3rd month on Accutane 20 mg; want to discontinue. Can I?

Question

I am 19 year old. I am on 20 mg isotretinoin. It's my 3rd month. And I am still breaking out. I never had these kind pimples. They are really painful and huge. I hav mild but persistent acne. So my derm put me on isotretinoin. BT I am scared these breakouts might leave scars. I don't understand what to do. Before isotretinoin I had mild acne which wouldn't leave any scars. Now my face looks all red. Was this a mistake? Can I discontinue? Can I switch back to retin a?

Estee Williams, MD · Answer

What you describe is normal. You should discuss your concerns with your doctor. Flares are normal in the beginning. Depending on your weight, acne, and tolerance, you will most likely need a higher dose eventually.

Michael A. Greenberg, MD · Answer

Most of my patients become read and their lesions become inflamed with Accutane.  It's part of the process and does not lead to scarring.   I have had some patients who do not see major results until the fifth or sixth month of treatment.   Discuss with your doctor and don't stop treatment because of some redness.Wait until the miracle of Accutane happens and you'll be glad you did.

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Accutane forces everything under the skin to come up and out so it can change the oil glands and pores. That means all of that was under the skin and going to come up. As long as you know that your acne is NOT resolved, and you will continue to have breakouts and issues, then you can discuss stopping with your dermatologist. But Retin-A is not a long-term cure. It only treats the acne that is present. It has no ability to stop future breakouts. So that means you're on it continually. "This
answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and cannot be
held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person treatment
with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

3rd month on Accutane 20 mg; want to discontinue. Can I?

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3rd month on Accutane 20 mg; want to discontinue. Can I?

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Accutane

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.