Isotretinoin/ Blood Tests

Aquarius1234 · 2024-12-02T13:08:38+00:00

I have been told to start this you need to do a fasting blood test to check for fat levels? I am worried mine will be very high as I am 2/3 stone overweight. I eat meat/ carbs/ desserts all the usual non calorie counting diet. Should I cut down for several weeks before doing the fasting blood test? Also could the results flag anything else, like diabetic? I have had bloods this year but non fasting, most the time normal results. I am late 30s and have't done a fasting blood test since I was 20.

MNHQ

PipMumsnet · 05/12/2024 17:05

Hi OP, we have moved your thread to another board where we suspect you might get a better response.
MNHQ

ThisMustBeMyDream · 05/12/2024 21:54

What is it you're concerned about? That they won't start the meds?
I started it 7 stone overweight. My cholesterol was slightly elevated throughout (5.5-6)- but only after I'd been on the medication. They didn't do a baseline one.
I'm now only 11lb overweight, and completed my Isotretinoin course a few months ago after 15 months on it (and the same amount of time losing weight!). My cholesterol was checked 4 months after stopping and is now borderline (5). It has reduced after stopping meds. I'm having it checked in 6 months more and it will likely have dropped to normal.

Original poster

Aquarius1234 · 06/12/2024 12:58

ThisMustBeMyDream · 05/12/2024 21:54

What is it you're concerned about? That they won't start the meds?
I started it 7 stone overweight. My cholesterol was slightly elevated throughout (5.5-6)- but only after I'd been on the medication. They didn't do a baseline one.
I'm now only 11lb overweight, and completed my Isotretinoin course a few months ago after 15 months on it (and the same amount of time losing weight!). My cholesterol was checked 4 months after stopping and is now borderline (5). It has reduced after stopping meds. I'm having it checked in 6 months more and it will likely have dropped to normal.

Wow that's some weight loss in 18 months!
I'll be lucky to lose a few pounds.
Yeh my concern was that I might not be able to start the medication, plus there is no guarantees it will work plus side effects. All the usual worries. But see what happens.

OP posts:

ThisMustBeMyDream · 06/12/2024 14:30

There definitely wasn't any issue with mine. They seemed to accept that it will be pretty much elevated for the duration of treatment.
It has just been left for the GP to see that it goes back down. The GP was happy with it. So I wouldn't worry too much.
If it helps, it worked beautifully for me, and is still working post treatment. I had a major wobble 2 days after stopping when a face full of spots appeared overnight after being totally clear before the end of the first months treatment. The GP referred me straight back to dermatology. Anyway, within the week they had gone and have never reappeared, so I don't know what it was - but my skin is perfect!
As for side effects - minimal for me. Skin on my eye lids became dry 4 months in and stayed on and off dry until I finished. It was perfectly manageable and I wore make up every day no problem. My contact lenses were fine. Occasional dry lips. No other side effects at all. Oh, other than an amazing one! No greasy hair! I can still go forever without washing my long hair even now! It just doesn't get greasy. I only need to wash it because of a build up of hairspray!
Good luck! It was the best thing I've ever done after 28 years of acne 😊

Original poster

Aquarius1234 · 06/12/2024 15:04

ThisMustBeMyDream · 06/12/2024 14:30

There definitely wasn't any issue with mine. They seemed to accept that it will be pretty much elevated for the duration of treatment.
It has just been left for the GP to see that it goes back down. The GP was happy with it. So I wouldn't worry too much.
If it helps, it worked beautifully for me, and is still working post treatment. I had a major wobble 2 days after stopping when a face full of spots appeared overnight after being totally clear before the end of the first months treatment. The GP referred me straight back to dermatology. Anyway, within the week they had gone and have never reappeared, so I don't know what it was - but my skin is perfect!
As for side effects - minimal for me. Skin on my eye lids became dry 4 months in and stayed on and off dry until I finished. It was perfectly manageable and I wore make up every day no problem. My contact lenses were fine. Occasional dry lips. No other side effects at all. Oh, other than an amazing one! No greasy hair! I can still go forever without washing my long hair even now! It just doesn't get greasy. I only need to wash it because of a build up of hairspray!
Good luck! It was the best thing I've ever done after 28 years of acne 😊

Ah ok, so its not really a long term medication.
I don't have acne with is the funny bit, its been suggested to try for a dry scalp/Scarring condition.
Thanks for the info!

OP posts:

minipie · 06/12/2024 15:13

I’m on it at the moment. I have high cholesterol (6 point something). I’m not overweight- high cholesterol isn’t directly linked to weight so yours may be fine. I was allowed to start it anyway, just with regular checks to make sure the cholesterol not increasing.

It’s now believed that fasting vs non fasting makes little difference to blood cholesterol tests so your previous non fasting results are probably quite reliable. (Although doctors still like to ask for fasting annoyingly). If anything you’d expect higher cholesterol from a non fasting test.

They will make you do a pregnancy check (wee in a cup basically!) and may want you to repeat this for every month’s prescription. They will want you to be on contraception, ideally 2 forms. It can cause nasty birth defects.

They should also warn you about MH effects. Some people find it makes them feel very depressed and there have very sadly been suicides. So please keep an eye on your MH and maybe ask a family member to keep an eye on you too.

It’s not long term no. It’s a cumulative medication and they will be aiming to get you to an overall amount taken, which will be weight based. I’m nearly done and have been on it since March but started very slowly, so I’d say 6-10 months depending on what dose they start you on.

I’m a bit surprised they’re putting you on it as it is a last resort drug due to all the MH issues but I am not a dermatologist!

Original poster

Aquarius1234 · 06/12/2024 15:36

minipie · 06/12/2024 15:13

I’m on it at the moment. I have high cholesterol (6 point something). I’m not overweight- high cholesterol isn’t directly linked to weight so yours may be fine. I was allowed to start it anyway, just with regular checks to make sure the cholesterol not increasing.

It’s now believed that fasting vs non fasting makes little difference to blood cholesterol tests so your previous non fasting results are probably quite reliable. (Although doctors still like to ask for fasting annoyingly). If anything you’d expect higher cholesterol from a non fasting test.

They will make you do a pregnancy check (wee in a cup basically!) and may want you to repeat this for every month’s prescription. They will want you to be on contraception, ideally 2 forms. It can cause nasty birth defects.

They should also warn you about MH effects. Some people find it makes them feel very depressed and there have very sadly been suicides. So please keep an eye on your MH and maybe ask a family member to keep an eye on you too.

It’s not long term no. It’s a cumulative medication and they will be aiming to get you to an overall amount taken, which will be weight based. I’m nearly done and have been on it since March but started very slowly, so I’d say 6-10 months depending on what dose they start you on.

I’m a bit surprised they’re putting you on it as it is a last resort drug due to all the MH issues but I am not a dermatologist!

Yes I'm not sure myself, esp as its mainly just used for acne!
The MH stuff was mentioned, saying well its hard to tell as people tend to have anxiety/ feel down with your condition already. Yes I can't imagine I will continue taking something if it suddenly makes me feel really depressed out of nowhere?
Atm I am up and down with my moods.

Plus the dry skin, I'm thinking well I have dry skin already how strange..
I was on Methotrexate but was told to discontinue two months ago, as it did not seem to work enough? Really annoyed as my condition has just got worse since.
I disliked taking that one, but maybe it wasn't so bad after all.
Problem with Dermatologists most of them have no idea...

OP posts: