When Will I See Improvement from Accutane?

While Accutane is the most effective treatment for acne, it does take time to work-- most patients should expect some improvement at month 2 or 3 of treatment.  This is because the effects of accutane-- reducing oil production, reducing inflammation and unclogging pores-- takes time.  Most patients notice fewer new acne lesions developing and the old ones shrink over time.  

You are on a great course of therapy, be patient and you will get better!

Best,

Dr. Mann

I tell all my patients to be patient for the first couple months. Everyone responds to Accutane; however, the timeline varies for everyone.
The usual goal for each patient is to reach a total dose of 120-150 mg/kg, with the daily dose usually being 1 mg/kg per day. Thus, it usually takes 4-6 months to reach this total dose. However, the daily dose and the final dose may vary depending on the patient.
Your doctor will determine your daily does and your final dose depending on your individual response. If you would like percentages, I would say in my patients that about 10-15% of patients improve dramatically in the first month, 40-50% during the second month, another 25-35% will doing the third and the remainder may take a little longer. In treating over 750 patients with isotretion (Accutane and its generic equivalents), I have never had a patient who did not respond. A few how gone on down the road to need a second course, but acne is the magic bullet.
I hope that helps.
Dr. R