later, my lips are still addicted to some form of lip balm.
I was also one of the "lucky" one's according to my dermatologist. I have no scarring, a few outbreaks, but for the most part no "flare-ups." You can not even tell that I used to have acne, and I had it bad. Only on the face, none any where else.
If you have any questions please let me know.

Updated On: 9/13/06 at 05:37 AM

it really works, and for me, while the monthly shots were annying, it was well worth it to someone who fought with acne for years. I don't recall the dry lips thing, but I'm sure it happened. and I didn't have any suicidal thoughts. that argument doesn't hold water, becuase most people who take that pill are teenagers, or very young adults, and aren't we all a little suicidal at that age without the aid of pills?

yes, use it.

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