Accutane: the controversial acne drug known to some as the miracle pill, and to others as the pill for pain. Since its emergence in 1982, Accutane has built quite the reputation as being both extremely successful yet wields a number of adverse side effects including everything from chapped lips and brittle hair to severe birth defects and heightened cholesterol. Despite these repercussions, millions of acne patients choose to embark on the six-month journey of pills and pregnancy tests in the hopes of achieving a single goal: perfect skin
Now, for those who have never taken Accutane, or are unfamiliar with the drug, you may be wondering: why is this medication so intense? Accutane is a vitamin A overdose that stops oil production in the body. This leads to symptoms such as extremely dry skin, joint aches and headaches, nosebleeds, and in some cases depression. However, if you are willing to brave the side effects through six months of treatment, more likely than not, your acne will disappear as Accutane is known for its extremely high success rate of roughly 80% with cured patients never experiencing acne again for the remainder of their lives.
If you google Accutane, 6,670,000 results appear, all of which can tell you the details of each symptom and the exact functioning of the drug, but beyond the medical aspects of the pill, what is it really like to be on Accutane? Well, I am here to tell you.
Currently, I am entering my sixth and final month of Accutane, and while I have noticed improvement in my skin, I am still left wondering whether or not taking this drug was the right decision for me. As a teenager and young adult, I suffered from mild to severe acne, much of which came in the form of small raised bumps known as ́ ‘Milia”. After trying what felt like thousands of topical treatments and prescription pills, I became tired of not receiving the results I desired, and so my dermatologist suggested Accutane.
I began taking the drug in August and was taken back by how quickly the effects of the pill took hold. Almost immediately, my lips and face became dry- symptoms felt by 90% of patients according to aocd.org– and soon after my joints began to ache. These symptoms were uncomfortable but manageable, and so I trudged on. During months 1 through 3, my skin went through a process known as “purging” in which all of the oil and “gunk” as my dermatologist would say is pushed to the surface forcing your skin to break out in an effort to rid the skin of all potential acne. This process was intense, and I began to break out in places on my face that before taking Accutane had always remained clear. This period was extremely difficult and it took a toll on my self-confidence as well as my confidence in the drug. My skin flaring with cystic acne and white heads, wondered: will this really work?
Finally, by month 4, my question seemed to be answered. My skin cleared up and began to resemble the final product of smooth, acne-free skin I had often seen on google when searching “Accutane before and after”. However, as my skin cleared, my symptoms became worse. Upon reading the results of my monthly blood test, my doctor informed me that my triglyceride levels (the concentration of natural fats and oils in the blood) had increased a significant amount putting me at risk of acute pancreatitis. This occurs within 30% of patients taking Accutane, but nevertheless I was scared. I was instructed to stop nearly all sugar intake and was put on medication to control my rising triglycerides levels. Luckily, this solved the problem, but the experience made me question my priorities; healthy body or pretty skin?
After deep consideration and an additional medical evaluation, I decided to continue the drug. At this point I was enterinng month 5; my dose was doubled and to my suprise and horror, my skin had returned to breaking out. Once again, I became upset as I was not seeing the results I had been promised. However, my doctor reassured me that every patient reacts to the treatment differently, some clear up within the first month and some continue to breakout until 3 months after the course ends.
Now in the midst of month 6, my breakouts have stopped, and for the first time I am able to go about my day makeup free and confident in my appearance. As difficult as it was to reach this point, I am grateful I pushed on through the dry lips and sugarless meals because the feeling of confidence and freedom I have gained is worth the six months of pokes, prods, and pills.
To those considering Accutane, my advice to you is to really think about it before you decide to begin the course. Consult with your dermatologist and try as many other methods as possible before resorting to a demanding drug with severe side effects. Make sure the decision is right for you and be sure you are willing to go through the entire course of medication (otherwise it will not work). There are multiple ways to cure acne; Accutane is just one of many. To those of you who are on Accutane currently: wait it out. While it may seem to be ineffective, or even making your skin worse, know that with time it will fulfill its promise; patience is key.
From myself and the Accutane veteran community: Good Luck!