Well I’m on to week 8 of taking 70mg daily of Isotretinoin and I’m still breaking out…………
Just as I thought the large spots of my cheeks and jaw were starting to dry out and disappear more are appearing beneath the skin. In fact it’s worse than before my treatment.
I’m truely starting to think this treatment is not working for me as my Derm nurse and every website I’ve read say that most people break out worse Initially but it settles down after a couple of weeks, but it’s been 8 for me and it hasn’t settled aaaaaaaagggggghhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don’t have any spots my body thankfully,they are all slap bang on my face. I’ve had the worst week ever having to face people at work with these huge crusty spots. My face skin is so fragile and my lips have gone from just dry to burning and I’m paranoid about sunburn so despite this glorious weather I know I have to cover up.
I am feeling very stressed again,the tablets make me feel about 90 and the side effects are really cr*p! I’m sure my poor husband must be sick of me moaning about how awful I look and feel 
My next hospital appt in next Thursday but to be honest I don’t think I can do another 8 weeks as unless I see a rapid improvement as the side effects and stress are getting to me big time.
If anyones skin got worse and took ages before their treatment worked but are now honestly spot free, help?!
Apologies to all for my negative blog
Louise x
I’m on my 10th week of roaccutaine and my skin isn’t any better. I’m on 50mg and have very dry lips, fatigue, aches and pains, dry nose, nose bleeds. I went swimming and regretted it for days after as I was in agony!
I actually feel as if my skin is getting worse so I’m thinking that perhaps the side effects aren’t worth it after all. I have around 6 weeks to go and don’t know if it’s going to make any difference to be honest. I was hoping to be alot clearer by now
.
I too feel like an old woman! limping about the place and complaining about stiff joints etc. I’m sure people are sick listening to me too. I just can’t wait to see results(if that happens) and get off this medication.
I’m sorry I don’t have a positive story to tell but hopefully I will have soon!
Suze x
- Suze on May 29, 2012 at 9:44 pm
Hi Suze
I totally sympathise with you.
I’ve just come back from the hospital with my medication for another 4 weeks. I actually broke down in front of the Derm nurse when she asked me how I was and I told her I didn’t think it was working and I feel so crap.
She was really nice and said that I’m very unlucky that I’m getting nearly all of the horrible side effects (I think she usually deals with teenagers not 40 year olds!) however the spots on my face are flattening and I shouldn’t get so many new ones. She said she’d never known anyone not to improve and pursuaded me to carry on for the next 8 weeks.
So I’ve come home made a cuppa and decided I need to get a grip and beat my acne once and for all!
I just wish I’d been referred in the winter and then I could have worn a balaclava for 16 weeks!
As you are 2 weeks ahead of me let me know how you are doing.
Louise x
- Louise on May 31, 2012 at 2:42 pm
Hey,
Sorry to hear about your experiences. Stick at it though – we have nothing to lose! I’m really frustrated too – I’ve been on roaccutane for 9 weeks and if anything my skin is worse. I had average/mild acne. The first four weeks, I was put on a half dose – did anyone else have this?
Almost everyone else seems to say their skin clears up in three weeks – and here I am at 9, with new spots still coming up everyday. I’d really love to hear from anyone who had a late transformation on roaccutane – it would give me hope!
Luckily, for anyone thinking about going on roaccutane – I’m not having many side effects and am finding it manageable. The skin on my face is fragile (not necessarily ‘dry’), but face only. This makes spot healing quite a lot harder. My lips are obviously a nightmare, and the sides of my mouth crack. The fragile flaking skin on the face can be a social nightmare – I am uncharacteristically avoiding social situations… Which is also handy to try and give my skin a break from makeup. I am a bit achy but only when I exercise. I’ve given up long distance running for a while but I was ok to continue in the first month. Although in the first couple of weeks I did get morning headaches.
My derm nurse is strangely unpleasant actually… no words of advice from her except keep taking it and see you later.
Whilst I’m posting, I may as well share some advice!
Cleanser and moisturiser – Cetaphil
Makeup – has to be non-comedogenic; e.g. mineral powders, certain BB creams or tinted moisturisers – but you have to check everything. Garnier BB cream is ok.
*No products containing any oils at all* I was advised
I put Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream on my lips a few times a day, but you’ll need to also carry round vaseline for frequent application.
I think that’s all!
On the plus, I don’t need to wash my hair often. Haha! No oil production.
Fingers crossed we all get the results soon. I honestly think if I woke up and looked in the mirror at clear rosy skin one day, I’d cry with joy! It would change my life.
Best to you both – I know how you feel and really empathise with your frustration. Hopefully we will hear from people who had delayed improvements!
Jo x
- Jo on June 2, 2012 at 11:56 pm
I just found this link – this sort of gives us hope – we could be on the brink of our miracle moments!
http://www.realself.com/question/accutane-duration-effect-five-months
- Jo on June 3, 2012 at 12:05 am