If you haven't known me for a while, I've been suffering from acne for a reeeeeeaaally long time - since grade 6. I have endured embarrassing breakouts at the most inconvenient times, feeling like I was being judged by others for having huge cysts on my chin or around my nose, rare periods of fairly clear skin that were suddenly ruined by the onset of a flare up, and the seemingly permanent residence of little pimples on my forehead. I've used several prescribed topicals and antibiotics that only controlled my acne but did not prevent or stop new breakouts or pimples from appearing. I have waited for my puberty stage to be over with to rule out the whole "it's just your raging hormones!" argument but it did not get better!
And so, the drastic measure to eradicate the acne population on my face (and everywhere else) begins...
This is my last resort.
To quickly summarize what I know, Epuris is similar to Accutane, only its bioavailability is increased (I.e. more of it is absorbed by your body). It is also a vitamin A derivative and so to be on it, you need to be on strict birth control to prevent unplanned pregnancy (otherwise, vitamin A and its derivatives cause birth defects). The major side effect is dryness of the skin and lips. I have two boxes in different doses because the dosage is calculated based on your weight (0.5 mg per kg body weight) and so I am to take 50 mg in total each day.
Frankly, as of today, my skin isn't all too bad (it has been worse - summer of last year, ugh don't get me started) and I did think about postponing my treatment for a little while longer; but I just want all of this to be over with! All of the painful zits, the blackheads, the excessively oily skin, and the subsequent scarring!
I took my first dose this evening after dinner and I'm already feeling the dryness getting to me (unless that's because my lips were already dry in the first place... Which is probably true). But I am very eager to see how this turns out. Hopefully for the better. Cross your fingers!
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