Roaccutane

Little_Lady · 06-09-2004, 09:43 PM

Sorry i assume this is the right section. I was on Roaccutane several years ago. It's a drug which can only be prescribed by a specialist (i believe) When i was on it i had to have regular blood tests for some reason.like once a week i think. can't remember why but i had to avoid things high in vitamin A & had to use protection because this med causes deformities to the baby if i got pg. It cleared my skin up perfect for years but now its started coming back & i'm quite conscious of it.My question is,well are:

*Is this med helpful for treatment of pcos? Its not meant to be a long-term treatment cos its got quite a lot of side-effects.Is it dangerous? n is it worth it cos it only controls the symptoms for a while?

*Has anyone been on this & what was their experience of it?

Thanks xx

KlassicalKat · 06-09-2004, 10:06 PM

My son had to do two courses of Roaccutane (called Accutane in the US here).

So, I only know it from the perspective of a teen male taking it, so won't be able to help with the PCOS factor....however...

Like you, the first round cleared up his acne, but then months later, it reappeared. The dermatologist said that this happens with some people...that one course is not enough. He upped the dosage slightly on the second round and my son's acne finally cleared, pretty much for good (he does still get an occasional spot here and there, as he is 18).

Accutane (or Roaccutane) is derived from Vitamin A and so ingesting more Vitamin A on top of that could be toxic. The blood tests, which my son had also, are to determine if the body, especially the liver is processing this potent Vitamin A rich medication.

You are right about Roaccutane or Accutane causing horrific birth defects! DO NOT USE IT IF YOU ARE TTC!!!

The side effects for my son weren't too bad...a little bit of a sore back during the first course and very dry, chapped lips both times he took it (because from what I understood, the medication is shutting down production of the oil glands that cause the oily skin and acne).

The dermatologist tried other meds (antibiotics, and topical cremes and such) but Accutane was the only thing that finally got rid of my son's severe cystic acne.

So, perhaps you might need to take it again. But, please be careful if you do...it is NASTY stuff! So strong!

Kathryn

Little_Lady · 06-16-2004, 05:47 PM

Thanks for replying Kathryn. Doesn't seem like many here have heard of it lol. Glad ur son's skin is much better xxx

KlassicalKat · 06-16-2004, 08:54 PM

Hmm, I wish there were more responses for you! Perhaps if you called it Accutane instead of Roaccutane, as I am not sure if many in the US know that it has a different name over there.

There used to be a very sweet sister from Scotland a year or two ago (I forget who!) who posted a lot about her Roaccutane experiences. She had an ongoing thread about her experiences while on it. I wonder if that would still be on there if you did a search. I believe she called it "My Roaccutane Journal".

I am sure you can't be the only one haven taken this. Hopefully more people will respond to this thread, or like I said, you could repost it under "Accutane" name.

Best of luck to you!

Kathryn

Little_Lady · 06-17-2004, 03:46 PM

Thanks lol. i'll do a search

see u around the boards xx