Beauty

[Summerfun]

I am so glad I made the decision to put my son on Accutane. He has cleared up completely within the 5 months he has been on the medication. I had lots of reservations but after speaking to several Dermatologists and my SIL who has her Doctorate in Nurse Practitioner...the outcome to the decision was the right thing to do. He is finishing up his last dose this month and the Dr. said it will continue to work until around December. We have tried everything! You name it and we have tried it. Thank goodness we have taken control of the acne before he started scaring on his face and back. Please if you have negative things to say about me, my decision or Accutane please do not post a response. I would like to hear about the good things it has done for anyone that has taken it.

[dionline]

I took it a number of years ago, more for my overly-oily skin as, Thank God, I didn't have that many pimples. I loved my skin while I was on it - not the nosebleeds, though. Unfortunately, my derm even told me she did me a "dis-service" (her word, not mine) b/c even though I was weighed at each visit, she put me on the lowest possible dose. So it worked while I was on it but the oilies started right back up again a few months after I stopped it. I had the option of waiting 1 yr and restarting but thought better of it due to the monthly labwork, etc...

I'm so happy it worked for your son. I've seen so many great results after using it. Is it very serious medication? You bet. But for those who have tried everything to no avail, it's nice to know there's still a 'Big Gun' option left that works - period.

[IControlMyHappiness]

Accutane is a lifesaver, I was on it twice. One time back in the late 90s then a second time for half a dosage say 6 years later. I am so thankful for insurance that covered the cost because I see people on the street with the craters in their skin and it is something I would not wish on anyone.

As a mother you did the right thing, don't ever second guess that decision. I feel so much better without having the bumps all over my face and the spots. I still go to the derm. and will always be on medications of some kind for skin care but it is so much better.

SO explain to your son that skin care and people with "acne" like ME....we always have to monitor and sometime he might just need to use a cream occasionally but it will always be something to monitor and he will occasionally need to go to the derm. even as an ADULT.

[ElvisShops]

I did two courses, several years apart, back in the 90s. It was the only thing that helped. I did not have cystic acne. However, it was persistent "normal type" breakouts that just didn't respond to anything else.

The only side effect I had was dry skin while on the product. My skin continues to be on the oily side -- not terribly so but somewhat oily, which is a good thing to have as we age even if it didn't seem like a positive in my teens and 20s. I'm in my 40s now and don't use or need a moisturizer. I know Lisa R. talks about her skin being forever dry after taking accutane. That is certainly not my experience.

While I understand that there can be negatives to accutane (or the equivalent being sold today), it is a miracle for some people.

[MandySays]

Back in the late 90s I was a sophomore in college and while I didn't have cystic acne, it was horrible and all over my face. I had done every other course of action including long term antibiotics that stained my teeth. I took accutane for 6 months. My skin actually didn't improve much while on it and I had terrible hair loss, but the moment it was over it was like I had new skin. It was the best thing and I have had wonderful skin ever since. So so thankful for that drug.

[Summerfun]

Thanks for all the kind words. His was starting to get to the cystic acne stage. He did experience the dry nose and bleeding, dry lips and cracking in the corners of the mouth. The Dr. told him to Vaseline around the outer edge of the inside of the nose and the use chap stick. It cleared those issues up. He is such a handsome young man and his face and back are back to normal. It is a serious drug and he was monitored every month. We kept a watch out for the side effects and kept a clear line of communication with him regarding how he was feeling. I like that they do a blood panel to make sure everything is in check. I'm glad we were able to afford it...with Tri Care it was only 5.00 for a month supply. I know what we would have to pay if we didn't have the insurance and feel fortunate we do.

Again..thanks for the kind words and encouraging words and I am happy that it has worked you.

[I am still oxox]

I took acutance way back in its infancy, early 80's I think, , I was in my late 20’s, and the protocol and dosage were very different than they now. All I can remember is I was dry everywhere possible. It helped but I finally got to the point where I could no longer deal with the side effects and went off ii.

[cassiem]

I'm so happy to hear that accutane worked for your son. As an acne sufferer and mother to four teenage sons who inherited my acne, I completely understand how devastating acne can be. Don't ever doubt that you made the best decision for your son! You did all the right things: made an educated, thoughtful decision based on his needs and medical advice, and made sure to follow up with good medical care and monitoring throughout the process.

[Summerfun]

Thanks again for the positive feedback. I am glad it has helped others. Growing up I didn't have issues with acne..my sister didn't but my brother did. I see so many kids and adults that have acne and it breaks my heart. I am so thankful that my SIL not only gave me excellent advise but she monitored my son as well. Again thanks for everyone's positive feedback.