Roaccutane

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Hi ladies,

Can you talk to me about Roaccutane please - I have a few questions. Long story short have had acne ever since I was about 15 (I'm 36 now). Some times I can go a couple of weeks with clear skin, often I have breakouts and once every maybe three/four months I have bad breakouts which is what's happening now!

I've tried antibiotics/topical treatments etc which work short term but my latest outbreak has finally got me seriously thinking about roaccutane.

I'm aware of all the side effects etc. My main question is regarding prescriptions - do you just go to a normal dermatologist as I've heard it can take months on the NHS? Also do they generally prescribe you then and there? If I'm going ahead I just want to get started ASAP so it's over and done with as I am getting married in September so want the course to definitely be complete before then (ideally before summer).

My other question is alcohol. I know it's advised not to drink and that's fine, but how bad is it having the odd drink? For example I have a holiday in a couple of months and ideally wouldn't like to be tee total for it, and a few celebrations I would ideally like to have a glass of wine or two. Although obviously not the end of the world if not!

Thanks :)

I had a 6 month course about 15 years ago. Because of the severe side effects, it is very tightly controlled. I had to attend the dermatologist monthly to do pregnancy tests, had blood tests most times that I went and my GP kept in fairly regular contact. I found my appointment card fairly recently in old paperwork and I had a lot of appointments.

I can't remember how much of an issue the alcohol thing is but I do remember being told to stay out of prolonged bright sunlight and when they say that you'll have dry skin, they are not joking. I carried around Carmex constantly.

It did work though. I now only have to use Aknemycin occasionally to maintain my skin.

I don’t know for sure but if a dermatologist takes a look at your skin and feels roaccutane would be helpful then they’d just prescribe it at that appointment, especially as you’ve tried all the other drugs and creams. You you may have to have blood tests first to make sure it’s ok for you. It’s so long ago since DD had it I can’t remember but I seem to remember blood tests were involved at some point.

with alcohol, if you are prescribed roaccutane then ask the dermatologist and follow their advice. It’s a heck of a strong drug and not to be messed with. I hope you get sorted.

Best medication I ever took. Finally cleared up my adult acne! Will reply more about it soon just place marking.

I would be surprised if you could get a course finished by September on the NHS.

I was on the waiting list for a dermatology appointment for a year after a GP referral. I had an initial appointment with the dermatologist for a consultation and blood tests, then I had to wait 6 weeks for another appointment to get my first prescription. I had a 5 month course.

All in all, I had minimal side-effects. But you'll need a very moisturising lipstick on your wedding day if you are taking it or recently finished!

I barely drank on it but definitely did have a few over the course of 5 months and didn't find any issues with that. Wouldn't advise binge drinking of course. I took it 10 years ago. It did take a while to start working so don't give up hope x

Oh, just reread your post you want a private dermatology appointment!

About alcohol, I was told an occasional night with a couple of drinks would be ok. I've heard different advice from dermatologists through friends however.

Hi Op,

I’ve had roaccutane twice, at 16 & a few years ago. Best thing I’ve ever done, both privately due to the NHS wait times.

it’s not cheap, depending on the dose / your weight it can be £60/70 a month etc + private appointment each month around £250 + costs for blood tests and even a pregnancy test every month. It’s tightly controlled. I HAD to be on two forms of contraceptions, no ifs or buts and sign a form to say I wouldn’t get pregnant whilst on it for x period after finishing.

your skin will be super dry and it’s awful, it often gets worse before it gets better. I had sore joints as a side effects, so had to limit HIIT exercises. Drinking wise, was advised to reduce.

although they will often prescribe on first appointment, they might not and might prescribe something else so be prepared for that first. It’s not to be taken lightly and they have a duty of care to ensure it’s right for you.

My daughter had this a few years ago. Best thing we ever did.
She had a blood test before she started to test liver functionality and again after a month of being on Roaccutane.
We saw the dermatologist monthly and she did a pregnancy test at the hospital before she was allowed more pills.
She did have dry skin and dry lips but not joint pain or dry eyes which can be a side-effect. She did have to be careful in the sun while on it.
However the side effects stopped within days after the treatment ended and her skin is clear now.
We're both delighted with the outcome.