by Ransom Noble

Created on: February 17, 2009

Accutane is generally viewed as a last resort for acne treatment. It isn't always reserved for the nodular acne, but sometimes given to those who do not respond to other treatments. After three courses of treatment with several dermatologists, I've noticed doctors take different stances on the drug.

I was diagnosed with acne vulgaris in my early teens. My mother, ever mindful of possible scarring, hauled me to the doctor to see what could be done. The first dermatologist focused on the other treatments and would not prescribe it. We tried everything else, but my skin would not clear. After two years of little improvement, we found a new doctor for me.

His aggressive stance led him to examine my history and he recommended Accutane. I began the six month treatment plan with two pregnancy tests and blood tests. Two forms of birth control are required for women while on this drug. Abstinence only counts as one; tubal ligation and vasectomy also count as only one each. The blood and pregnancy tests were to be repeated every month with the last one a month after I completed the plan. The blood tests monitor liver function, which can be altered by the drug.

The effects of the drug became apparent in a few months. For the first time since the acne appeared, I could see the skin on my face. My back and chest cleared completely. It looked like I wouldn't be plagued with the same severity of acne my mother had because of the Accutane. She ruined blouses in her twenties with the blood and puss from ruptured pimples on her back.

Four months in, my family moved. He recommended someone in the new area, and we scheduled an appointment right away. The new doctor didn't see much of me. She worked in a teaching hospital and I spent most of the time with a med student. The student I saw expressed concern about my dosage and it was lowered. I ended up on the lowered dosage for an extra month, for a total of seven. My skin never completely cleared, because the acne slowly took over again with the lower amount of Accutane.

Accutane's high price tag, without the expected results of clear skin, frustrated me and my family. I got on the waiting list for a new doctor after the first treatment ended. In the meantime, without any medication my face returned to its previous oily, painful mess. Despite knowing that trapping the oil would make my skin worse, I covered my face as much as possible with my hair. When I finally saw her, the new doctor checked things out and tried alternative approaches.

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