I went to the doctor’s in November and managed to get an appointment with the dermatologist in January. He referred me to the hospital for a further appointment with a dermatologist which I have later this month. In the meantime I was required to have blood tests to make sure it’s safe to go on Roaccutane.
Has anyone had any experience with Roaccutane? Are the tablets prescribed straight away?
I’ll keep you posted,
Danielle x
Hi Danielle,
Welcome to the board, I’ve been on Roaccutane for 4 months now and this board has been a great source of support.
My experience was I went seeing the Dermatologist after trying everything, and like you I’ve had acne since I was 11 and I’m now 36. My acne was quite bad in my early twenties and it’s been up and down over the years but I just felt completely fed up. The dermatologist said that Roaccutane is the only thing that works and within in half an hour I had my prescription, got the tablets but then just had to wait a week for the results of my blood test and then I started the tablets. As you would have had your blood test you should get the prescription when you see the Dermatologist.
Side effects wise I have been OK. Dry lips and dry skin are a given but this is manageable with blistex and moisturiser. I also got eye drops for dry eyes. Have a good look at this site, it’s a great source of information. My experience of Roaccutane has been really positive – I’m just pleased that I’ve finally took the bull by the horns and I’m sorting my acne problem once and for all!!
Let us know how you get on Danielle
V x
- Vanessa on February 7, 2013 at 9:49 am
Wow, thank you!
I’m glad it’s going so well for you! I’ve got my appointment next week and I can’t wait to start although I am a bit cautious about the possible side effects.
Have you had any alcohol since you’ve been on them?
Also, do you know if E45 is good to use as a moisturiser on the face?
Thanks
D x
- Danielle on February 11, 2013 at 3:13 pm
Hi Danielle,
I use Simple moisturiser for my face and I know it’s a popular one for others on here. I’m sure E45 will be fine too.
Regarding alcohol, I still have some but not that much. I just make sure that I throw in a few soft drinks too. I just found that I get more headaches since being on R and keeping hydrated helps. I did speak to my Derm nurse about alcohol and she said it’s OK, just in moderation. In other words, don’t get hammered!:-) I’m a lightweight anyway so it’s not a problem for me.
Try not too worry about the side effects too much. You will find that most of them there is something that helps. For example moisturiser, blistex, eye drops etc. You don’t get them all at once. Also your body does adjust. Just going from my own experience and most people on here, once you have been on the R for a month you just get on with it and don’t obsess over the side effects. It’s nerve wracking at first but you don’t think about being on it after a few weeks.
Be patient though! Good luck x
- Vanessa on February 11, 2013 at 7:33 pm
Thank you so much, you’ve really put my mind at rest. It’s great to talk to someone who’s going through it.
I’ve read about the initial breakout, was that a problem for you? If so, how long did it last and was it an angry breakout or quite mild?
Danielle x
- Danielle on February 11, 2013 at 10:28 pm