I'm 41 years of age. Would I qualify for a course of Accutane?

Your age is not a concern. Have you had acne before? Are you perimenopausal? Any changes in your hormone balance?

Accutane is an oral form of vitamin A. It reduces the amount
of oil released by oil glands in your skin, and helps your skin renew itself
more quickly. As it dries out oil glands, patients experience severe dryness of
their skin and mucous membranes. Accutane is used to treat severe nodular acne.
It is usually given after other acne medicines or antibiotics have been tried
without successful treatment of symptoms. Because it can cause severe,
life-threatening birth defects, many doctors are hesistant to use it. Never use
Accutane if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy. Women of child-bearing
potential must agree in writing to use two specific forms of birth control and
have regular pregnancy tests before, during, and after taking isotretinoin.
Since their has been some links to depression, crohns disease, liver disease
and other rare effects, many lawsuits have arisen in the USA which is another
reason it is very difficult to give. Accutane is available only under a special
program called iPLEDGE in the USA.

 

Overall, in the right hands, it is a great medication and if
used properly, it will clear acne for life in 90-95% of cases. For the best
results, please consult a board certified dermatologist with experience with
severe acne.

Isotretinoin (accutane) can be used in a patient in your age range.  There is a very specific protocol for using this medication including monthly blood work and office visits with your dermatologist to monitor you for response to treatment and side effects.  Discuss with your dermatologist if this is a medication you may benefit from!