Accutane did not work for me. 7 months of treatment, two months to end the pill. Cystic Acne (Photo)

Accutane is a go-to medication for patients with recalcitrant cystic acne. It can reduce pore size and also reduce sebum production in your skin, making it less oily; and in turn, dryer. Accutane can be used to control acne, but patients receiving the medication should be carefully monitored. In terms of skincare, always wear an appropriate sunscreen and reduce direct sun exposure. In my patients, I recommend a good ceramide moisturizer such as Elevase whenever they are on Accutane. This will keep the skin hydrated and reduce the oiliness of the skin that is associated with oil-based moisturizers.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

If you are continuing to have cystic acne breakouts while completing isotretinoin (Accutane) course it may be related to a dosing issue. In general the total dose of isotretinoin one takes during their treatment course depends on their weight. However, for patients with ongoing breakouts higher total dosing than dictated by one's weight is recommended in order to achieve remission. Another possibility for why you may be having ongoing breakouts is that there is significant inflammation associated with your cystic acne. Reducing this inflammatory component of cystic acne often requires a course of oral steroids (Prednisone) along with your isotretinoin course and can have dramatic improvement if administered correctly. Finally, the type of isotretinoin can also be a factor in some patients not responding to isotretinoin as expected. There are different generic versions of isotretinoin on the market with some having a better absorption thought the GI system and thus better efficacy. A new formulation of isotretionoin called Absorica may be considered in cases of persistent cystic acne breakouts while on isotretinoin because it has better absorption than other forms of isotretinoin that are lipophilic and thus need to be taken with fatty foods for adequate absorption. I recommend speaking with your dermatologist regarding possible reasons for your lack of adequate response to isotretinoin treatment so far so that it can be addressed appropriately. 

accutane always works if it is managed properly.. it may not clear your acne in 3-6 months but if your doctor is very very experienced with accutane he can guide you thru  what it takes.