how long does accutane take to start working

[DantheMan]

ive been taking life research accutane @ 60mgs ed for the past 2 weeks.

so far it looks like my acne is getting worse. When can i expect that to change?

 

[gman67]

ive been taking life research accutane @ 60mgs ed for the past 2 weeks.

so far it looks like my acne is getting worse. When can i expect that to change?

Sounds like it's working well...your acne will get worse in the beginning before starting to clear up...how long it will take I think will depend on how bad it was to begin with.

 

[pupeye]

It wasn't till the second month that I noticed it started clearing things up. That may seem like a long time from now, but it'll come. The end results were worth the wait.

 

[GDSGFT]

It wasn't till the second month that I noticed it started clearing things up. That may seem like a long time from now, but it'll come. The end results were worth the wait.

Gman is right. It usually gets worse before it gets better. Have your lips dried up yet? How are your joints feeling? It usually takes 1-2 months before you'll begin to see noticeable results. By then, you should just be left with red marks from previous acne.

 

[progressive labs]

Accutane, if real and at least 40mgs daily should begin its actions almost emediately. Actions being drying up your oil glands in layman terms. You should start feeling dry eyed with a dry forehead within days. As it starts working its way toward the center of your body side effects are more pronounced including cracked lips, nose bleeds, headaches, sore joints. If your acne is truly "acne vulgaris" then it may take longer and you may combine with some Minocin. If it's steriod acne it should be gone less than two weeks since steriod acne is associated with over acting oil glands. Good luck.

 

[atomicone]

ive been taking life research accutane @ 60mgs ed for the past 2 weeks.

so far it looks like my acne is getting worse. When can i expect that to change?

At least 4-6 weeks to see results and it really kicks in around month 3. FYI never go on for more than 5 months especially at 60mg ED. I took Accutane back in the late 80's when I was in High School at 40mg ED for 5 months and it does work, but it is very hard on your liver and has numerous side effects, so be careful especially if you're on gear as well (i.e. I'd be taking LIV52 2 tabs 3X per day minimum). Peace!

 

[atomicone]

Accutane, if real and at least 40mgs daily should begin its actions almost emediately. Actions being drying up your oil glands in layman terms. You should start feeling dry eyed with a dry forehead within days. As it starts working its way toward the center of your body side effects are more pronounced including cracked lips, nose bleeds, headaches, sore joints. If your acne is truly "acne vulgaris" then it may take longer and you may combine with some Minocin. If it's steriod acne it should be gone less than two weeks since steriod acne is associated with over acting oil glands. Good luck.

I feel like I'm 16 again when I read this. Oh how true it is!

 

[~bmf2~]

I posted this info here once before... accutane works well just remember there is risks involved... bmf2

During the first 3 weeks you are taking accutane (isotretinoin), your skin may become irritated. Also, your acne may seem to get worse before it gets better. Improvement continues after you stop taking accutane and may take up to 6 months. You also need some good skincare lotions, soap etc. to help reduce skin dryness and irritation.


While there can be several benefits to using this there is also many down sides to it

Avoid overexposing your skin to sunlight, (wind, and/or cold as well) your skin will be more prone to sunburn, dryness, or irritation, especially during the first 2 or 3 weeks

Do not take vitamin A or any vitamin supplement containing vitamin A while taking accutane as it is known to increase the chance of side effects

****Do not donate blood to a blood bank while you are taking accutane (isotretinoin) or for 30 days after you stop taking it. This is to prevent the possibility of a pregnant patient receiving the blood containing the medicine. It does cause birth defects!

****Excess use of alcohol is a no no while on accutane


These are common sides that I have heard over a period of time on the boards

Crusting of skin, difficulty in wearing contact lensesand /or dryness of eyes (may continue long after you have stopped it and can be permanent), blurred vision or other changes in vision, decrease in night vision ,dryness of mouth or nose, (may continue as well), dryness or itching of skin, headache (mild), increased sensitivity of skin to sunlight, peeling of skin on palms of hands or soles of feet, stomach upset, thinning of hair (may continue after you stop as well) mental depression and unusual tiredness.


These are some additional sides that are listed on the drug profile. Always something to think about

Bone or joint pain, burning, redness, itching, or other signs of eye inflammation, difficulty in moving, nosebleeds, scaling, redness, burning, pain, or other signs of inflammation of lips, skin infection or rash Abdominal or stomach pain (severe), attempts at suicide or thoughts of suicide (usually stops meds are stopped), back pain, bleeding or inflammation of gums, , changes in behavior, diarrhea (severe) , headache (severe or continuing), mental depression, nausea and vomiting, pain or tenderness of eyes, pain, tenderness, or stiffness in muscles (long-term treatment), rectal bleeding, yellow eyes or skin..

 

[ScienceGuy]

"attempts at suicide or thoughts of suicide (usually stops when meds are stopped)"

Sounds like the kind of med you shouldn't self prescribe.

key word "usually"

 

[atomicone]

I posted this info here once before... accutane works well just remember there is risks involved... bmf2

During the first 3 weeks you are taking accutane (isotretinoin), your skin may become irritated. Also, your acne may seem to get worse before it gets better. Improvement continues after you stop taking accutane and may take up to 6 months. You also need some good skincare lotions, soap etc. to help reduce skin dryness and irritation.


