Does Accutane sometimes take longer than 3 months to start seeing acne improvement? I have the side effects but no improvement.

Question

I am a 155 lb male w/ moderate acne that has not responded to topical retinoids (Retin-A & Differin), oral antibiotics (doxycycline & minocycline), Epiduo, and OTC treatments (salicylic acid & benzoyl peroxide) - all used at different times/combinations under MD supervision. I’ve now on been on Accutane for 3 months w/ dosage 40mg/day for month 1 and 80 mg for month 2 & 3. I’ve seen close to 0 improvement. I’ve taken it w a fatty meal every time. Will I ever see improvement?

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

Shabnam Shahabadi, MD · Answer

Sometimes it may take 3-4 months to see results from Accutane. You need to make sure to continue taking it with fatty meals and make sure the dose is adjusted if there is a change in your weight. I usually start my patients on 1mg/kg/day for 5 months. If acne is severe you may need a higher dose such as 1.5-2mg/kg/day. If you are not seeing results after 3-4 months of treatment, you can talk to your dermatologist to increase your dose if you are tolerating the medication well. The duration of treatment may also be extended to 6 months.

Does Accutane sometimes take longer than 3 months to start seeing acne improvement? I have the side effects but no improvement.

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Everything you need to know about Accutane

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Does Accutane sometimes take longer than 3 months to start seeing acne improvement? I have the side effects but no improvement.

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Everything you need to know about Accutane

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