Isotretinoin Claravis (Accutane) treatment Day 1-4

I started the treatment last Thursday which would have been four days ago. I'm surprised how fast the medicine has affected me. The following are some things I've been noticing different the last couple days:

• Anxiety
• Irritable
• Joint pains
• Headaches
• Mild Chapped Lips
• Greasy Face
• Fatigue
• Change of appetite (eating less)

The anxitety has been the major side effect that I've been having a hard time with. I've had trouble with anxitety in the past but didn't think that the reatments would make it worse. My face is greasy becuase I've been applying lotion and not washing it with my normal products because Dr. Jana Parker had asked me to stop using any other treatments. The last few days I haven't been feeling like myself but I was warned of the side effects and how I may be affected. I hope that the next few days start getting better.

Isotretinoin Claravis (Accutane) - First Appointment

In September 2011 I made my first appointment with Jana Parker, a dermatologist at the Riverton Hospital, Salt Lake City UT. She was recommended to me by my Aunt who is also going to her for small skin problems. I've always been unwilling to go the Dermatologist because of my episode with the Penicillin my freshman year in high school. The Penicillin was subscribed to be in an excessive amount and my body reacted harshly to it and ever since my immune system has not been the same. However my first appointment with Jana Parker, md was really fast and she asked the typical questions.

• How long have you had acne?
• Does it run in your family?
• What is your diet and exercise plans?
• What medications have you used and how did they affect you?
• What are things you want to change about your skin now and handle in the future?

She was very nice and professional. She suggested that I use a form of Isotretinoin because of what condition my skin was in and how effective it is. She informed me of all the major warnings and went over the IPLEDGE Program. She express the importance of using two forms of protection. We agreed that since I had the Marina that I should use Men's Latex condoms for my secondary form of protection as it was highly important to proctect myself if I was sexually active. She had informed me of the monthly blood labs and pregnancys test I would have to do. I seemed like I was set and anxitious to start the new treatment.

Isotretinoin Claravis (Accutane) - Background

 I've had acne since I was Twelve and have tried all the following things: 

• Stylistic acid (Clean&Clear products-4 yr)
• Benzoyl Peroxide (ProActive Solutions Kit-4mn)
• Penicillin (oral treatment 500 mg 4xday)
• Various of Topical treatments (over the counter and prescribed by the doctor)

None of the treatments seemed to work except for the Stylistic Acid. I used Clean& Clear Advantage Acne Control kit for years until my hormones changed after I graduated high school. I highly recommend using this kit if you acne is manageable! It worked great for me and didn't leave my skin greasy and it was affordable. After High School in 2010 I got the best of the horrible 15 lbs and my acne also turned from being manageable to a severe case of Pyoderma Faciale (Rosacea Fulminans).  Its been over a year now and I haven't been able to find ANYTHING that will help my face. I started using ProActive in July 2011 and it only made it worse. At this time my acne started getting deeper and even though it removed some of the acne from my cheeks it made it spread to under my chin. I've been unable to touch my face or go into the extreme cold weather without my face hurting me. My acne not only has effected me physical but emotional. I've been able to hide my low self-esteem by either covering it up with pounds of make up or just not letting people know I'm thinking about it. I found that if you don't express it to friends, they wont notice it; High self-esteem is one of the major ways of dealing with your acne!!! However, my high self-esteem or make-up could only cover up what is actually there. Plus by the end of the days, my make up was ruined off.

 I'm writing this blog because as of October 27th 2011, I have started Claravis (Accutane). I believe this will help my progress and dealing with the serious side affects of taking the medication. Wish me luck =) Below are pictures taken of my face before staring Claravis.