Re: Accutane for Acne

[Guest guest]

We had this discussion in the past. Search through the archives for the

posts.

~ Gretchen

[Guest guest]

Hi Tammy,

My son Jordan, who is now 23, took acutane for severe acne when he was around

18. Jordan has CMT and he did not have any problems with the drug. It cleared

his acne completely. There are concerns with side effects and I think they are

more concerned for females of child bearing age due to a risk of birth defects.

Also there is a risk of depression. Jordan did not experience any difficulties

with the drug but I believe it is imperative that the patient is closely

monitored by a physician. Jordan had to undergo regular blood checks to make

sure there were no adverse reactions to the drug. I understand your concern as

I felt the same way but ultimately after we had gathered all the facts (and I

had confidence in his doctor) the decision was up to him. For him it was the

right decision as the acne was affecting his self confidence. Good Luck with

your decision, I hope this helps.

Warm wishes,

[Guest guest]

Hi Tammy,

You are talking right up my alley. Has your daughter tried Proactive? I was

afraid to try Accutane but I sure needed it. I have adult acne.

As a last resort I ordered Proactive. I didn't believe the commercials but wow

has it worked for me. I have been getting complements on my complexion of all

things. I only use the Proactive once a day because it was pretty strong for me.

[Guest guest]

I took Accutane on three different occasions when I was in my 20's. I have

always had problems with my skin, but at the time, I was having cystic acne. Not

pretty.

The drug cleared up the cysts, but I am 37 now, and still have skin problems! I

think it must be genetic because my mom is 60 and still gets zits:)

I see a dermo, and when I am not pregnant, I use a skin care line called Obagi

Nu Derm. It is for both keeping your pores clean and repairing any damage you

might have done to it via the sun, etc. They use it in conjunction with Retin-A.

It is expensive, but it does help with the look and texture of your skin.

Being pregnant, I had to switch to something a little more safe for the baby.

So, I am using SkinCeuticals Clarifying Cleanser. It has Salicylic Acid in it

and it is for skin prone to breakouts. My dermo says that it is great stuff, so

we will see!

Wouldn't use Accutane again, but I do understand how having skin problems can

hurt your self esteem. It is definitely a " last resort " drug in my opinion.

Hope that helps!

Amy