Accutane?

[WhateverLolaWants]

My sister was on it the 90s and regrets it. Her acne (TMI ahead) would umm, "pop" while she would just be sitting in class, which was more devastating than just having acne. The biggest problem for her afterwards was that accutane causes excessive wound healing so she came out of it with a lot of scarring. Last year (maybe the year before?) she spent thousands of dollars on some sort of laser treatment to fix it. She is also currently investigating some IBS-type symptoms with a GI doctor. We're not sure if it's related to the medication or not, but GI problems is a possible side effect.

I think it's just a matter of outweighing the risks and benefits. I definitely think people who try it for moderate acne are just silly. I had a derm recommend it to me and I was just dealing with small breakout. I think it should be a last resort.

 

[mackeysmom]

I do some freelance writing for the internet and over the summer I wrote 10+ articles on "accutane and depression", "accutane lawsuits", "accutane and inflammatory bowel disease", etc.

Based on the research I've done, I wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole.

 

[Jaime4004]

I took it about 15 yrs ago. Had the usual dry skin, sensitive skin so bad on my feet that I have scars from blisters just from walking to class (this was in college), sun sensitivity, elevated cholesterol and liver function tests (all resolved after coming off it) and worst of all joint pain. Felt like an old lady in college. Like everyone else, I had tried every cream and antibiotic on earth, which also had their side effects, with no results. In spite of all the side effects, I'd do it again if necessary. Completely cleared up my skin. I would only let one of my kids try it if they had severe acne, resistant to therapy, not just normal teen acne...

 

[MIGrandma]

Our DD took it when she was 16 or 17, she is now 31. The only side effects she had were the dry lips and sun sensitivity. She did have to sign a paper with the dermatologist stating that if she were to get pregnant she would agree to an abortion. Thankfully that never became a problem. She had terrible acne for 3-4 years and tried a lot of over-the-counter stuff. The accutane cleared it up and her senior pictures were beautiful. She's never had any inflammatory bowel problems nor depression from taking it.

 

[Buckalew11]

I have a niece and a nephew who took it.

It helped them both, to an extent. My nephew-- it seemed to help but he had trouble with his bloodwork. Had to see a specialist to get it straightened out.

My niece--had a lot of side effects and it did not clear up her face! She probably lost about well over 1/2 of her hair. Anyway, they certainly do regret using it since it did not work for her. she's a sophomore in college now and her face is in much, much better shape.

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

DS#1 had severe acne and after months of topicals, antibiotics, etc, he opted for Accutane at the age of 17. His only side effects at the time were dry lips and mouth. Within a year he developed bowel symptoms but more or less kept them to himself until it was no longer possible. He was later diagnosed with Crohn's Disease. Most people take Accutane successfully, get rid of their acne, minimize the terrible scarring that comes with it, but on occasion, someone gets Crohn's Disease. We have no history of any inflammatory bowel disease on either side of the family, so it appears to be more than coincidence. We never made the association between the Crohns and the Accutane but one has been made recently. In his words, he was glad to get rid of the acne but if he had to chose between acne and Crohns, he would take the acne any day.

I read a similar post by you over the weekend when I did a search for Crohns...oldest DD has a bone disease related to Crohns, and I spent 7 1/2 hours in an ER with DD#2 with the outcome being possible Crohns (further testing necessary). I had wanted to ask DS's doctor about Accutane for my son, but no way now. I wonder if they ask at this point if there's a history of Crohns? I'm glad I read about it here. Thank you!

 

[brenalexacamp]

I took it in college- then had a baby(after being off it for a few years) had great results- had a bit of a relapse, decided to go on it again. Had a big bout with depression. Like paralyzing depression. Out of the blue, never had a sad day in my life previously, finished the 2nd course and then got pregnant with my second child. probably 3 years after the 2nd course. Years of therapy and Zoloft on and off, my second child has Down Syndrome- I know they say it has nothing to do with the Accutane but .........things go through your mind. Then I had a 3rd child. I got contacted a few years ago as part of a study I gave permission for them to contact me-like 20 yrs later. Depression seems to be the big thing- I have been on Zoloft forever now. I struggle everyday with it trying to keep my head afloat.

My mom suffered so bad there were days we had to stay with an aunt. She would be in bed for days. I know it's hereditary but I think the Accutane maybe triggered something to make it come out?
On the other hand- cystic acne is aweful!!! It is painful and it does a number on self esteem. It has to be a family decision, a few cysts or covered? Tried everything else yet or just beginning? Get as much info as you can and maybe visit two or even three dermatologists to gather enough info to make an informed decision. have courage.

 

[AshleyW]

DF took it in high school. It was literally the only thing that would even help his acne. But it worked absolutely wonderfully, the only side effect he had was dry skin on his hands. But if he made sure to slather on the lotion, it usually wasn't a problem.

 

[mnrose]

I took it in my mid-30's after battling severe acne for more than 20 years. My only regret is not doing it sooner. I was monitored carefully while on it, and had to use two forms of birth control while on it to prevent pregnancy. Had the dry lips, and dry skin, but no other symptoms at all. Worked well for me.

 

[C.Ann]

I do some freelance writing for the internet and over the summer I wrote 10+ articles on "accutane and depression", "accutane lawsuits", "accutane and inflammatory bowel disease", etc.

Based on the research I've done, I wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole.

I have read so much about this and would not take it as an adult - let alone give it to a child or teen.. My adult DD suffers from serious acne issues, asked two different dermatogolists about using this product and they both said absolutely not.. The risks far outweigh the benefits - when looking at the potential long term medical complications..

 

[disney kid at heart]

Autoimmune diseases run in my family so I am thinking this might not be the best idea.

That is the problem with alot of medications. Alot of families do not know hx of family members and that is why some ppl that get certain immunizations, meds etc can end up with serious complications. So glad you know about the autoimmune hx.