[Ouranpink5]

Im thinking about getting on accutane. My acne is moderate but it leaves really bad red marks. Has anyone been on it?? What were the side effects?? Was it worth it?? I know accutane is not a cure but I read that some people never really get acne again or if they do its very mild. I just hate my skin and Im getting really desperate. Also,howlong does it take to actually get on the pills. I know you have to be on birth control and stuff but for how long before you can start taking accutane?

[lovejyk]

I know some people go to their doctors for acne medication but you should go to an actual dermatologist and consult with him/her.

Chances are, unless if you have a very sympathetic dermatologist, you're most likely not going to be put on Accutane unless your acne is very severe. I don't think they would put you on Accutane just because of the marks

I know some friends (3) who had insane side effects but you won't know what side effects you'll experience until you're actually on it.

Doctors/dermatologists go through this step program kind of thing. First, they would prescribe you to maybe some antibiotics and topical cream. If that doesn't work, they would prescribe you to a different antibiotic/cream. Theres like gazillion acne creams out there that they would try to knock out first before they even think about putting you on Accutane. Most dermatologists are very hesitant about giving their patients Accutane and with the possible side effects, its pretty understandable.

I think there is a huge thread on Accutane somewhere here in Soompi. You should try looking for it. Its very extensive and really informative.

[jihae05]

I've actually been on accutane for the past 5 months. As the previous person mentioned, dermatologists will probably try all these other methods previous to starting accutane, but from my experience since those didn't work, they will start on a step by step process. It is required that you have to have your blood drawn monthly as well as take additional forms of birth control. You also have to have a pregnancy test every month to ensure you are not pregnant before getting your refills. As mentioned previously, this is a very powerful medication and it can only be prescribed by a dermatologist.
As for the side effects, I don't think I've had horrible experiences but one thing you will definitely experience is dryness. Your lips will also get extremely chapped as well. You can also get nosebleeds as well as dry eyes from the dryness.
In reading the information regarding the medication, they do mention something about depression possibly occurring. If this happends, you need to notify your doctor immediately. I haven't experienced this, but I did notice that I tended to get more irritated and annoyed. Finally, in answering about when you start the medication, you have to first be on 2 forms of birth control for a month prior to starting the meds. Well, hope this helped. Good luck!

[Ouranpink5]

Thanks! Both of you have been very informative

[Rhiencie]

I've actually been on accutane for the past 5 months. As the previous person mentioned, dermatologists will probably try all these other methods previous to starting accutane, but from my experience since those didn't work, they will start on a step by step process. It is required that you have to have your blood drawn monthly as well as take additional forms of birth control. You also have to have a pregnancy test every month to ensure you are not pregnant before getting your refills. As mentioned previously, this is a very powerful medication and it can only be prescribed by a dermatologist.
As for the side effects, I don't think I've had horrible experiences but one thing you will definitely experience is dryness. Your lips will also get extremely chapped as well. You can also get nosebleeds as well as dry eyes from the dryness.
In reading the information regarding the medication, they do mention something about depression possibly occurring. If this happends, you need to notify your doctor immediately. I haven't experienced this, but I did notice that I tended to get more irritated and annoyed. Finally, in answering about when you start the medication, you have to first be on 2 forms of birth control for a month prior to starting the meds. Well, hope this helped. Good luck!

hey,

just want to say 'thanks' for putting this up.
i find it really helpful and now i understand what accutane is and how it works a lot better!