Why do I have no results from Accutane 120mg a day for 6 months?

Question

Hello, I’ve been on Accutane for over 5 months so far, I am currently over half way through my 6th month. The dosages were/are as follow: 40mg-80mg-80mg-80mg-120mg-120mg(currently). I’ve also been on prednisone (20mgs) twice throughout my Accutane course, it was 3 pills for 5 days, 2 pills for 5 days, and finally one pill a day for 5 days during month 4/6. The prednisone basically cleared my acne both time, but it always comes back. I am a 19 year old male weighing around 185lbs at 6’4. Jawline/under chin and forehead acne mostly/back/chest/arms acne.

Michael Krathen, MD · Answer

Sometimes isotretinoin (aka Accutane) can actually lead to flaring of certain types of acne, such as acne fulminans. This type of acne generally responds to anti-inflammatory therapy with oral steroids / prednisone. Higher dose isotretinoin can actually lead to flares of acne fulminans. A multi-pronged approach to treat acne not responding to high dose isotretinoin is usually required, and this may include a mix of antibiotics, oral steroids, and low-dose isotretinoin.

Why do I have no results from Accutane 120mg a day for 6 months?

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