Accutane for Acne

[Mouse House Mama]

I am almost positive that Accutane was recalled. I would really look into it.

http://www.accutaneclaimcenter.org/

Good luck with making your decision.

 

[wld]

My daughter took this drug for 3 months after being in treatment for moderate acne for 6 years. That was 8 years ago and she has not been on any treatment since. She was photosensitive, but that wasn't new since her other acne meds did the same thing. She used chapstick, but the lips weren't a huge problem. She was 18 at the time. I was hesitant at first too and spoke at length with her dermatologist and her medical doctor (well several of them actually) as well as a pharmacist. We saw a big difference in just the 3 months of treatment.

 

[andymattmom]

Thank you for the replies...I have been reading thru this today. We did get blood work done and filled the prescription. It only cost $10 with the insurance..THANKFULLY! We are going to watch and see how it goes.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

It only cost $10 with the insurance..

DD took it when there was only one company making it. We have a high deductible and I was paying over $500 per month for it.

 

[andymattmom]

DD took it when there was only one company making it. We have a high deductible and I was paying over $500 per month for it.

WOW...noticed on package that we paid $10 and cost was $254 for a generic. Our insurance (Cigna) covers 5 months...she wants a six month course but we will stop at 5 or before if it clears.

 

[DawnCt1]

WOW...noticed on package that we paid $10 and cost was $254 for a generic. Our insurance (Cigna) covers 5 months...she wants a six month course but we will stop at 5 or before if it clears.

Get a specific answer from the physician why she wants a six month course. It may be because the effects from the drug will be more long lasting. If there is a chance of recurrance from ending it early, I would endure the extra month after dealing with it for 5.

 

[elgerber]

My son is finishing up month 2 of the generic version. His skin has done a complete 180. I would not have called his acne cystic most of the time, but it was bad, and the oil was unreal. He would shower and when he got home from school his face would be almost dripping and his hair looked like he hadn't showered in a week. He was 16 in May. We have tried numerous creams and pills and none of them helped. The change now, is amazing!! His only side effect so far is dry lips. He is only on 1 pill a day and it's done wonders. I can actually touch his hair when he gets up in the morning, 24 hours after the last shower and it doesn't feel oily at all.
We were very very nervous to start the treatment, but so far I am soooooooooooo glad we did.
We have a high deductible health plan and the 1 time a day 40mg pills run us $213 a month.

 

[andymattmom]

Update:

We are now on day 6...only side effect is dry lips. I haven't noticed any behavior or mood issues but know that we are early into treatment. I spend 15 minutes with pharmacist discussing med with her...one thing she did say was if you are on generic to stay on the same one (we go to Target all the time so I will continue to fill there--my favorite place anyway). We take it at the same time daily (recommended) and with a meal (recommended).

 

[m&n's mom]

My DS started his treatment in May - he turned 16 in July and has really only experienced the dry lips, dry skin and dry hair. Nothing too bad. He carries around his lip balm and uses sensitive skin lotion (I bought Aveeno) regularly and a light conditioner for his hair. I too was concerned about this med but the dermatologist is a trusted, long time friend and after much discussion was confident in his decision. He did say that the side effects seem to dissipate with time, which has been our experience. I make sure that my DS takes it at the same time every day with a large meal (for us that is dinner) and he has had no experience with stomach difficulties. I have been pushing fluids too (full glass of water with the pill or pills - he takes one - one day and two the next). He had blood work initially - I think twice to check for liver function and there were no problems. We go back to the derm in two weeks. My DS has little to no acne in the last two weeks. The treatment was expected to last 5 - 6 months and then he should be acne free.
I know as mothers we worry but I am glad that we did this given the results - I know that my son feels better about himself. I keep him on a pretty short lease (so to speak) and honestly have been watching his moods and such (which is no small feat with a teenager!). Just be mindful of the side effects and if you notice something different or concerning call the derm immediately - trust your instincts. (I think I was told by the derm and the pharmacist that the worst of the side effects would be more immediate, when the med is taken initially).
I wish your son success and little to no side effects...and peace of mind for you.