Contemplating Roaccutane…

Emma BL

Monday 28 January, 2008

Hello everyoneI’m really pleased to have stumbled across this site as I think it might really help me out and has definitely made me realise that I’m not the only person in the world suffering from spots!

I’m 30 years old and have pretty much suffered from acne since puberty. It’s not always been bad, but it’s been a rare day when I wake up without any blemishes on my skin. Saying that, the last couple of years have been better - so much so that I decided to come off Marvelon (I’ve been on one pill of another for 15 years). Big mistake. My skin has totally flared up and I’m getting lots of spots around my chin and jaw line.

I went to my GP yesterday and for the first time ever she said that she’d be happy to refer me to a dermatologist for a course of roaccutane.

I’m a little wary, especially after being advised of the side effects, but the thought of not having to worry about another spot whilst on a date or in a job interview or when I wake in the morning is wonderful.

So it would be great to hear what everyone thinks. Is it really worth it? Are the side effects that bad? Does it work?

Hope to hear from you

Emma

5 Responses to “Contemplating Roaccutane…”

#1 Kelly Moriarty says...

Hi there,

I have just started taking Roaccutane 4 days ago so cant really comment too much. Have been reading about the drug (maybe a little too much)! and if you read through all the diaries, everyone seems to reccomend it. The affects I am having so far is just dry lips and peeling arond my face. I actually prefer my skin being a little dry as no new spots are forming from oil.
Personally I say go for it! I had to wait ages to get on this from the NHS so you are really lucky. One of the downers is having to have blood tests monthly as I am petrifed of needles!

Good luck!

January 28th, 2008 at 2:15 pm

#2 rich says...

Hi Emma,
its definately worth it. i have had a few side effects in the last 18 weeks, some of which havent been so nice, but my skin is so clear; i’ve had one small spot on my face in the last 6weeks, and that was after a night out. ive had maybe 2 spots on my jaw (which have also been tiny) and a couple on my back, and this is still 6 weeks before my course finishes. my skin doesnt start regrease within half an hour of washing it anymore, which means im not washing my face all day. ive stopped using useless otc products, desperately examining for improvements and my hair isnt greasy any more.
I don’t waste my time or effort trying to avoid certain foods, because (even though apparantly foods have no effect on acne anyway) i just dont need to, and i dont rush to a tap to wash my face as fast as possible after even the shortest exercise.
i’ve been kept on a lower dose because of side effects/ potential side effects, but not even the retin-a cream form of roac was this effective, after using it for months.

the truth of it is there are some side effects; none of them are garunteed but it is a fairly big list, but i couldnt be happier with the way roaccutane has cleared up my skin.
Its up to you, but i would definately recommend it.

Rich

January 28th, 2008 at 8:52 pm

#3 sa says...

yes i would recommend it, it has a 85% succes rate u have nothing to loose?
just watch wat u eat and excersize - ive been kept on 20mg thruout becoz its increasing my tryglycerin levels alot!

im also on the pill - which is why im sccared that wen i come off roaccutane it will all come bak

i can only wait n see?

goodluck with it!

January 28th, 2008 at 11:02 pm

#4 Toni says...

Hi,

To you guys who say you are on a low dose, I just wondered if it still works as well on a low dose? And does this mean you will have to take it for longer?

I am also on 20mg on wk 4 and I saw a different derm to my original one at my last appt. He was worse than useless and didnt answer any of my questions so thought you might know??

Thanks!

January 30th, 2008 at 1:26 pm

#5 rich says...

Hi Toni
my (fantastic) derm told me that its about how much you have altogether, so if you take a lower dose (which i am) you just take it for a longer time.

rich

January 30th, 2008 at 4:29 pm

Login

Jayne-Marie - Starting Roaccutane (photos included) (64 views)
As the name suggests...im scared! please someone respond! x (47 views)
day 37.....need some reassurance!!!!!!! (39 views)
Andrea - Week 21 Magic Potion ? (36 views)
Samantha89 - Before and after photos (34 views)
Accutane/Roaccutane possible side effects (33 views)
Week 7 and 8 and Derm appointment (25 views)
roaccutane week 1, attempt 3! (23 views)
Roaccutane/Accutane and Alcohol! (22 views)
Holly's Roaccutane before and after photos (21 views)

Chloe - end of week 10 (photos included) (413 views)
Accutane/Roaccutane possible side effects (292 views)
Samantha89 - Before and after photos (290 views)
Jayne-Marie - Starting Roaccutane (photos included) (235 views)
Holly's Roaccutane before and after photos (233 views)
Joyce’s End: A month later + pic (213 views)
Tess's Roaccutane Before and After Photographs - Week 25 (176 views)
Andrea - week 20 & pics (163 views)
Rachael’s Diary - Week 3 (photos included) (158 views)
The End: B4 & After Pics (121 views)

Accutane/Roaccutane possible side effects (1,002 views)
Holly's Roaccutane before and after photos (937 views)
Tess's Roaccutane Before and After Photographs - Week 25 (660 views)
Trish - Background and Pictures (442 views)
Chloe - end of week 10 (photos included) (413 views)
Roaccutane/Accutane and Alcohol! (392 views)
Peter's Diary - Week 20 (photos included) (390 views)
The End: B4 & After Pics (388 views)
Weeks 3 - 10 Amazing Results (387 views)
Acne Scars (364 views)

Reclaim Your Skin

You are here: Roaccutane » Contemplating Roaccutane…