Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Flip

1 2

Original poster

To ask what you think about Roaccutane?

38 replies

LisaF8 · 22/10/2018 11:37

I got to the pint where Ifeel like giving up on myself. Life has been shit this year, especially since the summer and I'm hanging by a thread. Every single day is a battle and I'm tired of getting up in the morning and on top of all the sh*t thats going on in my life I look in the mirror and see my skint that is covered in acne. It's sore it's itchy it's painful and I could burst into tears.

I am 26 and been diagnosed with PCOS. It's (well I believe) all hormonal. I tried all sorts of things both prescribed and off the shelf from boots/pharmacy. Nothing helps.
I also get very bad migraines so the pill is not an option. Also I was on the pill for about 4 years and I so wish I had never done that. Not for me.
I got an appointment with my GP next week(he is utter rubbish btw) and will bring my skin up again. I'm thinking maybe I ask him if I could take roaccutane. I was so against it before as heard awful stories about it but I don't know what else to do. It's my face and I don't think I can cope with looking like this any longer.

OP posts:

janaus · 22/10/2018 11:42

It fixed my teenage son’s acne completely. But we were warned it could cause depression, and to keep an eye on him. It didn’t.

Merryoldgoat · 22/10/2018 11:44

My friend had it late teens. It was miraculous for her. She had some of the nose severe acne I’ve ever seen and the roaccutane was life changing for her.

MrTrebus · 22/10/2018 11:46

Roaccutane is amazing you're old enough for it not to mess around too much with your hormones and make you feel dow plus you feel down anyway due to your face. On Roaccutane they make you take the pill as you absolutely cannot get pregnant whilst you're on it (they make you take a pregnancy test each time before giving you a new pack of pills) so you would have to speak to them about an alternative if you can't take the pill

Please don't ask your GP for Roaccutane what you need to ask for it a dermatology referral. The dermatologist in the hospital will then assess you as there are many other treatments besides roaccutane.

I was in your shoes with PCOS and around age 28 when I did it and it was the best thing I ever did and 6 years on my skin is still perfect completely spot free but you have to jump through hoops with the GP first and then the referral takes a while. if you can afford to then go private and pay to see a dermatologist in a private hospital. If you're happy to wait then wait.

In the mean time there are things you can do to help, adopt a healthy lifestyle and lose some weight if you need to. This helps both your PCOS and your skin. Above it keep a positive mind set and do things you enjoy. Life is not all about skin, do things to cheer yourself up and let the rest follow. See a different GP if you need to.

Perso25 · 22/10/2018 11:47

Cleared up my horrendous skin late skins. Don't remember any side effects.

Was very happy with result!

I haven't looked into what the bad experiences have been for some though?

KC225 · 22/10/2018 11:55

I used to work for a Dermatologist and they only prescribed Roaccutane under strict follow ups and frank discussions about possible sides like depression. I remember talking to a young woman and her saying it was like she had been given a second chance at life and she couldn't have been more than 20.

Mari50 · 22/10/2018 11:56

I took roaccutane for acne when I was 35, worked miracles and my skin has been clear ever since.
Through the treatment my skin was very thin, prone to easy scratches/bleeding. Lips were chapped and I had nose bleeds. My eyes were ok but could get dry. My hair was amazing and I only had to wash it once a week when it felt dirty instead of daily because of oiliness.
Subsequently my skin is thinner than I think it would have been had I not used the drug and my décolletage has looked like that of a 50 year old since I was 38. I’m happy enough with that as my acne was impacting massively on my life and self esteem.
However, through the course of my work I’ve come into contact with two young men with very poor eyesight (registered blind/partially sighted) which has been attributed to their use of roaccutane and I’ve heard of someone else with significant kidney problems after using it so while it’s amazing if you get on with it, it should be taken after a lot of consideration.
Good luck.

Original poster

LisaF8 · 22/10/2018 12:02

I definitely can't take the pill but been super careful and have never had to take a pregnancy test. We have been using condoms for the last 3 years and never had an issue. I don't know if that's enough reassurance for my docs tho 🙄😳
I am not overweight(5'7 and 55kg) period is light but regular and always on time. I couldn't tell that I have PCOS the only side effect I have is the acne and well the lighter period. I'm dreading this tho. Life has been difficult recently with work and family and work and family, so drained mentally.

OP posts:

Cjngs · 22/10/2018 12:08

GPS can't prescribe roaccutane only dermatologist.
Completely cleared up my ds1 and now after a year my ds2 is being prescribed it and he can't wait.
A year because gp made him have generic antibiotics for 6 months before agreeing to refer him then a 6 month waiting list for the dermatologist.
So it can take a while. My ds2 follows acne skin care that Caroline hirons has on her cheat sheets which keeps his acne mild compared to his brother when we'd never heard of acid toning and double cleansing.

ineedtostopbeingsolazy · 22/10/2018 12:19

My dd is on roaccutane and it's clearing her skin really well, she's got another few months on it but the difference is amazing.

