POSTED UNDER Accutane REVIEWS
4th Month of Accutane
ORIGINAL POST
Just a little backstory first I've had pimples...
$45
Just a little backstory first I've had pimples since I was 12 didn't turn into full blown acne until about 18. I went to several derms tried all kinds of antibiotics, topicals, chemical peels, blue light therapy, microdermabrasion, skin care lines the list goes on and on I've tried it all! Nothing seemed to help much except for the blue light but I couldn't afford to keep up with it. My acne seemed to be somewhat under control from 25-29 my skin was decent for once. I got off birth control pills and about a year later my face exploded horrible painful itchy cystic acne worse than I've ever had it before, I wanted to cry and hide everyday I couldn't believe this was happening. My esthetician advised me to see a Derm my skin was so inflamed there was nothing she could do for me. I went to my appt and she suggested accutane she informed me of all the side effects and black box warnings. I was a little scared hearing all this I researched it for days and I decided to take the chance I couldn't stand my acne and the damage the scarring was doing I was desperate at this point. I'm now going on my 4th month and it's been quite the journey. I started my 1st month on 40mg nothing crazy as far as side effects just dry skin dry lips, wicked initial breakout on top of my already horribly broken out face was intense tho. Went to derm as I have to every month my triglycerides were high and my acne was very inflamed so my dose stayed at 40mg for month 2. 2nd month I got neck and lower back pain few migraines same dryness. I did notice about a week into my first month my whole body stopped producing oil I loved this part! Anyways onto month 3 dose doubled to 80mg 3-4 days after I started this dose the backs of my feet started to hurt then everything started to hurt. I feel like I'm 90yrs old my shoulders, hips, back, neck literally everything on my body hurts. The backs of my feet have been the worst when I get up they're so stiff it's hard to walk. I haven't been able to work out for almost 3 weeks now 3 reps of 5lbs feels like 30 and It seems like my pains are worse when I work out. Back to derm for 4th month checkup before I say anything to her about my concerns she says your triglyceride level is 360 that's crazy high (it's supposed to be 150 and under) I have to lower your dose back to 40mg. I said straight up to her good I don't think I can handle 80mg it knocked me on my ass. She's concerened about my foot pain being calcification of the Achilles, arthritis or bone overgrowth so she sent me for X-rays. I asked her if these problems can be permanent I told her I was reading about ppl left with permanent joint damage from accutane and it's scaring me due to the pains I'mhaving, she didn't really give me a clear answer it seems doctors are very wishy washy when it comes to this drug. I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced any joint pain, stiffness in the Achilles or just has anything to add I've been thinkng about stopping I don't want to be crippled at 30.
Replies (7)
July 21, 2015
Have you thought about going on to a lower dose? I am from a Australia and we are prescribed a lower dose here for over a longer period causing less side effects. It is a long process but your body will feel much better. Maybe ask your derm about going on either 40mg every 2 days or 20mg a day and see if it makes a difference. You can always go back up if you feel you need to. The only side effect that I have had is dry skin and dry lips.
July 22, 2015
I went back down to 40 which I seemed to be ok with for the first 2 months. I won't up my dose again my body can't handle it. Im going to continue this month on 40 and see how it goes if it doesn't go well I like your idea of every other day, thank you!
July 22, 2015
That's okay, it's better to be safe than sorry. May take longer to see results but all accutane users will come to the same end no matter how long it takes them! Good luck!
July 22, 2015
I'd rather be on it longer I've only been back to 40mg for a few days now and I already feel the joint pain decreasing. It was scary for a while all of a sudden my acne wasn't a concern to me. Thank you good luck to u too! How long have you been on it for?
July 28, 2015
I am Half way through month 4, my skin is much better then it was. I am still getting pimples but my forehead is clear. Can't wait to finish. 4 more months! I hope the roaccutane gets rid of blackheads too!
August 1, 2015
Accutane made all of my joints ache and my feet and and ankles were the worst in the morning. I never got past this. At a lower dose and less frequent, my pain was manageable. My derm suggests taking it once a week after your acne is under control. She has been taking it this way for years. I have been on the drug at two different times in my life. The first time in my 40s and the second time in my early 50s. I have always had problems with it. Right now I am not taking it (having surgery in 3 months) and my face is a mess. The plastic surgeon wanted me off of Accutane for 6 months prior to my scheduled procedure. I will return to taking it as soon as I can. But, I will only take it once a week to avoid all of the pain and discomfort.
Replies (4)
August 22, 2015
Soon and you're clear! It got much better!!! xo
August 22, 2015
It def got better! My course is taking a little longer than expected but I'm hoping to continue to clear...funny how some people see results in weeks others take months
August 24, 2015
Yeah. Don't worry. I'm only 2 weeks into treatment but I have friends that have taken the drug and it worked completely differently on each one of them. For example one of them was completely clear by the end of the third month, and the other only started seeing results by the end of the entire course!!! (5th-6th month), but let me tell you something... ITS WORTH IT. They're like crystal clear!! Amazing drug.
August 22, 2015
Thank you for keeping your review updated. It's so true that everyone has a different experience, according to Dr. Joshua L. Fox "most patients will see improvement by the third month, some may not see improvement until the fourth month" [Read more]
Hang in there!
Welcome to the community, I am really glad that you decided to join us and share your Accutane journey -- be sure to also check in here to connect with others new to Accutane. Did you ask your doctor about anything you can take to help relieve your joint pain? I did some research on joint pain and Accutane and found some information you may find helpful:
In this particular FAQ, Dr.Otto Joseph Placik mentions some supplements such as glucosamine-chondroitin and pre-medicating with some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Motrin -- of course before considering any of these you must consult with your doctor.
What to Do to Reduce or Relieve the Muscle and Joint Pain Caused by Accutane?
Moderate to severe joint pain while on accutane- is it permanent?
Would you consider sharing some progress photos with the community?