My Personal Experience with Roaccutane's First Period Effects

Introduction

Discovering the effects of Roaccutane during its first period can be a challenging and sometimes overwhelming experience. As someone who has personally gone through this journey, I understand the importance of sharing my story to help others going through the same situation. In this article, I will provide an honest account of my personal experience with Roaccutane's first-period effects. Whether you are considering starting Roaccutane or are already on this medication, my aim is to provide you with valuable insights that will help you navigate this transformative period with confidence and ease. Join me as I delve into the world of Roaccutane and share my journey.

Images: Chin, cheek, nose, before using Roaccutane. 

My decision to try Roaccutane for acne Treatment

In my pursuit of finding a solution, I experimented with numerous treatments over the course of several years. Some proved to be more effective than others. For a considerable period, I relied on the duac cream, as it provided some relief and showed signs of improvement. However, there were instances when its effectiveness seemed to diminish. After experiencing a prolonged period of acne, I made the decision to reach out to my general practitioner by completing an online form. The response I received mentioned a specific treatment option for individuals with severe acne, similar to my own condition. At that moment, I learned that Roacutanne capsules could be used for acne treatment.

After researching Roaccutane online and learning about its potential side effects, I made the decision not to pursue that option. Instead, I opted to continue using the Duac cream for several additional months.

During another instance of experiencing a sudden outbreak of acne, I made the decision to reach out to a specialist doctor. My intention was to undergo a thorough examination in hopes of discovering any potential treatments that could prove beneficial and that I may have been unaware of up until that point.

When discussing the treatment that my general practitioner had suggested, she believed it was the most appropriate option. I shared my concerns about potential side effects, and she reassured me by explaining that some of them were extremely uncommon. She further advised that any common side effects could be effectively managed with complementary products.

The first time I used Roaccutane.

Before I could begin taking the medication, a blood test was required as part of the prescription process. This initial test had to be completed before taking the first capsule, and a second one was necessary a few months later. In addition to using Roaccutane, I also incorporated other products into my skincare routine. These included applying Duac cream to my face and using two additional items: Acnecide face wash and Cetraben facial moisturizer. In order to keep my lips hydrated, I purchased a basic Nivea lip balm for moisturising purposes.

During my initial encounter with this treatment, I experienced a high level of anxiety. Although I was under the care of a doctor, this type of therapy was unfamiliar to me. To alleviate my concerns, I thoroughly read the instructions on the packaging and extensively researched NHS articles online. These efforts were aimed at ensuring that I followed the prescribed procedure accurately and confidently.

As a result of my night job during that period, I arranged the essential daily care required for the treatment based on this timetable. Without fail, I would consume Roaccutane immediately after a meal, precisely at 7 o'clock.

The side effects during the first period of Roaccutane

Throughout the course of the treatment, I stuck to my regular routine. Within the first ten days, I began noticing subtle alterations in my facial appearance. At first, there was a minor outbreak that lasted from day ten to around day twenty or twenty five. Numerous small boils emerged, often containing white pus.

Over the course of the initial two weeks of my treatment, I encountered a minor instance of bleeding on my lips while eating. This occurrence signalled that Roaccutane was already taking effect and highlighted the inadequacy of the moisturiser I had purchased in hydrating my lips sufficiently. Consequently, I promptly switched to using a small, ordinary gel instead. I didn't observe any significant adverse reactions mentioned on the packaging, except for slight throat redness. This provided comforting reassurance.

Images: Chin, nose, one month and seven days, using Roaccutane.  

The second session

During the second session, which occurred towards the end of the second month of treatment, I had another chance to converse with my dermatologist and evaluate my improvement. By that time, it was clear that there was a noticeable change in my facial appearance—the acne had vanished, and I experienced no more difficulties while shaving.

The thing that impressed me the most and made the biggest impact on me was how stable everything was. Unlike with other treatments, there were no acne flare-ups, which gave me peace of mind and encouraged me to stick with it until the end. This part was good for my health and made me even more determined to keep doing it.

After visiting a clinic for a second blood test, the dermatologist provided me with another prescription to repurchase my capsules that were running low. In addition, he suggested trying QV Intensive Ointment as a more potent lip moisturiser and Daktacort 2%/1% w/w Ointment as an anti-redness cream. Meanwhile, I continued using Acnecide and Cetraben for my skincare routine.

Some Tips

1) Initially, I didn't give much importance to hydrating my lips. Consequently, I purchased a basic moisturizer. However, this is actually one of the initial indications of Roaccutane's effects. Therefore, it is crucial to be mindful of lip moisturization right from the start.

2) Because of my job in the nights, I didn't expose my face to the sun very often. However, it's important to be cautious and purchase a high-quality sunscreen for skin protection.

3) It's possible for your eyes to become more dry and red. It is advisable to use eye drops.

4) By following a regular skincare regimen and staying well hydrated, you can effectively mitigate the primary adverse effects of Roaccutane, such as dryness and redness. However, if more serious side effects like pain in the back, intense headaches, or depression occur, it is crucial to promptly inform your dermatologist. They will assess whether adjusting the dosage or discontinuing the medication entirely is necessary. Remember to prioritise open communication with your doctor to ensure optimal treatment outcomes.

Conclusion

Being a sensitive person, I was apprehensive about using this medication. Nevertheless, it proved to be the right decision. Although there were minor negative side effects in the initial stages of my treatment, these were manageable. The most significant impact was the stabilisation of my acne. While many treatments remain volatile and prone to fluctuations, Roaccutane proves to be a reliable and long-term solution for many patients suffering from persistent acne.

Note 1: Two links, for more informations.

- NHS Uk  https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/isotretinoin-capsules/about-isotretinoin-capsules/

-KHS NHS UK https://www.kch.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/pl-1018.1-skin-care-routine-while-taking-isotretinoin.pdf

Note 2: None of the above constitutes professional medical advice or replaces it. We always seek the opinion of a specialist, especially for such a significant treatment.

Note 3: I receive no pecuniary or other benefit from the products presented above. This is merely a guide to the products I've used to treat my own acne, under the instructions of a dermatologist.