I chose this practice because upon seeing the doctor for a cosmetic consult, she recommended I see her facialist, for extractions. I have never had a facial in a medical facility, and to my surprise it was one of the best facials I have ever had. My experience of the facial was it provided a clean room and linens, and warm atmosphere. The aesthetician was knowledgeable and the staff overall was kind.
Accutane helps most people the first go-round, but there are patients who require a second course for a more permanent cure of the problem----but the key is being on the correct dose for your weight, and the correct number of months----usually 5. Go to see your derm again---and start over if necessary with a second full course, rather than trying to take a few here and there. You'll get much more bang for your buck by doing it the right way---and maybe never have to take anything for acne again!
Certainly the possibility exists that your ulcerative colitis would worsen if you take Accutane. You should discuss this with your gastroenterologist, of course. But your question leads to another one: how severe is your acne? You may have many other alternatives to choose: topical antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide washes, and even tretinoin creams which would not bother your stomach. In cases of more severe acne, maybe your dermatologist could suggest, and your gastro doc approve of, an oral antibiotic for a few months....sounds like your docs should have a chat about you!
I see you've asked this question, mom, about 2 months ago, and by now, hopefully your son is much better. However, your question is an important one that other people may benefit from. Yes, in the beginning, Accutane can flare up the acne a bit. Most people improve by the end of the second month. But there is another type of flare to consider: a severe form of acne, rarely encountered, called Acne Fulminans. On rare occasions, starting Accutane brings out this type. It can cause a lot of new cysts, fever, and even aching joints. If it happens, a dermatologist should evaluate the patient, possibly stop the Accutane, and prescribe a course of oral steroids. Hopefully, in your son's case, it was just a simple flare, and he's on his way to looking good!
Men who have long-term cystic acne on the back have a very good chance of improving with a 5-month course of Accutane. Although you have been on Bactrim for an incredibly long time (!), I would not expect that it has worsened the problem for you---you've just suffered a delay in getting to the more effective therapy! Accutane works in a completely different way than antibiotics do, so it's a good choice for you to consider with proper screening by your dermatologist.
Accutane is most successful if continued for 5 months----it takes awhile for those oil glands to respond! You may seem better now, after just 3 months, but studies show that people who cut off earlier than 5 months may relapse with bad acne all over again---and then require another course. Based on just your weight, your dose may have been a bit low as well. If your acne was moderate to severe in the beginning, I may have started you on 40mg in the morning and 30 mg at bedtime---you say yours was not bad, so the lower dose may be fine, but consider a few more months.
