I have been of Accutane for about 5 weeks and going back on. Will I break out worse again?

Question

I've been on accurate since mid November pretty consistently (with small gaps due to getting the prescription mailed but usually less than a week). I was told I had cystic acne and although it was worsened at first it started to clear up. I've been off for about 5 weeks now due to a blood work issue due to an illness and am now about to start it again. If I've been off for this long and start taking it again will I go through the acne getting worse again? Age 17 weight 145 height 5' 10"

Harry Goldin, MD · Answer

You might flare.   Start at a lower dose and gradually increase to the target dose.   Discuss this with your dermatologist.

Michael A. Greenberg, MD · Answer

What most people describe or think of as flair when they first start Accutane is not a worsening of the acne, but the medication working on the cysts that are already there and causing inflammation.It seems that you have had a reasonable course of medication and probably will not flair, however, asking a doctor here to predict what will happen is as good as asking us which stocks to pick next week.  All of the doctors here are good a diagnosis and treatment, but we're really lousy at predicting the future.I'm sure you'll do great.

I have been of Accutane for about 5 weeks and going back on. Will I break out worse again?

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