As I'm writing this, I'm officially on my 113th day of taking Roaccutane, the (sometimes controversial) medicine for treating acne! You can see my first blog post on this here, or alternatively check out all of my monthly YouTube updates on my journey here.
If you've ever been on this medicine, or read up about it you'll know there are a silly amount of side effects that go alongside it! I was petrified of these side effects when I first started and posts like this were really helpful for me to know what to expect so I hope this helps some of you!
Every month I've encountered countless different side effects (from mood swings, back ache, headaches, eczema etc) so I want to start documenting each month on my blog as well. Here is my update on month 3 of taking this medicine.
Every month I've encountered countless different side effects (from mood swings, back ache, headaches, eczema etc) so I want to start documenting each month on my blog as well. Here is my update on month 3 of taking this medicine.
Month 3 Side effects:
- I really suffered with a dull ache/back pain in my neck for the last few weeks of month 2 and thankfully it only lasted a week into month 3. It was pretty unbearable, especially in the evenings as I just couldn't get comfortable meaning I couldn't sleep at night! Joint and muscle pain is a common accutane side effect (I guess because it dries the oil between your joints so friction is more intense). Really glad this hasn't made a reappearance!
- A new side effect in month three was extremely sensitive and itchy skin. If I had the tiniest nip or scratch my skin would really mark and break a lot easier. I headbutted a stack of paper magazines one day and it took a layer of skin off my forehead! My body has been covered in scratch marks because my skin is so itchy and a lot more sensitive than usual. I've also developed eczema patches on my arms and legs.
- The worst side effect (that I can partly blame on the medicine) was an eye infection. I knew that accutane can make you more septable to eye infections and unluckily I got conjunctivitus in both eyes whilst on holiday (I should note I've only had it once before when I was a child - 20 years ago). I think it was a combination of my eyes being super dry from the medicine, as well as the dry weather in Croatia and that I held a kitten a few days before and I might be a little allergic. It was horrendous, I had swollen, itchy, gunky wet eyes and couldn't wear makeup for almost 2 weeks!
- I've also been feeling a little emotional over the past month. Depression is yet another common side effect which I think I've been experiencing slightly. I'm very sensitive (much more than normal), feel very low some days and find it hard to contain anger or upset. This is getting better (month 3 was super stressful as I'd just moved house) and I'm hoping this will lessen now that life isn't so stressful!
Before and Afters:
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Here are the before and afters - the first day I started taking the medicine and the first day of month 4. These pictures and seeing the improvements in my skin make the side effects so worth it. Every day I'm feeling more confident and comfortable in my skin and the amount of compliments I'm getting is just incredible!
I hope this has helped some of you also in your third month! I'll update you again at the end of month 4!
Katie xxx
Here are the before and afters - the first day I started taking the medicine and the first day of month 4. These pictures and seeing the improvements in my skin make the side effects so worth it. Every day I'm feeling more confident and comfortable in my skin and the amount of compliments I'm getting is just incredible!
I hope this has helped some of you also in your third month! I'll update you again at the end of month 4!
Katie xxx