Accutane Journal: Week 1
I received my prescription for Accutane on June 19, 2006, and despite the best efforts of the iPledge program, was actually able to get my prescription filled that day. More on iPledge (my new favorite thing to complain about) later. I want to sum up my first week before I forget all the juicy details:
DAY 1: The Excitement
I figured iPledge would prevent me from starting Accutane for several days at least, so I’m pretty psyched to begin the same day I received my prescription. I’m on 40mg once/day (I weigh about 105 lbs.), and was instructed to take it with food, preferably at the same time everyday. I had my first pill with some meatloaf around 9:30 PM.
DAY 2: Still Excited
I am just so excited to be on Accutane, because I know it means that clear skin is in my not-too-distant future. I decided that having my Accutane with lunch will be the easiest, so I sneak it down while eating at my desk.
DAY 3: Dryness Begins
The edges of my lips, where the meet my face, are a bit dry. Acne is, as expected, the same as it was two days ago.
DAY 4: Ahhhh, It’s Working
My lips are definitely dry, which I recall from my previous Accutane experience means it’s starting to do it’s thing. My acne looks about the same, but I’ve noticed that my cheeks are a bit flushed, which is a side effect of Accutane. I can live with extra-rosy cheeks if that’s the only part of my face that’s red!
DAY 5: Itchy Head
Around noon, my head became insanely itchy. I work in an open office–no walls–and because I couldn’t scratch my head without attracting unwanted attention, I took refuge in the bathroom…where I discovered that my scalp is flaking like mad. I don’t remember this from last time, but I think I was oblivious to pretty much all the side effects then because my acne was so bad.
DAY 6: I’m Molting
I found some dandruff shampoo in my in-laws cupboard, which has alleviated the insanely itchy head somewhat. But now I’m molting. My skin is peeling off in flakes, especially in the more troubled areas of my face. I guess they need the exfoliation the most, but it really draws attention to the breakouts!
DAY 7: No, Really, I’m Molting
I am in full-on reptile mode. I don’t even know how I can go to work tomorrow without fearing that a piece of my face will fall off while I’m in a meeting or talking to a coworker. I can’t believe I’m dealing with this at my age!