Is it ok to stop Accutane at 4 months?

Question

My skin is perfectly clear at this point and i'm mostly just focused on spotting on my back.I've been taking 20mg for 1 month,40 for 2,and 80 for 1 month.I'm 5'0 and 103 pounds with mostly just cystic acne on my back from time to time... but other than that i just get blackheads and bumps from facial hair. Anyways my skin is clear right now but i wonder if when i stop because its 2 months early will my skin just go back to the way it was?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

David P. Melamed, MD · Answer

Not yet.  You need about another 2,400 mg before you are done.  Accutane dosing is generally done by weight for a duration of 15-20 weeks, and not based on your improvement. A moderate dosing for you would be a total of 11,200 mg over a 16 week period.

Is it ok to stop Accutane at 4 months?

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