My Isotretinoin (Roacccutane) treatment has been interrupted by lockdown
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I have been taking Isotretinoin (Roacccutane) for forty-four days now. I was first prescribed this medication on the 25th February, two months after my initial appointment with the dermatologist. So far, I have seen an improvement in my acne. My skin and scalp are very dry. There has been no change in my mood and I don't think I have any other side effects from taking it. Acne has affected my life for so long and I was happy that I was finally starting to see a change!
The dermatologist was very reluctant to prescribe me the medication as the results of my initial blood test revealed I had high cholesterol. Never the less, I was initially prescribed Isotretinoin for 30 days (but was given 56 capsules) and would need a monthly review. I was due a second blood test on the 16th March and a follow up appointment on the 27th March, however due to coronavirus those appointments were cancelled and since then I have had radio silence from the dermatologist. With total appreciation and understanding of how busy everybody at the NHS is right now, I must admit that I do feel as if I have fallen through the net.
Due to how serious this drug is I was told that I would need to be monitored on a monthly basis. That I would have been prescribed more medication depending on the results of my blood tests and how well I was reacting to the treatment. The dermatologist herself listed a whole bunch of scary side effects and I had to sign form to acknowledge this. So with that, I wonder how a patient taking a drug that is labelled with such adverse side effects can just be put aside and forgotten about. I have waited a long time to get this medication and it's also disappointing that the journey is about to come to an abrupt end just as I was starting to see results!
I was just curious to know if anybody else has found themselves in this situation?
0 likes, 1 reply
moon53540 andrew66198
Edited
You should be able to make a telephone appointment with your gp and voice your concerns. The side effects of this medication can be quite serious so I think it is important to know what your gp would suggest.
I was on blood thinners a couple of years ago and I was supposed to have 2 appointments to review how I was getting on and I only had 1! It isn't just the coronavirus that is making the NHS make mistakes. I think it is important to see what your gp thinks, maybe if you can't get a blood test you may have to stop taking the medication for a bit to be safe.