Accutane and dermatologist

After suffering from terrible skin from about junior high, I finally got a good enough job so that I had insurance to pay for a dermatologist. After heavy antibiotics and Retin A, I was given Accutane. In the next 3 months I suffered through: Severe dry skin and chapping, my hair fell out in clumps, my fingernails curled like parrot beaks, terrible muscle pain, severe depression (even though I didn't realize it until I was off of it), and of course the scarlet leather facial skin that "showed the drug was working".

Then after all that, shortly afterward my grandfather's Type 1 diabetes appeared in me (at age 40!). This warning about getting diabetes was NOT in the warnings that I had to sign off on then, but it IS now (funny, huh?). The kicker is, that after all that, I didn't even have acne. A better doctor correctly diagnosed me with Rosacea, gave me a simply lotion (Metrolotion), and my face has been fine ever since.

Stay AWAY from this drug!!!

I went on accutane 5 months ago and it was a great decision. The side effects can be nasty though. I had really bad lower back pain (I literally felt like an old woman. Bending over was so painful as was moving in general). It is not as bad now though. Mood swings are another side effect. I am irritable on the medicine. But even so, I consider that a small price to pay to get rid of painful, embarrassing acne. I feel so much more confident and happy in general. The doctors are really careful when they put you on the medicine. montly (pain in the ass) blood tests, monthly check ins with your dermatologist, etc. If you have serious cystic acne (i'm not taking about a break out here and there) I would consider accutane as an option. talk to your dermatologist. Accutane works for almost everyone but beware of the serious side effects it can have: Depression, nausea, irritability, headaches, raised triglyceride and cholesterol levels, and suicide (at least according to the labels), among other side effects. If you feel depressed or suicidal tell your doctor and get off the medicine. But don't rule out accutane because of it reputation. I think it gets an unfair rep. Just use common sense just as you would on any other med. Good luck!