How Long Should I Take 20mg Accutane to Treat my Current Condition of 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

Most derms prescribe Accutane 1mg/kg/day for five months. Stop after that and watch a few months or longer to see what happens. 

Twenty percent of people need a second full five months of Accutane. Same dose.

 

In my many years of experience with Accutane, it seems that twenty mg per day is unlikely to give lasting results.

First, if you have any questions about your dosage I would always suggest you ask your prescribing physician for his thoughts and plans. I would say for the average patient I have, most are on an Accutane regimen for at least 6-12 months, beginning with 20mg/day for the first 2-4 months and then upping to 40mg a day. But in no way should you be changing or altering your dosage without consulting your physician first.