propecia and Isotretinoin

[ahmedwk]

I have started on Isotretinoin to treat my ACNE.
the problem now that Isotretinoin (20 mg) has a lot of side effects including hair loss and hair thinning.. but my major problem whether I can start propecia while on Isotretinoin or not. what do you think?

 

[jeffsss]

I wouldnt take meds that can cause hair loss.

have you tried everything?? my dermatologist had perscribed me everything under the sun short of accutane. (causes hair loss)

i found that proactive works. you should try it.

also something that i learned long ago that everyone with oily skin or acne should do......

change your pillow cases nightly. sounds dumb, but just think of that logic.

 

[mattj]

Is your acne bad? I wouldn't take anything over 10mg every other day. Low-dose isotretinoin is the way to go.

 

[ahmedwk]

change your pillow cases nightly

thanxs for the advise!! I will try to follow it.

10mg every other day

Dr. told me the minimum is 20 mg per day.. any less than that will not work..

I spoke to him and he told me it will last only for one month.. and it's very rare to cause irreversible hair thinning (may be temporarily hair loss)

after the end of the month I will insist not to take it any more

thank you guys

 

[hair_tomorrow]

after your initial 1 month period is up - you could ask your Doctor to write you a scrip for retin-a - which is basically the same product - but in a topical cream format. does wonders in getting rid of those zits.

 

[Subliminal]

There is no known interaction between accutane and finasteride, as far as I know. But I think your derm may advise against it, just to play it safe. No one knows what accutane's mechanism of action is, which is kind of scary in and of itself since it's been on the market for over 20 years.

My derm let me take accutane 6 years ago even though my acne was mild (but had severe oily skin). I had been taking 3 different antibiotics for 2.5 years straight, and I was worried it was ruining my immune system. Not to mention it's more cost-effective to take accutane for 6 months and be done with acne probably forever, than to take antibiotics for years/decades. Overall, I feel healthier now that I don't have to take any drugs on a regular basis.

The hair thinning from accutane is usually diffuse, and temporary since it's not caused by androgens (probably just drying of the hair follicle and causing hairs to wilt and break). I didn't get any of that, and I was taking 80mg per day for 20 weeks. Although, that's when my hairline started maturing into a V shape. I was 20 at the time. My temple area has receded maybe 2 milimeters from it's original position (Xandrox isn't helping even after 18 months). Everywhere else is still thick.

 

[ahmedwk]

thank you Subliminal for your very informative reply

so u spend 2.5 years on antibiotics.. I spent 8 years on antibiotics and I thought all this time it's a temporary problem that will vanish by the age of 25..

I am 25 now, and the acne is bad as ever.

however, I thought of considering all the options before using the roaccutane.. I will consult my derm but what do u suggest if he told me that roaccutane is the best for my case? should I insist on changing or believe in him?

 

[Protech]

I have been on accutane twice and do not suggest going on it except for a final measure. I am sure this drug does more damage than good. the second time round I am not sure if it even had any effect. I started taking a supplement that contained Omega 3, flaxseed Oil and Evening Primrose, my acne cleared up within 2 weeks of getting on this.

I am not saying it will work for you but it is probably worth trying before accutane. For annoying zits, hit them with toothpaste, it works better than any topical I ever used.

 

[Subliminal]

thank you Subliminal for your very informative reply

so u spend 2.5 years on antibiotics.. I spent 8 years on antibiotics and I thought all this time it's a temporary problem that will vanish by the age of 25..

I am 25 now, and the acne is bad as ever.

however, I thought of considering all the options before using the roaccutane.. I will consult my derm but what do u suggest if he told me that roaccutane is the best for my case? should I insist on changing or believe in him?

The natural end result of long-term antibiotic use is bacterial resistance. That's just basic biology. That's why I had to switch antibiotics so often, because they eventually stop working due to evolution of bacteria. What's scarier is that the natural flora of bacteria in your respiratory system and eye/ear/nose may be changed for prolonged periods, if not permanently, possibly making you more susceptible to viral infection. It's based on the idea that certain bacteria can help virusus become more invasive. There was a study which hinted this may be the case in acne patients.


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9410154/


Another scary thing is that one day you may require surgery or some other treatment requiring antibiotics, and because you've been taking moderate strength antibiotics for so long, it may be harder to treat you when your life is on the line.

These are things I considered when making the decision to go on accutane. I've probably saved thousands of dollars on skin care products by taking accutane, not to mention the peace of mind which is priceless. I don't have to spend 10-15 minutes in the morning and night fussing with my skin like a metrosexual.

I think the dangers of accutane are overblown. People who suffer from acne are already pre-disposed to depression. People talk about suicide, but the suicide rate of accutane users is lower than the general population. Not surprising, as most accutane users are given a new lease on life.

I had blood work done while accutane, and nothing changed. But then again, I'm a young, healthy, active guy in great physical shape which may make it easier for me to tolerate harsh chemicals in my system. I'm a fervent supporter of "controversial" drugs like accutane and anabolic steroids, because they improve the quality of life for many people.

For your case, I'd agree with your physician if he recommends accutane. Eight years of antibiotics (and presumably creams) means you're already near the end of the rope here. You can spend thousands of dollars on new lasers to temporarily suppress your acne, or you can spend $10-15 per month x 6-12 months for generic accutane with insurance. The problem is still that your physician probably has no experience with putting patients on accutane and finasteride at the same time. It's good to ask, however.

 

[Subliminal]

I have been on accutane twice and do not suggest going on it except for a final measure. I am sure this drug does more damage than good. the second time round I am not sure if it even had any effect. I started taking a supplement that contained Omega 3, flaxseed Oil and Evening Primrose, my acne cleared up within 2 weeks of getting on this.

I am not saying it will work for you but it is probably worth trying before accutane. For annoying zits, hit them with toothpaste, it works better than any topical I ever used.

Glad your home remedies work for you. But there really is no popular home remedy that clearly works for most people. You can surf the acne boards and everyone seems to have their own eleborate regimen that they designed themself.

You're right, not everyone will benefit from accutane. As I mentioned above, no one even knows what the cellular target of accutane is. Have you ever had your androgen levels tested? Maybe something is out of whack there.