Growing up comes with many privileges and responsibilities, such as more freedom, driving privileges, and less oversight from adults. Though with all these privileges come with some hardships such as harder schoolwork, a jam packed schedule and acne. Majority of teenagers will have problems with acne at one point or another in their life. While it might seem like the end of the world for teenagers when they encounter their first pimple it is easily treatable through different treatments. These treatments include topical creams that you can get over the counter or prescribed. Though sometimes these creams aren’t enough and a patient might have to take an oral medication.
Oral medications are commonly taken by those who have severe acne. One of the most popular medications is isotretinoin, commonly known as Accutane. Isotretinoin shrinks the oil glands in your body which prevents your pores from clogging and causing acne. The treatment itself usually takes about 4-6 months and if your skin clears up fast then you don’t have to be on the medication for long. For the majority of patients the results are permanent which is a pull factor for many.
The process to even start isotretinoin is strenuous. With tons of forms to fill out and sign, a blood draw, and a pregnancy test. Isotretinoin has a boxed warning assigned by the FDA due to its effect on fetuses. Thanks to this warning, Isotretinoin has its own website called iPLEDGE. When you are first prescribed Accutane, your medical professional will create an account for you which then you are required to fill out a series of questions. Before each monthly dosage you have a window in which you are required to go onto iPLEDGE and fill out comprehension questions. If you have trouble with answering these questions there are plenty of flashcard sets on Quizlet.
Like all medications, Accutane has many side effects. Most of the side effects are shared with those who are prescribed it, but there are some other hidden ones that are often missed:
One of the most common side effects is dryness. Majority of patients find their skin, nose, lips, and even eyes to be dryer than normal. So don’t be surprised when you have a bloody nose or peeling lips. The dryness doesn’t stop at the exterior of your body and even can affect your insides such as your internal organs. One positive that comes out of the dryness is that it also affects your scalp so oily hair isn’t as much of a problem.
Concerning dry skin, your best option is to heavily moisturize your body. In my experience Cerave is the best skincare line for this; with their wide range of products you can most definitely find one that fits your skin at a reasonable price. The facial moisturizer I suggest is the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer. When applying moisturizer if you feel like it is too much, it is probably not enough. With dry lips you should be applying a lip product such as Aquaphor, Burt’s Bees, or any other recommended product. Though certain dermatologists advise against Vaseline as it doesn’t actually moisturize and instead creates a barrier. All of these products can be ordered online or bought in stores without a prescription.
Onto the more unpleasant side effects, nosebleeds can be common the first few weeks when on the medication. To prevent nosebleeds use vaseline and a saline nasal spray to moisturize your nose. Dry eyes are also experienced by many patients so eye drops can help tamp down on the dryness. As said earlier, Accutane also dries out your insides so make sure to drink plenty of water to keep everything running smoothly. Also make sure to have laxatives in your bathroom just in case you run into an issue on the toilet.
Along with dryness your body is prone to aches and pains during the first couple weeks of your treatment. Personally I experience mild headaches and lower back pains; these can easily be treated with over the counter medication such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and Tylenol.
These side effects aren’t just physical but also mental as mental problems such as depression and anxiety. So please let your doctor and mental health professional know if you are experiencing any mental health problems. Your mental health will always be more important than your skin.
Even with the many possible side effects if Accutane interests you please ask your medical professional about it. 10th grader Stella Dyer shared with me “I love Accutane, once you start it you never want to stop it”.
