I used to suffer from acne. From the ages of about 12 to 15 it was at its worst. During these years I often went to the doctor and would be put on various medications, NONE of which worked. These treatments varied from tetracycline (an orally taken antibiotic), Zineryt (a liquid applied directly to the affected areas) and various others creams and lotions.

It was very disheartening to try all these medications and for them not to work. Some in fact made my skin worse, especially the creams containing Benozyl Peroxide as this has a very drying effect. My face became red and raw and very painful. I tried everything, believe me.

When I was 15, eventually I went to the doctors and he agreed to put me on Roaccutane. This can only be prescribed by a dermatologist so I got a referral to the Skin Hospital. I had heard many things about this drug, that it has many side effects but that for many it is a miracle cure. I hoped it would work for me.

* What is Roaccutane?

It contains the active ingredient isotretinoin and it is used to treat severe acne. It belongs to a group of medicines called retinoids, which are similar to Vitamin A.

It works by reducing the amount of the oily substance made by glands in your skin, which reduces bacteria, which reduces inflammation and opens clogged pores.

There are many different types of medicines used to treat acne, as I well know! Roacctane is used for more severe cases which are resistant to other treatments. Your doctor will usually try other, milder treatments before putting you on Roaccutane because of the risks involved in taking it. It is a very strong drug that must be monitored carefully when being taken.

A normal course of treatment will last 4 to 6 months. For the first few weeks of taking Roaccutane the chances are that your acne will probably get a little worse before it gets better (mine did a little bit)

At the end of treatment, your acne should have cleared up significantly. Most patients notice their skin condition continues to improve for up to two months after the treatment is finished. However, some patients may need more than one course of treatment.

Roaccutane cannot improve scars or pitting that were present before treatment started, however it may help prevent such skin damage in the future.

* My Appointment*

When my appointment came, it was horrible. I couldn't wear make up so the doctor could see my skin properly. There was a student doctor there as well, being trained. I felt very self conscious standing there in just a bra as they examined my skin close up, even though I told myself that they did this all the time. With Roaccutane, the amount you take is relative to your weight. I weighed 55 kg so I had to take 55 mg a day, once a day. You have to sign a contract promising not to get pregnant whilst on Roaccutane as it can damage unborn babies. They prefer women to be on the pill but I wasn't, as I was only 15 and it wasn't really necessary. I was given a 3 month dose. You have to have regular check ups whilst on Roaccutane as it can affect your blood.

*The Good*

The good news is that Roaccutane worked better for me than any other medication I had used for my acne. It didn't completely rid me of acne, but after my 3 month dose it was decided that I didn't need another dose.

*The Bad*

There is a huge list of side effects such as dry lips, achy bones, extra sensitive skin and depression. The only side effects I had were dry lips, I made sure I always had vaseline on me to slick onto my lips so it wasn't a huge problem. Another side effect (which could be seen as good or bad) was that I got drunk a lot easier. You are not officially supposed to drink alcohol whilst on Roaccutane but I was on it the summer I finished school and all I did was go out clubbing and drinking.

The other bad news is that gradually the acne has come back. I was told that most peoples' acne clears up by itself in their late teens but mine isn't. It's nowhere near as bad as when I was 12/13 though. I still don't like swimming or going out without make up on. In fact I never do go out without my make up on. The exception to this was last week when there was a fire alarm in the middle of the night at my uni halls. I don't really like my fiance seeing me without make up on, although he obviously does in the mornings. He says I don't have enough confidence. I am probably just overly self conscious because of my earlier experiences. They say that other people never notice your imperfections as much as you do yourself!

If my skin doesn't clear up soon I am going to return to the doctors and ask to go on Roaccutane again. It's supposed to be for severe cases of acne only though, so I don't know whether I will be eligible for it anymore. I'll update this op as and when.

For more information about Roaccutane try these web sites:

www.roaccutane.co.nz

Information about acne, people who can take Roaccutane and possible risks.

www.roaccutaneaction.com

This site is for people and families of people who have suffered effects such as depression and even suicide after taking Roaccutane.

Before I went on the medication myself, I found out about all the risks and decided that it was worth taking the risks as having acne was getting me really down. As I said before, nothing else had worked for me, and I did not just want to wait around for it to clear up by itself. It doesn't matter how many times someone says "it's what's inside that counts". When someone sees your condition every time they look at you, that is horrible.

It is not very nice to take so many chemicals into your body, I prefer natural treatments, but there was no other way and I am glad I took this drug. Although I would not describe it as a wonder drug, it certainly worked well.

If you, or someone you know is thinking of going on Roaccutane, remember it is very strong and will only be prescribed for serious cases of acne, and please find out about all the possible side effects.

I hope this has been helpful.

P.S. This drug is available on prescription only so the price fields are irrelavent.