Can I use Accutane to cure my moderate acne?

Question

So I've tried everything, Clindamycin, BP, Salcylic acid, and nothing seems to work for me, it just gives me more breakouts, is Accutane the only way out of this? or can I use something else? help me please.

Alim R. Devani, MD, FRCPC · Answer

Accutane is an oral form of vitamin A. It reduces the amount
of oil released by oil glands in your skin, and helps your skin renew itself
more quickly. As it dries out oil glands, patients experience severe dryness of
their skin and mucous membranes including eyes and nose and mouth. Accutane is
used to treat severe nodular acne. It is usually given after other acne
medicines or antibiotics have been tried without successful treatment of
symptoms. Because it can cause severe, life-threatening birth defects, many
doctors are hesistant to use it. Never use Accutane if you are pregnant or
planning pregnancy. Women of child-bearing potential must agree in writing to
use two specific forms of birth control and have regular pregnancy tests
before, during, and after taking isotretinoin. Since their has been some links
to depression, crohns disease, liver disease and other rare effects, many
lawsuits have arisen in the USA which is another reason it is very difficult to
give. Accutane is available only under a special program called iPLEDGE in the
USA.

The course of accutane is usually 4-6 months in dose ranges
from 20-60 mg/day. The goal is to reach a 120-150 mg/kg dosage over the single
4-6 month course. The typical dose ranges from 0.5-1 mg/kg/day. This gives you
a 90-95% success rate of clearing acne for lifetime. When starting accutane,
you can get a flare of symptoms and you will start seeing results usually after
6-8 weeks. There is a 5-10% recurrence rate of  acne on accutane and courses can be repeated 2-3 times if
needed after a 4-6 weeks break on the medication.

Overall, in the right hands, it is a great medication and if
used properly, it will clear acne for life in 90-95% of cases. For the best
results, please consult a board certified dermatologist with experience with
severe acne.

Can I use Accutane to cure my moderate acne?

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Answers (1)

More Accutane Questions

My doctor prescribed Accutane for me for only a course of 3 months. Any suggestions?

I have numbness in my hands & arms, & tingling in different muscles, with rashes on the back of my hands. Is it a side effect?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

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