LaytonC
Slavic dolls are the best
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I see a lot of talk about Accutane, isotretinoin, so I felt like making a guide discussing what it is, what it does, etc.
Accutane is just a brand name for a medication called isotretinoin(oral medication) that is a form of vitamin A and aids to stop production of oil in the skin
Typically this is a medication that people take when they severe acne and have tried other treatment options without success. These other treatments would include OTC items like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids. If those aren't effective its recommended to seek help from a dermatologist who will most likely prescribe antibiotics--tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, etc.-- these are all meant to help kill bacteria that cause acne. After trying these solutions and need promising results Accutane will then become part of the discussion.
Isotretinoin works by shrinking sebaceous(oil) glands allowing less oil to be made helping decrease the number of clogged pores, kills acne causing bacteria, and calms inflammation thus stopping breakouts.
The first couple weeks not many changes will be noticeable then a "purge" will happen. Your acne will get extremely bad as your clogged pores and impurities will be brought near the surface, inflammation will get worse, and while the oil glands are being shrunk they can react by producing irregularly high amounts of oil. This phase personally lasted about 4 weeks.
If they do not stop and continue to get worse please speak to your doctor.
You will typically cycle this medication for 4-6 months and many will do a second round if taken at a young age or is the acne comes back
The cost for the medication can get pretty pricey depending on insurance coverage and where you are from. I live in the US and had good insurance coverage so I was paying roughly 40$ a month. The monthly doctor visits and lab tests(blood--to monitor liver function, lipid levels, and general health monitoring--and pregnancy tests--if female) can add more cost if not covered. If money is an issue get generic isotretinoin instead of a brand name like Absorica and seek a local community clinic.
As mentioned above this medication does require a prescription and cannot be legally bought without one(please do not be ignorant and buy it from some shady website just get a prescription and stay safe) so consult a dermatologist. You will also have to enroll in a program called iPLEDGE in which youll agree to not have sex without being safe(condoms, birth control, etc) and agree to taking the monthly bloodwork.
This is a very serious medication in which many dangerous side affects can occur along with minor ones.
Serious side effects: birth defects, mood changes that can range all the way down to extreme depression, liver problems, vision issues, and increased cholesterol and/or triglycerides
Minor side effects: dry lips, dry skin, joint pain, nosebleeds, and sun sensitivity
People with mental health issues, liver problems, and high cholesterol are advised to stay away from taking isotretinoin
My personal experience and advice as someone who has taken it twice(13 and 16) try other medications and solutions first as this medicine is very serious and can lead to serious complications. Chapstick is a must as well as sunscreen. Your lips will have skin just flaking off and be constantly bleeding and you will severely burn from only minutes in the sun. If youre able to afford a humidifier works magic to stop the nosebleeds. Joint pain is no joke if youre athlete maybe wait until the off season to take the medication to avoid as much joint pain as possible. Depression also isnt a joke. I had to switch the brand of medication as it caused extreme mood swings, suicidal thoughts, suicidal tendencies, etc. Think about downgrading your skin care routine. Stop using harsh cleansers and exfoliates to avoid irritation just stick to your light cleanser and a good quality hydrating lotion.
The silver lining is despite the possible complications it works miracles. This medication will clear your skin like no other and after the initial purge your skin will be the best its ever been.
I hope this is helpful to anyone considering taking isotretinoin or for informing those who do not know about it
Accutane is just a brand name for a medication called isotretinoin(oral medication) that is a form of vitamin A and aids to stop production of oil in the skin
Typically this is a medication that people take when they severe acne and have tried other treatment options without success. These other treatments would include OTC items like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids. If those aren't effective its recommended to seek help from a dermatologist who will most likely prescribe antibiotics--tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, etc.-- these are all meant to help kill bacteria that cause acne. After trying these solutions and need promising results Accutane will then become part of the discussion.
Isotretinoin works by shrinking sebaceous(oil) glands allowing less oil to be made helping decrease the number of clogged pores, kills acne causing bacteria, and calms inflammation thus stopping breakouts.
The first couple weeks not many changes will be noticeable then a "purge" will happen. Your acne will get extremely bad as your clogged pores and impurities will be brought near the surface, inflammation will get worse, and while the oil glands are being shrunk they can react by producing irregularly high amounts of oil. This phase personally lasted about 4 weeks.
If they do not stop and continue to get worse please speak to your doctor.
You will typically cycle this medication for 4-6 months and many will do a second round if taken at a young age or is the acne comes back
The cost for the medication can get pretty pricey depending on insurance coverage and where you are from. I live in the US and had good insurance coverage so I was paying roughly 40$ a month. The monthly doctor visits and lab tests(blood--to monitor liver function, lipid levels, and general health monitoring--and pregnancy tests--if female) can add more cost if not covered. If money is an issue get generic isotretinoin instead of a brand name like Absorica and seek a local community clinic.
As mentioned above this medication does require a prescription and cannot be legally bought without one(please do not be ignorant and buy it from some shady website just get a prescription and stay safe) so consult a dermatologist. You will also have to enroll in a program called iPLEDGE in which youll agree to not have sex without being safe(condoms, birth control, etc) and agree to taking the monthly bloodwork.
This is a very serious medication in which many dangerous side affects can occur along with minor ones.
Serious side effects: birth defects, mood changes that can range all the way down to extreme depression, liver problems, vision issues, and increased cholesterol and/or triglycerides
Minor side effects: dry lips, dry skin, joint pain, nosebleeds, and sun sensitivity
People with mental health issues, liver problems, and high cholesterol are advised to stay away from taking isotretinoin
My personal experience and advice as someone who has taken it twice(13 and 16) try other medications and solutions first as this medicine is very serious and can lead to serious complications. Chapstick is a must as well as sunscreen. Your lips will have skin just flaking off and be constantly bleeding and you will severely burn from only minutes in the sun. If youre able to afford a humidifier works magic to stop the nosebleeds. Joint pain is no joke if youre athlete maybe wait until the off season to take the medication to avoid as much joint pain as possible. Depression also isnt a joke. I had to switch the brand of medication as it caused extreme mood swings, suicidal thoughts, suicidal tendencies, etc. Think about downgrading your skin care routine. Stop using harsh cleansers and exfoliates to avoid irritation just stick to your light cleanser and a good quality hydrating lotion.
The silver lining is despite the possible complications it works miracles. This medication will clear your skin like no other and after the initial purge your skin will be the best its ever been.
I hope this is helpful to anyone considering taking isotretinoin or for informing those who do not know about it
