Hi tammylc,
I am 30 years old and have had moderate to
severe acne all of my life, starting from
when I was about 12 years old. I also
tried nearly every topical and oral
medication (both OTC and prescription)
that was available and was finally put on
acutane by my doctor, about 4 years ago.
I was on acutane for about 8 months
approx. 4 years ago. During that time and
for about 3 years after, I experienced an
extreme decrease in the level of my facial
acne, and have not had back or chest acne
since I was on it (I actually couldn't
wear tank tops or anything that showed my
back or chest sometimes, for fear that
people would stare at how bad it was).
Within the last year or so, I have begun
to have facial breakouts, again, but they
are extremely minimal compared to what I
used to have (one or two pimples here or
there instead of 3 huge ones in a single
spot and they are generally related to the
week or so before my period) and go away
within a day or two proper facial care
(basic washing with my everyday facial
cleanser; I have not had to use any kind
of topical acne medication in order to
help the breakout go away faster), whereas
my previous acne never seemed to
completely go away.
While I was on acutane, I was required to
be on some kind of birth control and take
a monthly pregnancy test (acutane has been
shown to cause birth defects) and I also
had to have blood work done each month to
make sure my kidneys weren't being
affected. This was a few years back, so
the requirements may have changed.
The only side effect that I noticed while
I was on acutane was some mild to moderate
joint pain, especially in my shoulders and
back; just this random, achy feeling I
would get every now and then. I was also
told that I may not heal as well as I
should, so any cuts would scar more, but I
didn't notice this, personally (I actually
had wrist surgery during my acutane
regimen and do not think it affected the
scar at all). Finally, I was told that
coming off the medication would make my
skin VERY dry for a few months, but I
don't recall that being a problem for me,
at all.
Acutane was very expensive when I took it
and, after my prescription drug benefits
ran out on it (retail was about $795 per
month at the time and my crappy benefits
at the time covered up to $1500 per YEAR),
I ended up having to be part of a 'study'
in order to get the medication. I checked
with my prescription benefit company, and
it looks like the retail has come down
significantly (it looks like a generic
brand is now available, as well; there
wasn't one when I was taking it), so
that'll be nice for you.
Despite the monthly pregnancy test, needle
pricking, not being able to drink alcohol
(acutane = bad for liver, so no drinking),
and joint pain my acne has NEVER been as
practically non-existent as it is, today,
after having taken acutane, even for the
short period of time that I did.
I do not regret a single moment of it. If
you ever want to talk about it, shoot me a
PM and we'll chat.
Best of luck!
