OT: Accutane

Does anyone have any experience with being on Accutane? My dd is fighting acne and her ped has referred her to a dermatologist and I plan on discussing it with them but I would like to hear from anyone who has first hand experience with it so I can be better prepared what to ask them about. Are there any other meds out there besides Accutane?

Mellie -

I think, several years ago, there was some controversy surround Accutane - that it caused suicidal thoughts in teens using it as acne treatment, etc.  I don't recall any specifics, just that.  I'll check around and see what more I can find for you, but I'm sure the derm will be able to give you more reliable info.

Tia

Mellie -

I use the Mayo Clinic's website for just about everything medical-related, and here's the link for Accutane:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR601821

Hope this helps!

Tia

Tia I believe you are right. I remember my nephew taking it years ago and it did wonders for his skin but I truly don't talk to him or his parents enough to find out if he had any side effects. Im not so much worried about depression as I am worried about longterm things such as birth defects.

I saw on the Doctor's that due to the side effects, most dermatologists only use it in extreme cases.

Have you tried the proactiv?  My SIL swears by it. 

if she has acne because of polycystic ovarian syndrome, there is a medication that is not an acne medication called spirolactone that helped me. in fact, i am going to ask to go back on it. haven't needed it in years.

I suffer from Rosacea (sp?) and the acne that comes with that.  My dermatologist has me using a topical gel called Metrogel, but I think that may be the 'street' name for it, not the true Rx name.  I am constantly getting compliments on my complexion from my family.  I've never had a great complextion but the Metrogel has helped it look it's best ever.  My sister went to her dermatologist and asked for it for 'regular' adult acne and he wrote the Rx. Not sure if she's had it filled yet or not.

Wow lots of possibilities here. Thanks. This will be her first derm visit so im hoping they have some alternatives before they try the accutane but I did want to get informed about it before hand so I would be able to ask questions. Im not sure what is causing her acne but she has tried every OTC thing there is. We have not tried Proactiv because of the cost but she has tried OTC things with the same thing Proactiv has in it. I just feel so sorry for this poor kid. Its hard enough being 14 without having to walk around with big red cheeks full of blistering pustules. Her ped said if we don't do something soon its going to start scarring.

I just know from my years as a medication tech that it has a ton of side effects.  Women have to use 2 forms of birth control while taking it because it can cause severe birth defects if the woman gets pregnant.  I even remember that the individual pills came in bubble packs that were really difficult to open (so its SUPER childproof).