Accutane dosages; when should I expect to see more side effects?

Question

I have been on accutane (Zenatane) for two weeks now on 40mg. I'm confused because I only take one pill a day but I've seen so many people say that they take it twice a day and that its actually better for absorption that way. Also, my side effects haven't staryed yet- my lips are slightly more dry than usual but other than that nothing. I don't even think I've had an IB yet. I know accutane effects everyone different but when should I expect to see more side effects?

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Many people cannot take a twice daily dosage because the side effects are just too much for them. In fact, compliance for Accutane is actually better if a patient takes a lower dosage for longer, simply because they won't have bad side effects. This is how I prescribe too. You may only get dry lips and dry skin, or an occasional bloody nose, on 40mg. The side effects are minimal, but it just means you'll take the meds longer. Totally fine to do it this way. "This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and
cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person
treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

Accutane dosages; when should I expect to see more side effects?

Answers (1)