While there can be several benefits to using this there is also many down sides to it

Avoid overexposing your skin to sunlight, (wind, and/or cold as well) your skin will be more prone to sunburn, dryness, or irritation, especially during the first 2 or 3 weeks

Do not take vitamin A or any vitamin supplement containing vitamin A while taking accutane as it is known to increase the chance of side effects

****Do not donate blood to a blood bank while you are taking accutane (isotretinoin) or for 30 days after you stop taking it. This is to prevent the possibility of a pregnant patient receiving the blood containing the medicine. It does cause birth defects!

****Excess use of alcohol is a no no while on accutane


These are common sides that I have heard over a period of time on the boards

Crusting of skin, difficulty in wearing contact lensesand /or dryness of eyes (may continue long after you have stopped it and can be permanent), blurred vision or other changes in vision, decrease in night vision ,dryness of mouth or nose, (may continue as well), dryness or itching of skin, headache (mild), increased sensitivity of skin to sunlight, peeling of skin on palms of hands or soles of feet, stomach upset, thinning of hair (may continue after you stop as well) mental depression and unusual tiredness.


These are some additional sides that are listed on the drug profile. Always something to think about

Bone or joint pain, burning, redness, itching, or other signs of eye inflammation, difficulty in moving, nosebleeds, scaling, redness, burning, pain, or other signs of inflammation of lips, skin infection or rash Abdominal or stomach pain (severe), attempts at suicide or thoughts of suicide (usually stops meds are stopped), back pain, bleeding or inflammation of gums, , changes in behavior, diarrhea (severe) , headache (severe or continuing), mental depression, nausea and vomiting, pain or tenderness of eyes, pain, tenderness, or stiffness in muscles (long-term treatment), rectal bleeding, yellow eyes or skin..

The above info is correct and Accutane is a very powerful drug and MOST users don't realize this. As I previously stated take the lowest effective dose (ideally only 30mg-40mg max) and do not drink or do a hardcore cycle while on it (you'll kill your liver). 5 months is the maximum by Federal law a doctor can put you on it and you're only allowed to take 2 cycles in your lifetime (if you go through a doctor). The stuff does work (although it's got pretty bad sides for 3-4 weeks)just be safe. Peace!

 

[gman67]

The above info is correct and Accutane is a very powerful drug and MOST users don't realize this. As I previously stated take the lowest effective dose (ideally only 30mg-40mg max) and do not drink or do a hardcore cycle while on it (you'll kill your liver). 5 months is the maximum by Federal law a doctor can put you on it and you're only allowed to take 2 cycles in your lifetime (if you go through a doctor). The stuff does work (although it's got pretty bad sides for 3-4 weeks)just be safe. Peace!

I agree, keep the dosages low,,remember it doesn't take much to see good results which in turn keep the sides to a minimum.

 

[panteracfh]

5months? an accutane course by a derm is 6 months at a time... unless this is a new law... or a state law where you are

 

[llama_sammich]

One VERY important thing I did not see mentioned here is pregnancy.

DO NOT, for the love of God, get pregnant while on Accutane (or Clarus, same thing). I was heavily warned by my doctor and dermatologist. I looked up why and found out that if you get pregnant while on the medication *or within 2 Years after completing it*, your baby could suffer very severe disfigurements. Doctors usually greatly suggest an abortion when this does happen....not a happy thing to have happen to either of you.


I've been on Claur for about 2 weeks now, and I've also noticed my acne's been getting worse. Of course, just when I start seeing a new guy..... The universe hates me lol.

 

[Abenfica55]

I started taking Accutane about 17 days ago. I have cystic acne and I have been seeing my derm for over 10 years now and we have tried everything under the sun even antibiotic treatment for over 5 months straight. Nothign worked long term and it always came back. This last resort treatment I had actually make my skin the worst it has ever been so Accutane was the next logical step. So far I noticed that my acne gets a little worse and a little better ehre and there. My lips have definitely dried out and I am keeping them healthy by using chapstick and Eucerin (spelling?) ointment all the time and it seems to work well. I have notice my oil has decreased but my skin is not that much drier than normal. I feel as though I am lucky right now because I don't have bad side effects yet and I am hoping that this is successful. I was told that I would be on my 40 mg a day regimen for 6 months in MA. I cannot wait for the day where I can go without wearing a ton of concealer or feeling self conscious. My boyfriend hates the idea of me taking this because of the risks but he is also willing to stand by me through the bad times and the good. I am also doing acupuncture and exercising daily to help keep my pores clear and minimize side effects. So here's to hoping that it continues to get better.

 

[maddog101]

I took accutane in the 80's when I was in my late teens...if I had it to do again I would NOT take it, I'd look for alternatives (chemical peel? other meds? I'd have to research).
I did not research it in my teens and took it 'cause mom wanted me to, and the derm. suggested it. I had sides like nosebleeds, soreness, etc. but the thing that messed with me was that I did have alot of suicidal thoughts. I'd joke about it, but I did have some truly rough spots there, seems like it went on for months. Just be careful, and consider alternatives (Just my experience, but it was for real with me).

 

[dfein]

but the thing that messed with me was that I did have alot of suicidal thoughts.

Are you sure that wasn't just puberty?

 

[maddog101]

I understand thinking it could be 'just puberty' ... I did at first but it was heavy. Didn't even know this was a possible side until much later. Truly strong thoughts and scary stuff

 

[kadeoradeee]

ive been on 20mg for 11 weeks now, my face has gotten clear for acouple of weeks now its gone back,