So after trying so many different remedies that haven't worked and after realising that somedays my acne made me feel like crap and that they're causing scars, I decided to go to the doctor about it to get something better than the antibiotics I'd been prescribed years previously. I'd already heard quite a bit about Dianette through friends, magazines and the internet so I asked the doctor to prescribe it to me. I've been on it for nearly three months now but I don't think it's having any effects.
Back in December I had an appointment with the Endochrinologist for Hirsutism and she noticed my bad acne so referred me to her friend the Dermatologist. I've had lots of blood tests checking for reasons behind my hirsutism and my acne, mostly checking hormone levels. Everything is apparently normal, except my Prolactin levels are very high but that doesn't cause hirsutism or acne. To me it seems like there's something wrong with my hormones but the doctors say it's normal and there's no reason behind my symptoms. I've also had an ultrasound done to rule put PCOS but apparently I don't have that. Anyway I've been taking Spironolactone for the hirsutism for about a year and a half and this is also supposed to help improve acne but no such luck and to be honest I don't see my legs looking much smoother either.
At the start of this month I finally got to see a dermatologist. I was really excited about this and wish I'd been referred years ago. I was seen first by one doctor and then the consultant came along with a trainee who he was teaching which was fine. The consultant looked at my face and pointed out the type of spots I had to the trainee and pointed out the scars too. He then suggested I go on the Isotretinoin Roaccutane. I'd read about this before so was prepared. Roaccutane or Accutane is basically the ultimate treatment for acne. It's a last resort because of the side effects. Some people call it a wonder drug but more say being on it was the worse period of their lives!! The dermatologists gave me a big long spiel about it, thoroughly explaining the side effects and gave me one general booklet on it and one specifically about contraception and roaccutane.
The common side effects off the top of my head are:
1) Dry skin
2) Chelosis - dry lips
3) Acne may worsen initially (The consultant said that I could not afford for my acne to get any worse so he'll start me on a lower dose)
Possible side effects are:
1) Becoming depressed or developing other mental illnesses
2) Tightness in chest/ difficulty breathing as a result of an allergic reaction
3) Excessive thirst, frequent need to urinate, increased blood sugar levels (Diabetes)
4) Blurred vision
5) Inflammation of the kidneys
6) Birth defects if you get pregnant
7) Can weaken your immune system
So I have been well warned and have done a lot of research on the subject! I've had to do a blood test to check for something to do with my liver and cholesterol. They asked me about my mental health and I've been depressed before so they're going to get my records from my old GP. I have another appointment at the hospital at the end of the month. If my bloods are okay and I'm not too crazy, I'll then have to do two pregnancy tests before they'll eventually give me a prescription for Roaccutane. Thereafter I'll have to pop into my GP each month to do a pregnancy test before getting the next months prescription (even though you have to be on two different contraceptives in order to be prescribed Roaccutane ) and she'll probably ask if it's effecting my mood.
I've looked at differet blogs online and forums about other peoples experiences and I am still planning on going on it. I just want to get rid of it once and for all and if I start to get any side effects that can't be fixed with some moisturiser, I can always come off it.
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