Hello
I was a very regular poster on this group for quite a while, but drifted
away as the posts became very repetitive, which is hardly surprising.
Having received an email from a current poster regarding low-dose Accutane,
and its availability through online pharmacies, I thought it best to reply
through here.
I would think that I have the most Accutane experience of just about anyone.
Three full-dose courses over ten years and low-dose for the last five years,
all this after years of antibiotic treatment, both topical and oral.
I have 'persistent recalcitrant mature adult acne'. I have not been
acne-free ( without treatment ) any time since I was 15. It has been so
mercilessly persistent that it even spread to my scalp when my face cleared.
At one time in my late teens and early twenties, I had acne over my face,
neck, down my arms to the elbows, across my shoulders, around my belt-line,
over my chest in a large triangle down to my navel, even on my thighs.
Strangely, my buttocks remained unaffected. It wasn't clinically-rated as
'severe', more 'mild-moderate', but widespread and problematic.
I had chronic cystic acne before Accutane was even invented. Now, Accutane
is out of patent and generics are available.
Many dermatoligists regard Accutane as a one-shot wonder, with a few
surprised enough with acne recurrence to prescribe a second course. Three
courses off the same derm is almost unheard of. This is why I was referred
to THE acne specialist on the planet, Prof William Cunliffe of Leeds
University ( UK, now I believe, retired ) He pioneered the use of low-dose
Accutane and was, at the time, the only derm using this low-dose regime (
apart from Dr Tony Chu at London Hammersmith who started based on the
results )
I paid privately for my expensive treatment, until he kindly referred me
back into the NHS, where I get low-dose treatment, ironically, from the derm
who referred me to Prof Cunliffe in the first place.
I have my own theory as to the persistence of mature adult acne, but I have
totally clear skin using 2x20mg twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays, as the
Prof prescribed. Just to see how it's going, once every six months I stop
taking it and it's usually 14 days or so before activity starts again, on my
scalp. So I go back on my routine. On my last visit ( Feb ) to my derm, he
took me off it until May. It hasn't worked, I told him it wouldn't work, and
I'm using my own stock bought online to get back on track.
If I have an important social engagement, like a weekend away, I take 40mg
every day for the five days preceding. Such is the hold acne has on my body
and psychological state. I have never been able to function properly with a
couple of red lumps on my face. I don't even like going out of the house.
I would say that NO-ONE would have any idea whatsoever that I have an acne
problem because, on Accutane, I simply don't. I no longer obsess about
facial cleansing, topical mush, clean pillowcases and the usual stuff people
mess with to try and stay clear.
Micro-doses of Accutane have been touted and, as the aim is to be on as low
a dose as possible, I will reduce mine initially to 20mg
Monday-Wednesday-Friday. If that works, I'll go down again to 20mg on
Monday-Friday only.
( I would add, at this stage, that with The Prof, some of his patients were
on ( what I call ) early-monthly loading. As a simple way of taking the
drug, you take the whole months supply starting on the 1st, daily until the
9th, then stop. I tried that too, but it made me nervous. However, it works
fine )
As far as access without prescription via online pharmacies: Many sites will
sell you Accutane at a Very high price, whilst screaming at you just how low
their prices are. I found two sites that have excellent prices and great
service. In fact I am currently waiting for a delivery of ( generic )
Accutane to ensure I have plenty of spare stock, as it seems I may be out of
the NHS loop again.
For myself, I have no problem with self-prescribing in this way, as I have a
long history of blood-tests to show I have no adverse reactions with the
drug on a full, or low-dose, course. I never had the scare-story
side-effects others have mentioned. I consider it safe for me.
However, if anyone is thinking of self-prescribing having never used
Accutane previously, I would caution against it without the necessary Liver
Function Tests. It is essential that a full LFT is carried out prior to
medicating as a baseline, and again in three months initially, then
six-monthly thereafter. Quite how your GP will react to requests for LFTs
for self-medicating, I don't know. ( GPs in the UK know little of Accutane,
as they have been prevented from prescribing, but must refer patients to a
hospital or private dermatologist.)
If you do self-prescribe and obtain online, I would suggest an initial dose
such as mine, although I do weigh 95kg and Accutane dosing is body-weight
dependant. ( This is not so critical in low-dose, but it is essential in
full-course prescribing. I would NOT recommend self-prescribing for a 4-6
month full-blown course, unless you were repeating a very successful,
monitored prescription )
Over a six-month period, reduce the dose gradually, in clear steps, until
you are at the minimum required for the control you require. You should not
be on a dose that causes flaking, cracked lips, dry nasal passages or joint
pain, You should be unaware of any side effects other than clear and
slightly less oily skin.
Also, do some research on the liver-protecting benefits of Milk-Thistle
complex and the lipid-reducing value of lecithin. These have been clinically
proven to have beneficial effects on liver health, though I hesitate to use
the term 'protective' or even 'health' for that matter.
Personally, I take both, partly as my alcohol consumption is higher than it
should be and I have a history of liver trouble anyway.
I'm not posting the online pharmacy site details. If you want them, email me
and I'll give you the address.
Any questions, please email me or post here. Alternatively, if anyone would
like to let me know about their own acne story and treatment history for my
book, I'd be pleased to receive them
Regards
TJU