You'll need a dermatologist to prescribe it and I'm sure they like you to try all the other things first. She was prescribed creams and antibiotics which worked well for a few years but then stopped working, so she was referred to dermatology and got roaccutane.

You have to have regular blood tests and you must take the pill. I don't think they'll give it to you if you don't take the pill.
And you have monthly pregnancy tests.

There are side effects but she's on a lower dose (for longer time) and she copes ok with them.
There is a risk of depression and suicidal thoughts but so far she's fine. She's on ssri anyway so I keep a very close eye on her but there's no escalation of any symptoms.

She's definitely so much happier, it was bringing her down so much.

Original poster

LisaF8 · 22/10/2018 12:38

I have had antibiotics and some prescribed creams before. This has been an ongoing issue for years. I'll speak to the GP as he has to refer me to the dermatologist anyway. Bit worried about the pill situation tho as I can't take that for sure.

OP posts:

Mari50 · 22/10/2018 14:16

Roaccutane is teratogenic which is why contraception is so important. If the pill is a non starter then you need to discuss this carefully with the dermatologist. You can’t fall pregnant though as foetus could be severely damaged.

Original poster

LisaF8 · 22/10/2018 16:05

Yes I just read about that after so many people have commented here that I need to be on the pill. I guess I just have to talk to the right people (gp/dermatologist etc) I do want it to be sorted it has been like this for years and I'm so miserable and my confidence is gone :(

OP posts:

bizzey · 22/10/2018 16:11

My son had been on it for 6 months and it has made a big difference. Agree with Pp it can only be prescribed by a dermatologist. It is quite a serious drug . He has to have blood tests every 3 months.

Dry skin is a big side effects for him. He carries a tub of vasaline for his lips .

Be very very very careful on the " sun " warnings . You are ? Very photsenstve.

Ds went out yesterday's in autumnal blue sky but chilly ...... came back with bright red sun burnt face !!

Good moisturiser is needed and sun cream .

HTH

Alienspaceship · 22/10/2018 16:13

Roaccutane did not work for me.

Inthetropics · 22/10/2018 16:35

Roaccutane is great. I also have PCOS and have the odd zit but nothing like it used to be before treatment.

outnumbered77 · 22/10/2018 16:51

I had it my late teens and it worked wonders. I think they insist on two forms of contraception so coil might be an option if the pill isn't.

Blanchedupetitpois · 22/10/2018 17:01

My only experience with it was an ex flatmate who took it despite a history of mood swings and undiagnosed depression. It really made her into an awful person who persecuted me and my other flatmates relentlessly, to the point where I did a midnight flit. She subsequently stopped taking it and apologised to me about a year later.

Which is not to say that would be your experience! But be very upfront with your doctors if you have a history of mental ill health, so they can advise you appropriately.

Primarystress · 22/10/2018 17:18

It was great when I took it at 17, although I have a scar from a spot I had whilst on it.
I wasn't asked to go on the pill as I said I didn't have a partner, which was the truth.
Incredibly photosensitive skin and dry lips though.

AGHHHH · 22/10/2018 17:19

Can be a miracle drug, I started my second course of it last week. Lips are dry already. Hopefully nothing worse happens.

Chocolala · 22/10/2018 17:31

It worked miracles for me. It’s the most amazing thing ever.

redsummershoes · 22/10/2018 17:38

it's very potent.
it works very well for many people.
it can have very serious side effects that you need to be aware of.
and wrt pregnancy, have a look at additional contaception, like copper coil. it is really really important that you don't get pregnant whilst taking it.

SemperIdem · 22/10/2018 17:39

Op - is the copper coil an option you might consider?

The dermatologist I saw was perfectly happy with that as an alternative to the pill.

I’ve found the results to be brilliant regarding my skin.

Rebecca36 · 22/10/2018 17:40

Can have some adverse effects on liver function, that I know.

I also know people who have let their kids use it and the effect is amazing.

Swings and roundabouts I think. Find a really good dermatologist!

You won't find dermatologist's children with terrible acne and that says something.

Original poster

LisaF8 · 22/10/2018 18:07

I am a bit sceptical about all contraception. I have got friends who got pregnant with the coil or on the pill. I took the pill for years but the migraines were awful, I mean awful and the docs took me off it when I mentioned migraines.im scared of the coil and all the hormonal things. I know it's one way or the other but honestly I trust my boyfriend and myself and not once we did not put a condom on. It has never broken before (touch wood) but even if it did I'd immediately would have known what I'm ought to do. I guess I really just have to see a dermatologist private ones are so expensive tho 😥

OP posts:

babyarz · 22/10/2018 18:09

It worked wonders for me. I was on it last year after years of horrendous skin. I was 27 at the time so it wasn't just teenage hormones. I would recommend it to anyone. No side effects for me at all but everyone is completely different. It changed my life x

Flip

1 2